Iceland Camper-Van Departure Checklist: Dumping, Fuel, and Airport Timing
Photo note: Unless explicitly credited otherwise, the photos in this Iceland article are our original images from our September 27-October 6, 2024 Ring Road trip.
อ่านบทความนี้เป็นภาษาไทย: เปิดเวอร์ชันภาษาไทย
The final morning is not the time to discover how the toilet cassette works or how far the last fuel station is from the airport. We treated returning the Hertz camper van as a separate checklist so the airport transfer would not become a race.
The dumping area we used before heading to the airport.
The dumping point in our photo was away from the Hertz return area. It appears to be the wastewater facility at Fitjabraut 1c in Reykjanesbær, which is the stop we used before driving to the airport. Open the Fitjabraut 1c wastewater facility in Google Maps. Confirm access and opening arrangements locally before relying on it, because dump-station access can change.
Empty the van systems
Use the designated dumping area to drain gray water and empty the toilet cassette. Rinse the cassette, follow the rental company’s instructions for treatment, and refill fresh water only if requested. Do not leave this job until the rental-counter parking area.
Clean and check the equipment
Remove food and rubbish, wipe the kitchen, check the refrigerator, return cooking items, and look under the seats and beds for small belongings. Photograph the van again before handing over the keys.
Fuel and timing
Plan the final fuel stop with the rental agreement in mind. The pump in our photo is an ÓB self-service station, and we used an ÓB stop in the Reykjanesbær/Keflavík area before heading to the airport. Open the ÓB Reykjanesbær station search in Google Maps. We found it less stressful to refuel near the airport with time in reserve rather than gamble on a cheaper or more distant station. Allow time for traffic, shuttle arrangements, luggage, and the rental inspection.
Keep one small overnight bag accessible
Before packing everything away, keep passports, chargers, medication, water, and airport documents together. It is easy to bury essentials in the van after several days of living out of it.
Read the Hertz camper-van review and arrival-day checklist.