Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking Information

Parking at Jökulsárlón is managed by Vatnajökull National Park to handle high visitor volume and support conservation. Understanding the unified parking zone will help you avoid fines and find the best spot for your vehicle.

United Parking Zone: One Fee, Three Areas

One Payment = All Day Access: A single payment covers the entire calendar day (until midnight) across all three parking lots. You can move between the lagoon and Diamond Beach as many times as you like.

1. Main Lagoon Lot

North of the Ring Road. Closest to the café, toilets, and boat tour check-in. Most crowded.

2. West Diamond Beach

South of the bridge, western side (Vestari-Fellsfjara). Closest to the "ice gems" area.

3. East Diamond Beach

South of the bridge, eastern side (Eystri-Fellsfjara). Often less crowded with expansive views.

Parking Fees & Payment Logistics

As of 2026, the Jökulsárlón parking fee is approximately 1,000 ISK per day for standard passenger vehicles. This revenue supports trail upkeep and conservation effort within the National Park.

Map of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach Unified Parking Zone

Detailed map of the 3 parking zones included in your regional fee.

Payment Window

Up to 24 Hours After

Grace Period

15 Minutes

Standard Fee

1,000 ISK

How to Pay: The system uses License Plate Recognition (LPR). The easiest method is the Parka.is app. Alternatively, use the on-site kiosks or pay online at parka.is.

Strategic Approach: How to Navigate the Lots

The Main Lot Advantage

The main lagoon lot is unparalleled for convenience, providing the best access to the café, restrooms, and boat tours. However, it is almost always the most crowded. During peak season, it can fill completely.

The Diamond Beach Alternative

To avoid congestion, consider parking directly at one of the Diamond Beach lots (Vestari-Fellsfjara or Eystri-Fellsfjara). From here, you can explore the stunning ice-strewn black sand and walk to the lagoon.

Scenic Pedestrian Path

A safe pedestrian path runs under the Ring Road bridge, connecting the main lagoon lot to the West Diamond Beach lot. It's a well-maintained 10-minute walk that avoids crossing the busy highway.

On-Site Facilities Covered by Your Fee

Restrooms

Access to well-maintained restroom facilities is included in your regional parking fee. This covers the main building and supplementary outdoor facilities during peak season.

EV Charging

ON Power fast-charging stations are available in the main lot. Please note that electricity costs are separate and paid via the provider's app.

Expert Tips

Maximize Your Visit

Skaftafell 50% Discount

If you pay the full parking fee at Jökulsárlón, you are automatically entitled to a 50% discount at Skaftafell on the same calendar day. This is applied automatically in the Parka app.

The Free (Hiking) Option

For budget travelers, a small unpaved lot is located 2.5km west of the main entrance. Parking is free but requires a scenic 2km hike along the shoreline.

Crucial Rules & Prohibitions

No Overnight Parking

It is strictly illegal to sleep overnight in any vehicle within the parking lots. This applies to all cars, campervans, and motorhomes. Offenders are subject to heavy fines by park rangers.

Do Not Park on the Bridge

Stopping or parking on the Ring Road bridge is extremely dangerous and illegal. Always use the designated parking lots only.

Expert Tip: 2026 Kilometer-Based Road Tax

Be aware that starting January 1, 2026, Iceland is introducing a nationwide, kilometer-based road tax (kílómetragjald). This is a separate charge that will be added to rental car bills based on the distance driven, distinct from the regional parking fee.

Parking FAQ

Common Questions About Parking

No. Both Diamond Beach lots are part of the unified Jökulsárlón payment zone. One fee covers all three lots for the entire day.

You have a 24-hour window after leaving the parking area to pay via the Parka app or website without penalty.

Yes, your regional parking fee includes access to the maintained restroom facilities at the main lagoon service area.

Yes. If you are only dropping someone off or quickly passing through and exit within 15 minutes, no payment is required.