Iceland Petrol Stations Guide: Locations, Prices & How Not to Run Out [2026]

One of the most common problems tourists encounter in Iceland is running low on fuel — or not realising that the next petrol station is 150 km away. In Iceland, stations are far apart outside built-up areas and there is no service at all in the highlands. This guide gives you everything you need to know.

The Main Petrol Station Chains in Iceland

Iceland has three main chains:

• N1 — The largest chain. Widespread across the country, open 24/7 at most locations. Most N1 stations have automated pumps that accept cards around the clock even when staff aren't present.
• Orkan — Often slightly cheaper than N1. Large presence in the Reykjavík area and along the Ring Road. Many stations are automated.
• ÓB (Olíuverslun bankanna) — Usually the cheapest prices. Mostly in the Reykjavík capital area. Limited outside the city.

Additionally, smaller stations in rural areas are often part of grocery stores or hotels.

Fuel Prices in Iceland 2026

Fuel prices in Iceland are high compared to many countries — around 270–320 ISK per litre (roughly €1.85–€2.20) for petrol. Diesel is similar or slightly lower. Electric charging stations are widely available and significantly cheaper per kilometre.

Rule: always fill up when you see a petrol station in rural areas, even if the tank is ¾ full. The next station could be 80–150 km away.

The Biggest Gaps Between Petrol Stations — What You Need to Know

These are the sections of the Ring Road where tourists most commonly run into trouble:

• Between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn í Hornafirði: about 200 km. The only stations are in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn. There's no station on this stretch (though you can sometimes use small stations along the way — never rely on these). Always fill up in Kirkjubæjarklaustur before heading east.
• East Iceland — between Höfn and Egilsstaðir: about 270 km. Stations exist in Djúpivogur and at scattered farms, but don't rely on them without checking. Fill up in Höfn and Egilsstaðir.
• The Highlands (F-roads): No petrol stations exist anywhere on the highlands. None at all. You need to carry enough fuel to complete the route with a reserve — plus extra for emergencies.

How Automated Petrol Pumps Work in Iceland

Many Icelandic petrol stations operate on automated pumps outside staffed hours. Here's how they work:

1. Insert your payment card (most foreign Visa and Mastercard cards work)
2. Enter your PIN
3. Select amount or fill the tank
4. Receipt is emailed or printed

Note: Some foreign cards require a ZIP/postal code entry — Icelandic automated pumps don't ask for this. If a card doesn't work, try a different pump or go inside if staff are present.

Pre-paid fuel cards from N1 or Orkan work well as a backup option.

Petrol or Diesel — How to Tell Which Your Car Uses

When you collect your rental car: check the rental documents carefully. Most rental cars in Iceland run on petrol, but larger 4WD vehicles are often diesel. Filling a diesel car with petrol (or vice versa) damages the engine and you are personally liable — insurance does not cover misfuelling.

Electric Vehicles and Charging in Iceland

The EV market has grown significantly in Iceland and charging stations are widely available. Main networks:

• Orkan x EV — Orkan operates a large charging network across the country
• N1 HPC — Fast chargers at N1 stations
• PlugShare / Chargehub.is — Apps to find charging stations

For highland F-road trips or long East Iceland routes — choose a petrol or diesel vehicle. Charging isn't possible in the highlands, and cold temperatures significantly reduce battery range.

Final Word

The key rule: fill up whenever you have the chance, especially before long stretches. Check distances on a map before you leave and assume some stations may be closed or unmanned. With this preparation, you'll never be stranded in Iceland without fuel.