Katerina Swanson
Iceland's fuel costs are among the highest in the world, with a full tank for a Suzuki Vitara costing around $80. The country has four main fuel companies: N1, Orkan, ÓB+Olís, and Atlantsolía. N1 is the largest, with the most gas stations across the country. The majority of gas stations in Iceland do not accept cash or American Express cards, but Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Gasoline and diesel are the two primary types of fuel used by cars in Iceland, with an increasing number of electric vehicles also on the roads. The colour-coding system for fuel pumps in Iceland can be confusing for visitors, as the colours are reversed in some countries: in Iceland, the handle for gasoline/petrol is green, while the handle for diesel is black.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fuel types | 2: Gasoline and Diesel |
| Colour of gasoline pump | Green |
| Colour of diesel pump | Black |
| Words on gasoline pump | Okt 95 or 95 oktan / blylaust (95 Octane rating / Unleaded) |
| Words on diesel pump | Diesel |
| Fuel cost | High: third most expensive in the world |
| Fuel companies | N1, Orkan, ÓB+Olís, and Atlantsolía |
| Payment methods | VISA, Mastercard, prepaid gas cards, cash at service stations |
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What You'll Learn
- Gasoline and diesel are the two types of fuel used by cars in Iceland
- Electric cars are also an option, but they don't run on fuel
- Iceland's fuel costs are high—around $6.50 per gallon
- Gas stations in Iceland often don't accept cash or American Express cards
- Rental car companies offer fuel discount cards to help with costs
Gasoline and diesel are the two types of fuel used by cars in Iceland
There are two main types of fuel used by cars in Iceland: gasoline and diesel. It is critical to use the right type of fuel for your car in Iceland to avoid damaging your engine, which can be extremely expensive to fix and won't be covered by rental insurance. The colour of the pump handle in Iceland indicates the type of fuel: a green handle is typically for gasoline/petrol, and a black handle is for diesel. This can be confusing for visitors from the US, where the colours are often reversed.
In addition to gasoline and diesel, electric vehicles (EVs) are also an option in Iceland. With a growing number of charging stations across the country, renting an EV is an excellent choice for those looking to avoid fuel-related issues and reduce their carbon footprint.
When it comes to fuel costs, Iceland is known for having high prices, with fuel being the third most expensive in the world. The price of gasoline and diesel is similar in Iceland, although diesel tends to be slightly cheaper. To save money, many rental companies offer fuel discount cards or loyalty programs, which can provide a few Icelandic króna off per litre.
It is recommended to fuel up frequently in Iceland, as there can be large distances between fuel stations. Most gas stations in Iceland use prepaid gas cards, and it is important to have a card with a PIN for self-service stations. Credit cards with a chip and PIN are widely accepted, while some stations also accept cash or American Express cards.
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Electric cars are also an option, but they don't run on fuel
There are two types of fuel used for cars in Iceland: gasoline and diesel. Gasoline pumps are green and diesel pumps are black. This can be confusing for some travellers, as in some US states, the colours are reversed. The word "gasoline" can also be confusing for Europeans, who use the terms petrol and gas oil for diesel.
Using the wrong type of fuel can cause serious issues. The car will stop running, leaving you stranded, and the engine will be damaged, resulting in high repair costs that insurance won't cover. Therefore, it is critical to use the right type of fuel.
To avoid this issue altogether, electric cars are also an option. They don't run on fuel, so there's no risk of putting the wrong type of fuel in the tank. With a growing number of charging stations across Iceland, renting an electric vehicle (EV) is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid fuel-related issues and reduce their carbon footprint.
When renting a car in Iceland, the rental company should provide clear information about the type of fuel to use. This information should be marked on the fuel tank lid, listed in the rental agreement, and included on a tag attached to the keys. Additionally, most rental companies offer fuel discount cards or loyalty programs to help offset the high fuel costs in Iceland.
It's worth noting that gas stations in Iceland may not accept cash or American Express cards. Visa or Mastercard with a chip and PIN are typically accepted, and some stations offer prepaid fuel cards.
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Iceland's fuel costs are high—around $6.50 per gallon
There are four main fuel companies in Iceland: N1, Orkan, ÓB+Olís, and Atlantsolía. N1 is the biggest fuel company and has the most gas stations across the country. Costco has the cheapest fuel in Iceland, and it's a good idea to fill up your tank there before returning your rental car to the KEF international airport. Olis and OB are also good options, as they tend to have locations in convenient places, and you can get a discount by using a keychain provided by Hertz Iceland.
Most gas stations in Iceland are self-service and use gas cards, which you need to pre-pay for. These cards can be purchased once you arrive in the country from major companies such as N1. Many gas stations also have a discount loyalty program, so it's worth asking about this when you rent your car. Full-service stations accept various payment methods, but some self-service stations only accept credit cards with a pin.
It's important to note that in Iceland, the gasoline pump handle is usually green, and the diesel pump handle is black. This is the opposite of some countries, such as the US, so be sure to double-check to avoid putting the wrong fuel in your car, which can be very costly.
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Gas stations in Iceland often don't accept cash or American Express cards
Iceland has two types of fuel for cars: gasoline and diesel. Gasoline pumps are green and marked with "Okt 95", while diesel pumps are black and labelled "diesel". The country also has a growing number of electric vehicle charging stations.
When it comes to paying for fuel, most gas stations in Iceland don't accept cash or American Express cards. This is because Iceland is largely a cashless country, and American Express is not widely accepted due to high interchange fees. Instead, you'll need a chip-and-PIN credit or debit card from major companies like Visa or Mastercard. Some gas stations, such as N1, Orkan, OB, and Olis, require a PIN, while others like Orkan, OB, and Olis, don't.
If you don't have a compatible card, you can buy a gas station-specific cash card and pre-pay a set amount to use at the pump. This can be done at the cashier or through a self-service machine. It's important to note that some gas stations will place a hold on your card, which can take up to 30 days to clear, so keeping your receipts is essential. Additionally, when using self-service pumps, you may be initially overcharged, but this will be corrected within a few days.
While gas stations may not accept cash, it is still useful to carry some local currency for remote areas or specific purchases, such as tipping a guide or buying souvenirs.
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Rental car companies offer fuel discount cards to help with costs
In Iceland, there are only two types of fuel used for cars: gasoline and diesel. There are also electric cars, which are an excellent choice for those who want to avoid fuel-related issues and reduce their carbon footprint.
Renting a car in Iceland can be expensive, and gas prices can add up quickly. Luckily, many Icelandic rental car companies offer fuel discount cards to help with costs. These cards can provide significant savings on fuel purchases, and some gas stations even provide a free cup of coffee when you present the card.
When renting a car, be sure to inquire about fuel discount cards and take advantage of the savings they offer. Additionally, consider renting an electric vehicle (EV) to save on fuel costs, as Iceland has some of the most expensive gas and diesel prices but also some of the cheapest electricity.
- Choose the right vehicle: Unless you're visiting in winter or planning to go off-roading, a small economy car or standard vehicle will likely suffice. Automatic cars and 4x4s can be very expensive to rent.
- Compare rental companies: Prices can vary significantly between different rental companies. Look for companies that offer discounts or promotional codes, such as Blue Car Rental, which offers a 5% discount, or Lotus Car Rental, which offers 5% off through Epic Iceland.
- Payment options: Choosing to pay for your rental car in advance can sometimes result in additional savings. For example, Blue Car Rental offers a 4-6% discount when you pay before arrival.
- Insurance and coverage: Consider purchasing third-party liability coverage from a company like RoamRight, which can save you 5%.
- Electric vehicles: Renting an EV can result in significant savings on fuel costs. There are several EV models available in Iceland, such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Opel Corsa Electric.
- Longer rentals: Opting for a longer rental period can often lead to additional discounts.
- Driving habits: Driving slower can help lower your fuel consumption and reduce costs.
- Road choices: Avoid the F roads unless you have a 4x4 vehicle, as they are not paved and can be filled with large rocks.
- Food options: Consider purchasing food from gas stations, as some offer cheap and tasty hot dogs, which can make eating in Iceland more cost-effective.
- Discount fuel cards: Keep an eye out for discount fuel cards offered by rental car companies, such as Ace, which has a partnership with Olis, a fuel company in Iceland.
By following these tips and taking advantage of fuel discount cards, you can significantly reduce the costs associated with renting a car in Iceland.
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Frequently asked questions
Cars in Iceland use either gasoline or diesel fuel. There are also electric cars that do not run on fuel.
The rental car company should provide clear information about which type of fuel to use. This information will be marked on the lid of the fuel tank, listed in the rental agreement, and on the tag attached to the keys.
In Iceland, the gasoline pump handle is green and the diesel pump handle is black. This is the opposite of the US, where the gasoline pump handle is black.
Most gas stations in Iceland accept VISA or Mastercard (if it's a chip and pin card). Some full-service stations accept cash, but self-service stations usually only accept cards.
Yes, you can save money by driving slower, using a fuel discount card, or renting a diesel car, which is more fuel-efficient than a gasoline car.
