Gas Stations in Iceland, Complete Campervan Fuel Guide
If you are planning a road trip in a campervan, understanding gas stations in Iceland is just as important as knowing your route. Fuel is expensive, distances can be long, and in some remote areas there are no pumps at all. This guide explains fuel types, prices, payment methods, Highland planning and simple refueling tips so you can drive Iceland with confidence.
Foxie CampersIceland campervan deskChecked by Endri Shoshi, Head of Operations
· Updated · 7 min read
If you are planning a road trip in a campervan, understanding gas stations in Iceland is just as important as knowing your route. Fuel is expensive, distances can be long, and in some remote areas there are no pumps at all. This guide explains fuel types, prices, payment methods, Highland planning and simple refueling tips so you can drive Iceland with confidence.
Save on Fuel at Gas Stations in Iceland With Our Rental Discount Card
When you rent a camper from us, you receive an exclusive fuel discount card that works at partner gas stations in Iceland. The card gives you:
Discounted fuel prices at participating stations
Extra perks such as free coffee at selected locations
An easy way to offset Iceland’s high fuel costs on a week long road trip
The card is included with every rental. There is nothing to activate; just follow the simple instructions in your campervan welcome folder.
Fuel Types And Pump Colors at Gas Stations in Iceland
One of the most common (and expensive) mistakes visitors make at gas stations in Iceland is choosing the wrong fuel type. The main problem is that the color system is the opposite of what many drivers expect.
Green Is Petrol, Black Is Diesel at Icelandic Gas Stations
Green pump handles dispense petrol, usually labeled “Bensin” or “Okt 95”.
Black pump handles dispense diesel.
This is the reverse of many countries where green means diesel. Putting the wrong fuel into your campervan can damage the engine and may destroy your holiday budget in a single stop.
Always double check:
Look at the label inside the fuel door of your campervan (Diesel or Bensin).
Check the tag on your rental key which also shows the fuel type.
Read the writing on the pump: “Okt 95” for petrol, “Diesel” for diesel.
Simple Step By Step at the Pump in Iceland
Park so the fuel cap is close to the pump.
Confirm your fuel type one more time.
Insert your card and enter your PIN or select amount.
Choose the correct nozzle color and fuel label.
Fill slowly and stop when the pump clicks.
Fuel Prices And Brands at Gas Stations in Iceland
Fuel in Iceland is expensive compared to many countries. Prices change often, but it is normal for Icelandic gasoline to sit far above the world average. The good news is that you can still save money with smart planning.
Fuel Prices Across Gas Stations in Iceland
Prices are usually lowest in the Reykjavík and Keflavík area.
Remote areas and small fjord villages often charge more because fuel has to travel farther.
Highland access roads and tiny settlements may have only one station, so there is no competition on price.
Main Gas Station Brands in Iceland
These are the brands you will see most often when visiting gas stations in Iceland:
Costco: Often the cheapest fuel near Reykjavík. Membership required and only one location, in Garðabær.
OB - ÓB is the budget-friendly counterpart to Olís and is designed for customers who prefer less service for a lower price
Orkan: Around 70 self service stations, many right on the Ring Road. Good prices and open 24 hours.
N1: The largest network, with stations in most towns. Many have toilets, food, coffee, shops and Wi Fi.
Atlantsolía and Olís: Reliable full service stations, sometimes a little more expensive but with strong nationwide coverage and good facilities.
How To Pay at Gas Stations in Iceland
Cards, PIN Codes And Holds at Icelandic Fuel Pumps
Most gas stations in Iceland are self service and many are completely unmanned. Cash is rarely used. You will need:
A chip and PIN credit or debit card with a 4 digit PIN.
Enough credit limit for a temporary hold of up to 20,000 ISK per transaction.
When you start the pump, the system often places a temporary hold on your card. It is released automatically after a short time. Contactless payments sometimes work at larger stations, but chip and PIN is the most reliable method, especially at rural pumps.
If you are unsure about your PIN, talk to your bank before you arrive in Iceland. Sorting this out once you are already on the road can be difficult.
Paying Inside Service Stations in Iceland
At bigger N1 or Olís stations you can also pay inside the shop during opening hours. This is useful if:
Your card has issues at the automatic pump.
You want to buy snacks, coffee or use the toilets.
You prefer to ask a staff member which pump to use for your fuel type.
Fuel Planning for the Highlands: Gas Stations in Iceland’s Remote Areas
The Icelandic Highlands are one of the most remote regions in Europe. For drivers, that means one important rule: there are almost no gas stations in the Highlands.
Why You Must Start With A Full Tank
Distances between services can be more than 150 kilometers.
Some Highland roads have almost no traffic and limited phone signal.
Running out of fuel can lead to very expensive recovery charges.
Before any Highland or F road adventure:
Fill your tank completely in the last town before the gravel or mountain road.
Check your expected distance and compare with your fuel range.
Do not rely on “maybe” stations that someone mentioned in an old blog post.
For safety advice and road opening dates, always check SafeTravel Iceland and road.is before you drive.
Route Planning And Distance Between Gas Stations in Iceland
On the Ring Road, gas stations in Iceland usually appear every 100 to 150 kilometers, but the gaps can feel much bigger in the north, east and Westfjords. Good habits make a big difference:
Try to keep your tank between half and full.
Refuel in larger towns where prices are lower and facilities are better.
Mark gas stations on your Google Map before each driving day.
Practical Refueling Tips For Campervan Travelers
Fill up in Reykjavík or Keflavík at the start of your trip to benefit from the lowest prices.
Never drive past a remote station with less than three quarters of a tank if you are unsure where the next pump is.
Use our fuel discount card every time you stop to get the best price available.
Check the weather each morning at vedur.is. Strong winds and storms can slow you down and increase fuel use.
Combine refueling with food, toilets and coffee stops so you need fewer breaks overall.
Gas Stations in Iceland: FAQ
Do I need a credit card with a PIN at gas stations in Iceland?
Yes. Most self service pumps require a chip and four digit PIN code. Contactless tap and phone payments may not work in rural areas, so bring at least one physical card with a PIN.
How often will I see gas stations on the Ring Road?
On the main Ring Road you usually pass a gas station every 100 to 150 kilometers. In the north, east and Westfjords the distances can be longer, so plan ahead and refuel in every larger town.
Is diesel cheaper than petrol in Iceland?
Prices change often, but diesel and petrol are usually quite close. The bigger saving usually comes from where you buy, for example in Reykjavík instead of a small remote village.
Can I pay cash at Icelandic gas stations?
Some staffed stations accept cash inside the shop, but unmanned pumps are card only. Iceland is a very card friendly country, so plan to use a card for almost all fuel purchases.
Is there fuel available inside the Highlands?
Fuel in the Highlands is extremely limited. Always start Highland routes with a full tank and confirm current options with our team or onSafeTravelbefore you go.
Ready To Hit The Road?
Start by choosing the right camper inour Iceland campervan fleet, then use this guide to plan your stops at gas stations in Iceland. With the right fuel, the right card and a little planning, you can focus on the fun parts of your trip instead of watching the fuel gauge.
