17 September 2020 - ALEKSANDRS BURAKS
Best Car Rental Companies in Reykjavik (including Keflavik Airport)
Best Car Rental Companies in Reykjavik (including Keflavik Airport)
By Aleksandrs Buraks | September 17, 2020
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the country's main gateway. Most tourists arrive at Keflavik Airport, roughly 50km west of the city. Given the distance of the airport form the city, almost all tourists choose to pick up a car at the airport.
Though it may sometimes be preferable to visit a capital city first and then pick up a rental car to venture out into the countryside, it makes more sense to get a rental car upon arrival in Iceland.
Most tourist don't spend a lot of time in Reykavik anyway, instead spending time seeing the natural beauty of the island which is its main draw.
Given the popularity that Iceland has gained among international tourists over recent years, it's not surprising that there are a lot of rental companies located at Keflavik Airport to serve them. This includes all the large international brands along with smaller local companies.
So how do you choose among them? That's where this article comes in. We've compiled list of the best car rental companies in Reykjavik (including Keflavik Airport) based on the experiences of our customers. Not only that, we go through each company's strong points, so you'll know exactly which one is perfect for your Icelandic vacation.
Though it may sometimes be preferable to visit a capital city first and then pick up a rental car to venture out into the countryside, it makes more sense to get a rental car upon arrival in Iceland.
Most tourist don't spend a lot of time in Reykavik anyway, instead spending time seeing the natural beauty of the island which is its main draw.
Given the popularity that Iceland has gained among international tourists over recent years, it's not surprising that there are a lot of rental companies located at Keflavik Airport to serve them. This includes all the large international brands along with smaller local companies.
So how do you choose among them? That's where this article comes in. We've compiled list of the best car rental companies in Reykjavik (including Keflavik Airport) based on the experiences of our customers. Not only that, we go through each company's strong points, so you'll know exactly which one is perfect for your Icelandic vacation.
Best Value
Ace Rent a Car (Cat. Score - 8.6☆)
""Nice staff, very friendly, and great price"
""Nice staff, very friendly, and great price"
Cleanest Cars
Mex (Cat. Score - 9.4☆)
"The car was very clean"
"The car was very clean"
Best Upkept Cars
Sixt (Cat. Score - 9.1☆)
"Good price, clean new car"
"Good price, clean new car"
Best Cusomter Service
Alamo (Cat. Score - 8.8☆)
"Great customer service and communication, super friendly staff,"
"Great customer service and communication, super friendly staff,"
Quickest Pickup
Alamo (Cat. Score - 8.9☆)
"Quick and efficient
"Quick and efficient
Quickest Dropoff
Sixt (Cat. Score - 9.6☆)
"Hassle-free drop off"
"Hassle-free drop off"
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the country's main gateway. Most tourists arrive at Keflavik Airport, roughly 50km west of the city. Given the distance of the airport form the city, almost all tourists choose to pick up a car at the airport.
Though it may sometimes be preferable to visit a capital city first and then pick up a rental car to venture out into the countryside, it makes more sense to get a rental car upon arrival in Iceland.
Most tourist don't spend a lot of time in Reykavik anyway, instead spending time seeing the natural beauty of the island which is its main draw.
Given the popularity that Iceland has gained among international tourists over recent years, it's not surprising that there are a lot of rental companies located at Keflavik Airport to serve them. This includes all the large international brands along with smaller local companies.
So how do you choose among them? That's where this article comes in. We've compiled list of the best car rental companies in Reykjavik (including Keflavik Airport) based on the experiences of our customers. Not only that, we go through each company's strong points, so you'll know exactly which one is perfect for your Icelandic vacation.
Though it may sometimes be preferable to visit a capital city first and then pick up a rental car to venture out into the countryside, it makes more sense to get a rental car upon arrival in Iceland.
Most tourist don't spend a lot of time in Reykavik anyway, instead spending time seeing the natural beauty of the island which is its main draw.
Given the popularity that Iceland has gained among international tourists over recent years, it's not surprising that there are a lot of rental companies located at Keflavik Airport to serve them. This includes all the large international brands along with smaller local companies.
So how do you choose among them? That's where this article comes in. We've compiled list of the best car rental companies in Reykjavik (including Keflavik Airport) based on the experiences of our customers. Not only that, we go through each company's strong points, so you'll know exactly which one is perfect for your Icelandic vacation.
Best Overall Car Rental Company in Reykjavik
As rated by DiscoverCars.com's customers
Sixt
With an average customer rating of 9.0☆, Sixt is the best overall car rental company in Reykjavik.
Best Overall Car Rental Company in Reykjavik
As rated by DiscoverCars.com's customers
Sixt
With an average customer rating of 9.0☆, Sixt is the best overall car rental company in Reykjavik.
#1 Sixt - 9.0☆
In Reykjavik, Sixt is the best rental company according to our customers. Sixt is one of the largest car rental brands in the world with more than 2,000 locations in over 100 countries. As a major brand, it is not surprising that it would end up on our list, especially given its reputation for high-quality service, but it particularity excels at its goal of providing great service in Iceland.
Sixt, rated highly in every category by our customers, is the category winner for the following:
And as an international company, one would expect its cars to be new and in excellent shape, and that's exactly what our customers report. They also say the company does a great job keeping its fleet clean.
All things considered, Sixt is the clear winner for service and quality at Keflavik Airport. Of course, this comes at a slightly higher cost. But we are sure that like our previous customers, you will find spending a little more completely worth it.
Note: Sixt has temporarily closed its location at Keflavik Airport due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19. However, when travel returns to normal in the future, it is extremely likely to reopen it. Thus, we have decided to still report the company as topping the list of best rental companies there.
Sixt, rated highly in every category by our customers, is the category winner for the following:
- Best Upkept Cars
- Quickest Dropoff
And as an international company, one would expect its cars to be new and in excellent shape, and that's exactly what our customers report. They also say the company does a great job keeping its fleet clean.
All things considered, Sixt is the clear winner for service and quality at Keflavik Airport. Of course, this comes at a slightly higher cost. But we are sure that like our previous customers, you will find spending a little more completely worth it.
Note: Sixt has temporarily closed its location at Keflavik Airport due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19. However, when travel returns to normal in the future, it is extremely likely to reopen it. Thus, we have decided to still report the company as topping the list of best rental companies there.
Great value
Blazing fast pickup
Blazing fast drop-off
Excellent customer service
Spotless car
Car in excellent condition
#2 Mex - 8.9☆
Second on our list of best rental companies in Reykjavik is Mex. As you can probably gather from its name, Mex is a Mexican car rental company. It was founded in 1994 and has since expanded to the U.S. and other countries, including Iceland.
Mex is more of a budget rental company. It seeks to provide value to all types of travelers, but obviously focuses on tourists in Iceland.
And in Reykavik, it clearly succeeds in reaching its goal; our customers rate the value they receive for their money as being excellent. One thing that helps the company provide such value is its location away from the airport.
While being located away from the airport requires customers to use the free shuttle they provide, it also means they are able to offer much lower prices than those companies located at the airport. This is a trade-off most are completely content to make.
Mex, highly rated in all categories, is our category winner for cleanest cars; it clearly takes great care to make sure the car you are given is ready for your trip around the island. Our customers also report that its cars are kept in great condition.
Finally, the company provides excellent customer service. The agents are efficient and seek to get you on the road and into the Icelandic nature as quickly as possible.
So if you seek value in you rental, then Mex is a great company to choose to use in Reykavik (at Keflavik Airport); just be sure you're willing to spend that little extra time to get to their location.
Mex is more of a budget rental company. It seeks to provide value to all types of travelers, but obviously focuses on tourists in Iceland.
And in Reykavik, it clearly succeeds in reaching its goal; our customers rate the value they receive for their money as being excellent. One thing that helps the company provide such value is its location away from the airport.
While being located away from the airport requires customers to use the free shuttle they provide, it also means they are able to offer much lower prices than those companies located at the airport. This is a trade-off most are completely content to make.
Mex, highly rated in all categories, is our category winner for cleanest cars; it clearly takes great care to make sure the car you are given is ready for your trip around the island. Our customers also report that its cars are kept in great condition.
Finally, the company provides excellent customer service. The agents are efficient and seek to get you on the road and into the Icelandic nature as quickly as possible.
So if you seek value in you rental, then Mex is a great company to choose to use in Reykavik (at Keflavik Airport); just be sure you're willing to spend that little extra time to get to their location.
Excellent value
Fast pickup
Blazing fast drop-off
Execellent customer service
Spotless car
Car in great condition
#3 Alamo - 8.9☆
Coming in at number three on the list is Alamo, another one of the largest rental companies in the world. Alamo, owned by Enterprise, is a major international brand that focuses on providing great quality service. Together, these companies have locations all over the world.
As in many locations, Alamo shares a rental office with its parent company (and Enterprise's other subsidiary, National). This makes their ratings very similar.
Though the rental office is not in the airport's terminal, it is still in the airport's territory. And given the efficiency of the agents, Alamo provides the quickest pickup process at Keflavik Airport.
Alamo is known for its quality, and that quality usually comes with a slightly higher price, but our customers consider the value the get for their money with Alamo in Reykjavik as being great.
Finally, Alamo, of course, knows how to take care of its vehicles. Its fleet is always in tip top shape and you can also expect your rental car to be extremely clean. So you can't go wrong with using Alamo in Reykjavik (at Keflavik Airport), especially if you use Alamo elsewhere and accumulate airline miles or hotel rewards with them.
As in many locations, Alamo shares a rental office with its parent company (and Enterprise's other subsidiary, National). This makes their ratings very similar.
Though the rental office is not in the airport's terminal, it is still in the airport's territory. And given the efficiency of the agents, Alamo provides the quickest pickup process at Keflavik Airport.
Alamo is known for its quality, and that quality usually comes with a slightly higher price, but our customers consider the value the get for their money with Alamo in Reykjavik as being great.
Finally, Alamo, of course, knows how to take care of its vehicles. Its fleet is always in tip top shape and you can also expect your rental car to be extremely clean. So you can't go wrong with using Alamo in Reykjavik (at Keflavik Airport), especially if you use Alamo elsewhere and accumulate airline miles or hotel rewards with them.
Great value
Blazing fast pickup
Fast drop-off
Excellent customer service
Spotless car
Car in excellent condition
#4 Ace Rent a Car - 8.8☆
Coming in fourth, just between Alamo and its parent company Enterprise is Ace, another worldwide brand. Ace is an independent American rental company that started as a competitor of the large American brands and has since expanded to over 40 countries across the world.
Ace specializes in providing value rentals, usually from locations just outside of airports. At Keflavik Airport, Ace is located across the main road from the airport. The company provides its customers a free shuttle to get there, and it only takes 5-10 minutes.
This location provides a balance between the time it takes to get your car and the price — off-airport locations are cheaper for companies and allow them to offer lower rates. Despite the need to use a shuttle, our customers still report the pickup and dropoff process to be very fast.
The company excels at providing excellent customer service when customers arrive at their location. It also excels at keep its fleet of cars in great condition and incredibly clean. This is even more important in Iceland than other places — you don't want your rental car to break down in one if the country's desolate roads.
If you are seeking to get great value for your money with your rental car in Reykjavik, then Ace is clearly a good choice. Just remember that you need to budget a little more time to get back to the airport, but you'll have more to spend in the country from the savings you'll get.
Ace specializes in providing value rentals, usually from locations just outside of airports. At Keflavik Airport, Ace is located across the main road from the airport. The company provides its customers a free shuttle to get there, and it only takes 5-10 minutes.
This location provides a balance between the time it takes to get your car and the price — off-airport locations are cheaper for companies and allow them to offer lower rates. Despite the need to use a shuttle, our customers still report the pickup and dropoff process to be very fast.
The company excels at providing excellent customer service when customers arrive at their location. It also excels at keep its fleet of cars in great condition and incredibly clean. This is even more important in Iceland than other places — you don't want your rental car to break down in one if the country's desolate roads.
If you are seeking to get great value for your money with your rental car in Reykjavik, then Ace is clearly a good choice. Just remember that you need to budget a little more time to get back to the airport, but you'll have more to spend in the country from the savings you'll get.
Great value
Fast pickup
Blazing fast drop-off
Excellent customer service
Spotless car
Car in great condition
#5 Enterprise - 8.6☆
Enterprise is fifth on our list of best rental companies in Reykjavik. It is the parent company of Alamo, which was third on the list. As both companies use the same rental office at Keflavik Airport, their ratings are very similar.
Even though Alamo has the quickest pickup in Reykjavik, Enterprise isn't far behind being that its rentals are served by the same representatives. And these representatives provide customers with excellent service, as one would expect from the largest rental company in the world.
The condition of your rental vehicle is ever more important in Iceland than in other places. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a desolate road with a broken down car. Luckily, Enterprise takes great care of its fleet, thereby minimizing this risk for you.
As with Alamo, you can expect Enterprise's rates to be higher than some other rental companies. But you can also expect the quality it provides to be higher. In fact, our customers report receiving great value for their money with the company in Reykjavik.
If you care about the quality of your rental vehicle and the level of customer service you will get at the rental desk, then Enterprise is a great choice to use in Iceland, especially if you are enrolled in its miles or other benefit program. The choice between Enterprise and Alamo, though, is likely best made depending on which is cheaper.
Even though Alamo has the quickest pickup in Reykjavik, Enterprise isn't far behind being that its rentals are served by the same representatives. And these representatives provide customers with excellent service, as one would expect from the largest rental company in the world.
The condition of your rental vehicle is ever more important in Iceland than in other places. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a desolate road with a broken down car. Luckily, Enterprise takes great care of its fleet, thereby minimizing this risk for you.
As with Alamo, you can expect Enterprise's rates to be higher than some other rental companies. But you can also expect the quality it provides to be higher. In fact, our customers report receiving great value for their money with the company in Reykjavik.
If you care about the quality of your rental vehicle and the level of customer service you will get at the rental desk, then Enterprise is a great choice to use in Iceland, especially if you are enrolled in its miles or other benefit program. The choice between Enterprise and Alamo, though, is likely best made depending on which is cheaper.
Great value
Quick pickup
Fast drop-off
Excellent customer service
Spotless car
Car in great condition
#6 Europcar - 8.5☆
Coming in at number six on the list is Europcar, another one of the largest rental companies in the world. Europcar has more than 2,400 locations across the world. As a company with a lengthy history and worldwide footprint, it's not a surprise that its one of the best rental companies in any location.
Eurpocar is the only company on our list that has a rental desk in Keflavik Airport's arrivals hall. This, of course, makes finding it incredibly easy and makes picking up your rental car a really quick feat.
The company provides great customer service at that rental desk. This means the agents are both quick-working and informative.
Europcar offers a wide selection of types of rental vehicles. In Iceland, many choose to rent 4x4 vehicles, or at least SUVs even if they aren't four-wheel dive. Europcar has a good selection of these. Of course, expect the rates to be higher than that of budget cars.
Though its prices are higher than some other companies in Reykjavik (its location in the arrivals halls, of course, adds to the price), our customers still feel they receive great value for their money with Europcar.
If you want the most convenient location for picking up and dropping off your rental car at Keflavik Airport, then Europcar is the perfect choice for you. Anyone else seeking great service and wanting to have a great company providing them their rental car, would also be well-served by Europcar in Reykjavik.
Eurpocar is the only company on our list that has a rental desk in Keflavik Airport's arrivals hall. This, of course, makes finding it incredibly easy and makes picking up your rental car a really quick feat.
The company provides great customer service at that rental desk. This means the agents are both quick-working and informative.
Europcar offers a wide selection of types of rental vehicles. In Iceland, many choose to rent 4x4 vehicles, or at least SUVs even if they aren't four-wheel dive. Europcar has a good selection of these. Of course, expect the rates to be higher than that of budget cars.
Though its prices are higher than some other companies in Reykjavik (its location in the arrivals halls, of course, adds to the price), our customers still feel they receive great value for their money with Europcar.
If you want the most convenient location for picking up and dropping off your rental car at Keflavik Airport, then Europcar is the perfect choice for you. Anyone else seeking great service and wanting to have a great company providing them their rental car, would also be well-served by Europcar in Reykjavik.
Great value
Fast pickup
Fast drop-off
Great customer service
Very clean car
Car in excellent condition
#7 National - 8.5☆
Ever so slightly behind Europcar on our list is National, which is owned by Enterprise, like Alamo. Its rentals are served at the same rental location as those of Enterprise and and Alamo. Therefore, its ratings are very similar with that of its sister companies.
As with the other two, the location at the airport makes picking up and dropping off a rental car with National very quick. The agents at the desk provide great customer service, also.
Just like its sister companies, National's cars are in great condition and are very clean.
The one slight difference is that our customers seem to think that they don't get quite as good of a value for their money with National as they do with Enterprise and Alamo. This is most likely due to National having higher rates.
But given that the companies are essentially the same in Reykjavik, you should use Enterprise or Alamo for your rental unless you usually use National or are enrolled in an awards program with the company.
As with the other two, the location at the airport makes picking up and dropping off a rental car with National very quick. The agents at the desk provide great customer service, also.
Just like its sister companies, National's cars are in great condition and are very clean.
The one slight difference is that our customers seem to think that they don't get quite as good of a value for their money with National as they do with Enterprise and Alamo. This is most likely due to National having higher rates.
But given that the companies are essentially the same in Reykjavik, you should use Enterprise or Alamo for your rental unless you usually use National or are enrolled in an awards program with the company.
Good value
Quick pickup
Fast drop-off
Great customer service
Very clean car
Car in great condition
#8 Global Rent a Car - 8.5☆
Number eight on our list is Global Rent a Car, a global company (yes, we love using bad puns). Global is a smaller, independent German rental company. Over its thirty year history, it has expanded to serve locations in 20 countries.
Global's focus is on providing low-cost rentals. It seeks to provide rentals with transparent, fair pricing. As elsewhere, its prices are lower than many of its competitors in Reykjavik.
Global is located outside of Keflavik Airport and provides a free shuttle for arriving passengers. This, of course, means that it takes a little longer to pick up and drop off your rental car. However, this is one of the main way they company is able to offer lower prices.
With its lower prices, the company doesn't skimp on customer service. Our customers report receiving great customer service with them in Reykjavik. The also report that Global's cars are very clean and in great condition, which is very important in Iceland.
So if you seek a low-cost rental that still manages to come with great service and quality, Global is a good choice to use in Reykjavik. Be prepared that it will take a little longer to get to its location, though.
Global's focus is on providing low-cost rentals. It seeks to provide rentals with transparent, fair pricing. As elsewhere, its prices are lower than many of its competitors in Reykjavik.
Global is located outside of Keflavik Airport and provides a free shuttle for arriving passengers. This, of course, means that it takes a little longer to pick up and drop off your rental car. However, this is one of the main way they company is able to offer lower prices.
With its lower prices, the company doesn't skimp on customer service. Our customers report receiving great customer service with them in Reykjavik. The also report that Global's cars are very clean and in great condition, which is very important in Iceland.
So if you seek a low-cost rental that still manages to come with great service and quality, Global is a good choice to use in Reykjavik. Be prepared that it will take a little longer to get to its location, though.
Good value
Quick pickup
Fast drop-off
Great customer service
Very clean car
Car in great condition
#9 Carwiz- 8.5☆
Rounding out our of the best rental companies in Reykjavik is Carwiz. Depending on where you are from, you may not have heard of this brand before. Carwiz is a younger brand with locations in 13 countries, primarily in Eastern Europe. It is continuing to grow and opening franchise in new countries.
Carwiz is another budget focused rental company with a location outside of Keflavik Airport. Like the others, it takes a little bit longer to pick up and drop off a car with them.
Once you arrive at their location, though, you can expect to get great customer service from the agents. You can also expect to receive a clean car that's in well-maintained.
Our customers report feeling that they receive good value for their money when using Carwiz at Keflavik Airport. So if you are looking for a budget rental car and are ok with taking a little longer due to taking the free shuttle to the rental location, then renting from Carwiz in Reykjavik is another good choice for you.
Carwiz is another budget focused rental company with a location outside of Keflavik Airport. Like the others, it takes a little bit longer to pick up and drop off a car with them.
Once you arrive at their location, though, you can expect to get great customer service from the agents. You can also expect to receive a clean car that's in well-maintained.
Our customers report feeling that they receive good value for their money when using Carwiz at Keflavik Airport. So if you are looking for a budget rental car and are ok with taking a little longer due to taking the free shuttle to the rental location, then renting from Carwiz in Reykjavik is another good choice for you.
Good value
Fast pickup
Fast drop-off
Great customer service
Very clean car
Car in great condition
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.