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Can You Rent a Car with a Car Seat in Iceland? A Guide for Parents

02-05-2025

General view of a car with doors open showing a baby car seat perfectly positioned before embarking on what looks like a road trip.

Traveling with young children requires a little extra planning. One of the most important questions many parents have is, can you rent a car with a car seat in Iceland? The answer is yes, you can certainly rent a car with a car seat to keep your child safe along your journey. It also saves you the trouble of bringing your own.

Does Iceland Cars Provide Car Seats?

As you consider your rental options for your family, you will need to determine whether the company you are considering offers car seats with their rentals. Iceland Cars allows parents to select a car seat as an add-on to their car rental options to give you a worry-free experience.

What Types of Car Seats Are Available?

There are three basic types of car seats available with our rentals. We offer infant seats, child seats that can be installed as front-facing or rear-facing, and booster seats. The type of seat you will need depends on the age, height, and weight of your child at the time of travel. Choose a similar seat to what you would use at home.

A child car seat remains next to a conventional seat in the rear of a vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car Seat in Iceland?

The cost to get a car seat with a rental car varies depending on the company. When you book with us, you can expect to pay about 1500 ISK for a booster seat and 4500 ISK for other types of car seats. The charge is per rental, not per day, making it a cost-effective option if you don’t want to bring your own car seat.

Iceland’s Child Car Seat Laws: What You Need to Know

Car seat laws can vary widely from country to country. If you’ll be traveling to Iceland with a young child, in addition to wondering, “Can I rent a car with a car seat?” you will also want to know what the laws in Iceland are so you can keep your child safe and stay within the legal requirements during your trip.

Car Seat Requirements by Age and Weight

Babies up to one year old and weighing up to 13 kg (28.7 pounds) should be in an infant car seat when traveling in a car. This rear-facing car seat is the safest option for young infants. 

From nine months to four years old, children are required to use a child car seat in either the rear-facing or front-facing position. A child should remain rear-facing as long as possible for safety. These car seats are rated for children weighing 9-18 kg (20-40 pounds).

Finally, a booster seat can be used for children between four and 10 years old and weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33-80 pounds). There are two types of boosters: high-backed and backless. Children should remain in a booster until at least 135 cm (53 inches) or they reach the maximum weight.

Detail drawing of a booster car seat, important for children who still need a special seat due to their height, even when they are older.

Children are required to be secured in an appropriate car seat whenever you are driving. Depending on where you are coming from, it may be recommended to rent a car seat with your rental car to ensure it meets European safety standards. Children under 135 cm (53 inches) are prohibited from sitting in a front seat with an airbag.

Do Tourists Need to Follow Iceland’s Car Seat Laws?

When visiting another country, it is necessary to follow their laws when driving. The same holds true for Iceland’s car seat laws. Even if they differ from what your child is used to at home, you must still adhere to their requirements or face penalties. Car seats should meet European safety standards to be used in Iceland.

Renting vs. Bringing Your Own Car Seat – Which Is Better?

Can you rent a car with car seats, or should you bring your own? The choice is yours, but it can be beneficial to weigh the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision. 

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car Seat in Iceland

Renting a car seat in Iceland is more convenient than bringing your own, reducing what you need to bring along. Renting one also ensures it meets European standards when the one you use at home may not. Your rental agency can also help ensure your car seat is installed properly, improving safety.

A child in the back of a vehicle tries to fasten the safety mechanism of his car seat.

There are cons to renting a car seat, however. Your child may not feel comfortable with an unfamiliar car seat. In addition, you may encounter issues with availability. Finally, using a car seat that isn’t yours can leave you wondering if it’s a safe option since you are unfamiliar with its history.

Is It Safe to Use a Rental Car Seat?

When you rent a car seat with your rental car, you may be concerned about its safety. The good news is that rental car seats are generally quite safe due to the high European safety standards. Rental companies will replace car seats involved in an accident to give you confidence that your child is safe. However, you are welcome to inspect the seat yourself and ask for a replacement if you aren’t comfortable.

How to Book a Car Seat When Renting a Car in Iceland

Now that you’ve answered the question, “Can you get a car seat with a rental car in Iceland?” you will need to know how to book one. Your rental company will make it easy to get the car seat you need for your child during your trip. When booking your rental car, simply choose the appropriate car seat in the add-on section before checking out.

A young couple consisting of a bearded man and a woman look at their computer screen.

Should You Reserve a Car Seat in Advance?

While a rental company may have car seats available on the day you arrive, it’s best to book one ahead of time to ensure they have the appropriate seat waiting for you. Booking in advance can give you confidence that you won’t be left without the car seat you need when you’re ready to head off on your journey.

How to Make Sure the Car Seat Is Properly Installed

In Iceland, car seats use two methods of securing them in the car: the seatbelt and the ISOFIX system. The ISOFIX system is the most secure and should be used whenever possible. Never use both methods to secure the seat. To test the car seat, make sure it doesn’t wiggle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car with a Car Seat in Iceland

If you have more questions about renting a car seat with your rental car, the company you choose will be able to answer them. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions parents have when renting a car in Iceland.

An adult ensures that the safety mechanism of a child's car seat is securely locked.

Do Icelandic Car Rental Companies Provide Car Seats For All Age Groups?

Because of the Icelandic car seat laws, rental companies in the country are required to offer appropriate car seats to meet all standards. Your rental company should offer infant car seats, child car seats, and booster seats based on your child’s age, height, and weight.

Are Icelandic Rental Car Seats up to International Safety Standards?

Yes, Icelandic car seats meet the latest European safety standards, which can differ from the standards set by countries outside of Europe. This is why it’s often better to rent a car seat at your destination instead of bringing one from home. 

Will Rental Companies Install the Car Seat For Me?

Generally, you will be required to install the car seat yourself for liability reasons. In Iceland, you can install the seat using the seat belt or the ISOFIX system if the vehicle is equipped with it. Installing it yourself allows you to carefully inspect the car seat to give you peace of mind.

The Best Way to Rent a Car with a Child Seat in Iceland

Can you rent car seats with rental cars in Iceland? You most certainly can! When you rent a car in Iceland, you have the option to add a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s age and size. When booking your vehicle, be sure to add the car seat before checkout to ensure that your rental company has one ready to go when you arrive.