Driving Iceland's Ring Road means long stretches of road with very few shops in between. Without a plan, you can easily end up paying too much or going hungry between stops. Most Ring Road grocery stores are found in Reykjavík and a few key towns along Route 1. This guide covers where to buy groceries, which Icelandic supermarkets give you the best value, and what to expect from stores along the route.
Which Grocery Stores Can You Find Along Iceland’s Ring Road?
The main grocery stores along Iceland’s Ring Road are Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó. These three supermarket chains are the most common places for travelers to stock up on food, snacks, and road-trip essentials. While Bónus is typically the cheapest option, Krónan offers a wider selection, and Nettó is often the most convenient choice in smaller towns and more remote areas. Knowing the differences between them can help you save money and plan your shopping stops more effectively during your Ring Road adventure.
Iceland has three main supermarket chains, and each offers a different balance of price, selection, and convenience. Understanding which stores you'll encounter along the Ring Road can help you shop smarter, stretch your budget further, and avoid paying higher prices at gas stations or convenience stores.
1. Bónus: The Most Affordable Option
Bónus is the cheapest supermarket in Iceland. It is easy to spot by its pink pig logo. The stores are smaller than most chains, but you can still find bread, dairy products, eggs, meat, fresh produce, frozen foods, snacks, and drinks. You will find Bónus in Reykjavík, Selfoss, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir.
Opening hours:
- Most stores: 10 am to 7 pm
- Check Google Maps or bonus.is for location-specific hours
2. Krónan: Budget-Friendly With More Variety
Krónan costs a little more than Bónus but has a wider range of products. You will find more fresh produce, frozen goods, and organic options here. It also supports local Icelandic farmers, so you will often see locally sourced items on the shelves.Krónan stores are conveniently located in Reykjavík, Keflavík, Selfoss, Vík, and Akureyri, making them easy stops on a Ring Road itinerary.
Opening hours:
- Most stores: 8 or 9 am to 8 or 9 pm
- Hours vary by location and day. Check kronan.is before visiting
3. Nettó: A Mid-Range Pick for Longer Stretches
Nettó sits between Bónus and Krónan in terms of price and selection. In addition to groceries, many stores carry household goods, travel essentials, and other everyday items, making it a practical stop for longer road trips. Nettó has locations in major towns such as Reykjavík, Selfoss, Akureyri, and Keflavík, as well as several smaller communities along Route 1 where other supermarket options may be limited.
Opening hours:
- Some Reykjavík stores: open 24 hours
- Hours vary by store, so check Google Maps or netto.is before your stop
Ring Road Grocery Stores to Know Along Route 1
Route 1 runs roughly 1,332 km (828 miles) around Iceland. Grocery stores are not spread out evenly along the way. Some stretches have no shops for hours, so knowing where to stop matters. The towns below are your best bets for stocking up on the route.
1. Reykjavík: Load Up Before You Leave
Before you leave the capital, do a full grocery shop. Reykjavík has more stores than anywhere else in Iceland, and prices here are lower than in smaller towns along the route. Bónus and Krónan are the most affordable grocery options before you hit the road.
2. Selfoss: Your Last Big Stop Before the South Coast
Do not skip Selfoss. This busy South Iceland town has a Bónus, a Krónan, and a Nettó all in one place. Grocery options past this point are limited, so fill your bag here while you can.
3. Vík: Stock Up Before the Long Drive East
4. Höfn: The First Proper Stop in the East
After the long drive from Vík, Höfn is a welcome stop. It has a Nettó where you can pick up fresh dairy products, drinks, and other basics. The Eastfjords ahead have very few stores, so use this stop to top up.
5. Egilsstaðir: The Hub of East Iceland
Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland and sits roughly halfway around the Ring Road. It has a Bónus with a good range of groceries at budget prices. The Westfjords and deeper Eastfjords stretches ahead have almost no large stores, so this is a key stop.
6. Akureyri: The Main Stop in North Iceland
Akureyri is the largest town in North Iceland and has the best choice of grocery stores on the northern stretch of the route. You will find a Bónus, a Krónan, and a Nettó here, all within easy reach. Past Akureyri heading northwest, stores become scarce, so plan your meals for the next leg before you leave.
Gas Stations as a Food Backup on the Ring Road
Miss a grocery stop, and you may not see another store for hours. N1 and Orkan are the two main gas station chains you will find along the Ring Road. Most carry hot food like soup, sandwiches, and hot dogs, along with a variety of food items, snacks, and drinks.
Prices are higher than those at supermarkets, but when there is nothing else around, they get the job done. Some larger N1 stations carry a broader range of food, closer to a small grocery store than a typical gas station. If you are self-driving the Ring Road, it is worth reading up on how to plan fuel stops on your Iceland self-drive before you leave to avoid running low in the middle of nowhere.
Where Can You Buy Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Other Specialty Foods in Iceland?
If you have a dietary need, Iceland is easier to manage than you might think. Most supermarkets carry vegetarian and vegan products, including plant-based milk, meat alternatives, and ready meals. Krónan has the widest range of plant-based and specialty products among the budget chains. Gluten-free options are available at Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó, with a bigger selection in Reykjavík and Akureyri. For organic produce, Krónan is your best bet along the Ring Road.
Practical Tips for Shopping in Iceland on a Road Trip
Stores along the Ring Road do not keep the same hours as city supermarkets. A little planning goes a long way when you are far from the next town.
- Check opening hours on Google Maps before driving to any store. Hours in smaller towns can differ from the main chain's schedule.
- Bring reusable bags. All stores charge a small fee for plastic bags.
- Pay by card. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere. You do not need cash for groceries.
- Shop early. Fresh produce and bakery items sell out fast in smaller stores, especially in summer.
- Never pass a Bónus or Krónan without checking your supplies. You may not see another one for a while.
- Arriving late? Two Hagkaup locations in Reykjavík, Skeifan and Garðabær, are open 24 hours. Prices are higher, but they are your best option when everything else is closed.
Plan Your Grocery Stops Before You Go
Knowing your ring road grocery stores in advance is one of the easiest ways to have a smoother trip. The towns to stop at are Reykjavík, Selfoss, Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, and Akureyri. Shop at each one, use gas stations to fill the gaps, and always check store hours before you arrive. Less time hunting for food means more time on the road.
FAQs about grocery stores on Iceland's Ring Road
The 3-3-3 rule means buying three proteins, three vegetables, and three carbs to cover a week of simple meals. It is a useful framework for stocking up at a Bónus or a Krónan before a long stretch of the Ring Road.
The three main supermarket chains in Iceland are Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó. Bónus is the cheapest, Krónan offers more variety, and Nettó sits in the middle with a broader range of products, including household goods.
Travelers who cook most of their own meals typically spend around $15 to $25 per person per day on groceries. Shopping at Bónus or Krónan keeps costs lower than buying from gas stations or smaller rural stores.
Yes. Supermarket prices in smaller Ring Road towns tend to run 10 to 15% higher than in Reykjavík. Stocking up in the capital before you leave is the most affordable way to start a road trip.
Vínbúðin is Iceland's state-run liquor store and the only place to buy wine, spirits, and full-strength beer. Not every Ring Road town has a location, so check the Vínbúðin website for current opening hours before you need it.
