Iceland Tunnel Driving Guide: Tolls, Safety & Single-Lane Rules

Iceland has 14 operational road tunnels that connect communities and shorten routes that would otherwise be impassable in winter. They're a key part of the road network, and knowing how to drive through them safely is essential.

Major Tunnels in Iceland

The Hvalfjörður Tunnel is 5.7 km long and passes under the sea — one of the deepest subsea tunnels in the world at 165 m below sea level. It saves drivers about 60 km of driving around Hvalfjörður and is part of Route 1 (the Ring Road) north of Reykjavík.

The Vaðlaheiðar Tunnel, opened in 2018, is 7.5 km long and the only tolled tunnel in Iceland. It connects Akureyri more directly with Húsavík and northeast Iceland.

The Héðinsfjörður Tunnels are dual tunnels (11 km total) on the Tröllaskagi peninsula connecting Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður — the only two-lane tunnels in the country.

Toll at Vaðlaheiðar Tunnel

The Vaðlaheiðar Tunnel is the only tunnel in Iceland that charges a toll. The fee is approximately 1,500 ISK for passenger cars. You can pay electronically at tunnel.is or set up automatic payment by registering your license plate in advance. Rental car companies often handle payment automatically.

Single-Lane Tunnels — Special Rules

Many older tunnels in Iceland have only one lane. Passing places are marked with lights or signs, and the driver closer to the nearest passing place must yield. The rule: if the passing bay is on your right, stop and let oncoming traffic pass.

Never overtake inside tunnels and always use headlights, even on bright days.

Safety Tips for Tunnel Driving

• Always turn on headlights before entering any tunnel.
• Respect speed limits — most tunnels have a 70 km/h maximum and speed cameras.
• In single-lane tunnels: check carefully for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
• If you break down: turn on hazard lights and use the emergency bay if possible.
• Avoid stopping inside tunnels unless absolutely necessary.

Overview of Major Tunnels

Tunnel	Length	Toll	Lanes
Hvalfjörður	5.7 km	No	2
Vaðlaheiðar	7.5 km	Yes (~1,500 ISK)	2
Héðinsfjörður I + II	11 km	No	2 (dual)
Almannaskarð	1.3 km	No	1
Oddsskarð	0.6 km	No	1

Conclusion

Iceland's tunnels make travel safer and shorter but require attention. Remember to pay the toll at Vaðlaheiðar, respect speed limits, and be especially careful in single-lane tunnels. With proper preparation, driving through Iceland's tunnels is a simple and safe experience.