2026 guide
Taking a Motorhome to Iceland
Everything for the crossing with a motorhome: dimensions, gas bottles, electric vehicles, vehicle import into Iceland and life on board.
- Norröna: the only car ferry to Iceland, departing Hirtshals
- Motorhomes up to about 7 m long and 3.5 m high can be booked online
- Gas bottle and EV rules, customs form E-9, road usage charge
Vehicle dimensions & rules
What you need to know with a motorhome
When you book, length and height including all fittings determine your space on the vehicle deck. Give the full dimensions accurately.
Dimensions
Gas bottles
Electric vehicles
Importing into Iceland
Guide
Taking a motorhome to Iceland is only possible with the Norröna from Smyril Line, the only car ferry from mainland Europe: from Hirtshals via the Faroe Islands to Seyðisfjörður, roughly two days across the North Atlantic. Unlike Mediterranean ferries, there is no camping in your own vehicle on board; you sleep in a cabin, and the vehicle deck stays closed for the whole crossing. This page covers the dimension rules, the practicalities of gas bottles and electric vehicles, and importing a vehicle into Iceland. For the departures on your travel date, see the timetable.
Vehicle dimensions and booking
Bookings are made online with the operator, and the dimensions determine your space on the vehicle deck. Online bookings cover motorhomes up to about 7 metres long and 3.5 metres high, and cars up to roughly 1.9 metres high and 5 metres long. For longer vehicles, tall roof structures and combinations, contact Smyril Line directly before you book.
Give the total length and height including all fittings: bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars all count. Even a few centimetres can cause problems at check-in.
Gas bottles and electric vehicles
Clear safety rules apply to motorhomes on board:
- Gas bottles: a maximum of three bottles totalling up to 47 kilograms. Declare them at check-in.
- Gas appliances off: gas appliances must not be in use during the crossing, so the fridge cannot run on gas.
- Electric vehicles: charging the batteries of EVs, campervans and caravans is not permitted on board. Declare an electric vehicle when booking.
On board: cabin and vehicle deck
Given the length of the crossing, almost three days, Smyril Line strongly recommends booking a cabin. Inside and outside cabins in various categories are available. The vehicle deck stays closed for the whole crossing, so you cannot access your vehicle underway. Take everything you'll need with you before boarding: ID and booking confirmation, toiletries and a change of clothes, chargers, medication and valuables. Payments on board are cashless, in Danish kroner; all major credit cards are accepted.
Importing your vehicle into Iceland: form E-9
For the temporary import of your vehicle into Iceland, complete customs form E-9 (temporary import of a vehicle with foreign registration) in advance. The Icelandic customs authority Skatturinn sends the registration link around 30 days before departure. Registration must be completed before the vehicle arrives in Iceland.
Temporary import for private use is duty-free. The vehicle may stay in the country for up to twelve months; you must spend most of that time in Iceland yourself (short trips abroad are fine), and the vehicle must not be used commercially.
Arriving in Seyðisfjörður
The Norröna docks in Seyðisfjörður in the East Fjords. From there, road 93 crosses the Fjarðarheiði pass for about 27 kilometres to Egilsstaðir and the Ring Road, roughly a 30-minute drive. From Egilsstaðir you can reach the north and south of the island. The pass can close in winter, so build a little buffer into the first leg of your motorhome trip.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ - Taking a motorhome to Iceland
The key questions about the motorhome ferry to Iceland, answered clearly.
How big can my motorhome be on the Norröna?+
Online bookings cover motorhomes up to about 7 metres long and 3.5 metres high, and cars up to roughly 1.9 metres high and 5 metres long. For larger vehicles and combinations, contact Smyril Line directly. When booking, give the total dimensions including all fittings, as this determines your space on the vehicle deck.
What are the rules for gas bottles on board?+
A maximum of three gas bottles totalling up to 47 kilograms is allowed. Gas appliances must be switched off during the crossing, so the fridge cannot run on gas. Declare your bottles at check-in. Tip: set the fridge to maximum power beforehand and add frozen cooling packs.
Can I charge my electric vehicle on board?+
No. Charging the batteries of electric vehicles, motorhomes and caravans is not permitted on board the Norröna. Declare that you are bringing an electric vehicle when booking. Plan your onward journey from Seyðisfjörður accordingly, as your battery should have enough charge for the first leg.
Do I need to declare my vehicle to customs for Iceland?+
Yes. For the temporary import of your vehicle, complete customs form E-9 in advance. The Icelandic customs authority Skatturinn sends the registration link around 30 days before departure. Import for personal use is duty-free, and the vehicle may stay in the country for up to twelve months. Since 2026, Iceland has also charged a distance-based road usage fee for all vehicles, regardless of the engine type.
Do I need a cabin, or can I sleep in my motorhome?+
Highly recommended. Given the long crossing of almost three days, Smyril Line strongly advises booking a cabin. There is no camping on board in your own motorhome on the Norröna: the vehicle deck stays closed throughout the crossing. So you sleep in a cabin, not in your vehicle. Take everything you will need on the crossing with you before boarding.
Can I bring my dog in the motorhome?+
No. Iceland does not allow tourist pet imports, and the vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing anyway, so your dog could not stay in the vehicle. For a holiday in Iceland with a dog, the ferry is effectively not an option. The reasons are explained in the guide Taking a dog to Iceland.
Ready for your motorhome trip to Iceland?
Check the next departures of the Norröna and book your crossing with a motorhome directly with the operator.