Toll in Iceland
What is a toll (obligation)?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does that mean? For the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges, so-called toll fees are charged. The amounts collected through the toll are, for example, invested in the road network. This enables you to have a smooth journey on your way to your holiday destination. The primary areas for investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Traffic safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll gantries
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll charged in Iceland?
In Iceland, a nationwide toll system has been in place since 2026. This toll system comprises a distance-based toll (toll is calculated based on kilometres driven), a road usage fee (applies especially to tourists), and a tunnel as a special toll route.
This special toll route is the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel. If you want to drive through the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel, you must therefore pay a toll fee (independent of the distance-based toll). Other tunnels, such as the Hvalfjarðargöng underwater tunnel, can be used free of charge. There is no vignette obligation in Iceland.
Distance-based toll
The distance-based toll is charged based on kilometres driven, and the amount of the per-kilometre price varies in stages depending on the weight of the vehicle. A distinction is made between:
Motorcycles
Cars and off-road vehicles up to 3.5 t
Motorcycles and vehicles over 3.5 t (further divided into subcategories)
The reading on the odometer applies. Please note that if you have a rental car, the rental car company usually passes on the calculated kilometre fee to the renter, often charging an additional service fee for this. Further information on the vehicle categories can be found on the official website.
Road usage fee
Even though the distance-based toll actually applies to cars up to 3.5 t, the road usage fee is particularly relevant. According to the road usage fee, tourists with their own vehicle do not have to pay a distance-based toll if they travel in Iceland for a maximum of 30 days. Instead, a road usage fee is due, which varies depending on the vehicle category but is not calculated based on kilometres driven. Accordingly, you pay a fixed price based on your duration of stay and vehicle category. This amount must be paid before arrival or upon arrival in the country. The following categories are distinguished:
Stay of up to 10 days: distinction between cars up to 3.5 t and motorcycles up to 400 kg
Stay of 11 to 20 days: distinction between cars up to 3.5 t and motorcycles up to 400 kg
Stay of 21 to 30 days: distinction between cars up to 3.5 t and motorcycles up to 400 kg
The longer you stay, the higher the fee. If you stay in Iceland with your own vehicle for longer than 30 days, you must also pay the distance-based toll. For this, the odometer reading must be recorded upon arrival and departure. Further information on the road usage fee can be found on the official website.
Special toll: Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel
The Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel is located in northern Iceland and is 7.5 km long. The tunnel allows you to quickly travel from Akureyri to Húsavík; however, a special toll is charged for using the tunnel. The amount of the special toll fee varies depending on the vehicle class. The following categories apply:
Motorcycles: exempt from the special toll
Motor vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW: subject to the special toll
Motor vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 t GVW: subject to the special toll
Motor vehicles over 7.5 t GVW: subject to the special toll
Payment of the special toll is not possible on site. Instead, you must pay the special toll online (24 hours before or after passing through) by credit card. If you do not comply with this time frame, additional fees will be charged.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good trip and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime by email.
FAQ about Your Trip to Iceland
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
What does toll obligation mean?
The toll obligation means that a fee must be paid to use certain roads, motorways, expressways, tunnels, or bridges. The revenue from the toll is invested in infrastructure, road safety, traffic management, and environmental protection measures. The toll obligation varies from country to country.
Is there a vignette requirement in Iceland?
No, there is no vignette requirement in Iceland. Instead, since 2026 a nationwide toll system has been in place with a distance-based toll, a road usage fee, as well as a special toll for the Vaðlaheiði Tunnel.
"}How does the distance-based toll work in Iceland?
The distance-based toll is calculated based on kilometers. The amount of the fee depends on the distance traveled as well as on the vehicle category or vehicle weight. The vehicle's mileage is decisive.
Which vehicles are affected by the distance-based toll?
The toll applies to motorcycles, cars and off-road vehicles up to 3.5 t, as well as to vehicles over 3.5 t, which are divided into further weight classes. The amount of the fees varies depending on the vehicle category.
What applies to rental cars in Iceland?
For rental cars, the distance-based toll is usually recorded by the rental company and then charged to the renter. Often, an additional service fee is charged as well.
What is the road usage fee for tourists?
Tourists with their own vehicle who stay in Iceland for a maximum of 30 days pay a flat road usage fee instead of the distance-based toll. This is based on the length of stay and vehicle category and must be paid before entry or upon arrival.
What happens if you stay for more than 30 days?
If you stay in Iceland with your own vehicle for more than 30 days, you must pay the distance-based toll. To do this, the mileage at entry and exit must be recorded.
What regulation applies to the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel?
A special toll is charged for the use of the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel in the north of Iceland. Motorcycles are exempt from the special toll, while vehicles up to 3.5 t as well as heavier vehicles are subject to the toll.
How is the special toll for the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel paid?
Payment is made exclusively online by credit card, either up to 24 hours before or no later than 24 hours after passing through. Payment on-site is not possible. Additional fees may apply for late payment.
