A car is necessary for any real exploration of the Westfjords. The main ring road of the region (Route 60) connects Ísafjörður to Hólmavík in the south, but the highlights — Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur — require detours on slower roads. Many of these are unpaved and require a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance; a small hatchback will manage in summer, but a 4WD is more comfortable.
Distances are deceptive. The fjord coastline means that places that look close on a map can take an hour or more by road, following fjord walls rather than cutting across. The seasonal Vestfjarðaferðir ferry service connects some fjords in the north of the region during summer, saving significant driving time and providing a practical alternative to backtracking.
Petrol stations are widely spaced; fill up whenever possible. Ísafjörður, Patreksfjörður, and Hólmavík are the main service points.