Where to find petrol stations in Iceland, which stretches have the largest gaps between services, and how to never run out of fuel on remote roads.
Iceland is a small country, but it is a small country with enormous distances between services on some sections of its road network. Running out of fuel on the Ring Road between Höfn and Egilsstaðir, or on any section of the East Fjords coast road, is not a minor inconvenience — it is an expensive and potentially dangerous situation in winter. This guide covers everything you need to know about fuelling a car in Iceland.
This is the single most important piece of fuel advice for driving in Iceland: always fill your tank at the last confirmed station before any remote section, regardless of how much fuel you have. A half-tank is not adequate insurance on sections where the next station may be 150 km away.
Iceland's largest fuel retailer with over 50 locations nationwide, including stations in most small towns on the Ring Road. N1 stations typically have the longest opening hours and the best facilities outside Reykjavík. Look for the red and white N1 logo.
The second major chain, often slightly cheaper than N1. Many Orkan stations are automated 24-hour self-service pumps in smaller towns — these require a credit or debit card with a PIN. Note: some international Visa/Mastercard cards set up for signature rather than PIN may not work at unmanned automated pumps. Test your card before a remote section, not on one.
Budget-focused chain, primarily in Reykjavík area but with a presence on the Ring Road. Often the cheapest option in the capital.
Costco at Reykjavík's Ármúli location has the cheapest fuel in Iceland by a significant margin. If you are starting or ending your trip in Reykjavík, filling here saves money.
Iceland's fuel prices are among the highest in Europe, reflecting the remote island location and import costs. As of early 2025, expect to pay approximately 240–280 ISK per litre for 95 petrol and slightly less for diesel. Prices vary by station and fluctuate with global oil prices. Budget significantly for fuel on a Ring Road trip — a standard 4WD SUV doing the full Ring Road will use approximately 100–130 litres total.
If you find yourself critically low on fuel in a remote area:
Fuel management is one of the practical skills that separates well-prepared Ring Road drivers from those who spend a stressful evening waiting for a rescue. The rule is simple: fill at every opportunity on remote sections, carry a PIN-enabled card, and confirm your vehicle's fuel type before the first fill. Iceland's petrol stations are generally well-maintained and easy to use — the only real risk is not reaching one.
Iceland's car insurance has exclusions that surprise thousands of visitors every year — sand damage, gravel chips, and F-roads void most standard rental cover. Here's the complete guide to staying protected.
The real cost of owning a car in Iceland in 2025 — insurance, taxes, fuel, maintenance, and how it compares to other countries.
Importing a car to Iceland comes with a complex tax system. This guide breaks down excise duties, VAT, and how to calculate your total cost.
