Why we booked with Go Car Rental
Picking a car rental company in Iceland isn’t simple – especially if, like me, you want to make the best choice in terms of cost, service, and quality. Outside of Reykjavik, public transport options are nearly nonexistent, so having a reliable car is essential. No one wants to have their trip go wrong and find themselves stranded on the side of the road, facing the elements, when you should’ve been experiencing the majestic Skógafoss waterfall.
Iceland offers plenty of rental options, from the big names like Hertz to smaller, local companies. My partner and I typically prefer locally owned companies, as they often provide a more personal touch compared to the large corporations and usually have fewer add-ons and upsells. After some research, we narrowed it down to Blue Car Rental and Go Car Rental, finally settling on Go Car because their pricing was slightly cheaper.
One tip we received and have followed ever since is to reach out to the rental company for support as a way to test their responsiveness. Before making our booking, we reached out via email to confirm the details of their courtesy shuttle, and they responded promptly. I’m really glad we took this step, as that email thread ended up saving us $60 (more on that soon!).
The positives
The Car
Although we’re more comfortable driving smaller cars, we wanted to make sure our rental was sturdy enough to handle gravel roads and the unpredictable weather – after all, Iceland in October is known for its wind and rain. Because of this we opted for mid-sized car and booked a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Our car was in good condition with 41,000 kilometres on the clock and gave us more than enough space for the two of us (almost too much!) We were pleasantly surprised to find it was a hybrid model. While we didn’t notice a major impact, any small savings are a bonus, especially with Iceland’s fuel prices.
Different pick up and drop off locations
Given our itinerary (six days exploring Iceland’s countryside followed by two days in Reykjavik), we wanted a rental that allowed us to pick up the car at Keflavík International Airport and drop it off in Reykjavik. This arrangement meant we could enjoy the city for the last two days without having to pay for a rental car we wouldn’t be using.
It’s worth noting that Go Car Rental has a €50 one-way fee for this service, but that’s fairly standard among car rental companies, no matter where you are.
Shuttle Bus
After landing in Keflavík, we made our way to the shuttle pick-up spot. It wasn’t too surprising that Iceland’s popularity meant the first shuttle was already full, so we needed to wait about 15 minutes for the next one. The driver assisted with loading and unloading our bags. The shuttle ride itself only takes about 3 minutes, but it’s along a busy main road, so walking isn’t an option.
Pick up
The pick-up process was incredibly smooth and efficient. Even though there were four groups on our shuttle bus, the number of staff in the office meant that everyone was served right away, with no signs of others still waiting from the earlier shuttle. The whole experience felt organised and seamless, striking the perfect balance between efficiency and a relaxed atmosphere.
The staff were friendly and walked us through all the details before we signed the forms. Then, they took us outside to our car, which was parked right out front and ready to go. From the moment we boarded the shuttle to when we were driving away in our hire car, the entire process took only about 15 to 20 minutes.
Insurance
Insurance can be a stressful part of renting a car. Usually, we skip the extra coverage since our general travel insurance covers increased car rental excess. However, Iceland made us feel a bit more uneasy – especially with its unpredictable weather and the fact that it was our first time driving on the opposite side of the road. That’s why we decided to go with the Platinum Insurance.
This package not only provided us with additional coverage but also allowed us to have an additional driver. This was a welcome relief, as we discovered during our 20-day UK road trip just how tiring it can be for one person to manage long days of driving.
While I wouldn’t say this extra insurance is necessary and we probably wouldn’t opt for it again, it did give us peace of mind.
The (only one) negative
Drop off
When we arrived at Go Car Rental’s Reykjavik drop-off location, we found it shared space with a car dealership. There wasn’t much signage, and with no dedicated parking spots, we ended up parking along the edge of the street. Only one staff member was on duty, which made sense given it didn’t seem like a busy pick-up or drop-off spot. However, they weren’t in the office, so we had to wait while someone from the dealership found them. The setup was a bit surprising and felt quite different from the organised and efficient service we experienced at their Keflavík location.
As it turned out, the shuttle service to the city centre was also no longer available. Fortunately, our pre-booking email thread showed we’d been told otherwise. Thanks to this, the team arranged a taxi for us, and after we sent the receipt to their head office, they reimbursed the full fare within an hour. This quick and efficient response we really appreciated.
The taxi ride also ended up being a highlight! Our friendly driver shared stories about Icelandic Christmas traditions, including the festive appelsín and malt drink that Icelanders love. Naturally, we headed to Krónan that night to try it – and it’s pretty good!
Final Thoughts
Our road trip in Iceland was unforgettable, and while renting a car in Iceland can be a bit pricey, it’s truly worth it for the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you’re planning your own Icelandic adventure, Go Car Rental is definitely worth considering. Despite one small hiccup at the end, we had a good experience. We felt safe in our hire car and we did have peace of mind in.
Just be sure to double-check all the details when you book – especially shuttle arrangements!
