Bridges and tunnels in Iceland: what costs money
By Stefán · Iceland Roads · Written by a local who drives these roads
The two toll points in 2026
Iceland has exactly two tolled sections on Route 1. The first is Vaðlaheiðargöng, a 7.4 km tunnel north of Akureyri that opened in 2018 and cuts the old mountain pass off the route. The second is the brand new Hornafjörður Ring Road section near Höfn in the southeast, which opens to traffic on June 24, 2026, but does not start collecting tolls until September 1, 2026. Both charge 1,500 ISK per one-way trip for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, and both use the same volume discount structure: 950 ISK per trip for your 2nd to 5th trip in a calendar month, 750 ISK for your 6th to 15th trip, with a monthly cap of 18,750 ISK. Heavier vehicles pay more: 2,100 ISK for 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, 4,500 ISK for over 7.5 tonnes. Payment is electronic only through veggjald.is or the Veggjald app; self-service kiosks were installed at Vaðlaheiðargöng in July 2026. The Hornafjörður section includes three new bridges, the longest crossing Hoffellsá, and shortens the Ring Road by 12 km.
Vaðlaheiðargöng (Route 1, north of Akureyri)
7.4 km tunnel opened 2018. 1,500 ISK per trip for cars under 3.5 t. Volume discounts: 950 ISK (2–5 trips/month), 750 ISK (6–15 trips/month), monthly cap 18,750 ISK. Self-service kiosks added July 2026. Pay on veggjald.is or Veggjald app.
Hornafjörður Ring Road (Route 1, near Höfn)
New 12 km shorter alignment with three bridges including Hoffellsá. Opens June 24, 2026. Toll collection starts September 1, 2026 at 1,500 ISK per trip (same discount structure). Pay on veggjald.is or Veggjald app.
The free tunnel
Hvalfjörður tunnel on Route 1 in West Iceland has been toll-free since late 2018. It used to cost 1,000 ISK per trip. The tunnel saves roughly 45 minutes compared to the old fjord road around Hvalfjörður. Any guide, blog, or rental company document saying Hvalfjörður costs money is outdated; do not budget for it.
Rental insurance and tolls: the trap
This is the single most expensive misunderstanding for visitors. Every standard and premium rental insurance product in Iceland, including CDW, SCDW, Liability Waiver, and even the most expensive full-coverage add-ons, excludes tunnel and road tolls. The driver is legally responsible for payment regardless of insurance. If you pass a toll point without paying within 24 hours, the rental company receives the invoice, adds an admin fee (typically 3,000 to 5,000 ISK), and charges your credit card. Blue Car Rental’s Liability Waiver and Go Car Rental’s standard coverage both explicitly exclude toll fees; check your specific agreement, but assume you are on the hook.
Two safe options exist.
Pre-register the rental plate
Register the rental car's licence plate on veggjald.is at least 24 hours before your first toll; the system will auto-charge your card.
Pay manually within 24 hours
Pay on veggjald.is or the Veggjald app within 24 hours of passing the toll point. The 24-hour window is strict; do not wait until you return the car.
Ferries (function like tunnels for planning)
Two ferry routes matter for Ring Road travellers. The Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar crossing (operated by Herjólfur) runs year-round, takes 35 minutes, and costs roughly 12,000 to 18,000 ISK for a car with passengers depending on season; book ahead in summer. The Seyðisfjörður route connects to Denmark and the Faroe Islands via Smyril Line; it is an international ferry, not a Ring Road substitute, and costs significantly more. Neither ferry uses the veggjald.is system; they have their own booking and payment.
Quick reference
Do I need cash?
No. All tolls are electronic via veggjald.is or the Veggjald app.
What if I miss payment?
Rental company charges the toll plus an admin fee (typically 3,000–5,000 ISK) to your card.
Is Hvalfjörður tunnel free?
Yes, since late 2018.
When does the Höfn toll start?
September 1, 2026. The road opens June 24 but toll collection begins September 1.
Can I avoid the Akureyri tunnel?
Yes; the old mountain pass Víkurskarð is free but slower, weather-dependent, and not recommended in winter.
Sources
Vegagerðin (Icelandic Road Administration): New Hornafjörður Ring Road section opens June 24th; official toll table and start date.
Guide to Iceland: Road Tolls in Iceland; updated July 17, 2026.
Rental company guides (Go Car Rental, Hertz, Höldur, Geysir, Reykjavík Cars) confirming Vaðlaheiðargöng as the only tolled tunnel until Hornafjörður starts.
Common questions
Is there a toll on the Ring Road?
Only two sections charge a toll: Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel north of Akureyri and the new Hornafjörður section near Höfn in southeast Iceland, where toll collection starts September 1, 2026.
How much is the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel?
1,500 ISK per one-way trip for cars under 3.5 tonnes. Volume discounts apply: 950 ISK for 2 to 5 trips per month, 750 ISK for 6 to 15 trips per month, capped at 18,750 ISK per month.
Is the Hvalfjörður tunnel free?
Yes. The toll was removed in late 2018. Any guide saying otherwise is outdated.
What happens if I don't pay a tunnel toll?
The rental company receives the invoice, adds an admin fee (typically 3,000 to 5,000 ISK), and charges your credit card.
Can I pre-pay tolls?
Yes. Register the rental car's licence plate on veggjald.is at least 24 hours before travel.
Does rental car insurance cover tunnel tolls?
No. CDW, SCDW, and Liability Waiver typically exclude toll fees. The driver is legally responsible for payment.
When does the Höfn toll start?
The new Hornafjörður Ring Road section opens June 24, 2026, but toll collection begins September 1, 2026.
Can I avoid the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel?
Yes. The old mountain pass (Víkurskarð) is free but slower, weather-dependent, and not recommended in winter.
Last updated: August 2, 2026. Toll rates and rules change; always check veggjald.is before your trip.
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