The Vadlaheidargong Tunnel in North Iceland
Traveling on the Ring Road through North Iceland? You may encounter the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel - find out everything you need to know here.
Everything You Need To Know About the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel
If you are traveling on the ring road through North Iceland, you will have the option of driving through the 7.5 km-long Vadlaheidargong Tunnel. The tunnel shortens the Ring Road by about 16km. It also helps keep the road open during difficult winters, when the Víkurskarð mountain heath can often be closed due to difficult road conditions.
Where is the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel?
The Vadlaheidargong Tunnel is along Route 1 just east of Akureyri. See below on the map for its exact location.
Download our brochure about the tunnel.
How Much Does The Tunnel Toll Cost?
The photo below shows the two prices to pay for Vadlaheidargong. If you pay within 3 hours of using the tunnel, the price is 1.500 ISK, but if you wait and pay after 3 hours, the price jumps up to 2.500 ISK.
Please note that if you skip the payment while renting one of our cars, Iceland Car Rental will be notified and will charge your credit card for the 2.500 ISK tunnel fee plus a 5.000 ISK service fee, a total of 7.500 ISK. For details, you can read all about the pricing on the Vadlaheidargong tunnel website.
Tip: Skip the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel When Possible
If you are traveling the Ring Road in good weather and road conditions, there really is no reason to drive through the tunnel. Driving the Víkurskarð mountain passage takes about 6 minutes longer and offers beautiful views if you’re driving to or from Akureyri. However, if you are traveling in heavy winter and the road conditions, then the tunnel is your best option.
For more information, check out the Vadlaheidi tunnel FAQs.
How Can I Pay The Toll Online?
You have two options to pay for the tunnel: Before and after passing through. Here are your options for both when wanting to pay online:
Option 1: I want to register BEFORE going through the tunnel
Go to www.tunnel.is and register your car for the period you will be driving through the tunnel. You will be charged the regular fee of 1.500 ISK for each trip you do during your registration.
Be aware of:
- We don’t charge you for registering the car. You will be charged only for the trips you take.
- You must drive through the tunnel during your registration period.
- Don´t register your car later than your rental car period ends, or the next user could use your account.
Option 2: I want to register AFTER going through the tunnel
Go to www.tunnel.is within the next 3 hours of your trip if you want to pay the regular fee of 1.500 ISK.
Be aware of:
- If you go through the tunnel and you don´t register your car in the next 3 hours, car rentals will be notified and will charge your credit card for the tunnel fee plus their own service fee.
Tip: There are free WIFI points on the east entrance of the tunnel and in the gas station N1 in the west, that you can use to register and pay the toll.
