Gas stations are common in towns and along the Ring Road, but they can be sparse in rural areas. It's a good idea to fill up your tank whenever you pass a gas station, especially if you plan to drive in remote areas.

Gas stations in Iceland do operate a bit differently than in the USA. Many gas pumps are self-serve where you pump your own gas. In some states in the USA, people do not pump their own gas, a gas station employee does it for you. Some people have never pumped gas before so if this is the case and you are heading to Iceland, get ready to pump gas on your own.

Gas stations will require you to have a card with a PIN number in order to pump gas. Most credit cards do not automatically come with a pin number, only your zip code, and you will be declined. I you take a credit card into the gas station to an employee, they can use it to ring you up at the cash register with no problems. However, if the convenience store is closed, you could be out of luck. Save yourself this trouble by simply bringing a debit or bank card which already comes with a pin.

Remember that the zip code you put in for your credit card is not considered a pin number when visiting gas stations in Iceland and you must have an actual pin.

The vast majority of gas stations in Iceland offer some sort of food option and some even offer a full-service sit-down restaurant. The offerings are mainly Icelandic soup, burgers, and hot dogs, as well as coffee and a pastry of some sort. Many gas stations in Iceland double as small grocery and hardware stores.

Gas prices in Iceland are extremely high. Due to the strength of the kroner against other money in the world and the fact that Iceland is a remote island, gas prices can be astronomical compared to what you are used to. Be prepared to pay much higher prices for gas than what you are used to.

There are a variety of companies that provide gas in Iceland, some more popular than others.

N1 Gas Stations are the most popular types of Iceland gas station brands. You will find N1 gas stations in Iceland everywhere from big cities to super rural areas. N1 Iceland gas stations are often found in remote towns and villages and you can pump gas 24/7, although the gas station store will not always be open. Make sure you have a card with a pin on it as you may visit an N1 gas station after hours so you will want to be prepared.

Olis Gas Stations are probably the second most popular gas station brand in Iceland. Olis also has a sister brand named OB but they are from the same company. While N1 gas stations appear more locally owned and operated like a franchise Olis gas stations are a bit larger and more commercial. Many Olis gas stations also offer free wifi and discounts with their card.

Orkan Gas Stations has around 55 automatic Iceland gas stations around the country. The Orkan gas stations are open 24/7 because you pay at the pump, but again, the store may not always be open.

Costco Gas stations are relatively new to Iceland but offer the best prices for gas. The downside is that you have to be a Costco member in order to use their gas - if you are a member in the States, your membership card will translate to Iceland.