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 this mean? For the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges, so-called toll fees are charged. The funds collected from tolls are, for example, invested in the road network. This enables a smooth journey on your way to your holiday destination. The primary areas of investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety as well as environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Road 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 fee collected in Iceland?
A nationwide toll system has been in place in Iceland since 2026. This toll system includes a distance-based toll (toll calculated per kilometer), a road usage fee (especially relevant for tourists), and a tunnel classified as a special toll route.
This special toll route is the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel. If you wish to drive through the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel, you must therefore pay a toll fee (independent of the distance-based toll). Other tunnels such as the underwater tunnel Hvalfjarðargöng can be used free of charge. There is no vignette requirement in Iceland.
Distance-based toll
The distance-based toll is charged per kilometer, and the price per kilometer differs in stages depending on the weight of the vehicle. The following categories are distinguished:
Motorcycles
Cars and SUVs up to 3.5 t
Motorcycles and vehicles over 3.5 t (divided into additional subcategories)
The vehicle’s odometer reading is used. If you are driving a rental car, note that the rental company usually passes the calculated kilometer fee on to the renter and often charges a service fee for this. Further information about the vehicle categories can be found on the official website.
Road usage fee
Even though the distance-based toll generally 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 the distance-based toll if they travel in Iceland for a maximum of 30 days. Instead, a road usage fee is charged. Although it varies depending on the vehicle category, it is not calculated based on kilometers. Accordingly, you pay a fixed amount depending on the duration of your stay and the vehicle category. This amount must be paid before entering the country or upon arrival. The following categories apply:
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 more than 30 days, you must also pay the distance-based toll. For this purpose, the vehicle’s odometer reading must be recorded upon entry and exit. Further information about the road usage fee can be found on the official website.
Special toll: Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel
The Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel is located in the north of Iceland and has a length of 7.5 km. The tunnel allows you to travel quickly from Akureyri to Húsavík, but a special toll is charged for using the tunnel. The amount of the special toll 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 special toll
Motor vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 t GVW: subject to special toll
Motor vehicles over 7.5 t GVW: subject to 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) using a credit card. If you do not comply with this time frame, additional fees will apply.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a safe trip and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time via email.
FAQ about your trip to Iceland
What does toll obligation mean?
The toll obligation means that a fee must be paid for the use of certain roads, motorways, expressways, tunnels or bridges. The revenue from tolls is invested in infrastructure, road safety, traffic management and environmental protection measures. Toll obligations vary from country to country.
Is there a vignette requirement in Iceland?
No, there is no vignette requirement in Iceland. Instead, since 2026 there has been a nationwide toll system consisting of a distance-based toll, a road usage fee, and a special toll for the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel.
How does the distance-based toll work in Iceland?
The distance-based toll is calculated per kilometer. The amount of the fee depends on the distance traveled as well as the vehicle category or vehicle weight. The decisive factor is the vehicle’s odometer reading.
Which vehicles are affected by the distance-based toll?
The toll applies to motorcycles, cars and SUVs up to 3.5 t, as well as vehicles over 3.5 t, which are divided into additional weight classes. The amount of the fees differs 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.
What is the road usage fee for tourists?
Tourists with their own vehicle who stay in Iceland for up to 30 days pay a flat road usage fee instead of the kilometer-based toll. This fee depends on the length of stay and vehicle category and must be paid before entering the country or upon arrival.
What happens if you stay longer than 30 days?
If you stay in Iceland with your own vehicle for more than 30 days, you must pay the distance-based toll. For this purpose, the odometer reading must be recorded upon entry and exit.
What regulation applies to the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel?
A special toll is charged for using the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel in northern Iceland. Motorcycles are exempt, while vehicles up to 3.5 t and heavier vehicles are subject to 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 the tunnel. On-site payment is not possible. Late payment may result in additional fees.
