Planning a trip to Iceland and considering a rental car? You’ve likely heard about the island’s breathtaking beauty and the freedom a car provides to explore it at your own pace. Like many, the allure of Iceland’s landscapes drew me in, and renting a car became essential for my adventure beyond the city limits. After hearing positive buzz about local companies, especially Blue Car Rental options, I decided to dive in and experience it firsthand. This review details my experience with Blue Car Rental in Iceland, from booking to return, offering insights to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your Icelandic road trip.
Planning and Booking Your Blue Car Rental
My journey to Iceland was part of a larger European trip, and Icelandair’s stopover option—allowing up to 7 days in Iceland at no extra flight cost—was a game-changer. This solidified my plans, but unlike my usual city travels relying on public transport, Iceland demanded a different approach: a rental car.
Venturing into the world of international car rentals, I researched companies online. Warnings quickly surfaced about potential pitfalls with US-based rental giants in Iceland. Stories of unexpected charges due to companies unfamiliar with Iceland’s unique driving conditions and road types pushed me towards seeking a local, Iceland-based rental company. I wanted a company that understood the terrain, offered robust insurance for Iceland-specific challenges, and came highly recommended.
That’s when Blue Car Rental entered the picture. My research led me to travel blogs, including Dragons On Fire, which detailed their 11-day Iceland Ring Road trip and their positive experience with Blue Car Rental. They mentioned securing a great deal through a Black Friday promotion, which piqued my interest.
Intrigued by the potential savings, I reached out to the bloggers who shared that they had used an affiliate link and the Blue Car Rental website’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal for additional discounts. The idea of stacked discounts was appealing, and with Black Friday approaching, I eagerly anticipated the sales to book my own blue car rental for Iceland.
When Black Friday arrived, I clicked an affiliate link (similar to this one 😉 ) and navigated to the Blue Car Rental website. A prominent popup immediately displayed the 2023 discount code: blackcyber. Conveniently, the website also featured a toggle to automatically apply the discount, eliminating the need to manually enter the code.
I adjusted the currency from ISK to USD for easier understanding and filtered my search for an automatic transmission vehicle. While a “recommended” car was suggested, scrolling down revealed a broader selection based on my filters. I opted for a Kia Stonic mini-SUV, proceeded to the payment page, and was pleasantly surprised. The advertised 15% Black Friday discount combined with the affiliate link resulted in a 28% discount on the base rental price.
The final cost came to $454 USD for a week-long rental, a great price for three people. Throughout the booking process, Blue Car Rental offered various add-ons. I only added a second driver for $47 for the entire week. Crucially, the standard rental included insurance that covered aspects vital for Iceland, like gravel damage. This proved to be essential, as many roads outside the main Ring Road are unpaved. Gravel protection, included in the standard insurance, was a relief.
My rental also included GPS, though I preferred using an offline Google Map of Iceland on my phone as a backup. Surprisingly, Google Fi provided excellent service across most of Iceland, even in remote areas. Sand and ash insurance was another optional add-on, which I declined as my trip was in September, before the high winds season that typically starts in December. After completing my details, the blue car rental booking was confirmed.
Pre-Trip Communication and Helpful Emails
Following the booking, Blue Car Rental impressed me with their proactive and informative pre-trip communication. Unlike spammy upsell emails common with many services, their emails were genuinely helpful.
A week before my trip, I received an invitation to check in online, streamlining the car pick-up process. I completed the online check-in, confirming my details and declining additional extras, and conveniently added my confirmation to Google Wallet.
They also directed me to a dedicated website (safe.bluecarrental.is) packed with valuable information. This included explanations of dashboard lights, Icelandic road and traffic signs, speed limits, and even discounts at specific gas stations. The level of detail demonstrated their commitment to customer preparedness.
The day before pick-up, an email arrived detailing how to locate their office at Keflavík Airport. On the day of rental, after collecting the keys, I received an email with the rental agreement and a detailed damage report of the car, highlighting pre-existing dings – a crucial detail for later. A day after picking up the car, a reminder about gas station discounts arrived, and two days before the return date, instructions on the return process were sent. This consistent, helpful communication was a standout feature of Blue Car Rental.
Flight Delay and Flexible Blue Car Rental Service
My travel luck often has its twists, and this trip was no exception. A last-minute flight cancellation due to equipment failure at Boston Logan Airport delayed our arrival in Iceland by a day. While frustrating, safety comes first.
My mother, the second driver on the blue car rental agreement, arrived in Iceland as planned. I forwarded her the Blue Car Rental details, and she contacted them to explain my delayed arrival. Blue Car Rental was understanding and accommodating, apologizing that they couldn’t refund the missed day, which was beyond my expectations anyway. So, a day later than planned, I finally arrived in Iceland and headed to the blue car rental office.
Efficient Keflavík Airport Check-In
Keflavík (KEF) Airport’s car rental area is remarkably close to the terminal. While a shuttle is available, Blue Car Rental is within easy walking distance.
Visible from the airport exit, the blue car rental office is a short, safe walk via sidewalks and crosswalks, taking less than 5 minutes even with luggage.
Entering the “Rental Pick-Up” area at 6 am, I was greeted by a modern, tech-forward setup.
A wall of screens displayed stunning Icelandic scenery, alongside tablet kiosks with scanners.
Scanning the QR code from my Google Wallet confirmation automatically entered my information into the queue. TV screens displayed names and numbers, and customer service representatives called out numbers when ready.
I approached an employee, “The Dude,” who confirmed my standard insurance and declined further add-ons. He advised taking a video of the car to verify the pre-existing damage report, a proactive step I appreciated. He also cautioned about Iceland’s strong winds and the risk of car doors being ripped off if opened carelessly – valuable advice. At this point, the service felt attentive and thorough. Keys in hand, we headed to the car park, unaware of the upcoming hiccup.
The Car Mix-Up and Initial Panic
Walking to the parking lot, a joke about a particularly small car turned into realization – that tiny car was ours. It was shockingly small, definitely not the Kia Stonic mini-SUV I had booked. Confusion set in. I re-checked my confirmation, showed my mom photos of the Kia Stonic, but the keys matched this miniature vehicle.
Panic started to rise. Could three adults and luggage realistically fit in this for a week-long road trip? I returned inside, asking “The Dude” if a larger car was available, explaining the size discrepancy. He stated they were fully booked. However, a quick check on their website showed mini-SUVs available for my dates, raising suspicion.
My mom drove us away, and my anxiety grew. Had I made a terrible booking error? Was the trip going to be uncomfortable due to my mistake? However, parking the car revealed a crucial detail: the car was a Kia, but the badge read “Picanto,” not “Stonic” as per my confirmation. It was the wrong car! Relief washed over me – I wasn’t mistaken after all. The parking lot’s tight spacing had initially obscured the car’s model name.
Resolution and Correct Car Assignment
Emboldened by this discovery, we returned to the blue car rental office. My mom, a true advocate, approached a different employee while I was prepared to wait in line and potentially face “The Dude” again. Presenting the rental agreement (Kia Stonic) and the keys (Kia Picanto) to the new employee, the mistake was immediately acknowledged. He looked genuinely perplexed, checked the system, and then called over “The Dude,” informing him of the error. While feeling slightly bad for the public correction, relief at being vindicated outweighed any discomfort.
We were promptly given the correct keys to our Kia Stonic. A quick car swap in the parking lot ensued, exchanging the tiny Picanto for the expected mini-SUV. The Kia Stonic was as pictured and spacious enough. Phew! The entire mix-up took about an hour. While it was a minor delay, the efficiency of the other employees and the quick resolution minimized the impact. It seemed like an isolated incident, but lesson learned: always double-check the car model against the rental agreement upon key collection, especially during early morning pick-ups.
On the Road with Blue Car Rental: The Experience
Post-car-swap, the rest of the blue car rental experience was seamless. Their website’s driving information proved invaluable, and the gas station discount, though minor (around $1 USD per tank), was a nice touch.
The car itself had unexpected perks like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, much appreciated in Iceland’s colder regions. The wind advisory became relevant at a lakeside Airbnb, but careful door handling prevented any issues.
Easy Car Return Process
Returning the blue car rental was straightforward, following the email instructions and GPS to the return parking area. After parking in the designated “Return” section, handing over the keys, and confirming refueling, an employee quickly inspected the car for damage.
Despite the car being returned less pristine than pick-up, with exterior dirt and some interior mud from hikes, the return process was quick and hassle-free.
Blue Car Rental Review: Final Verdict
Overall, my experience with Blue Car Rental was overwhelmingly positive. Except for the initial car mix-up attributed to “The Dude,” the service was exceptional, especially considering the early morning hour. The car performed flawlessly throughout our Iceland adventure, handling gravel roads and snowy patches without issue. Drop-off was seamless, and their prices, even before the Black Friday discount, were competitive.
The added touches, like the informative website, pre-trip emails, and even the fuel type sticker on the gas tank, showcased excellent customer service. While the initial mistake was a minor setback, the overall experience with Blue Car Rental was impressive, surpassing previous rentals with US companies. I would confidently recommend and use Blue Car Rental again for future Iceland trips.
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Conclusion: Book Your Blue Car Rental for Iceland
Impressed enough to return, I’ve already booked another Iceland trip for next year and plan to use Blue Car Rental again, especially during their upcoming Black Friday sale. For those planning an Icelandic adventure and seeking reliable blue car rental services, consider using this link for a potential 5-13% discount. My first international car rental experience had a happy ending, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
Have you rented a car abroad? What company did you use? Share your experiences in the comments below!
