Can rental cars drive on F-roads in Iceland?
The short answer
Only a registered 4×4 may drive F-roads (Highland mountain tracks), and only in summer — F-roads are closed in winter. Under Ring Road Cars terms, taking a 2WD onto an F-road can void cover and make you personally liable for the repair cost. River crossings are excluded under Ring Road Cars cover rules.
What are F-roads?
F-roads (marked with an “F” prefix on Icelandic maps — F35, F225, F26, F208 etc.) are the unpaved Highland mountain tracks that cross Iceland’s rugged interior. They are rough, remote, and often involve fording glacial rivers. They are not part of the paved Ring Road network.
F-roads are summer-only tracks, typically open from late June or early July. No fixed opening dates are published — conditions vary year to year. Always check road.is / Vegagerðin for live status before you set out.
The insurance rule: 4×4 only, summer only
| Situation | Insurance status |
|---|---|
| 4×4 on a designated F-road in summer | Permitted when open — F-road damage excluded from CDW |
| 2WD (any type) on an F-road | Cover can be voided |
| Any vehicle on an F-road in winter / when closed | Not permitted |
| River crossing under Ring Road Cars terms | Not covered |
The prohibition on 2WD vehicles in our terms exists because 2WD vehicles are genuinely unsuited to F-road conditions. The risk of getting stuck, damaging the vehicle, or requiring emergency rescue is too high. Always check the current road status before you go.
River crossings: not covered by Ring Road Cars
With Ring Road Cars, river crossings (fording) are not covered under our vehicle and cover rules. A vehicle that fords water and suffers water ingestion may leave the renter responsible for the loss, even when the vehicle is a 4×4.
Iceland’s glacial rivers swell unpredictably — meltwater, rainfall, and upstream glacial outbursts can raise a river’s depth significantly within hours. If water crosses the road, the safe choice is to turn back and find another route or wait for conditions to change.
Off-road driving is also illegal in Iceland
Beyond the insurance implications, driving off marked roads in Iceland is prohibited by law. Iceland’s highlands contain fragile lava fields and mossy terrain that take centuries to recover from vehicle damage. Fines are substantial, and the roads authority actively monitors highland areas. Stay on marked F-roads — do not create improvised shortcuts.
Our 4×4 Adventure for F-road trips
Our 4×4 Adventure (true 4×4) category includes high-clearance 4×4s such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux, with genuine four-wheel drive and winter tyres in season. Only the specific F-road-approved vehicle confirmed with your booking may drive open F-roads — we confirm it before you pay.
Even in our 4×4 Adventure category, river crossings remain excluded. If water crosses the road, turn back — don’t attempt a crossing.
Related guides
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Common questions
Can a 2WD car drive on F-roads in Iceland?
No. F-roads (Highland mountain tracks) are off-limits to 2WD vehicles under Ring Road Cars terms. Driving a non-approved vehicle on an F-road can make you fully liable for repair or recovery costs. Only an approved 4×4 is permitted.
When do F-roads open in Iceland?
F-roads are summer-only tracks. They typically open from late June or early July — some later, some earlier depending on snowmelt and annual conditions. No fixed dates are published; check road.is or Vegagerðin (the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration) for live opening status before heading into the Highlands.
Are river crossings covered by rental insurance?
No. With Ring Road Cars, river crossings (fording) are excluded under our cover rules. If water crosses the road, stop and turn back: water damage can be a total loss at your expense.
Does a 4×4 rental cover me on all F-roads?
No. Our 4×4 fleet may be permitted on designated F-roads when they are officially open, but F-road driving remains outside standard CDW cover. River crossings within F-road routes are excluded under Ring Road Cars cover rules. Check current conditions on road.is before entering the Highlands.
What F-roads are popular with tourists?
The most-visited F-roads are F35 (Kjölur — Gullfoss to Akureyri), F225 (Landmannalaugar), F26 (Sprengisandur), and F208 (Fjallabak). All require a 4×4, all involve river crossings at points, and all are summer-only. Landmannalaugar and Kjölur are the most accessible for first-time Highland visitors.
Last updated: 25 June 2026