Gas Stations in Iceland: A Complete Guide for Camper Travelers

Hey, there, future Land of Fire and Ice explorers! The best way to traverse this unique and exciting landscape of ours is to get yourself a campervan and cruise around the island. Needless to say, exploring the island via road trip makes gas (and budgeting for it correctly!) a crucial ingredient to your trip. Since gas stations in Iceland may not be what you’re used to back home, we created this complete guide to help you plan and prep your upcoming trip.

We discuss everything from the various gas stations you’ll find in Iceland, and what gas prices in Iceland look like, to the various payment methods available to you, and some helpful tips on how to save on gas money. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll be ready to conquer the Icelandic roads with confidence. So, without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of gas stations in Iceland.

What to Expect at Gas Stations in Iceland

As we already mentioned, gas stations in Iceland may not be what you’re used to back home, so it’s important to know what to expect before kickstarting your road trip around the island. Here’s what you need to know:

Self-Service vs. Full-Service Stations

In Iceland, you’ll find both full-service and self-service gas stations, although self-service is more common. But self-service doesn’t just mean that you have to pump your own gas; it also means no one to check your tire pressure, clean your windshield, etc. (things that are pretty commonplace in other parts of the world).

While this may take some getting used to for some, there are also many benefits to self-service gas stations, such as not having to wait for service, which can speed things up significantly. However, we do understand that this may require a bit of a learning curve, so if you find yourself feeling uncertain or struggling to DIY your refuel, any of the locals will be happy to assist.

Payment Methods Accepted (Including Fuel Cards and Digital Payments)

There are a few payment options available at the gas stations in Iceland. However, you’ll find that cash is not one of them, so you can skip the Bureau de Change. Here’s the usual go-tos:

• Credit or debit cards with a chip and PIN. These are most commonly used. Just ensure your card has the required chip and PIN, and, of course, that your bank knows you’ll be using it abroad. The last thing you need is to sit with a suddenly blocked card at a gas station in Iceland because you got flagged for a suspicious transaction abroad.
• Prepaid fuel cards. You can purchase these at many gas station shops as well as other grocery stores here in Iceland. You simply buy a card, load it up with some credit (aka money), and then simply swipe the card whenever you refuel (almost like a gas station gift card). If you ever get close to hitting the limit on the card, just top it up again.
• Digital platform payments. Although these are not quite as common yet, they are most certainly on the rise, and you’ll already find a few gas stations in Iceland where you can pay using Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Fuel Types and What Campervans Use

Understanding the types of gas you’ll find at our gas stations and which should (and should not!) go into your campervan gas tank is key to successfully road-tripping around the island.

As with most gas stations around the world, you’ll generally find both diesel and petrol options at the gas stations in Iceland. Pumps will be labeled in Icelandic as Bensin (Petrol) or Disel (Diesel).

If you’re exploring the island in a campervan, you’ll most likely have to fill up with Diesel, unless it’s a much smaller, compact, and converted vehicle. But your rental agent will definitely advise you accordingly before leaving the lot.

Just keep in mind that filling up with the wrong fuel can have disastrous consequences for a vehicle, so, if you should ever realize that you’ve committed the ultimate mechanical sin and refueled using the wrong type of gas, please do not attempt to start the engine and definitely don’t attempt to “drive to help.” Phone your rental agent immediately, so they can assist and get you the help you (and the vehicle) need.

Gas Station Brands in Iceland: Which One Should You Choose?

Navigating the gas stations in Iceland can be tricky since you probably won’t have them where you come from. Here’s a quick overview of each so you can find the perfect match while traveling the island:

N1: Full-Service and Camper-Friendly

N1 is a common gas station brand in Iceland, and you’ll find them all around the island, especially along our main roads and routes such as the Ring Road. These gas stations are mostly manned with friendly attendants who’ll help you fuel up and whatever else you need to get yourself on the road again.

N1 gas stations also have various facilities and amenities such as restrooms, convenience stores, car washes, free WiFi, etc., depending on the specific location you visit. If you’re lucky to hit an N1 that’s suitable for campervan overnight stays, you’ll also find showers on-site.

Most N1 gas stations along our main roads are also open 24/7, making it an even more convenient option. However, you do pay a little extra for all these additional creature comforts, so gas there is a bit more expensive.

Olis and OB: Discount Options and Amenities

Olis and OB are probably the gas station version of “playing the field.” These sister brands cater to two different target audiences here in Iceland (essentially resulting in them being able to service the entire market). So, are you a potential Olis or an OB customer? Check it out below:

Olis

Olis targets those who are not too budget-conscious and still prioritize comfort and convenience over cost-effectiveness. Most Olis gas stations are manned by helpful staff. There are plenty of amenities and facilities, including restrooms, convenience stores, and restaurants. There are also a few Olis gas stations that offer campervan overnight parking spots. Ask about the Olis rewards program, so you can take advantage of some of its benefits.

OB

OB is essentially the toned-down version of Olis, with the focus on being as budget-friendly as possible. Most of these gas stations are unmanned, so you’ll have to DIY your own refuels. OB gas stations are great for those looking for a speedy stop that won’t break the bank.

Orkan and Atlantsolia: Cheapest for Camper Travel

Orkan and Atlantsolia are also very cost-effective options when it comes to fueling up with your campervan. But there are a few differences:

Orkan is a very common brand, so you’ll find plenty of Orkan gas stations all across Iceland, while Atlantsolia is probably the smallest gas station brand here on the island.

While both gas station brands focus on self-service gas stations, Orkan still has a few additional facilities and amenities, such as restrooms, which Atlantsolia gas stations don’t tend to have.

Costco: Best Deal if You’re Near Reykjavik

There is just one Costco in Iceland, and it’s near the capital. But if you’re able to fuel up there, you should definitely do so, as this spot is credited as being the cheapest gas station in Iceland!

To fill up at Costco, you’ll need a membership card. However, it’s very easy to get, and if you start working out all the additional savings you can get on groceries and gear, such as outdoor gear (ideal for a campervan adventure), a membership is well worth it.

How Much is Gas in Iceland?

This is probably the first question anyone considering a road trip around the island will ask. While there are various factors constantly influencing the gas prices around the world, here’s what you need to know in order to plan and prep for your trip to the island: 

Latest Fuel Prices by Station Brand

The following were the gas prices in Iceland as of July 2025:

Note: Prices may vary, even on a daily basis, depending on the global oil market, seasons, and local demand. Also, while these are averages, prices also vary between brands in different locations. You should also generally expect higher prices further away from Reykjavík due to increased transportation costs.

Petrol vs. Diesel for Campers

As we already mentioned, most campers here on the island use Diesel. This is because Diesel-powered vehicles generally have better torque and can handle Iceland’s contrasting and often challenging terrain best. While Diesel tends to be a little more expensive than petrol, it’s not by much. While there are smaller campers that use petrol, these are in lower numbers here in Iceland.

Why Fuel Costs Vary by Region and Season

As mentioned, gas prices vary in Iceland, even between the same brand of gas stations. The location and the season are usually the biggest culprits. Here’s why:

• Remote locations require more complex logistics, from longer travel distances and more challenging routes, racking up costs. Ultimately, the increased overheads lead to higher gas prices.
• Summer in Iceland is peak season, bringing with it the usual peak season crowds. This leads to good old-fashioned supply and demand issues, when the higher demand leads to a spike in price.
• Although not specifically region or location-based, the added expenses that come with a full-service gas station compared to a self-service gas station also jack up gas prices.

Smart Fuel Planning for Camper Road Trips

If you’d like to save a few bucks, smart fuel planning is key. Here’s how to make your road trip as cost-effective as possible:

Fueling Up Before Entering Remote Areas

As we already mentioned, the more remote you go, the more you’ll pay for the gas. Gas stations in our more remote regions are also few and far between, so you’ll need to carefully plan out your refuels so you don’t end up stranded with an empty tank on the side of the road.

That’s why we recommend always fueling up before heading out into our remote regions, and taking signs such as “Last gas station for 200 kilometers” seriously. Many campervan travelers planning to explore our “roads less traveled” choose to take an emergency supply of gas with them (just in case). Use maps and apps such as Google Maps and Gasvaktin to plan out the various refuels along your road trip.

Driving the Highlands and F-Road Strategy

The F-roads in Iceland are our rough-and-tough roads, primarily found in the Highlands and parts of the Westfjords. These roads are narrow mountain roads that are challenging to traverse, with rocky and uneven terrain and river crossings.

These roads don’t have a lot of traffic on them; you won’t find your usual gas stations, shops, and restaurants along these roads, and mobile service can be spotty at best. So, remember to fuel up before heading out on the F-roads and bring along extra snacks and water (just so you don’t have to worry about hunger and thirst if you ever find yourself waiting for a rescue team).

Due to the challenging conditions of the F-roads, you are only legally allowed to drive them with a 4x4 (yes, even if it’s a camper!). You’ll also need to chat to your rental agent about camper car insurance to ensure you have sufficient coverage for your proposed trip.

Saving Fuel Through Efficient Driving

There are a few tips and tricks to further shave a few bucks off your gas budget:

• Keep your pace slow and steady (below 80 kilometers/50 miles an hour).
• Don’t keep the engine running/idle, even in cold weather.
• Remember that weight also impacts fuel efficiency. The heavier the vehicle, the harder the engine has to work to move the weight forward, especially on the uphills.
• If you have the option, only use your 4-wheel drive when you really need it since it uses more gas. 

How Much Fuel Will You Need for Each Route?

Below you will find the average distances, fuel consumptions, and costs in regards to some of our most popular road trip routes:

Hot Tip: Always add a 20% buffer to allow for detours, weather delays, and inevitable driver distractions like that perfect photo opp.

Amenities at Iceland Gas Stations

As you may have already noticed, the gas stations in Iceland generally offer much more than just gas pumps. These are some of the amenities and facilities you can expect at our gas stations:

Food, Groceries, and Our Famous Hot Dogs

Many of our gas stations have convenience stores where you can find some basic groceries such as eggs and milk, as well as some snacks like sweets and pastries, and what is Iceland’s unofficial national food: the hot dog! For the real Icelandic experience, ask for “eina med öllu,” which translates to “one with everything.”

Showers, Toilets, and Camper Facilities

Most gas stations have public restrooms. Some are free for the public to use, while others will require a small access fee. Just keep in mind that gas stations in the more remote regions might have limited facilities (which even include basics such as restrooms), so you’ll need to be prepared when exploring these areas.

Some gas stations also offer overnight parking for campervans and, therefore, also have shower facilities. This will also entail a small fee. Iceland has some of the purest water in the world, so our gas stations are also the perfect place to refill water bottles.

Car Washes and Tire Pumps

Some of our gas stations have car washes where you can get your camper cleaned at a small fee. This is usually very welcomed after an outing in the more remote areas, especially after traversing our adventurous F-roads. You will also find tire pumps at most gas stations. Whether it’s a full-service or a self-service, these tire pumps are usually free to use.

Free WiFi and EV Charging Points

Many gas stations in Iceland offer free WiFi, so if you’re looking for a little prep and plan pitstop, our gas stations are a great idea. Some of our gas stations also now have EV charging points. But these tend to be limited to the larger cities and towns, and gas stations along main roads.

Camper Discounts and Loyalty Programs

There are a few hacks you can try to get even more bang for your buck at the gas stations in Iceland:

Rental Company Fuel Tags and Partner Stations

Many rental companies on the island have partnership agreements with local gas stations. You will then get a discount tag attached to your key chain, and if you ever fuel up at that specific gas station brand, you simply scan the tag at the pump and can refuel at discounted rates.

Discount Cards and Where to Get Them

Some of our gas stations also have loyalty cards or reward program cards that essentially equate to being discount cards, as they come with all sorts of perks such as special offers for cardholders, special discounts, freebies, etc. For example, the N1 card is a favorite when it comes to both gas and snacks discounts.

The Olis/OB card also offers various rewards for regular customers. Just remember that the Costco membership card is not the same as these discount cards. A Costco membership card doesn’t give you access to special deals and discounts; it’s what gives you access to using Costco for making purchases or refueling in the first place.

Apps to Find Cheap Fuel and Offers

In today’s high-tech world, finding cheap fuel and discounts is just a click away. Try the following to save on gas expenses:

• Icelandic Coupons App – Here you can find various discounts and deals on products, places, and activities in Iceland.
• Gasvaktin – Here you’ll find the current gas prices at the various gas stations all across the country. This is a great way to scope out the cheaper locations.
• Google Maps – You already know that Google Maps will be very helpful in planning your refueling stops along your specific road trip route, but did you know that it could also help provide you with some insider info? Check out the latest Google reviews of the various gas stations to help you choose your stops.

Tips for Avoiding Fuel Problems in Iceland

If you don’t want to find yourself having fuel problems on your trip to Iceland, the following recommendations will help:

What to Do If You’re Running on Empty

Accidents happen, and you may find that you forgot to refuel on your last stop, or you may have misjudged the distance to your next refuel. Either way, when the realization kicks in that you’re running on empty with no safe harbor in sight, there are a few things you need to do (and not do):

• Do not panic, and definitely don’t hit the gas and speed the vehicle up in a desperate effort to reach a gas oasis.
• Stop somewhere safe, so you’re not obstructing traffic.
• Do not attempt to walk to a gas station if it’s not within a few meters, especially during the colder months, and if you find yourself in our more remote regions.
• Please ensure that you have the numbers of your rental agent, your insurance provider, as well as our national emergency number (112) saved on your phone, so you can phone someone for Roadside Assistance or an emergency fuel delivery.

Daily Fuel Planning Checklist Before Heading the Road

Before you head out in the mornings, do the following:

• Review the planned gas station stops for the day, and also ensure that you have a backup plan in case your planned stops don’t work out. You should always ensure that you have enough fuel and can make it to the next stop on the list.
• Remember to always check your fuel level before heading out.
• Always ensure that you have at least half a tank of gas in your camper.
• Ensure that you have all your discount tags, cards, etc.
• Always ensure that you’ve fueled up (whether at half tank or not) before heading out to our remote regions and on our F-roads.

Easy-to-Reference Cheat Sheets to the Gas Stations in Iceland

Do you have to make a few snap decisions? Use our easy-to-reference cheat sheets below:

Comparison Between the Iceland Gas Stations

Go-To Gas Stations by Regions

How to Pump Gas at the Gas Stations in Iceland (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Here’s how to pump gas at our gas stations:

Step 1: Park next to the pump at a distance that the nozzle can reach the gas tank.

Step 2: Insert your credit/debit card with chip and PIN or prepaid fuel card.

Step 3: Select your fuel type (Bensin aka Petrol or Disel aka Diesel).

Step 4: Either enter a specific amount of gas to fill up with or opt for a full tank.

Step 5: Start the pump.

Step 6: Take your receipt after refueling (and keep it, as the rental company may need it).

Step 7: Remember that you can also ask attendants at staffed gas stations to help you with pumping tires, etc., while refueling.

FAQs About Gas Stations in Iceland

Below, you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about gas stations in Iceland:

What’s the Distance Between Gas Stations in Iceland?

The distance between gas stations in Iceland will depend on the location. However, in general, you can expect to find a gas station at least 30 to 50 kilometers from each other in the populated towns and cities. In our more remote regions, such as the Westfjords and the Highlands, gas stations can be more than 100 kilometers from each other.

What are the Operating Hours of Gas Stations in Iceland?

Most gas stations in our larger cities and towns, as well as those along our main roads, are open 24/7 (especially the self-service ones). Those in the more remote regions and staffed gas stations may have more specific opening and closing times. However, most shops or restaurants are only open between 08:00 and 21:00, even if the pumps remain open all night long.

Do They Accept Cash at the Gas Stations in Iceland?

No, it will actually be extremely odd to find a gas station in Iceland that accepts cash. We are generally a cashless society.

Should I Tip Gas Station Attendants in Iceland?

No, it’s not customary to tip attendants at the gas stations in Iceland. Since we pay our employees incredibly well here in Iceland, tipping is actually completely unnecessary.

What If I Accidentally Fuel Up with the Wrong Fuel?

Hopefully, you realized your mistake before switching on your engine, so the damage can be contained. But whether you’ve turned the vehicle on yet or not, contact your rental agent immediately.

What Essentials Can I Find at Iceland’s Gas Station Convenience Stores?

You can purchase items such as basic groceries (milk, eggs, bread, etc.), takeaway coffee, sandwiches, pastries, sweets, and hot dogs.

What Camper-Friendly Amenities and Facilities Can I Expect to Find at the Gas Stations in Iceland?

The amenities and facilities you’ll find at a gas station in Iceland will all depend on the location. Still, gas stations can have camper-friendly features such as clean restrooms, showers, water refilling stations, car washes, tire pumps, and WiFi.

Can I Throw Away Trash at the Gas Stations in Iceland?

Of course! You will find bins at most gas stations in Iceland. But please take note that we place a high value on the environment and recycling here in Iceland, so ensure you throw away your trash in the appropriate bins (paper, plastic, and so forth).

Hit the Icelandic Roads Fearlessly With Your New-Found Fueling Knowledge

With the help of our extensive guide on the gas stations in Iceland, you’re now ready to take on your road trip around the island. Once you’ve rented your motorhome in Iceland, fueled up, and stocked up on some drinks and snacks, it’s time to head out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Whether you’ll be traversing our exciting F-roads, cruising along the coastline, or hitting every must-visit stop along the Ring Road, this guide will enable you to prep and plan for your trip in such a way that an empty gas tank (or an empty wallet) will be the least of your worries. So, many safe and happy travels here in the Land of Fire and Ice, and may you leave the island with memories that will last forever.