You basically start and end in Reykjavík, the capital, though lots of people begin wherever they land. From Reykjavík you head east (or clockwise, most do it that way) along the south coast first. The first big stretch to Höfn is around 450-500 km, depending on small detours. Driving time? 6-8 hours straight, but nobody does it straight because of all the waterfalls and black beaches pulling you off the road. Places like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara with those basalt columns, Vík village, then further to the glacier lagoons at Jökulsárlón. Pure magic.

After Höfn you enter the east fjords area, more rugged and less crowded. This part from Höfn to Egilsstaðir is about 250-300 km. Narrower roads, more twists, beautiful empty fjords and fishing villages. Takes maybe 4-5 hours, but again, you'll want to stop for photos every few minutes.

Then north to Akureyri, Iceland's "second city". From Egilsstaðir it's roughly 300 km through some higher terrain, past Myvatn lake with its volcanic weirdness, geothermal spots, and Dettifoss (one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls). This leg can be 4-6 hours, weather depending a lot.

From Akureyri you head west along the north coast toward Blönduós and then back toward the Snæfellsnes peninsula area, though the Ring Road proper skips the full peninsula loop. About 400 km to Borgarnes or so, with dramatic fjords, hot springs, and open tundra. Another 5-7 hours of driving.

Finally the last bit from the west back to Reykjavík is shorter, around 150-200 km through more gentle farmland and lava fields. 2-3 hours if you're not stopping.

Total pure driving time if you never stop (which you won't) is something like 16-20 hours. Realistically people spread it over 7-14 days to actually enjoy it. The road is mostly paved and two lanes these days, but watch for gravel sections in the highlands if you detour, single-lane bridges, sheep on the road, sudden wind, and winter conditions which can close parts completely.

Key volcanic sites along the way: Krafla area near Myvatn, Askja if you detour, various craters and lava fields almost everywhere. Coastal paths are constant, especially south and east, with dramatic cliffs, Atlantic views, puffins in season.

If you're planning this, just think clockwise or counterclockwise (counterclockwise is quieter in parts), pack layers because weather flips fast, and get a 4x4 if you want any off-Ring adventures. The Ring Road itself is doable in a normal car most of the year. It's not about rushing, it's about letting Iceland show you its wild side mile by mile. Drive careful out their, the views deserve your full attention!