Driving through rural Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country’s wild landscapes, but it also means planning ahead—especially when it comes to fuel. Distances between towns can be long, weather can change quickly, and fuel stations are not on every corner like in larger European countries. With a little preparation, though, it’s easy to stay topped up and enjoy the journey.
One of the advantages of staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland is that our inns are located in key travel hubs, and our staff know the local roads and fuel stops very well. Whether you’re based at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll have a comfortable base and local advice to help you plan your drives.
The most important rule for driving in rural Iceland is simple: never let your tank get too low. As a rule of thumb, try to refill when you’re at half a tank, especially in winter or when heading into more remote areas. Around Borgarfjörður and Borgarnes, you’ll find several fuel stations along the Ring Road (Route 1), making Hvítá Inn a convenient starting point. Before you set off towards the highlands or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, ask at reception for the latest information on which stations are open and which routes are in the best condition.
In Iceland, most fuel stations are self-service and many are unmanned, especially in smaller villages. You’ll usually find brands like N1, Orkan, Olís, and Atlantsolía. Nearly all of them accept credit and debit cards, but you often need a card with a PIN. If you’re unsure whether your card will work, it’s wise to check with your bank before you travel or buy a prepaid fuel card from a larger station early in your trip. Staff at Ourhotels.is properties can point you to the nearest staffed station where you can pick one up.
When you stay at The Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re perfectly placed to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, but fuel planning is essential here. Stykkishólmur itself has fuel options, and it’s smart to fill up before you drive the loop around the peninsula or head towards more isolated viewpoints and hiking areas. While there are a few stations scattered around Snæfellsnes, they can be far apart, and opening hours in small communities may be limited. Topping up in Stykkishólmur before each day’s adventure gives you peace of mind so you can focus on the scenery instead of the fuel gauge.
In the Westfjords, distances feel longer and roads are often slower, with gravel sections and mountain passes. Ísafjörður Inn is located in the region’s main town, which has reliable fuel stations and services. Before you drive out to places like Súðavík, Flateyri, or the more remote fjords, fill your tank in Ísafjörður and check the road and weather conditions. In winter, or when storms are forecast, this becomes even more important, as detours or delays can use more fuel than expected. The team at Ísafjörður Inn can help you check road conditions and suggest safe routes and realistic driving times.
Modern tools make finding fuel in rural Iceland much easier. Online maps and navigation apps usually show fuel stations accurately, and many Icelandic fuel companies have their own apps or website maps where you can see station locations and services. Before you leave your hotel, download offline maps in case you lose mobile signal in the mountains or fjords. If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you can sit down with a paper map at reception and mark out where you’ll find fuel along your route.
Another useful tip is to pay attention to road signs as you drive. In Iceland, fuel stations are often signposted well in advance, especially along main routes like the Ring Road and the main roads in West Iceland. If you see a sign for a station and your tank is below full, it’s usually worth stopping, particularly if you’re heading into a less populated area. Many small-town stations are located right by the main road or in the center of the village, sometimes combined with a small shop or café.
Because many rural stations are unmanned, it’s a good idea to refuel during the day whenever possible. If you arrive late at night in a small town, you might find the shop closed even if the pumps are still working. Having a working card with PIN, or a prepaid fuel card, means you can still fill up at any hour. Guests at Ourhotels.is often appreciate being able to return to their inn in the evening, refuel in the nearest town, and start the next day’s drive with a full tank and a clear plan.
Planning your fuel stops doesn’t have to be complicated. When you check in at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you can ask for advice on driving north or west, and where to refuel before heading towards the highlands or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. At The Stykkishólmur Inn, the staff can help you map out a full day around Snæfellsnes with suggested viewpoints, villages, and fuel stops. In Ísafjörður, the team at Ísafjörður Inn can recommend safe driving routes in the Westfjords and show you where to find fuel in the surrounding fjords and towns.
By combining a few simple habits—refilling early, using maps and apps, carrying a card with PIN, and asking locals for advice—you can explore rural Iceland with confidence. Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland gives you not only a comfortable place to rest, but also local knowledge that makes practical details like finding fuel stations much easier. With your tank full and your route planned, you’re free to enjoy the waterfalls, fjords, lava fields, and coastal villages that make this part of Iceland so unforgettable.
