Motion Sickness: Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) Drive
The Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) trip covers about 825 miles (1327 km) and takes around 16 hours. The terrain is two-lane rural road, which makes it a moderate motion sickness risk route.
Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is a 825-mile loop around the entire island. The road quality is excellent but features many curves around fjords, river crossings, and lava fields. Motion sickness risk varies dramatically - the South Coast is mostly straight, while the East Fjords and parts of the North have constant curving.
Key facts
- The Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) trip covers about 825 miles, which is 1327 km.
- It takes about 16 hours.
- The terrain is two-lane rural road, which puts the route in the moderate band for motion sickness.
- 3 sections are flagged as motion sickness pressure points, starting with East Fjords.
- Steadiest place to sit: Front passenger seat.
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Where Motion Sickness Hits Hardest
The sections most likely to trigger motion sickness are: East Fjords (entire stretch), Berufjörður, Northwest fjord crossings. Plan 7–10 days for the Ring Road. The wind in Iceland is severe - gusts can rock vehicles even on straight stretches, contributing to motion sickness independent of road shape. Check vedur.is for wind warnings before driving.
Best Seat for Motion Sickness on This Drive
Front passenger seat.
Feeling sick on the Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) drive?
Stop the nausea
Pull over, plug in any headphones, open Dizzout and tap play. Drug-free calibrated sound designed to help once symptoms have started, and most people feel better in about 90 seconds. No pills, no drowsiness.
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Prevention Tips for the Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) Drive
- Have Dizzout downloaded before you start, so it is ready the moment symptoms begin
- If you plan to take an over-the-counter tablet such as Bonine or Dramamine, those need 30 to 60 minutes before departure to do anything. Ask a pharmacist first
- Eat lightly before the drive; a heavy meal makes symptoms worse for most people
- Take breaks every 90 minutes minimum on long stretches
- Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
- Avoid reading or phone use in the back seat
Which of those actually hold up when they are tested is a separate question, and we keep the answers in one place: the remedy verdicts, ranked by evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does motion sickness last on the Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) drive?
Motion sickness symptoms typically peak 20 to 60 minutes after exposure begins and continue until the motion stops. On a 16-hour drive, symptoms can persist for the entire journey without intervention. Sound therapy and medication can shorten or prevent the symptoms.
Is the Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop) drive bad for motion sickness?
This route is rated moderate for motion sickness risk. Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is a 825-mile loop around the entire island.
What's the fastest way to stop car sickness mid-drive?
Once you're already feeling sick, pills won't work fast enough - they take 30+ minutes to kick in. The fastest options mid-drive are sound therapy via headphones (works in about 90 seconds), pulling over and getting fresh air, and looking at the distant horizon.