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

Traveling in Iceland with kids sounds adventurous, but the big question hits fast: Can you rent a campervan with a car seat? Parents picture the Ring Road, endless lava fields, and then the backseat meltdown over safety and comfort.

It is not just about strapping in your child; it is about following Icelandic law and staying sane while driving through unpredictable weather. This guide cuts through the fog.

We dig into rental company policies, which car seats are offered, and the rules that matter. By the end, you will know whether to rent, pack your own, or try a mix.

1. Do Campervan Reykjavik Provide Car Seats?

So, can you rent a car seat with a rental campervan from Campervan Reykjavik? Yes. Car seats are available as add-ons during booking, but they are not included by default. You’ll need to select the right option when reserving your camper, the same way you’d choose Wi-Fi or extra insurance.

What Types of Car Seats Are Available?

When you rent a campervan with a car seat, here’s what you usually end up with (assuming stock hasn’t already vanished to other frantic parents):

• Infant seats - Rear-facing. Tiny humans, up to about 13 kg (28 lbs).
• Convertible/toddler seats - The middle ground. Rear or forward-facing, built for kids in the 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs) range.
• Booster seats - For the “I’m not a baby anymore” crew, 15-36 kg (33-79 lbs).

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

So, can I rent a campervan with a car seat for a daily fee or flat rate? Yes, but prices shift based on company, seat type, and availability. Here’s what to expect:

• Costs range - 733 ISK to 6000 ISK per day (~$5.20–$42.45).
• Fee options - Daily rate with a cap, or a once-off flat fee.
• Example - At Campervan Reykjavik, we charge about 4,200 ISK/day for baby seats, while booster seats are free.
• Hidden costs - Limited stock, late booking fees, or deposits.

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

Iceland does not take chances with child safety. Kids under 135 cm (about 4’4”) must ride in a proper car seat or booster, no exceptions. Children under 12 are also banned from sitting in the front seat if an active airbag is installed.

Break these rules and you could be fined around 30,000 ISK (+- 230 USD). Yes, you can rent a campervan with a car seat that meets Iceland’s strict safety standards, but it is still your responsibility to use it correctly. Police checks are common, so following the rules keeps your trip safe and stress-free.

Car Seat Requirements by Age and Weight

Here’s a breakdown of the car seat rules by age group, plus the key legal points that apply to each stage of your child’s travel:

Age Group	Weight / Height Range	Seat Type & Orientation	Placement Rules	Safety Requirements	Front Seat Rules
Babies (0–2 yrs)	0–13 kg (0–28 lbs)	Rear-facing car seat	Backseat only	Must have 5-point harness (2 shoulder, 2 hip, 1 crotch strap)	Not allowed
Toddlers (1–4 yrs)	9–18 kg (20–40 lbs)	Rear-facing until ~3 yrs (weight-based). Forward-facing only once child is eligible	Backseat only	Car seat must still use 5-point harness. Weight and height, not age, determine readiness.	Not allowed
Children (18+ kg)	Over 18 kg (40+ lbs)	May transition to booster seat	Backseat strongly recommended	Booster must ensure seatbelt sits properly on lap and chest, not neck or ribs.	Not allowed until 150 cm (4’11”)
Older Children (4+ yrs)	19+ kg (41+ lbs) and at least 135 cm (~4’4”)	Booster seat until reaching 135 cm minimum	Backseat preferred	Once 135 cm, child can use regular seatbelt if it fits correctly across lap/chest.	Legal only at 150 cm (4’11”). Recommended backseat until age 12 if airbag present.

For the full legal nitty-gritty stuff, you can check out the Icelandic Public Services site for the full scope.

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

Yes, absolutely. Being on holiday doesn’t mean you get a shortcut. Show up at the rental desk without a proper seat, and you might not even leave the parking lot. Staff aren’t going to ‘make a plan’ for you just because you’ve had a long flight. Out on the road, police are visible, and they do pull cars over, especially on the crowded summer routes where tourists are everywhere.

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

It’s the same old trade-off: pay for convenience or haul your own gear. Renting a seat is easy, and yes, it ticks the EU safety box, so you know it’s legal here. You also skip dragging a bulky seat through airports. But don’t assume it’s always the better move. Costs add up fast, and in peak season, the right size might already be gone.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car Seat in Iceland

Pros

• Convenience - No heavy seat in the airport, just pick it up with the keys.
• Guaranteed compliance - Rental seats meet Iceland and EU rules.
• Basic guidance - Agencies usually hand you instructions so you don’t mess up installation.

Cons

• Expensive for long trips - Daily fees pile up. Buying or bringing your own may be smarter.
• Limited stock - Summer demand is brutal. If you don’t book early, good luck.

Is It Safe to Use a Rental Car Seat?

Sometimes yes, sometimes not what you’d hope. Parents have complained about straps that feel worn or seats that look like they’ve seen a few too many road trips when renting with other companies.

Safety mostly comes down to how well you install it and how much care the rental company puts into upkeep. Always give the seat a once-over yourself. Check the expiry date, pull on the straps, and make sure nothing feels flimsy. If you want zero doubt, bring your own from home. With us, at least, you’ll get a seat that’s been cleaned and checked before we hand it over.

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

Booking a seat is easy, but you still need to do it early. Can you get a car seat with a rental campervan if you leave it to the last minute? Sometimes, but don’t count on it. Here’s how to lock it in with us:

1. Go to our homepage as if you are going to rent a campervan in Iceland..
2. Hit the Book Now button.
3. Choose your camper.
4. Scroll down to Extras at the bottom. That’s where you’ll see child car seat prices.
5. Add the right size, confirm it, and you’re set.

Should You Reserve a Car Seat in Advance?

Yes. Always. Summer in Iceland (June to August) is chaos for rental gear, and car seats vanish quickly. Last-minute requests often mean you end up with the wrong size or no seat at all. We can only guarantee availability if you book ahead, so add it during your reservation instead of hoping one magically appears at pickup.

How to Make Sure the Car Seat Is Properly Installed

Rental companies usually do not install seats for liability reasons. You must do it yourself. Here is the clean, no-nonsense way.

Before you go

• Practice at home if you are bringing your own seat. Watch the manufacturer’s video and read the manual.
• Pack the manual or save it to your phone. Screenshot the install pages.
• If allowed by the manufacturer, bring a small towel to tweak infant recline.

At pickup

• Inspect the seat: expiry label, EU approval mark (ECE R44/04 or R129 i-Size), no cracks, no frayed straps, buckle works.
• Check the campervan for anchor systems: ISOFIX points between seat base and back, top-tether anchor or a compatible seat-belt setup.
• If anything looks off, ask for a different seat.

Rear-facing with ISOFIX (EU)

1. Choose an approved seating position from the vehicle manual.
2. Find the ISOFIX bars. Expose them if there are covers.
3. Extend the ISOFIX arms on the child seat and click both sides in until the indicators turn green.
4. Fit the required restraint: top tether or support leg, as your seat specifies. Tighten fully. Verify green indicators.
5. Set recline to the correct angle using the seat’s indicator. Aim for roughly 30–45 degrees for infants.
6. Pull at the belt path. Movement should be under 2.5 cm (about 1 inch).

Rear- or forward-facing with vehicle seat belt

1. Route the belt through the correct color-coded path on the seat (blue for rear-facing, red for forward-facing on many EU seats).
2. Buckle. Lock the belt: pull it fully out to engage the retractor, or use the seat’s lock-off. If neither is available, request a locking clip that the seat allows.
3. Push down on the seat and remove all slack. Check movement at the belt path is under 2.5 cm (about 1 inch).

Forward-facing with top tether

1. Place the seat upright per the manual.
2. Attach the top tether to the marked anchor behind or above the seat. Tighten until snug.
3. Complete ISOFIX or belt routing as required and recheck tightness.

High-back booster setup

• Adjust headrest so the head is centered and supported.
• Shoulder belt should cross the midpoint of the shoulder, not the neck.
• Lap belt sits low on the hips, not on the stomach.
• The booster should not wobble on the bench. Reposition if needed.

Harness fit and final checks

• Rear-facing: harness at or below shoulder level.
• Forward-facing: harness at or just above shoulder level.
• Straps lie flat and pass the pinch test at the collarbone. No thick coats in the seat.
• Stow loose luggage so it cannot become a projectile.
• Drive a short loop, then recheck for any slack or movement.

Quick help

• Use the manufacturer’s QR code or website for install videos.
• Search YouTube for your exact seat model and ‘ISOFIX install.’
• Keep both the vehicle manual and the child seat manual handy in the glovebox.

5. Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Campervan with a Car Seat in Iceland

Are car seats available for newborns?

Yes, but book early. Infant seats exist, rear-facing up to about 13 kg, though supply is limited. Don’t assume one is waiting just because you showed up with a stroller.

Can I buy a car seat in Iceland instead of renting?

Sure. Supermarkets and baby shops sell them, but prices bite harder than Reykjavík wind. If you’re here for weeks, buying can be smarter than bleeding daily rental fees.

Do Icelandic supermarkets or baby stores sell affordable seats?

‘Affordable’ is relative. Expect around 35 USD for a basic booster at a chain store. Anything fancier and you’re looking at boutique prices that make rentals seem kind.

What happens if the rental company gives me the wrong size?

You complain. Loudly. They’ll swap it if stock exists. If not, you’re stuck chasing one down in town. Moral: double-check your booking and size before you land.

Can you rent a campervan with a car seat for two kids?

Yes, if you reserve two. Space inside a camper is tight, but the option exists. Just don’t expect the company to magically know you’ve got twins.

Can I rent a campervan with a car seat if I book last-minute?

You can try. Sometimes you’ll get lucky. More often, you’ll end up scouring a supermarket for the last booster while your camper sits idle in the lot.

6. So, Can You Rent a Campervan with a Car Seat and Actually Relax?

Yes, you can. Just don’t roll up expecting miracles. For a quick trip, renting is fine. If you’re here longer, or the type who triple-checks the oven, drag your own seat along.

Check the straps, check the fit, and listen to that inner voice whispering, do I really trust this thing? That’s the point. Inspect it. Once you’re happy, the drive feels simple. No drama, no grey area. Our boosters are cleaned and looked after, so you’re not strapping your kid into a museum piece. Book the van, load the seat, and go chase waterfalls.