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My Actual Iceland Trip Cost: Detailed Budget Breakdown

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How much does an Iceland trip cost? A LOT OF MONEY! Ha. This is a famously expensive destination. But in all seriousness, Iceland gives you quite a bit of value for that money.

Recently my friend Amanda from A Dangerous Business and I took a 13-day road trip to Iceland in August 2022. This is one of the best trips I’ve taken in a very long time — but holy hell, was it expensive!

We were traveling at peak season, plus it was the biggest travel summer in three years, making it a popular time for travelers (and expensive time for both rental cars and gas).

I know it can be helpful to see what other people paid for trips to Iceland, so here’s a detailed Iceland trip budget. I hope this is helpful for you to plan your own Iceland trip!

Table of Contents

Is Iceland Expensive?

Yes, Iceland is very expensive. It’s one of the most expensive countries of the 80+ I’ve visited, up there with Sweden and Australia, though I think Norway and Switzerland are a TINY BIT more expensive than Iceland.

There are reasons for this. Iceland is an isolated island, and they have to import the vast majority of supplies. Most fresh produce is grown outside Iceland and shipped in.

And like all of the Nordic countries, Iceland has a high cost of living. It’s not as jarring for locals, who earn high salaries — thanks in part to more than 90% of Icelandic workers being part of a labor union — and having their taxes pay for healthcare, education, infrastructure, and an excellent quality of life.

The time of year has a huge impact on your costs, too. Summer travel — considered mid-May through August — is much more expensive, and for good reason. Summer is the best time to travel Iceland, as everything is open, weather is at its best, tons of tours are running, and the roads are in much better condition.

Winter can be much cheaper and far less crowded, but keep in mind it can be very cold, very dark, and you may have to deal with winter storms and road closures.

Your Iceland trip cost can be as low as $100-150 USD per day if you hitchhike and camp or stay in hostel dorms. More realistically, I think $250+ USD per day will land you a much nicer trip .

In August 2022 we spent around $400 USD for gas to drive the Ring Road in its entirety, plus a few detours like Snaefellsnes and Húsavík.

We found the cheapest non-terrible hotel rooms with shared bath to be around $82 per night , but in expensive areas like Lake Myvatn, that could be as high as $300+.

The cheapest item on restaurant or gas station menus is a hot dog, usually for around $6 USD . An entree in a restaurant is often $25-30. But the best way to save money is to buy groceries.

How I Budgeted My Iceland Trip

Tracking travel expenses is a relatively new thing for me. People have often asked me for budget breakdowns, but I haven’t kept close track until I started using YNAB (You Need a Budget) software in 2020.

Guys, YNAB is the best thing I have ever done for my finances. It literally changed my life. My finances are so much better than they used to be, and I have a much better system of budgeting for trips and saving up over time!

If you want to try YNAB, you can get a free monthlong trial through my link . (If you sign up, they’ll give me a free month of YNAB.)

During your free monthlong trial, join in YNAB’s live Zoom tutorial sessions — they have several each week. They’re super helpful. And join the YNAB Facebook group and/or subreddit. It takes a bit of time to wrap your head around, so make the effort. I promise you it’s so, so worth it.

Since I started YNAB, along with Profit First, I allocate 30% of my travel blogging revenue to operating expenses — 20% to admin and 10% to travel costs. (You can do the same by budgeting a set amount for travel per month or per paycheck.)

Over time I automatically transferred that money directly into my “General Travel” category, then the “Iceland Trip 8/22” category, and as I made expenses before and during the trip, automatically deducted from money set aside for that trip.

As soon as Amanda and I decided to do this trip, we booked flights, our rental car, all accommodation, and several activities. We kept track of Iceland costs on a Google Docs spreadsheet. After arriving in Iceland, we took turns paying for mutual expenses on the road, like gas, but paid other expenses separately, like food. We used credit cards for every single purchase.

After the trip, we went through our credit card bills and added our mutual expenses to the spreadsheet, saw who had paid more, and Venmo’d the difference. Easy!

We kept track of everything in USD, as it was easier for us to just go by our actual credit card statements than go through and convert lots of receipts.

Our Travel Style

In an expensive destination like Iceland, it’s smart to drop down a travel level . I usually stay in mid-range hotels with occasional high-end splurges, as does Amanda, but on this trip we stayed in the cheapest budget hotels with non-terrible ratings, often with shared bathrooms.

Food-wise, we mainly ate in restaurants and cafes. A few hotels included breakfast. We bought groceries for breakfast in Akureyri.

Additionally, many accommodation prices were actually charged in Euros, not Icelandic Kroner, and the Euro dropped significantly against the US dollar between when we initially booked (June 2022) and when we traveled (August 2022).

For example, our Akureyri Airbnb was set to charge us in two payments of 334.39 euros. They ended up charging us $359.17 for the first payment and $342.88 for the second payment thanks to the euro dropping.

Finally — if you’re traveling with a friend, I can’t overstate the importance of being on the same financial page. Have conversations early and often about how you want to spend your money, with specific numbers, before booking anything.

Luckily, Amanda and I were in agreement on our priorities. We cared about spending lots of money on activities and didn’t care as much about food or accommodation (save a few cool spots).

Amanda published a post about a 10-day Iceland itinerary that is definitely worth checking out!

Total Cost of Iceland Trip: $4303.11 each or $8606.21 for two

This is for two people sharing accommodation, car rental, and gas, and paying for their own activities and food.

I tracked every expense except Amanda’s airfare and food, but for cost-for-two purposes, let’s assume she spent the same amount as me on those two categories.

• Airfare: $548.20 for Kate (approximately $1096.40 for two)
• Car Rental and Ground Transportation: $2608.04 for two or $1304.02 each

Accommodation: $2371.80 for two or $1185.90 each

Food: $690.60 for kate (approximately $1381.20 for two), activities: $1,141.81 for two or $570.91 each, restrooms: $6.96 for two or $3.48 each, souvenirs: $0.

Airfare: $548.20 for me

• Flixbus, Prague Florenc to Vienna Airport: $50.98
• Vienna to Reykjavík on WizzAir: $260.14
• Reykjavík to Prague on Play: $237.08

Airfare can depend on a million different factors; this is simply what I spent flying from my home in Prague. Amanda flew from her home in Cleveland via a layover in Boston. These flight prices include checked luggage; I didn’t end up using checked luggage, so they could have been cheaper.

There are direct flights from Prague to Reykjavík on Play, but they get in at 12:30 AM and I didn’t want to deal with that (especially since that would be 2:30 AM to my Prague body — and then you have to rent a car, drive 45 minutes to Reykjavík, check into the hotel…)

Prague’s bus station is an 8-minute walk from my apartment, so sometimes I just book a flight from Vienna and take a 4.5-hour bus directly to the Vienna airport. Vienna’s WizzAir flight to Reykjavík gets in at a much more reasonable 6:30 PM, so that worked for me.

How to Make it Cheaper: It’s hard to siphon down airfare costs, but you can save by flying carry-on only or planning a trip during the winter. For cheap flights from North America, I recommend booking 3-6 months in advance as soon as you spot a good fare.

Car Rental and Ground Transportation: $2615.30 for two or $1307.65

• Car rental, 12 days: $1991.32
• Extra driver fee: $25.65
• Gas: $400.71
• Tunnels: $54.30
• Parking: $40.77
• Ferry: $102.55

Car Rental: This was our biggest expense of the trip, not least because there has been a car rental shortage since COVID began. This was the price for an automatic sedan (we got a Toyota Corolla) for 13 days. Our rental was at Europcar, right in the airport terminal; this was a priority for me, as I wanted to get out quickly and many rental companies are located a 15-20-minute drive from the airport.

Gas: We filled up gas most days and tried to fill up frequently, as gas stations are often far apart.

Tunnels: There is only one paid tunnel in Iceland, just east of Akureyri. Many people driving the Ring Road only pass through the tunnel once, but our schedule and itinerary had us going through it five times total for an average of $10.86 each time.

Parking: While free in most locations, we ultimately paid for parking at Fagradalsfjall Volcano ($7.33), Kirkjufellsfoss ($5.13), Hverir ($5.05), Skaftafell for Svartifoss ($7.26), Kvernufoss ($5.33) and Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi ($10.67).

Ferry: We took the Westman Islands ferry round-trip with our car for $102.55. We could have done it without the car for cheaper, but we both enormously appreciated how much easier having a car made things.

How To Make it Cheaper: Renting a manual car is cheaper than an automatic car, but you need to be willing to drive a manual car. Renting from an off-site car rental spot is a good option for saving a bit more. You can also plan an itinerary that doesn’t go through the tunnel five times!

• 201 Hotel in Kópavogur, near Reykjavík (1 night): $177.34
• Hamralid 9 Guesthouse in Grundarfjördur (2 nights): $185.94 for two nights or $92.97 per night
• Hvammur 2 Guesthouse near Blönduós (1 night): $82.05
• Airbnb rental in Akureyri (3 nights): $702.05 for three nights or $234.02 per night
• Sel Hotel in Myvatn (1 night): $347.06
• Lyngas Guesthouse in Egilsstadir (1 night): $146.79
• Hotel Smyrlabjörg near Jökulsárlón (1 night): $213.12
• Puffin Hotel in Vík (1 night): $277.21
• Glamping and Camping in the Westman Islands, plus linens (1 night): $93.40
• Asahraun Guesthouse near Selfoss (1 night): $146.84

As you can see, our search for budget stays led to an enormous range of accommodation costs — from $82.05 to $347.06 per night! Our average cost of accommodation was $182.45 per night.

All of our hotels offered private rooms; some had shared bathrooms. We shared a single room everywhere except the Airbnb apartment in Akureyri, which had two bedrooms.

In terms of value for money, I think that we enjoyed immense value at Asahraun Guesthouse near Selfoss, with our adorable little hobbit house, hot tub on site, and lots of cozy amenities. The shower was shared with two other houses but we had our own toilet and sink, which was great.

And Hvammur 2 Guesthouse near Blönduós was a cheap and cozy place that reminded me how hostels used to be: people hanging out, watching TV together or cooking in the kitchen. We never even got formally checked in; we just got an email with our room number and were told to enjoy ourselves!

The worst value? Sel Hotel in Myvatn, by far, at $347.06 per night for a basic twin hotel room with private bathroom and breakfast included. Yikes!

Lake Myvatn in general was shockingly expensive and super-crowded. I’ve heard you can save money by staying in Húsavík instead; it’s an hour’s drive away.

How to Make it Cheaper: These were the cheapest non-terrible hotels we could find during the peak summer months, two months before our trip. You can also stay in hostel dorms or camp for less.

Hiring a camper van sometimes ends up a bit cheaper than a budget hotel, but the difference isn’t usually significant. Don’t get a camper van to save money; only get a camper van if you want that style of trip.

• Groceries: $20.32
• Lunch Kate bought for 2 at Godafoss: $11.24
• Kate’s restaurant expenses: $674.82

Iceland is not a place you go to for the food. The food isn’t terrible, but it isn’t special, either, and I don’t think there’s much of a need to splurge.

We mainly ate at restaurants and cafes throughout our trip. Though we generally kept things cheap, we did have the occasional splurge (Gott in the Westman Islands was lovely, as was Naustið in Húsavík, and we enjoyed langoustine sandwiches at Z Bistro in Höfn). We only had a few alcoholic beverages throughout the trip: a fancy cocktail each at Gott, and I sampled a few local craft beers throughout the trip.

We bought groceries to cover our three breakfasts in Akureyri (yogurt, fruit, bread and butter).

How to Make it Cheaper: Self-cater all the way. Shopping at the grocery store is one of the easiest ways to save money in Iceland. If you do eat out, usually the cheapest thing on the menu is a hot dog, whether at a restaurant or gas station.

Activities are where we went nuts. Keep in mind that this trip was for work reasons, though. We had a lot we wanted to write about!

Paid Activities

• Thermal Baths: $427.04 for two or $213.52 each
• Tours and Activities: $541.20 for two or $270.60 each
• Museums: $155 for two or $77.50 each
• Outdoor Attractions: $18.57 for two or $9.29 each

Thermal baths included Krauma in Reykholt ($71.82 for two or $35.91 each), the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri ($87.17 for two or $43.59 each), GeoSea in Húsavík ($80.04 for two or $40.02 each), Myvatn Nature Baths in Myvatn ($86.62 for two or $43.31 each), Vök Baths in Egilsstadir ($87.17 for two or $43.59 each), and Vestmannaeyjar Swimming Pool in the Westman Islands ($14.22 for two or $7.11 each).

Tours and activities included whale watching in Húsavík ($157.02 for two or $78.51 each), horseback riding in Húsavík ($167.35 for two or $83.68 each), and a RIB boat trip in the Westman Islands ($216.83 for two or $108.42 each).

Museums included the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum in Bjarnarhöfn ($20.52 for two or $10.26 each), Herring Era Museum in Siglufjördur ($32.02 for two or $16.01 each), Whale Museum in Húsavík ($25.34 for two or $12.67 each — included a small discount from our whale watch), Jaja Ding Dong Eurovision Museum in Húsavík ($14.44 for two or $7.22 each), Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður ($21.46 for two or $10.73 each), and Eldheimar in the Westman Islands ($41.22 for two or $20.61 each).

Outdoor attractions included Stokksnes , including Viking Village ($12.88 for two or $6.33 each), and Kerid Crater ($5.69 for two or $2.85 each).

Free Activities

And a nice thing about Iceland is that lots of outdoor activities are free!

• Hiking to the volcano (paid parking)
• Free waterfalls: Svodufoss, Bjarnarfoss, Glanni, Reykjafoss, Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Gufufoss, Folaldafoss, Nykurhylsfoss (Sveinsstekksfoss), Skógafoss, Hestavadsfoss, Gluggafoss
• Free waterfalls that charged for parking: Kirkjufellsfoss, Hundafoss/Svartifoss, Kvernufoss, Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi
• Free canyons: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, Kolugljúfur Canyon, Stuðlagil Canyon, Múlagljúfur Canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Free lagoons and beaches: Skarðsvík, Djúpalónssandur, Jökulsárlon, Fjallsárlón, Diamond Beach, Reynisfjara Beach
• Free outdoor sites: Saxhóll Crater, Hvitserkur, Hofsós basalt columns, Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir Lava Field, Grjótagjá Cave, Hverir, Seydisfjördur Rainbow Street, Eggin í Gleðivík
• Free churches: Ingjaldshólskirkja, Búðakirkja, Stykkishólmskirkja Víðimýrikirkja, Grafarkirkja, Hofskirkja
• Free indoor sites: Akureyri Christmas House
• Free viewpoints: TOO MANY TO COUNT.

Comped Activities

As travel bloggers, Amanda and I wanted to pay for things on this trip ourselves and have full editorial freedom, rather than get free stuff and feel indebted to companies.

Still, thanks to our connections, we were kindly offered comped entry for two hot springs that we planned to cover anyway (and one I had previously covered two months earlier): the Sky Lagoon and Hvammsvik.

• Sky Lagoon : $143.82 for two or $71.91 each (Pure Package, which I think is the package most worth it)
• Hvammsvik : $100.24 for two or $50.12 each

Best Activities Overall

Almost everything we did was excellent and I would happily do again. At the same time, I understand that most travelers are going for fun, not work, and need to pick and choose their spending more carefully than we did.

For thermal baths, I absolutely adored the modern, funky Vök Baths in Egilsstadir, with the gorgeous natural facilities of Hvammsvik second. GeoSea is a great place with spectacular views on a nice day, and if you’re basing in Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon is worth it if you include the Seven-Step Ritual.

For paid activities, one of the best things we did was our RIB boat trip in the Westman Islands . It was so fun, we immediately regretted doing the one-hour trip instead of the two-hour trip!

Also, if you want to go whale watching in Iceland, do it in Húsavík if you can, not Reykjavík. The whale watching is significantly better there, and I know too many people who saw nothing on their Reykjavík whale watches.

And for museums, I LOVED THEM ALL. But I was deeply moved by Eldheimar , which tells the story of the 1973 volcanic eruption in the Westman Islands, and the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjördur is outstanding, especially its final building. Petra’s Stone Collection was an unexpected delight.

What to skip? The only thing I would skip would be the Myvatn Nature Baths ; it felt a bit ramshackle in comparison to the other baths.

How to Make it Cheaper: Go to local swimming pools instead of fancy baths; every town has them and they’re a great option for a cultural experience (especially with kids). Go all in on free outdoor activities; you’ll always have plenty to do.

• Restroom near Hvitserkur: $3.66 (we held the door so we only had to pay once)
• Restroom at Studlagil Canyon: $1.15 each or $3.30 for two

I was going to call this category “miscellaneous,” but literally the only thing left was restrooms.

(Let me add that it’s helpful to have Apple Pay if you have an iPhone — that way you can just scan it and run in if you sprinted to the bathroom from your car and left your wallet behind. Hehehe.)

How to Make it Cheaper: Lose your shame and just pee out in the open, man.

Yes, zero! I had actually been in Iceland in May and bought a small lava sculpture for my living room (around $35) and a gift for my fiancé Charlie (around $15), but I didn’t feel the need to buy anything on this trip.

Spending is purely discretionary, but I know a lot of people who like to buy Icelandic sweaters (they’re called lopapeysa ), yarn, and jewelry.

For me, my photos are my souvenirs. These are what I truly treasure.

Travel Insurance: Already Paid For

I am not buying travel insurance anyore because I get it for free. My bank account in the Czech Republic comes with free travel insurance as long as I deposit a significant amount of cash per month. A great benefit.

If you don’t already have travel insurance — and trust me, you need it — I recommend World Nomads for most travelers , which I used for years before moving to the EU.

How to Save Money in Iceland

In such an expensive country, you want to cut costs wherever you can. Here are my top tips for saving money:

Travel in the winter (October to April). It’s a completely different experience from summer travel, which is high season, but airfare, accommodation, and car rental — three of your biggest expenses — tend to be much lower. Plus, you can see the Northern Lights.

Travel with a friend. As much as I love traveling solo in Iceland, I saved SO much money by splitting accommodation, gas, and car rental with Amanda!

Book your trip super-early. The good accommodation — especially the good CHEAP accommodation — tends to sell out first.

Spend limited or no time in the most expensive destinations. I found the most expensive destinations to be the capital city of Reykjavík, Lake Myvatn, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast. Places like Snaefellsnes and the rural north were much cheaper by comparison.

Book guesthouses with shared bathrooms. These are common in Iceland. Shared bathrooms usually lower the price of an equivalent room with ensuite bathrooms, and most of the time it’s not a nuisance whatsoever.

Consider non-hotels: hostels or Airbnb rentals. Hostels with shared dorms will always save you money; Airbnbs can go either way.

Consider camping. It’s a different kind of trip, but it’s much cheaper than staying in the cheapest hostels or guesthouses! But if you don’t already have equipment, you’ll need to pay to rent it.

Use a credit card that covers car insurance. I haven’t paid for supplemental car rental insurance ANYWHERE since I got my Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This and several other credit cards provide a car insurance benefit.

Rent a car with a manual transmission. ONLY if you can drive one and are willing to drive one in Iceland.

Consider taking the bus. You can take buses along the Ring Road, though keep in mind stops are limited and this won’t get you to most places without supplemental hitchhiking. Many public transportation routes shut down in the winter.

Consider hitchhiking. Iceland is one of VERY few countries where I would ever consider hitchhiking, as it’s extremely safe. Please do your research beforehand.

Don’t take Icelandic króna out at the ATM. In our 13-day trip, we didn’t use cash ONCE. So we always got a good rate with our credit cards, and there was no extra cash at the end of our trip! (You may want to take out a small amount — think under $50 — in case you come across any donation-only attractions.)

Pack carry-on only. It will save you luggage fees. You can book accommodation with on-site laundry halfway through your trip (which we did in Akureyri), or pack fabrics like merino wool that you can wear several times without smelling.

Self-cater your meals. Shopping at grocery stores will save you so much money over going to restaurants. Look for Bónus, the cheap grocery store chain in Iceland.

Eat at gas stations. It’s not THAT gross, I swear. Many gas stations serve decent cheap meals. This is the closest thing you have to McDonald’s in Iceland.

Get into hot dogs. Wherever you go, hot dogs are usually the cheapest thing on the menu. Often even cheaper than a little bowl of soup!

Bring a water bottle and refill it everywhere. Iceland has excellent tap water. There is zero reason to buy bottled water.

Skip the alcohol. Alcoholic drinks tend to be very expensive in Iceland. If you want something nicer to drink than water, I suggest Collab — an Icelandic soda with collagen and caffeine. It comes in several fun fruity flavors and I tried to try them all!

Spend your time visiting free natural attractions. You saw how many waterfalls and canyons and cool outdoor sites we saw, all for free!

Hike, hike, hike. You might occasionally need to pay for parking, but for the most part, you can hike for hours for free.

Go to swimming pools instead of fancy hot springs. They’re a cultural experience and super fun. And if you have kids, THIS is where you should go instead of the fancy spots.

More on Iceland:

• 35 Awesome Things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland
• Things to Know Before You Visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
• Why Iceland is Great for First-Time Solo Female Travelers

My Favorite Places in Iceland:

• How to Visit Kvernufoss, My Favorite Iceland Waterfall
• A Look Inside the Sky Lagoon, Iceland
• Sail Through the Sky with FlyOver Iceland
• Snorkeling Silfra: The Cold Neon Waters of Iceland
• How to Visit Studlagil Canyon, Iceland
• Visiting Stokksnes and Vestrahorn Mountain, Iceland
• Guide to the Gorgeous Tröllaskagi Peninsula, North Iceland
• Are the Vök Baths Iceland’s Best Geothermal Spa?

How much did your Iceland trip cost? Share away!

How Much Does An Iceland Trip Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown

Written By: The Planet D

Iceland , Travel Planning

Updated On: June 11, 2024

An Iceland vacation is never ‘cheap,’ even if you plan it on a strict budget. The country is known as an expensive destination. You’ll need to get savvy to save money on your trip to Iceland . The average Iceland trip cost is $200-300 per day – without factoring in the most extortionate (yet fantastic)  things to do in Iceland.  

Certain activities, like  snorkeling between the tectonic plates , can cost that just for one trip. And you’ll need to factor in rental car costs if you plan to venture anywhere outside of Reykjavik, the capital city, that day trips don’t cater to. All things considered, you can quickly see how things add up. Maximizing your budget as much as possible is essential so you don’t miss out on memorable activities and experiences. So, let’s figure out an Iceland budget together.

Table of Contents

How Much a Trip to Iceland Costs

When you visit Iceland, all your decisions impact your final Iceland trip budget – be it rental cars or private rooms. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the average trip cost factors so you can build an idea of what budget you’ll need as an individual visiting Iceland. We’ll cover everything, from accommodation prices to food costs and the costs of some of the most sought-after tours.

Airfare Cost

Airfare won’t be a massive part of your Iceland travel budget. Depending on where you travel, the average price of flights is only a few hundred dollars. The average flight from the east coast of the US to Iceland is just $450 return, which gets even cheaper when you are flying to and from Europe. Compared to flying to other destinations, especially Australasia, Iceland is not expensive to reach airfare-wise.

Even then, you can save money when visiting Iceland by taking advantage of off-season flights and using air miles. Look into airline reward programs like British Airways, Qantas, and Delta SkyMiles. Airline loyalty programs get a bad rep for not actually being worthwhile. Still, choosing wisely and actively saving points can be a great tool to get cheap flights. Always compare flight prices by using websites and tools like Skyscanner – always using a private browser, of course, since those pesky cookies hike up prices on flights you view.

How flexible are you with your Iceland vacation as well? It is worth noting that if you fly from Europe to North America with Icelandair, they offer a complimentary layover in Reykjavik , which you can extend to anywhere between 1 to 7 days if you’d like a mini trip to Iceland. This is a brilliant way of squeezing in an Iceland vacation at a cheaper price than direct flights usually cost. If you are already making this journey, knowing about this little tip is handy. Why not take advantage of a stopover you’ll already be making and take advantage of Icelandair’s typically cheaper flights? Just picture it; you could combine London, New York, and Iceland in one trip.

As you can see, your Iceland vacation cost will not be massively impacted by flight prices. However, if you want to take extra steps to reduce the cost of your trip to Iceland, there are a few tricks you can have up your sleeve. You should budget $500 maximum for return flights to Iceland from North America or Europe with a mid-range airline.

But if you fly off-season and from specific destinations like London, you can snag flights for as little as $100 return. The more flexible you are, the lower your airfare budget needs to be. And, of course, the more ready you are to fly outside of peak season, the better deals you’ll find. Our advice is to get hunting on Skyscanner or a flight comparison tool equivalent.

• Budget: $500 for return flights or under $200 if you are flexible and departing from Europe.

Accommodation Prices

Accommodation prices in Iceland are steep. It’s surprisingly steep, actually. Accommodation costs are one of the largest chunks of the average trip budget when visiting Iceland. Even the most basic of hotel rooms are extremely expensive, even more so when looking at mid-range hotels and – God forbid – luxury hotels. It is also worth noting that the cheapest hostels and best value-for-money properties get snapped up quickly. In remote areas of Iceland, you quickly become short on options. Compare prices when booking accommodation in Iceland, but also make sure you don’t stall too much and book far enough in advance to avoid missing out on the best prices.

If you act quickly and book in advance, the  average price  for a budget hotel is $150 per night. For a three-day trip, you can expect to pay around $499; for a week, you are looking at $1,047. If you don’t book in advance, these prices rise as you are left to front bills to stay in more luxurious hotels and vacation rentals than you usually would choose. It also pays to consider location, as certain areas will have more expensive hotel rooms, like on the Ring Road and Golden Circle.

Typical prices average $150 per night, but remember that this is across all over Iceland as a general average. Be prepared to spend more in certain areas. When planning a trip to Iceland, cost is a huge factor when choosing accommodation, and you need to be fast-thinking to get the best deals.

These are a few examples of average accommodation costs in different Iceland hotels:

Hofn Cottages

Hofn Cottages  are as budget-friendly as accommodation gets in Iceland. These basic cabins cost just $70 per night; you get your own patio and cooking facilities. These sell out quickly. But their remote location means slightly cheaper prices.

Reykjavik Konsulate Hotel

This  mid-range hotel  in Reykjavik costs approximately $250 per night, but you can see why. It has a trendy design and an onsite wellness center and gym. It is a glossy version of a mid-range stay in the capital, and it has a great location to enjoy central Reykjavik.

Hotel Ranga

This  luxury hotel  costs upwards of $500 for an average room. It is a brilliant example of top-tier luxury in Iceland. If you sleep through the magical phenomenon, you get a star gazing observatory onsite and even northern light wake-up calls. Oh, and you get volcano views out of your window.

• Budget: $150 per night for the average rate for a cheap hotel.

Transportation

Regarding transport in Iceland, you need to realize one major thing – transport barely exists outside the realm of rental cars. Tourists fly into Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport, located just outside of Reykjavik’s capital; from there, you can organize a shuttle service into the city center. Reykjavik itself is really walkable and a tiny city, much more like a town than an actual city, let alone a ‘typical’ capital city.

Iceland has a minimal bus service. It isn’t safe to rely on public transport in very remote areas. We wouldn’t recommend it if you are venturing out of Reykjavik or the main settlement areas.

If you stay in Reykjavik and don’t rent a car, you can organize tour experiences to take you to the main tourist attractions. For instance, you can get tours to the Blue Lagoon , Golden Circle , and Ring Road on the  South Coast.  

You can also get tours to experiences like horseback riding on black sand beaches , hiking on glaciers , seeing exploding volcanoes, and snorkeling between the tectonic plates at Silfra . The caveat is that you will pay hundreds of dollars for each of these experiences, almost like paying for mini holidays on your actual holiday. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can still enjoy Iceland, but be prepared to splurge a little on booking private tour day trips. It will rocket the total cost of the average Iceland budget.

The best way to get out of Reykjavik and  see  Iceland is to book a rental car . If you are wondering ‘how much does it cost to rent a car,’ it depends on which car rental companies you look at, what season you visit, and whether you want a camper van or not. The cheapest option is a car, for which you can buy a tent and camp or book cheap hotels.

Or you can spend more upfront on a camper van and have the whole road trip experience, saving money on accommodation. With rental options, you could embark on the classic week road trip along the South Coast and complete the classic  Ring Road road trip.  It is the most liberating form of transportation around Iceland. And you’ll save loads of money by avoiding the aforementioned expensive organized day trips while opening up to more free attractions and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

•  Budget: $350 plus $100 petrol for a week of hiring a rental car, or approximately $870 on transfers for day trips and airport journeys.

Food is another significant expense when it comes to visiting Iceland. When calculating a trip to Iceland cost, you must set aside at least $500 per week as a food budget. For $500, you can afford a few meals at local restaurants, a food shop at one of the cheaper grocery stores, and a few drinks on a night out. Food prices are high in Iceland, especially for imported and taxed goods. However, you can soon chip the price tags down if you are flexible with trying local brands.

Need an idea of what food prices are in Icelandic grocery stores? They aren’t extortionate, but you can see that some products have much higher prices than others. You should also have an ISK to USD calculator ready, as the conversion is a little whacky. Average food prices include:

• $1.60 for milk
• $3.20 for white rice
• $3.50 for a loaf of bread
• $2.20 for a bottle of water
• $14.90 for a block of cheese
• $19.60 for 1kg of chicken fillets

It is also worth mentioning that Iceland is famous for its hot dogs. A standard tip for saving money is to snack on a hot dog for lunch instead of sitting in at local restaurants. The sausages are served on little takeaway carts and are one of the most traditional, budget-friendly  Icelandic dishes .

They date back to the Viking era and are called ‘bjuga’ sausages. Bought at little street stands, these hot dogs cost as little as $2.50 – a real bargain. This fun little tip might be more aimed at novelty than genuine money saving, but the spirit and overall meaning are spot on. Avoid sitting down regularly to eat to save money, and remember that local specialties are your best friend.

Remember that if you want to enjoy grocery store food in Iceland, you must have cooking facilities. And this is where the accommodation crossover comes in. You should book accommodation with private kitchen facilities in an apartment or a shared kitchen in a hostel or homestay environment.

By choosing this accommodation setup, you can easily still have a food budget of $500. If you stay in a hotel and don’t have access to a kitchen, expect prices of around double the same period. The average meal price is nearly $120 for two people at a mid-range restaurant, which quickly adds up.

Food is $500 per week if you eat out a couple of times and have a kitchen in your accommodation. Alternatively, your food budget will be closer to $ 1,000 per week if you expect to eat out daily.

• Budget: $500 per week for eating out a couple of times and then cooking in with grocery-bought food, or $1000 for eating out all week.

Tours and Activities

Entertainment prices are where the majority of your budget will come in – especially if you don’t hire a car and instead rely on guided day trips. These guided excursions can reach prices of over $300, and if you plan on doing 4-5 activities, you can see how this starts to add up. You can take guided trips to the Golden Circle, whichever volcano is exploding and attracting enamored tourists, and do things like snorkel between the tectonic plates or spot the northern lights. All these things come at a cost, but at the same time, you don’t want to miss out on any dream excursions. This little conundrum is what makes visiting Iceland so expensive. And also, so impressive – you wouldn’t want to stay somewhere with nothing to see, would you?

Recommended Tours in Iceland

Below are some of the top tours in Iceland. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Iceland!

• Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater ( Most Popular In Iceland )
• Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos (Our Favourite)
• Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour (Likely to Sell Out)
• From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour (Best Deal)

One way to make this cheaper is to rent a car. Specific day trips, especially ones to see natural beauty spots or spot the northern lights, are easily replicated for free apart from petrol costs if you rent a car. By paying a single upfront fee for a car rental, you can pick fascinating tours and complete them independently – like the Golden Circle, Ring Road, and things like the best Icelandic waterfalls.

Sure, things like a boat tour to see whales or glacier hiking experiences require a guide. Still, lots of Iceland can be visited independently with a rental car. Even northern lights hunting can be done by yourself and without a guide. To be honest, most Northern Lights tours are just guessing and driving to remote spots anyway. Download one of the many maps and get up-to-date information on predictions so that you can go out it alone, much cheaper.

Alcohol prices can get really expensive in Iceland, so we suggest stopping by a duty-free shop or cutting alcohol to cut costs. Nightlife can get understandably expensive in Iceland, so while partying can be fun and a short night out can be budget-friendly in Reykjavik (when in Rome, right?), stick to just the odd night out if possible.

It is worth adding that clothing is an additional cost when enjoying day trips and activities in Iceland. You will likely need to invest in a winter wardrobe with some merino additions; thermal clothes are necessary during most months in Iceland. You can’t compromise on this, and we’d recommend making the most of clothing sales in the run-up to your trip to Iceland. With proper clothing, you will be warm. And if you aren’t warm, how will you enjoy your experience? Make the most of your money by investing smartly in suitable clothing for your activities beforehand.

So, how much should you budget for tours and activities in Iceland? And what should you budget for the additional cost of purchasing suitable clothing for each tour beforehand? These are our budgeting stats for a week in Iceland without a car rental:

• $1,200 for four-day trips with an organized tour operator, including transportation.
• $200 for suitable clothing, including two Merino top and bottom base layers and shoes.
• $200 for a couple of nights out in Reykjavik.

Total: $1,600

As you can see, having a car rental makes a considerable difference when budgeting for tours and activities in Iceland. These are our stats for a week in Iceland with a car rental:

• $400 for four-day trips, including two organized tours without transportation and two free experiences.

Total: $900

• Budget: Without a car, expect to pay around $1,600 over a week-long period, while with a car, this totals up to about $900.

Overall Trip Cost

So, if you’ve been frantically trying to add things up, don’t worry; we’ve got you. This is how much traveling to Iceland costs, not including your travel insurance. We’ll acknowledge the main influencing factors in each budgeting area – whether you rent a car, visit in off or shoulder seasons, and book accommodation with cooking facilities. This is precisely how much you should budget to visit this beautiful country.

Airfare costs approximately $500 for a return trip to Iceland when you fly from Europe or North America. However, if you are flying from Europe, are flexible with visiting in off or shoulder seasons, and fly with mid-range airlines, budget less than $200 for return flights.

Accommodations

For accommodation, you should budget $150 per night for an average but cheap-ish hotel somewhere reasonably well-located. If you are willing to compromise on location, you can pick up cheaper accommodation for around $70 per night. Or, if you want luxury accommodation, be prepared to pay up to $500 per night. With all accommodation types, book early to secure the best rates.

Figuring out a transport budget is a tough one. If you get a rental car , you should budget $350 for renting the vehicle upfront for a week and approximately $100 on fuel. If you don’t rent a car, you can easily explore Reykjavik on the bus for as little as a few dollars each time. However, you will spend a lot more on transfers, and we estimate an $800 difference in your day trips and excursion costs as opposed to self-drive attractions. You should also add airport transfers at over $70 for return tickets on the shuttle bus. For a week in Iceland, budget $450 for transportation if you hire a car and $870 for transportation if you rely on shuttles.

The message is simple regarding food: find accommodation with a kitchen to take advantage of grocery store prices. Budget $500 if you want to eat out a couple of times and then cook the rest of the time. Budget $1000 if you plan on eating out every day for most if not all, meals.

Tours and activities are your main cost when visiting Iceland, especially if you don’t rent a car. Without a car, expect to pay around $1,600 over a week, while with a car, this totals up to about $900.

10 Top Money Saving Tips

Are you ready to cut some money off that average Iceland trip cost we’ve just given you? If you are up for the challenge, there are ways to save money when visiting Iceland. After all, an average price is exactly that – an average price of what most people spend when they visit. You can do better than that if you utilize our top 10 tips on reducing your Iceland trip cost and saving your valuable money.

Anything from car rentals to hostels, and even some lesser-known things like campsites and bus passes, can make a massive difference to what your holiday to Iceland costs. So, buckle up and prepare to jot these top money-saving tips down. Using these could knock hundreds, and perhaps even thousands, off your Iceland budget.

1. Visit Off-Season

It goes without saying, but visiting Iceland in the off-season is the best way to save money. Iceland gets super busy over winter when tourists flock to enjoy snow sports and try to spot the northern lights. If you want to do these things, why not visit in February or late January? Avoiding the December crush by picking these shoulder seasons is the perfect way to snag reduced tours and day trips, plus find cheaper hotel rates thanks to lower booking competition.

Of course, if you are flexible with your Iceland activities, visiting in the off-season is even better. June until October is perfect for lower car rental rates, cheaper hotels, and tour deals. Remember that this period has certain tour and attraction closures, and you likely will miss the northern lights. This season is also famous for the midnight sun, where Iceland stays light for 24 hours a day.

2. Buy From Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are so much cheaper than local restaurants. You don’t want to stick to a budget while eating out for every meal because it just won’t happen. The average cost for a two-person meal at a mid-range restaurant in Reykjavik is  nearly $120.  An average McDonald’s meal is over $16. Grocery prices are much more reasonable, like $1.60 for a liter of milk or $3.44 for apples.

Buying food from grocery stores might sound obvious, but this only works effectively if you’ve found accommodation with a kitchen, so this is a catch-22. We’d suggest finding a communal kitchen or apartment hotel to make the most of this money-saving technique. Trust us, it will be worth it.

3. Rent a Car

This might sound more expensive at first, but renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Iceland on a budget – especially if you want to sightsee a lot. This is because tours are one of the most expensive in an average Iceland trip cost. Companies charge extortionate amounts (we are talking hundreds of dollars) for simple things like transfers. If you rent a car, yes, it will be an initial upfront investment, but you’ll save hundreds if you purchase more than 2-3 day trips. Being able to drive yourself is one of the best ways to cut travel costs in Iceland. Check rates here!

4. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

If you rent a car, it also stands you in good stead for saving money – enjoying Iceland’s free attractions. Iceland has a ton of free attractions, be it waterfalls or the beautiful geothermal area at Geysir. If you are road-tripping Iceland, you can stop at these places for free and quickly build a low-cost itinerary. Everyone knows Iceland is expensive, but with some research, you can soon find budget-friendly and often entirely free things to do.

5. Try Camping

Camping is one of the best ways to save money while visiting Iceland. You can camp in one of two ways – with a campervan or by renting or bringing a tent. It goes without saying that this is a better idea in summer (read: do not attempt in cold weather). Still, if you visit Iceland at a warm time of year, it is a brilliant way to reduce accommodation prices. You’ll find campsites all over Iceland, so this is also one of the most straightforward money-saving tips to put into practice.

6. Try out a Bus Pass

We’ll preface this by saying that bus connections are limited. You will only be able to use the bus network to access specific places at specific times, so you’ll need to be happy to use a pretty rigid travel style if you are going to take advantage of this travel hack. However, if you are happy to color between the lines to save yourself some cash, bus passes are well worth looking into. You pay a single flat rate fee and get unlimited use of the bus network for a designated period. This saves you money on otherwise expensive day trips or car rentals. And if you don’t have a driving license, it is the cheapest alternative.

7. Buy Alcohol From Duty-Free Shops

Another huge tip is to buy alcohol from duty-free shops. If you can pick up alcohol from the airport when you land, it will save you a ton of money on your trip to Iceland since alcohol is heavily taxed. The duty-free shop is your best friend if you want a fancy tipple. With that said, though, a better approach would be not drinking while visiting Iceland. Iceland actually banned alcohol in 1915, and the ban was only fully lifted in 1989 – which is now hailed as beer day. The country has a longstanding political objection to the consumption of alcohol. If you want to save substantial money when visiting, you should do your best to conjure up a financial objection.

8. Find Hot Springs that Aren’t the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is dreamy; we’ll be the first to admit it. However, to save money on visiting Iceland, you should consider alternatives. You can read all about the Blue Lagoon  here , created using a factory’s thermal byproducts. But it is also worth looking at free hot springs you can visit in Iceland. Definitely look at alternatives to mainstream tourist attractions.

9. Skip Bottled Water

Skip the bottled water; seriously, Iceland has some of the purest tap water in the world. Bottled water is a massively unnecessary expense, so bring a refillable water bottle and cut the dollars you spend on your trip to Iceland. Of course, reducing plastics also helps the environment – a huge win-win situation. If you fancy going one step further, especially if you plan on camping, it is worth investing in a filter bottle, too, because then you can fill up from natural water sources like rivers and lagoons.

10. Book in Advance

Sure, there’s a time and place for carefree, last-minute travel. But if you want your trip to Iceland to be budget-friendly, try something other than this travel style while trying to reduce your Iceland trip cost. The more you book in advance, the more options you’ll have regarding accommodation and tours. Since these things sell out fast, with the cheapest options going first, you can shoot yourself in the foot by waiting. Check out refund policies and rebooking flexibility if you are worried about committing too far in advance – just don’t wait until the last moment and bank on finding budget alternatives.

To Conclude

Your Iceland trip cost might depend on what you decide to do on your trip to Iceland. Still, this guide gives you a pretty clear idea of an average Iceland trip cost. By considering all of these factors – accommodation, food, transport, airfare, and tours – you’ll have a ready-made budget for visiting Iceland. And if you use some of our budgeting tips, you might even save some money. Who doesn’t want to knock a chunk off one of the world’s most expensive destinations?

Are you looking for more Iceland inspiration? Check out these  fun facts  ahead of your holiday to Iceland. We also have a guide dedicated to the  best things to do in Reykjavik  – Iceland’s walkable and vibrant little capital city. Don’t forget to explore Reykjavik, even if you head off on a week-long road trip around the rest of Iceland.

Plan Your Next Trip To Iceland With These Resources

• South Coast of Iceland: 31 Best Things to Do and See
• 22 Best Things to Do in Iceland
• Best of Iceland’s Ring Road – GLACIERS, VOLCANOES AND WATERFALLS
• The Blue Lagoon Iceland – Your Ultimate Guide
• 30 of the Best Places To Visit In Iceland

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: Explore the Best of Iceland in 10 Days

20 Best Things to do in Reykjavik in 2024

South Coast of Iceland: 31 Best Things to Do and See in 2024

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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3 thoughts on “How Much Does An Iceland Trip Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown”

massive post, Useful And Helpful Thankyou.

what i observed after my trip is getting around Iceland can be pricey, but it depends on your chosen mode of transportation.

The True Cost of a Trip to Iceland: A Budget Breakdown

If you’re wondering how much a trip to Iceland costs or are working on creating a budget for an Iceland vacation, you’re in the right place. I carefully detailed out my 12 day trip to Iceland in July 2022 to ensure I could pass on the details of what a vacation to Iceland costs.

Dive into my full Iceland trip expenses below, along with the common prices of things in Iceland. This will help give you a high level understanding of what a trip to Iceland costs to avoid unpleasant surprises. After all Iceland is an expensive destination to visit!

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

My Budget for Iceland: The Cost for 2 People

Iceland is not exactly a budget destination, but it is completely worth it if you can swing the expense. It’s a beautiful (and safe) country full of amazing experiences that you can’t get elsewhere!

As I did travel with a partner in crime, I will be sharing the cost of traveling to Iceland for 2 people for 12 days in a camper van .

Unfortunately, it’s not so simple as to just half the expenses to get a per person trip cost to Iceland as some expenses, like our camper van, would be the same whether we had one or three people in it.

However, with all of the details provided, you’ll have a clear idea of what types of expenses you may incur on your Iceland vacation.

For a frame of reference, the general exchange rate was 140 ISK = $1 USD during my trip.

Cost of a Flight to Iceland

As airfare is a variable expense depending where you are coming from, I thought I’d split out the cost of flying to Iceland. Fortunately, we were able to get direct flights from Raleigh, NC to Reykjavik, Iceland on Icelandair .

• Flight to Iceland from USA: $1464
• Uber to the airport: $25
• Uber from the airport: $25

Total cost of flying to Iceland for 2 people: $1,514

Transportation Costs around Iceland

By far the most expensive part of Iceland is securing transportation around the island – particularly if you’re doing a camper van! Make sure to book in advance to get the type of car or camper van you want. You’re also most likely to find discounts on cars and camper vans if you book months in advance.

Additionally, gas can be expense (349 ISK per liter). If you are planning to drive around the Ring Road or into the Westfjords, know that your gas costs will add up quickly!

• Camper van rental: $2,965
• Extra rental items (sleeping bags, camping chairs, french press, camping table): $99
• Gravel protection for van rental: $122 for 12 days
• Diesel (Gas): ~$160 per fill up x 6 fill ups to do the Ring Road + Westfjords = $960
• Ferry to Vestmannaeyja: $100 (14,000 ISK)
• Parking: $24 (3,350 ISK)

Total cost of transportation around Iceland for 2 people for 12 days: $4,270

Learn all about renting a camper van in Iceland!

Cost of Food in Iceland

Dining out in Iceland is expensive. Fortunately, there are grocery stores located throughout the country making it easy to stop and top up your cooler. We ate out rarely to keep our overall Iceland cost of living down.

• Eating out: $93 (Lunch + Dinner + Lunch)
• Groceries: $230
• Drinks out: $39 (2 beers each)
• Drinks in: $100

Total cost of food in Iceland for 2 people for 12 days: $462

Campsite Prices in Iceland

Camping in Iceland is common for those traveling by camper van or even car with tent. Each campsite is charged on a per night per person basis, but the fees are manageable at around 1,500 – 2,000 per night per person.

It’s worth noting that some campsites also charge separately for showers. We personally only stayed at campsites that had showers included.

Also, laundry is available at many campsites. In some places it is included in the cost, and in others, like where we did laundry, there was an additional charge for it. By doing laundry we were able to pack lighter and have more space available in our camper van!

• Campsites: $29 (40,400 ISK)
• Laundry: $9 (600 ISK for washer + 600 ISK for dryer)

Total cost of camping in Iceland for 2 people for 12 nights: $297 (41,600 ISK)

Activities & Tour Costs in Iceland

There are endless activities in Iceland to keep you busy, and each one will wow you in this beautiful county. While you can cut costs here by avoiding tours and paid hot springs, it is a great way to experience the beauty of the island.

Here are the activities and top tours in Iceland that we did:

• Hrunalaug hot springs: $14 (2,000 ISK)
• Glacier Hike : $221 (30,980 ISK)
• Glacier Lagoon Boat: $86 (12,000 ISK)
• Myvatn Nature Bathes : $84 (11,800 ISK)
• Whale watching from Husavik : $264 (37,000 ISK)

Total tour and activity cost in Iceland for 2 people: $669 (93,780 ISK)

Total Cost of Traveling Iceland for 12 Days

Our trip to Iceland was not a budget vacation by far. We traveled in peak season doing all of the top things to do in Iceland that interested us. I regret nothing – particularly traveling in a bigger 4×4 camper van. Squeezing into the smallest space for 12 days would have been too much!

Here’s what our overall Iceland trip cost came out to:

• Flights: $1,514
• Transportation: $4,270
• Food & Drink: $462
• Accommodation: $297
• Activities & Tours: $669

Total Iceland budget for 2 people with a camper van for 12 days: $7,212

This of course equates to $3,606 per person or close to $300 per day per person with all expenses included. If you take out the flight to Iceland cost, it is a more reasonable $237.42 per person per day. Unfortunately, a vacation to Iceland costs a pretty penny!

Additional Insights into Prices in Iceland

Since everyone’s trip to Iceland is a bit different, everyone’s budget will also vary. Here is some additional insight into Iceland costs to help you plan your trip, whether that be renting a car and staying at hotels and eating out at restaurants or camper vanning around cooking your own meals.

Driving Costs in Iceland

The ability to travel around Iceland is critical, and the best way to do that is by renting a car. Unfortunately, renting a car can be expensive in Iceland. From the car or camper van rental to the cost of gas. Plan to put the majority of your Iceland trip budget here.

Pro Tip: Roads in Iceland can be challenging, so it is worth springing for a 4×4 to tackle all the roads with ease!

• Car Rental: $115+ per day
• Camper Van Rentals: $150+ per day
• Car Insurance: Variable depending what you elect for
• Gas: ~$9.40 per gallon (349 ISK per liter was typical with 1 US gallon = 3.8 liters)

Learn all about driving in Iceland!

Camping & Hotel Costs in Iceland

If you have a camper van, you’re in luck as you will find affordable campsites in Iceland. It’s worth noting that you do have to stay in campsites and cannot wild camp any longer – plan this into your Iceland budget.

Alternatively, you can opt to stay in hostels or hotels throughout the country for a more luxurious trip. In summer, the costs of these lodging options are around:

• Campsites: $12 per person (1,700 ISK)
• Laundry at Campsites: $8.50 (600 ISK for washer + 600 ISK for dryer)
• Hostels: $45+
• Budget Hotels: $135+
• Mid-range Hotels: $225+
• Luxury Hotels: $500+

Cost of Restaurants in Iceland

A fast way to increase your Iceland vacation budget is to eat out. We sought out some less expensive restaurant options, which are what the below costs are based on, but you can easily spend $15 – 30 per plate at a restaurant.

Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on food costs, such as stopping at the grocery stores and cooking your own meals.

• Hot dog: $3.20 (450 ISK)
• Beer: $11.40 (1,600 ISK)
• Kebab: $11 (1,500 ISK)
• Pizza: $18.60 (2,600 ISK)
• Fish & chips: $14.65 – $19.20 (2,050 – 2,690 ISK)

Grocery Store Costs in Iceland

As a way to save money in Iceland, consider making your own meals. If you’re staying at campsites, many offer kitchens to help aid in your cooking. Also, many camper vans come with a camp stove to help you make simple meals in the van. Take advantage of this to help keep your expenses in Iceland low.

• Cup of noodles: 55 – 259 ISK
• Frozen veggie mix: 319 ISK
• Yogurt: 223 – 659 ISK
• Potato chips: 400 ISK
• Bread: 549 ISK
• Dozen eggs: 598 ISK
• Cheese: 1,159 ISK

Alcohol Prices in Iceland

Alcohol is expensive in Iceland. There is no way around that. For one, you can only get 2.25% alcoholic beverages at the grocery stores. Any stronger drinks have to be bought at their alcohol store: Vinbudin (Vínbúðin).

Pro Tip: If you are planning to drink, hit up the Duty Free shop before you exit the airport! Alcohol is about half the cost there.

• 2.25% Viking Gosi: 179 – 369 ISK per beer
• 2.25% Einstok Lettol: 219 – 399 ISK per beer
• Bottle of 38% Moonshine: 3000 ISK
• Vodka typically runs ~5000 ISK per bottle

Tour Prices in Iceland

There are endless tour options in Iceland. You won’t want to miss some of the top tours like the below, but make sure to check out Get Your Guide and Viator to see what else looks of interest to you!

• Visiting the Blue Lagoon : $120+
• Exploring the Golden Circle : $65+
• Snorkeling between Continents : $140+
• Going Whale Watching : $140+
• Seeing the Snæfellsnes Peninsula : $130+
• Hiking on a Glacier : $125+

Additional Info on the Cost of Traveling to Iceland

With all the details above, you likely have a solid understanding of what you will need to budget for a trip to Iceland. However, you may still have additional questions.

Is it expensive to go to Iceland?

Yes, traveling to Iceland is expensive! In addition to being a Nordic country, along with Norway , Sweden , Denmark , and Finland, Iceland is an island. These two factors alone make everything in Iceland cost more than most tourist destinations.

To plan accordingly, consider the costs of traveling to Western Europe or the United States, and add another 25% to those costs. I’d estimate that’s about what a vacation in Iceland costs you. The main exception here is petrol in Iceland is about 2 – 3x the cost in the USA as it is priced in liters versus gallons.

How much will an Iceland trip cost?

The cost of a trip to Iceland will vary depending on how you opt to travel, when you go, what activities you do, if you’re traveling alone, and many other factors. On average, you should budget a couple hundred dollars per person per day to make the most of your time in Iceland.

Is it possible to travel to Iceland on a budget?

Budget travel to Iceland is possible, but it will never be a “budget destination”. This means there are many ways to save money and limit the cost of your trip to Iceland, but even so, it will be a minimum of $50 – $100 per day – even if you’re hitchhiking and camping!

Traveling to Iceland isn’t exactly a budget trip like Southeast Asia or Central America where you can get by on $20 per day.

Find more ways to save money while traveling with these 44 tips . They’ll help you make your trip to Iceland affordable!

Continue Planning Your Trip to Iceland

Now that you have an idea of the cost of a trip to Iceland, it’s time to start planning more of your vacation. Here are a few resources to help you get started – particularly if you are planning to road trip Iceland like we did!

21 Things to Know about Driving in Iceland + Driving Tips

Renting a camper van in iceland: all the need to know facts.

• 44 Pro Tips to Save Money While Traveling
• How to Plan a Road Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Road Trip Packing List for Expert Travelers: 60 Road Trip Essentials + More Tips!
• 80+ Good Road Trip Snacks: The Key to Any Successful Road Trip!

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The founder of The Cure for Curiosity, Julia is a North Carolina based, travel addict who has followed her curiosity to 95+ countries. Whether it’s crawling through the Pyramids of Egypt, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, or diving the Blue Hole in Belize, she's always on the go, and she wants to help you travel more and travel better by sharing what she's learned along the way, from travel tips  and packing lists to destination specific details.

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Great article! I will definitely use this as a reference whenever we finally get ready to go!

I’m glad it helps! Iceland is expensive but worth it. I have more Iceland content coming soon – so stay tuned!

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How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? (2024 Iceland Budget)

Iceland is known for being an expensive destination and after visiting Iceland three times and helping over 30 people plan their Iceland trips, I’ve gotten a good sense of the average Iceland trip cost. While it is pricey, your Iceland vacation cost can still be within reach if you build your Iceland budget carefully.

To be honest, I’ve seen everything, from people who found a cheap flight, stayed in hostels, and signed up for group bus tours to keep costs down, all the way to luxury travelers who book private drivers, luxury hotels, and go all out with adventure experiences. Did someone say private helicopter rides?

So how much does a trip to Iceland really cost? It depends on what type of experience you are looking for, what kind of traveler you are, and ultimately, how much you want to spend. And while I wouldn’t recommend taking big bus tours, if that is the only way you can see Iceland, it is still worth it to visit this incredible country.

There are few places in the world that have touched my soul and captured my heart like Iceland has. For its raw beauty, fire and ice extremes, vast emptiness (outside of main tourist stops), to the endearing quirkiness of the Icelandic culture, it is a place I will return to again and again.

The good news is that Iceland has greatly expanded its hotel inventory, which helps balance supply and demand. The exchange rate from U.S. Dollars to Icelandic Króna has also been trending in the favor of American tourists recently. And, Play Airlines has brought a budget airline option back to Iceland.

Average Iceland Trip Cost

I’ll cut to the chase and give you the bottom line on how expensive a trip to Iceland can be, but be sure to read on to see the breakdown and ways that you can save money in each category. The average trip to Iceland cost adds up to about $300-350 per person, per day including airfare. (Based on current exchange rates) This assumes budget airfare, budget accommodations, limited organized activities, self-driving, and being careful in your food choices.

If you are traveling solo, your best bet will likely be staying at a hostel or renting an Airbnb. Though it definitely helps to travel with others so that you can split the costs.

Since hostels and bus tours aren’t our things, I’ve based the average cost for a trip to Iceland for a family of four staying in nice (but not extravagant) hotels or guesthouses and renting a car for a self-driving vacation. I’ve also included a few activities since I think it would be a shame to get to a bucket list destination like Iceland and not get to take part in a few adventures. But keep in mind, that there is enough natural beauty and hiking available that you can easily bypass these to conserve your budget.

The average Iceland trip cost for a family spending a week in Iceland is around $8,545 including airfare. Yup, that is about $1,220 a day for the entire family. Of course, I have worked with families of five that have spent $25,000 on a 10-day trip, and couples who have spent $5,000 on a week-long trip. I’ve even planned an Iceland vacation for a solo traveler that cost them only $2000, all costs included, for a five-day trip. Making Iceland one very versatile vacation.

Iceland Budget Tips

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. 

If you want to save some money, my partner Hidden Iceland offers my readers 10% off scheduled group tours if you use promo code WE3TRAVEL. We have traveled with Hidden Iceland and highly recommend this company for its expertise, professionalism, and friendliness. See all their available tours . You can also book private tours or get help planning your whole itinerary — just be sure to mention We3Travel when you contact them.

You can visit Iceland on any budget, at least in theory, but here are some suggestions for keeping costs down:

• Try camping instead of staying at hotels or guesthouses. You can rent a campervan that fits two people for about $130 a night, up to about $300 per night for larger campervans. You can camp for free in Iceland but if you are in a camper van, you will probably want to stay at a campground with facilities so budget another $10-50 per night for a campsite reservation.
• If you don’t want to camp, you could also stay in hostels, which will run you around $40-100 per person per night in Reykjavik.
• Airbnb or vrbo is another option for vacation rental apartments and cabins, which is a great option for families compared to renting two hotel rooms because there are only a few hotels in Reykjavik for families that offer family-size rooms with beds enough for 4-5.
• Food is one of the especially high expenses in Iceland so to save money, purchase and prepare your own food or buy snacks at the gas station convenience stores. If you want a foodie experience, you are going to pay through the nose for it so get used to sandwiches, burgers, and those famous Icelandic hot dogs.
• Avoid paid attractions like the Blue Lagoon and costly excursions like off-roading tours and focus instead on scenic drives, stops at waterfalls, and nature hikes.
• Stay in the countryside and avoid the biggest tourist spots instead of Reykjavik as things are going to be more expensive in the capital city. I was surprised by how affordable the accommodations are in the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Before you worry about having to convert and carry a ton of cash around Iceland, don’t stress. Almost everywhere takes credit cards in Iceland. Be sure to read my Iceland tips for some caveats.

How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost?

Let’s break down the average Iceland budget. As with other posts where I’ve broken down vacation costs for Italy , London , Greece , and Paris , this post outlines pricing for two adults and two children between the ages of 6-11, traveling from a major airport hub in the United States during the summer high season, such as NYC to Reykjavik , and spending a week in Iceland.

I find that in Iceland, some hotels list their prices in Euro, and most show rates in Icelandic Krona. To make it easier, I’ve converted to U.S. dollars to create an even playing field.

I can’t even count the number of emails that I’ve gotten from people traveling to Iceland that start with “I found a great airfare to Iceland next month (or some other close time frame)…” I then go on to pop their bubble about how expensive the rest of the trip will be.

Once WOW went out of business, prices went up a bit but I still have found rates on IcelandAir or Play Airlines from Boston for about $300-500 per person, roundtrip. However, you then need to build in the cost of checked luggage (unless you are an amazing packer Iceland will typically mean a checked bag) and seat selection. This can easily add another $100-200 per person.

I highly recommend signing up for a membership to Going to get alerts on flight deals and set up preferences for your dream destinations.

If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the  Travel Freely app  to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.

Total airfare cost ($500 per person, round trip x 4 people): $2,000

Accommodations

If you are traveling solo, it is easy enough to stay in a hostel to save money on accommodation in Iceland. But most families will prefer either a hotel or Airbnb/VRBO. A rental will certainly save you money as there are only a few hotels that offer family rooms .

Most Reykjavik hotel rooms either have a double bed (two twins pushed together) or two twin beds. Occasionally you can find a triple or a family room, but a family of four often needs to reserve two rooms. A nice hotel in downtown Reykjavik with a family room will cost between $400-600 per night. You can also get two rooms at a moderate hotel for about $150-250 per night each.

Renting a vrbo apartment will save you a significant amount, as long as you are comfortable as an independent traveler. You should be able to find an apartment in the city large enough to fit everyone for about $300 per night. And if you have been saving up your hotel loyalty points, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy members are now in for a treat with multiple properties now available in or near Reykjavik.

Full-service hotels in the countryside will start at around $150 per night for a standard room and $350 per night for a family room. There are also some guesthouses that start around $150 per night per room or lower, especially in less crowded areas.

In the countryside, there is a large selection of vacation cabins available on vrbo . Expect to pay about $200+ per night for a cabin that sleeps four. Just plan in advance if you want to stay in popular locations along the south coast or by the Glacier Lagoon, as these sell out early.

If you are looking to do Iceland on a budget, renting an Airbnb or VRBO is the way to go unless you want to camp or stay in hostels, as covered above.

Total accommodation cost: assuming an average of $300 per night (if you primarily use vacation rentals) x 7 nights = $2,100

Find more places to stay in Iceland:

When visiting Iceland, if you want to get away from crowded bus tours and see the country or drive the Ring Road, you will need to rent a car. If you don’t rent a car, you will need to take a shuttle bus (about $30 per person) from Keflavik airport into downtown Reykjavik and then arrange group tours with pick up and drop off from there. Just don’t take a taxi as those can run about $150 one way between the airport and Reykjavik.

Car rentals can be pricey and you may be tempted to save money by skipping the insurance. Before you do, check with your credit card or car insurance provider because you probably still need to buy the ash and rocks coverage. Insurance can greatly increase the cost of the rental car, but you may need it.

There are plenty of budget car rentals but before you book, double-check their hours and location (how far from the airport, shuttle hours), and see the cost of add-ons so that you can compare apples to apples. (See other tips for Iceland car rentals .)

If you are visiting in the winter, you will definitely want an SUV or four-wheel drive. Otherwise, if you are sticking to the Ring Road, a four-wheel drive isn’t necessary. However, access to some hikes and activities will be on gravel roads and you will be more comfortable (and less likely to sustain damage from rocks) in a car with a higher clearance. I’ve seen a sedan get stuck on a rock in the parking lot for a hike before and people literally had to lift the car to get it off. Luckily it wasn’t totally ruined.

Also, keep in mind that to drive on the interior “F roads”, you will need a car that is allowed on those roads. Since many of those roads aren’t passable for much of the year or are extremely hard to navigate (I’ve literally seen a road sign in the middle of a field of snow), I wouldn’t bother with F roads.

The other thing to pay attention to is that you will want to make sure that your car is large enough to fit luggage for your family. Unless you are a super light packer, you will probably need checked bags for Iceland to make sure you are prepared for any weather. (See my Iceland packing list for tips!) I would recommend either a station wagon or an SUV for a family of four.

I use Auto Europe to check for the cheapest car rental rates in Iceland. Don’t forget to budget for gasoline as well (and please, if you rent a diesel car, make sure you use diesel petrol!). Currently (December 2023), gas costs about $8.82 per gallon.

If you don’t want to drive, your best bet is to stay in Reykjavik and take tours that offer pick-ups from the city as day trips. If you want to hire a private driver-guide, you should expect to pay around 120-350 per person, so at least $500-1500 for the day.

Total car rental cost: A station wagon with insurance and unlimited miles will be approximately $650-1,200 for a week. Also, add about $300 for gas if you are driving a lot.

You have probably heard that food in Iceland is expensive. If you have traveled to Scandinavian countries in the past, then you are probably used to high food prices, but for many, it can be a shock. This is especially true in the nicer restaurants in Reykjavik .

In Iceland, even a hamburger can run you $15 and most fish entrees will be closer to $30+. So dinner for a family of four can easily cost $100.

I’ve talked to many people who have felt Iceland was the most expensive place that they have traveled to when it comes to food. My advice is to splurge on one meal but keep the rest casual to keep the costs down.

You will want to try some of the specialties like Arctic char, langoustines, lamb, and if you are brave even try some reindeer or puffin. But to balance out those specialties, you can have a hearty lunch of meat soup or lobster bisque with bread. In the countryside, you can find many restaurants that offer buffets of amazing fresh, homemade food that will fill you up for hours so try to have a light breakfast, one large meal, and one lighter meal.

There is also no need to buy bottled water in Iceland as clean tap water is readily available (although it could have a bit of a sulfur smell at times), just be sure to bring along a refillable water bottle. You can also save by stopping at one of the markets, like the BONUS grocery store, and picking up supplies, especially if you are staying in a rental home or apartment.

Be sure to check out my recommendations on where to eat in Reykjavik .

Total food cost for a family of four: $200 x 7 = $1,400 (keep in mind that this can vary widely depending on if you cook and how much you splurge)

Tours and Activities

How much you spend on tours is entirely a personal preference. You can plan a private helicopter tour for over $3,000, or you can take a free hike. And just about everything in between. There are also plenty of free things to do in Reykjavik too. I would recommend trying at least a few of these unique things to do in Iceland.

Whatever you do, don’t feel like you need to take a tour for everything. You don’t. For example, you can easily do the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park on your own full-day road trip. But you may want to splurge on something like a glacier hike or an ATV tour that you CAN’T do on your own.

You can also forgo the touristy and expensive Blue Lagoon (if you go you need to book in advance), in favor of other hot springs around the country, like Krauma, the Sky Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon, or Fontana Spas.

There are a few things that I always recommend to clients. First, this is the land of ice and fire. Do at least one activity that takes you out onto a glacier (the ice part) such as:

• A glacier hike (minimum age 10-14 depending on provider) – see my age-based guide on things to do in Iceland with kids
• Snowmobiling on a glacier
• Ice cave trip (winter only)

Another option is to take a boat tour of the Glacier Lagoon .

For the “fire” part, I would recommend either a lava tube cave tour , a stop at the Lava Center , and/or a visit to at least one hot spring or spa.

There are so many fun things to do in Iceland. If you are adventurous, I would recommend splurging on something like a super jeep tour or ATV/buggy adventures.

I would recommend staying away from large group bus tours (e.g. Reykjavik Excursions) and instead book a small group or private tour with my partner Hidden Iceland . You can save 10% on scheduled group tours with Hidden Iceland using promo code WE3TRAVEL or for private tours, just tell them I referred you when you contact them.

If you can splurge on a few activities, here is what they would cost (based on current exchange rates):

• Secret Lagoon (2 adults, kids are free) = $47
• Into the Glacier (2 adults, 2 kids) = $727
• Lava Cave tour (2 adults, 2 kids) = $122
• Super jeep tour (2 adults, 2 kids under 11) = $1052

Total Activities Cost for 2 adults and 2 kids under 12: $1545

Total Iceland Budget: $8,545

So yes, Iceland vacation costs are high. If you look closely at the breakdowns, you can find ways to save money. You can also easily spend more. This was meant to be a guide to how much a trip to Iceland costs based on my experience helping so many families. Larger families or groups will cost more. Couples or solo travelers will be much less.

Traveling off-season will save you money (see my tips for visiting Iceland in the winter. ) You can also reduce the number of days you stay. If you stick to just one region, you can actually pack a lot into just five days, but I wouldn’t recommend staying any less.

Plan Your Iceland Trip

This article was sponsored in part by Moon Travel Guides. All opinions are my own.

Planning a trip to Iceland can make your brain hurt as you try to decipher between all of the words ending in foss (hint: that’s a waterfall), jökull (glacier), or vik (bay) and struggle with the logistics involved in mapping out an Iceland road trip. I’d recommend ordering a copy of Moon Travel Guides’ Iceland with a Road Trip on the Ring Road .

This guidebook provides options for a variety of itinerary ideas and road trips (with helpful maps!) It offers honest advice on where to eat, where to stay, and when to go, including a helpful phrasebook! Even after three visits to Iceland, I’ll be digging into this guide with up-to-date information to plan my next trip too.

Where to Go in Iceland

If you need some help deciding where to go in Iceland, be sure to check out our guides and itineraries:

• Iceland five day itinerary on the South Coast
• Four days in the Westfjords
• Day trips from Reykjavik
• Day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 23, 2023

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Budget Breakdown: Real Cost of a Trip to Iceland

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Curious about the real cost of a trip to Iceland? Perhaps you’ve heard about how expensive this Nordic island can be.  I had some initial sticker shock myself when booking our first trip to Iceland. 

After an initial high upon finding really good flights to Reykjavik, my husband, Aaron, and I were quickly brought back to earth when friends and family started warning us about how expensive of a place Iceland is. Talk about a buzz kill…

However, when I started planning my trip and actually got into the details, I realized there were definitely ways to manage our Iceland trip cost.  We just needed to plan out what we were willing to spend ahead of time, and then stick to it. 

Thanks to really good planning, Iceland was completely worth the visit and money well spent on mind-blowing and unforgettable experiences. In fact, Aaron and I just made a return trip in January 2022, if that tells you anything. Below, I am going into exactly what we spent, in order to help you understand what to expect when booking your own trip.

Here is our actual Iceland Trip Cost (in USD):

The above shows what my husband and I actually spent on a recent 4-day trip to Iceland .  Our budget was definitely not on a shoe-string, but also wasn’t luxurious. We prefer to select a few areas to splurge, while saving in other areas.

There are many factors that will make our actual expenses higher or lower than yours will be, which I am discussing below. For each category, I will suggest ways to reduce costs, as well as tell you what splurges are worth it. After all, doing some of Iceland’s bucket list-worthy experiences are worth the investment!

Travel Savvy Tip

Don’t look at this budget as a lump sum! That’s the quickest way to get intimidated and assume Iceland is unattainable. The truth is, you won’t pay the full amount at once. You’ll buy your flight, lodging, and rental car right away, and then likely pay nothing for a few months.

Once it gets closer to your trip, you’ll start looking at tours you may want to do, as well as make restaurant reservations. When you get back home from your trip, you’ll pay off any remaining vacay expenses you’ve incurred.

Breaking it into chunks like this is a much more approachable way to afford the cost of a trip to Iceland!

Iceland Trip Cost Breakdown:

Since Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic, you will need to arrive via plane into Keflavik Airport (KEF). Some major cities, like Boston and Chicago, offer direct flights to KEF, which is forty minutes outside Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. 

Direct flights are best to take whenever possible, as they are normally the most cost effective. Once upon a time, Icelandair had a direct flight out of Cleveland, but that ended after a short six month stint. Unfortunately, Cleveland, like most other US cities, now requires a connection to fly to Iceland.

Here is what the $1,002.07 that my husband and I spent includes:

• $568.47 for both of our round trip flights from Cleveland to Boston.
• $433.60 for only my round trip flight from Boston to Reykjavik; credit card points covered Aaron’s entire flight.

To find the best fares, vigilantly monitor flights prices on Google Flights or Skyscanner around the season you are planning to travel.

Solo travelers should budget around $500-$700 total for airfare; everyone should read the below tips to avoid overpaying for flights :

• Be flexible with your travel days, as weekend flights can be crazy expensive. Play around with searching different departure and arrival days, and you’ll be amazed what a difference that can make.
• Travel during the low season (November through April), when there is an overall drop in prices.
• Last but not least, the tip that has helped me the most:  Sign up for a credit card with travel rewards points. We’ve gotten countless free flights thanks to our cards, simply due to points earned on every day purchases. We’ve had great experiences using both the  Capital One Venture  and the  Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Transportation

While it might not be necessary to rent a car while in Iceland, it is what I recommend doing.  Assuming you want to explore sights along the Golden Circle and South Coast, the alternative is paying for multiple bus tours. If you are traveling alone, the cost difference might not be huge, but it increases quickly when traveling in a group of two or more. 

The $590.56 Aaron and I paid above includes the following:

• $321.62 to rent an automatic, 4-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires. Consider using SADcars for inexpensive rental options.
• $16.97 for parking in Reykjavik. Even street parking in Reykjavik usually requires paying at a machine. Sometimes, certain sights do as well, although it isn’t common.
• $173.83 for gas. This is mostly due to my husband and I driving 10 hours roundtrip to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
• $78.14 taking Lyft to and from the Cleveland and Boston airports.

Try not to be too nervous about the unpredictability of Iceland’s weather. Checking road conditions here before going out is a huge help, as the site’s map shows you which roads are clear, slippery, and impassable. In bad conditions, you could still try to join a last-minute tour instead.

Also, joining a tour could ultimately be the overall best option for you, if you don’t mind exploring with a bunch of other people! There are plenty to choose from in Iceland, from a simple bus transfer to Reykjavik to touring the Golden Circle .

Solo travelers renting a vehicle will spend roughly the same as the above total.

A couple years ago, I would’ve said to hands-down book an Airbnb to save money. However, Airbnb isn’t quite the budget lodging option it once was, with fees constantly increasing.

The way things stand now, I would definitely consider both hotels and Airbnb’s, since prices can often be quite similar. For both options, generally the more outside of main tourist areas you stay, the lower room rates will be. Pricing is also cheaper during the low season, from November to April.

The price I have above of $1,519.50 includes the following:

• $1,302.20 for four nights at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre . The hotel was a little bit of a splurge, being chic and well-located in a part of town I really like. Hey, it was a birthday trip! Plus, we paid extra to include breakfast in our stay.
• $217.30 for one night at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon . My husband and I were doing an early ice cave tour the next morning, so it made the most sense to spend the night on the South Coast.

Solo travelers would possibly pay the same as above for a similar room, or maybe even less for a smaller room. If you prefer hostels, there are several options in Reykjavik to choose from.

Choosing to prepare food rather than dine out during your Iceland stay could help save you money. However, beware that even groceries in Iceland are quite expensive, and will add up.

Bear in mind that this option works best if you are staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen. Of course, the mere fact of having a kitchen on our October 2018 Iceland visit didn’t motivate us to prepare food. We did eat breakfast in, but that’s only because we brought granola bars from home.

On our January 2022 trip, we stayed in a hotel and did not have our own kitchen for preparing food. Therefore, we didn’t bother with buying groceries during our stay. The $3.04 shown above was for water bottles purchased at a gas station while we were on the road.

Food & Drink

Food and drink is the category where if you’re not careful, your budget may start to unravel.  Food and drink can indeed be quite pricey in Iceland.  Think double of what you would typically spend for the same thing at home. 

There are several ways to spend less in this area, which I’ve listed below. While we put many of these into practice during our October 2018 trip, I will admit on our January trip to Iceland we threw it all out the window (it was my birthday!):

• Opt not to drink while in Iceland , although you may want to try at least a couple of their breweries.  Aaron and I are really into craft beer, so we knew this was an area we were would splurge in.
• Bring food with you from home .  We like to bring Cliff bars with us to eat as breakfast or snacks.
• Go to the grocery store and prepare lower cost meals at your Airbnb.  This is easier said than done, since it takes extra time and effort. On our 2018 visit, Aaron and I intended to do this, but we never made the effort to grocery shop.
• Feeling extreme? Do what a friend of ours did and just eat ramen for four days.  Not really our style, since food is a big part of travel for us, but to each their own.

I recommend budgeting about $100 a day on food for couples, and about $50 a day for solo travelers. This should comfortably allow you to eat out twice a day at moderately priced restaurants and cafes.

If you are going to splurge on any part of your trip, experiences is the area to do it.  The $760.05 above includes the following activities:

Seeing the northern lights was a top priority for me, so we went all in and splurged on the Super Jeep tour.  It was worth it!

Additionally, as we were visiting during ice cave season, the ice cave tour was a last minute addition on a whim. Again, worth it. A bright blue ice cave is definitely not something you can see every day!

Here are some tips for experiencing Iceland while keeping the cost of your trip as low as possible:

• The Blue Lagoon is the most famous hot spring in Iceland, but certainly not the only one worth visiting. It’s also quite pricey at around $91 per person; the newer Sky Lagoon is just as magical and significantly cheaper.  If you are on a tight budget, it’s wisest to see what the other hot springs have to offer.
• Rent a car to self-drive the famous Golden Circle and South Coast routes.  Tours can run $100-$150/person for a minibus, but less for a huge bus.  A rental car allows you to see more sights at your own pace and lets your money go a bit further.
• Look for bigger northern lights bus tours, which are much less expensive than Super Jeep tours.

Don’t forget to take advantage of free things to do in Iceland!

• Simply look for the northern lights on your own
• Explore Reykjavik and see the Harpa concert hall, Sun Voyager sculpture, Hallgrímskirkja Church
•  Natural sights along the Golden Circle and South Coast are largely free, except the rare small parking fee

Iceland Trip Cost: Miscellaneous Expenses

• Shopping: $44.60 Chances are you’ll want to leave Iceland with a memento from your trip. Just be careful that you don’t blow your budget! The $44.60 we spent was on some locally made yarn.
• Cell Phone: $40 You may need an international plan to make sure your phone works during your trip. Under Verizon, I pay $10 for every day I use cellular data abroad. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it for how often I rely on my phone for Google Maps and last minute restaurant searches. Aaron keeps his phone on airplane mode so that we only pay for my phone.
• Pet Boarding: $284.01 While it’s ideal to have a friend or family member watch your pet for free, that isn’t always possible. When Aaron and I travel together, we always pay to board our dog in a cozy little “suite” at his vet office.

As you can see, Iceland can be expensive to visit, but there are ways to manage it.  Hopefully this will help you plan the cost of your trip to Iceland so you have an incredible experience in the “Land of Fire and Ice”! 

Are you planning a trip to Iceland soon?

Related Posts

Are these Euros or Dollar? If it’s Euros it’s still extreeeeemely expensive. So sad, I would like to see Iceland. Greetings from Vienna Dorie from http://www.thedorie.com

Hi Dorie, this is in dollars. You can definitely make this less expensive. For example, this budget would be for two people in the same household. If it’s for one person, or multiple people splitting expenses it would cost way less money. I also gave some other examples of ways to make it cheaper in the article. It’s definitely possible to see Iceland for cheaper than this, so don’t give up if it’s your dream! 🙂

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How Expensive Is Iceland? When to Visit & How To Save Money

The Currency of Iceland

Accommodation and transport costs in iceland, wining and dining: how much does a meal cost in iceland, save with affordable groceries, get alcohol in the right places, so what about coffee prices in iceland.

• Shopping in Iceland

Sightseeing in Iceland

• Weekly and Daily Budgets: How Much You’ll Spend in Iceland

Route 1 - The Backpacker

• Route 2 - The Minimalist
• Route 3 - The Traveler
• Route 4 - The Big Spender

Just for You: Package Comparisons

Find out how much a trip to Iceland would cost to help you better budget for your trip. How expensive is Iceland? What’s the condition of the Icelandic currency? Read on to discover our guide on spending and saving money in Iceland.

The nature of Iceland, which boasts glaciers, waterfalls, active volcanoes, ancient mountains, geysers, and black beaches, draws a myriad of international visitors every year, each searching for adventures and memories to last a lifetime. However, there's no reason it needs to break the bank.

If you're hoping to go on self-drive tours around the country, rent a budget car and explore the largest selection of accommodation in Iceland  to stay at. In case you haven't booked your flight, find the cheapest flights to Iceland and make the most of the land of ice and fire!

Top Budget Self Drive Tours

Best 7-day northern lights self drive tour through south iceland to jokulsarlon ice cave, amazing 6-day northern lights winter self-drive tour on iceland's south coast with ice caving, 5-day northern lights winter self-drive tour with the golden circle & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• Discover 18 Tips on How to Save Money in Iceland
• Learn how to steer away from the 9 Worst Tourist Traps in Iceland

This picturesque country holds a reputation other than the allure of its natural wonders. The question on everybody’s minds before they decide to book their flight to Iceland is precisely how much money they will need in Iceland. Is Iceland expensive to visit, or is it possible to travel on a tighter budget?

Iceland currently one of the most expensive countries in the world. In 2018, Icelandic banks made an extensive report about essential travel costs for visitors, and the numbers were staggering.

Staying in hotels is 10-32% more expensive in Reykjavik than in other Nordic capitals; prices of restaurants and lodging exceed the EU average by 44%, while the cost of alcoholic beverages outstrips the same standard by a whopping 123%.

Of course, following the consequences of COVID-19 travel restrictions in Iceland , these numbers can't be considered dependable. But it gives a general idea of how expensive Iceland is compared to other Nordic countries.

Knowing how expensive Iceland is, you shouldn’t get too disheartened; there are multiple ways to travel in Iceland without emptying your bank account.

Top Nature Tours in Iceland

It might surprise some people that a nation of roughly 370,000 people has its very own currency. The currency of Iceland is called the Krona (ISK). It has a long history of independent monetary policies, including being pegged to the Danish krone and the Euro.

The history of the Krona is complicated, with the locals regularly arguing for or against keeping it. What you should bear in mind when traveling to the country is that the currency of Iceland has little value outside its shores. The Central Bank of Iceland determines its worth, and very few banks outside of Iceland ordinarily carry or exchange it.

This is why, when traveling here, you don't need to carry large amounts of currency with you. You can exchange your notes at the airport, but the exchange rate is more favorable if you do so in a bank in Reykjavik.

Also, remember to change your money before leaving to avoid getting stuck with a currency that no bank abroad can accept.

It’s most common for travelers and locals alike to pay for everything on their credit or debit cards. From small food shacks to large shopping centers, everywhere in Iceland accepts card payments, so it may be worth packing light and paying with your plastic.

To make it easier to understand how much you’ll spend in Iceland, all prices have been converted from ISK to USD. However, it’s important to remember that exchange rates do fluctuate constantly. So, the prices quoted here are bound to vary slightly, and you’ll always pay the actual ISK amount.

• See the  Guide to the Icelandic Krona (with a currency converter!)

What you’ll end up paying for accommodation in Iceland largely depends on the type of lodging you select. From cottages in the nature of Iceland and affordable hostels in Reykjavik to Icelandic guesthouses with a local flavor , the variety at hand has a vast price range, and there are indeed options that will suit your particular needs.

• Find out Where to Stay in Iceland
• See also: Top 10 Best Hotels in Reykjavik

Expensive as the overall selection might be, there are very few luxury hotels which most being three star hotels. Despite that, you could pay the same for a hotel as in New York or London. For   three or four-star hotels, the prices range from an affordable 50 USD to 850 USD per night, with most establishments offering free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is generally available, but not always included.

Expensive lodging is the case for visitors and locals; the price of a roof over one's head is soaring. There’s a housing problem on the rise in Reykjavik, where the top percent of the community monopolizes the current generation of renters incapable of investing in homes.

A significant factor in this situation is the staggering number of apartments leased through Airbnb in Reykjavik. If you're considering this route, think about the community you're coming to and try not to exacerbate this problem for the locals.

Consider booking official accommodations, and remember that  renting entire apartments in Iceland  is also available, as is booking people's summer cottages in the countryside, which is much more appreciated. These summer houses offer closeness to nature, tranquility, and exclusivity. They often come with a private hot tub while still being very affordable.

Nobody wants to stay cooped up in a hotel for the duration of their stay, so even if you book the cheapest accommodation with this in mind, booking tours, transportation, and the issue of food still add to your spending.

However, by booking a complete vacation package in Iceland  that combines exciting tours and things to do, as well as accommodation, transportation, and breakfast, you save yourself the jolt when taking care of the bill. You only need to drive from place to place, while everything else will have been taken care of at an affordable price.

Your cheapest bet, however, will most usually be camping. Luckily, that is an option of steadily increasing availability when traveling around Iceland. Camping sites are common around Iceland and allow you to get closer to the nature you're here to see. Camping is the most sustainable option, providing that you leave the area in the same state you found it.

• See also: Camping in Iceland | All you need to know

When camping in Iceland, you still need the means to travel to your selected locations. That is where renting a car in Iceland or booking a  self-drive tour  comes in handy. You’re provided with a vehicle or a camper with a rooftop tent and a detailed itinerary that makes you the guide, enabling you to move around the island and visit sights on your own.

Remember that Iceland is situated on the edge of the Arctic Circle, so camping is an infinitely easier option during the summer months. Camping in the Icelandic winter is an activity reserved for only the most avid trekkers, who are experts in reading the weather forecast , possess all the proper equipment, and have years of experience when it comes to surviving in the wild.

• Check out our  great selection of winter self-drive tours
• See info on What To Pack for Iceland for All Seasons
• See our guide for How to Drive Safely in Iceland

If you're feeling adventurous, there’s also the option of hitchhiking, which is exceptionally safe in Iceland. If you're driving a rental, picking up hitchhikers and suggesting that they pitch in for petrol is an excellent way of saving gas money.

• See also: Iceland's Weather, Climate, and Temperature Year-Round

As for the case of inner-city transport, do not take a taxi unless necessary, and only if you're going to be traveling short distances within the city. It's incredibly expensive. The downtown area of Reykjavik is, in fact, very pedestrian-friendly. It also boasts the public bus service Straeto , where the regular fare is around 4.80 USD and limitless within the hour. Day and month passes are also available for a better price, depending how much you plan to use the bus system.

Public transportation outside the capital is not as good, though. If you’re traveling anywhere outside the city, you should know that renting a small car in Iceland is always a lot less expensive than taking a public bus.

Some newcomers make a big mistake by taking a taxi from KEF Airport to the city. Rent a car, or book the shuttle bus to Reykjavik instead, which will save tenfold.

Top Airport Transfers

In the last few years, Iceland has witnessed a surge in its local food scene, with numerous world-class restaurants sprouting all over the capital, some of which have Michelin stars and mentions!

The possibilities for dining are endless. Traditional Icelandic food is fused with other cuisines or spiced up with exotic ingredients to create venues for fine dining that stand tall amongst the competition.

• See a selection of the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
• Read our  Vegan and Vegetarian Guide to Reykjavik

Eating out is relatively expensive (the average plate will cost between 15 USD and 40 USD), so the locals consider restaurant dining a treat instead of a regular occurrence. If you're going to be eating out in Iceland every night of your stay, expect your expenses to soar.

Instead, you should research the possibilities and plan for one or two special occasions. As with most things in Iceland, they might come at a cost, but they’re well worth it for the unique and quality experience.

Be careful when you buy fast food like pizza, burgers, or sandwiches. One might think it's more cost-effective, but Reykjavik's casual dining pretty much falls within the same price range as the more refined dining. A pizza usually costs around 15-20 USD - virtually the same as a meal at a nice restaurant.

Eating out in Reykjavik is expensive. The best way to save a buck is to take advantage of lunch hours when numerous inner-city restaurants offer reduced prices or two-for-one deals on selected dishes.

The most economical way of eating food in Iceland is to cook it yourself. If you're purchasing groceries, avoid the supermarket chains 10-11 or Krambudin, the most expensive grocery stores in Iceland. Shopping there might go as far as doubling your grocery bill! Instead, head straight for the budget supermarkets in Iceland, where locals get groceries.

Kronan stores are ideal for lunch-pack shopping before you leave town and embark on your adventures, especially if you're in need of a simple ready-to-go sandwich, pastry, or another easy lunch option. This way, you can skip the roadside kiosks that tend to offer things like burgers and hot dogs, but for sky-high city restaurant prices!

As for alcohol, Iceland’s relationship with it is rather complicated. Beer prohibition was lifted as recently as 1989, and although Icelanders like to wet their whistle, the accessibility is somewhat limited compared to international standards.

Alcohol is only sold in the state-run liquor store known as Vinbudin  (Icelanders call it "Ríkið," which simply means "The State"), which has limited opening hours. It's always closed on Sundays and public holidays. Therefore, stock up beforehand if you plan to go out or even stay in. However, in these state-run stores, taxes are very high, so the very best bet is to shop duty-free at the airport on arrival!

You should also watch out for what appears to be beer on the shelves of local supermarkets - it's not. Supermarkets are only allowed to sell beverages with a maximum alcohol content of 2.25%. Therefore, these are nearly alcohol-free beers, but many travelers have been fooled by their appearance and become placebo-drunk.

Despite all of this, you can’t avoid hitting the streets at some point, and you shouldn’t since Reykjavik boasts some fantastic high-quality bars and pubs that are a joy to visit. Although the prices are high (roughly 8 USD for a pint), Reykjavik has a vibrant happy-hour culture, where you can hit the bars at the correct times for the best prices.

• See more:  Happy Hour: Reykjavik's Cheapest Bars
• Learn about Best Bars for Craft Beer in Reykjavik

Now that you know how expensive Iceland is don’t expect to save money on shots, mixers, or cocktails since those rarely fall under the happy hour menus. Most happy hours include the house’s red and white wines, and sometimes a sugary cider if beer is not your preferred drink.

Photo courtesy of Von Mathus Gastropub . No edits made

How much is a cup of coffee in Iceland? You may want to consider it an odd treat instead of a daily buy. A cup of latte or cappuccino goes for around 5 USD, tea at about 3 USD (usually with free hot water refills), and a regular black coffee goes for anything from 2.50 USD to 4 USD (depending on if refills are included).

There are a few ways to get around this. Since Iceland is one of the biggest coffee-consuming nations globally, your accommodation might include it as complementary. You'll also find free cups of coffee at most banks intended for customers if you're desperate for a caffeine fix.

Now that you know some prices in Iceland,, avoid buying bottled water . Water from the faucet in Iceland is among the cleanest and purest in the world, full of healthy minerals, and is always safe to drink . Just bring a water bottle with you, and rest assured that every establishment will happily refill it.

Shopping in Iceland 

Photo courtesy of Smaralind mall

When shopping in Iceland, the estimation ultimately depends on what you're here for and what you're willing to spend. Although enjoying Iceland is not solely reserved for the wealthy, shopping here might very well be.

Fashion wear in Iceland is taxed through the roof. For instance, a pair of Levi's jeans is sold with a roughly 40 percent markup compared to Scandinavia, the UK, and the US.

Most locals prefer to do their most extensive shopping online or abroad, heading to discount stores in Copenhagen or Berlin in unison with their travel plans. Icelanders also love to hunt for discounts and sales, in which case the two Reykjavik shopping malls, Kringlan and Smaralind , are the prime destinations.

The city offers a wealth of local design stores, each holding unique and hand-made garments for an attractive price. Shopping vintage is another option. There are a lot of great second-hand stores on Laugavegur street , where you could even score your very own authentic lopapeysa for cheap.

You can also head to Kolaportid Flea Market - the only place in Reykjavik where you can practice the art of haggling. The market is only open during the weekend, and you should go here if you want to pay next to nothing for Icelandic wool products, stamps, postcards, weird knick-knacks, or vintage wear.

Photo from  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Karl Gunnarsson.  No edits made. 

The so-called "puffin shops" that litter the local streets might promise a bargain on authentic Icelandic memorabilia if you're looking for souvenirs. But they’re specially tailored tourist traps selling only mass-produced plastic ornaments from faraway lands.

These shops also drive out local businesses, so you should hunt for the more authentic souvenirs at the National Museum of Iceland gift shop, the Handknitting Association of Iceland , or the aforementioned Kolaportid Flea Market.

The best memories you can buy are the numerous adventures you’ll embark on and all the stunning natural sights you’ll behold. Just remember to pack a camera, and you can bring back all those memories.

Top Reykjavik Tours

They say that the best things in life are free. Icelandic nature boasts wonders unparalleled anywhere else in the world. It’s a place where the geothermally active terrain of hot springs and geysers meets with rural coastal villages, in contrast with wild and uninhabited Highlands .

• Discover Iceland's mountains , fjords , and waterfalls
• See also: Glaciers , caves , and volcanoes  in Iceland

Although feasting your eyes on these marvels comes at no cost, you still need the means to get there, a place to stay, and the proper gear and guidance. Nature isn't only there to be looked at; you can and should participate in activities offered to experience it fully.

So when you head to, for example, Thingvellir National Park , a rift valley at the conjuncture of two tectonic plates, you can add significantly to that experience with  snorkeling tours  in the amazing Silfra fissure. Or, if you visit Skaftafell National Park , home to the largest ice cap in Europe, you can embark on a glacier hiking tour  or  venture inside an ice cave .

Luckily, Iceland offers various guided services to make these activities available to visitors. This is the case even with a celestial phenomenon like the northern lights in Iceland .

Though they appear in the winter sky of their own accord, some people work around the clock to calculate their arrival for you by using solar wind readings and weather forecasts. If that fails, most companies offer you compensation for your tour.

That compensation usually allows you to embark on the same tour on a different night to try your luck again, just make sure to check with your chosen tour provider. Therefore, the best way to see the northern lights is to  book a northern lights excursion for the beginning of your stay.

Tours differ significantly in expenses, but we advise you to book packages, as one adventure will undoubtedly leave you thirsty for more. If you buy your tours one at a time, the costs will add up much faster than if you allow the experts to join a few together.

Iceland also offers endless possibilities for hiking and trekking, where you can explore the vastness of the Highlands over a few days while staying in cabins in between. Hikes are a summer activity, but you still need warm clothes, good hiking boots, and food since there are no shops around.

• Read about Hiking in Iceland

Remember always to make a travel plan and then leave the said plan at safetravel.is so you can be located and rescued if you get into trouble. The nature of Iceland should not be underestimated, but if you follow the proper guidelines, you should be fine.

Apart from embarking into the wild, there are also plentiful opportunities to go sightseeing within municipal limits. The capital of Reykjavik possesses a myriad of museums and sights, some of which are free of charge and some of which you can save a buck when visiting by purchasing passes.

• Check out the 13 Best Cheap Things to Do in Reykjavik
• See also:  The Best Museums in Iceland

The Reykjavik City Card is an economical and excellent way to get the most out of your stay in the capital, providing access to a great selection of galleries and museums, all swimming pools in Reykjavik , and public transport.

The pass also gives you a discount on multiple tours and services when you want to leave town, meaning you won't only save money if you stay in the city.  You can purchase a 24 , 48 , or 72-hour Reykjavik Card to meet your needs.

• See also: Top 12 Things to do in Reykjavik
• See also: Secret Spots & Hidden Gems in Reykjavik

Weekly and Daily Budgets: How Much You’ll Spend in Iceland

We hope this article has given you an idea of the different expenses and possibilities when traveling in Iceland. There's nothing left now except to present you with estimated budgets to better your abilities to plan the journey of your dreams. 

The Backpacker's approach to traveling in Iceland includes no transport except  booking the affordable airport shuttle to Reykjavik . Otherwise, they can hitchhike. 

They would camp in the city, where the cheapest option goes for around 23 USD per person. There are also a couple of additional spendings, such as electricity rent or using a washing machine once.

This person would cook their meals, of which rouchly 70 USD should buy them groceries for the week. When we throw in two 72-hour Reykjavik City Cards, showers are covered with daily trips to one of Reykjavik's geothermal swimming pools. 

The Backpacker can sightsee the city, hike up Mount Esja,  and hitchhike to nearby municipalities such as the Reykjadalur hot spring valley in Hveragerdi or the Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vik .

One week's expenses for this approach come to around 300 USD or 42 USD daily for one person.

Extra: Backpacker's Splurge

With one night out, one night eating out, and one budget tour such as a Golden Circle Minibus Tour  for one person, the estimation rises to about 435 USD for the week or around 62 USD per day. 

Route 2 - The Minimalist 

The Minimalist's approach includes hostel accommodation at about 55 USD per night, where cooking facilities enable them to buy groceries for the week for around 70 USD. Let's throw in a case of Icelandic beer for roughly 16 USD to keep the fridge stocked!

This individual would go to a cafe a couple of times and eat out once and allow themselves to purchase one combo tour, such as  Whale Watching and the Golden Circle combo tour , for approximately 202 USD.

They would book an affordable airport transfer from Keflavik Airport  for around 37 USD, but otherwise use the public transport system or rent a small car for one day for around 46 USD.

The Minimalist could spend a day driving along the South Coast or visiting the Snaefellsnes peninsula . A small car will suffice if the season is summer. 

One week's expenses for this route come to about 570 USD or 81 USD daily. 

Extra: Minimalist's Splurge

Booking admission to the luxurious Sky Lagoon and one good night out in Reykjavik , the estimation would rise to around 675 USD for the week or 96 USD per day. 

Route 3 - The Traveler 

The Traveler would book hotels or a guesthouse for around 85 USD per night and rent a four-wheel drive car in Iceland  for the whole week, with gas prices at roughly 2.30 USD for the liter. 

They would hit a cafe three times, eat out maybe four times and buy additional groceries for 62 USD. They might purchase a couple of meet-on-location tours, such as a  horse riding tour in beautiful scenery near Hveragerdi for 67 USD and a  Silfra snorkeling adventure at Thingvellir for 140 USD. 

The Traveler uses their four-wheel drive car to explore the Highland roads and sightsee the wild nature of Iceland and stay outside Reykjavik for several nights. 

A week like that would come to about 1,380 USD, or 197 USD daily. 

Extra: Traveler's Splurge

With one all-included Beer & Food Tour in Reykjavik for 77 USD and admission to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon , the week goes up to 1,594 USD or 227 USD per day. 

Route 4 - The Big Spender 

The Big Spender might book a nice hotel for 235 USD per night and a cottage in the countryside for 118 USD per night. That way, they could enjoy the full extent of gorgeous rural landscapes and the capital city.

They would rent a luxury car for seven days at 95 USD per day and go on three combo tours for 490 USD. 

They might hit a cafe five times during the week and eat out every night. They wouldn't hesitate to match their meals with wine and craft beer, doubling restaurant expenses. 

The Big Spender could, of course, spend a lot more, but this data is meant to showcase a week where the goal isn't to spend money but to see Iceland off a budget.

This approach would leave the week at 2,720 USD or 388 USD per day.

Extra: The Big Spender's Splurge

If this individual wants to splurge, the sky's the limit. Why not add a helicopter tour , exploring Iceland from above and maybe even touching down on an actual glacier for 590 USD? 

Now that you've seen the different approaches to estimated Iceland budgets, you can compare the costs with self-drive tours and all-included travel packages. 

A week's self-drive tour around the whole country, with a car, accommodation, breakfast, and a Blue Lagoon voucher such as this one is 754 USD, where added meals and gas expenses would bring the estimation to 140 USD a day. 

This would top the Traveler's approach - while including more comforts and a lot more sightseeing. There are also budget self-drives, such as this budget-friendly Golden Circle & South Coast tour , available for 743 USD that don't have breakfast or vouchers - ideal for the Minimalist!  

A package such as this customizable Icelandic Wonders tour offers Reykjavik accommodation for five nights, one night at a country hotel, two bus tours, and a Blue Lagoon voucher, all for 1,092 USD. 

Add a few night outs to that, and the estimation would come to 210 USD per day, which matches the Traveler's approach and tops the Big Spender route by miles in being economical. The possibilities are endless, but this should give you an idea.

PLEASE NOTE that all prices listed are subject to change, and we do our best to keep them updated to show the correct information. If you have any additional questions on the costs of traveling in Iceland, don't hesitate to ask them in the comments below, and we will answer them as soon as possible.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

Prices in Iceland: How To Figure Out Your Iceland Trip Cost

August 16, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers

The prices in Iceland are notoriously high. From food, to rental cars, to gas, many aspects of your trip will cost you a pretty penny. Iceland is becoming a more and more popular tourist destination by the year, and with the stunning natural beauty the country has to offer, it’s easy to see why.

On top of the beauty which awaits you upon arrival, the airlines draw you in with great deals on airfare and the whole trip becomes irresistible. Icelandair allows free stopovers in Iceland from the US to the rest of Europe, and back when Wow Air was in business, there was always an affordable flight option.

But the cost of actually staying in Iceland might come as a shock to you if you don’t know any better. The country is beautiful and worthy of all the recent attention it’s been getting, but be prepared to spend some serious money while you’re there.

There are a lot of components that will factor into your total Iceland trip cost, so spend some time thinking about how you want to tackle each one. This guide is here to help you know what you’re getting into ahead of time, and give you the opportunity to plan accordingly and potentially cut back on expenses where it makes sense.

Iceland is a unique country full of thundering waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, and many other natural wonders you’ve only dreamed about. The experiences are worth the money poured into the trip, and hopefully, with some careful planning, you can have these experiences without breaking the bank.

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks.

Table of Contents

Average Iceland Accommodation Prices

The least expensive accommodation option (besides camping) will be staying at a hostel. Some hostels offer both private rooms and dormitory-style rooms, while others only offer dormitory-style. The nicer hostels usually include a café, bar and lounge area. The website Hotels.com  is a great resource for choosing the hostel that’s best for you.

On average, Reykjavik has the most expensive hostel rates, but the rates outside the capital region are not significantly lower. Some of the hostels also offer free cancelation rates as well as non-refundable rates.

The non-refundable rates can be as much as $45 less on the private rooms and $10 less on the dorm rooms. The rates at the hostels don’t vary much throughout the year.

The off-season can occasionally bring slightly lower prices, but it’s not guaranteed. As more tourists flock to the country in the winter for the Northern Lights though, the off-season is becoming shorter in Iceland. Below are some average rates to give you a sense of what you might be paying.

Here are examples of the cost of accommodations in Iceland

• Standard Double Bed Private: $212-$239/room
• 4 Bed Private: $271-$311/room
• 8 Bed Mixed Dorm: $41-$46/person
• 6 Bed Mixed Dorm: $40-$61/person
• 4 Bed Mixed Dorm: $57-$67/person
• 6 Bed Female Dorm: $40-$61/person

Hotel prices in Iceland are steep. On top of that, you’re offered far less for what you’re paying than you would at a high end US resort. Though Iceland certainly has some nice hotels, most of the hotel options, particularly outside of Reykjavik, will be pretty basic. There’s no shortage of hotels in the Reykjavik area , and more hotels are being built both in the capital and throughout the rest of the country.

Iceland offers varying price ranges for hotels from luxury and boutique to budget, with some of the more recent luxury hotels being built at the famous Blue Lagoon. There is an 11% VAT on the total hotel cost and a $3 per night city tax when staying in Reykjavik.

Check out www.booking.com  to find exact prices and more detailed information on the accommodations. Below we’ve laid out a general breakdown for the cost per room of a hotel in each price category. 

Boutique and Luxury Hotel Prices in Iceland :

• Standard Single Room $340-$425
• Standard Double or Twin Room $426-$550
• Superior Double Room $489-$625
• Junior Suite $677-$1146
• Suite $766-$1548

Budget Hotels:

• Standard Single Room $138-$220
• Standard Double or Twin Room $146-$362
• Superior Double or Twin Room $175-$407

Airbnbs are another possible accommodation in Iceland. They are usually a little less expensive than a hotel, but not always. There are plenty of Airbnb options in Reykjavik.

Outside of Reykjavik, the Airbnb prices in Iceland tend to be lower, and there also aren’t as many options. In the capital though, people will controversially buy apartments with the sole purpose of converting them into Airbnbs, so there’s an apartment shortage for residents of Iceland, but there are a lot of Airbnbs.

Experience Iceland like a local by staying at an Airbnb!  Get a  FREE $55 Airbnb coupon  by using  our code  when you book! 

The two options for Airbnb’s are having a private room in a shared house or apartment, or paying to stay in the entire apartment (the number of beds varies). Below are some average Airbnb prices around Reykjavik.

These are just the base prices though. Be sure to check the final price because things like the service fee and cleaning fee are added to the base price, and have the potential to significantly increase the total price.

Average cost of Airbnb in Iceland

• Entire apartment (2 beds)  $150-$300
• Entire apartment (1 bed) $100- $212
• Private Room $40-$90

Cost Of Renting A Car In Iceland

Rental car prices in Iceland are high, but if you want to explore Iceland’s natural beauty on your own terms, a car is essential. You are going to want to factor this into your Iceland trip cost!

For many people, this is the ideal option for getting around the country. Auto Europe is a wonderful website for comparing rental car prices in Iceland based on the company you’re renting from, and the size of the car (or whether it’s 4WD).

Before renting a car in Iceland you’ll need to choose between 4×4 or 2×2, manual or automatic, and the size of the car. Renting a 2×2 will reduce your Iceland trip cost, however, some of the roads in Iceland require 4×4’s, so it’ll limit what you’re able to explore.

You definitely cannot drive 2×2’s on Iceland’s F roads. Though 4×4’s will give you the freedom to drive just about anywhere, it is possible to see much of Iceland, including many of its most stunning natural wonders, in a 2×2.

Unlike in the United States, many of the rental cars are manual. If you don’t know how to drive a manual car, double-check to make sure your rental car is automatic! You’ll also have to decide whether you want additional insurance.

In most countries, it’s unnecessary, but some of the F roads in Iceland can be extremely rough so it’s something to consider. Here are some examples of the l east expensive rental car prices in Iceland per day and per week.

• 2 wheel drive compact manual: $63/day or $232/wk
• 2 wheel drive compact automatic: $93/day or $346/wk
• 2 wheel drive midsize manual: $83/day or $307/wk
• 2 wheel drive midsize automatic: $93/day or $346/wk
• 4 wheel drive SUV manual: $187/day or $625/wk
• 4 wheel drive SUV automatic: $232/day or $768/wk

Price Of Campervans In Iceland

Combining your transportation and accommodation into one with a campervan has the potential to bring down your Iceland trip cost. Having a campervan is the ultimate way to take your trip into your own hands and camping in Iceland is a great way to save!

You can eat, sleep, and adventure whenever you want, increasing your general efficiency. Campervans come in 4X2 and 4×4 as well as both automatic and manual. Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to rent your van well in advance particularly if you want a manual vehicle.

Also, not all campervans have heaters, so take note of that if you’ll be traveling in Iceland in the winter. Iceland has many campsites around the country both for tent camping and campervans.

You can pay at each campsite for roughly $8-$12 a person, or you can buy an Iceland camper card giving you access to roughly 40 different campsites around the country. One card costs $177 and covers 2 adults and up to 4 children. Most campsites are closed though during the winter.

There are many different campervan companies in Iceland, and the number of companies keeps increasing as the tourist population surges. There are some things to consider when choosing a company and evaluating their prices. Some of these things we mentioned above such as 4×2 or 4×4, manual or automatic, or whether it has heaters or not for more comfortable sleeping conditions. You should also check whether additional insurance is included in the price.

Some companies also require you to book the van for at least 4 days. The top campervan companies include Happy Campers , Go Campers , Campervan Iceland , Camper Rental Iceland , and Camp Easy .

It’s difficult to compare prices between companies because every company’s vans offer different things. However, here is a rough breakdown of average prices per day by number of seats.

These are the prices during high season. Low-season will be less expensive but the roads are less accessible and the campsites are closed.

• 2 seater (sleeps 2): $91-$208/day 
• 3 seater (sleeps 3): $214 -$392/day
• 4 seater (sleeps 2): $224-$402/day
• 4 seater (sleeps 4) $279-$387/day
• 5 seater (sleeps 5): $288-$336/day

Average Grocery Prices In Iceland

When it comes to food, the best way to lower your Iceland trip cost is by shopping at the supermarket and cooking your own food. This is our favorite way to cut down on the cost of our Iceland itinerary!

The average grocery store prices in Iceland tend to be more expensive than other countries because as an island nation up near the Arctic Circle, the country has to import many of its products. This results in higher prices and sometimes less selection.

For example, there are far fewer fruit options available in Iceland than there would be at a US grocery store. Besides a few different types of small berries such as blueberries and crowberries, most fruit does not grow in Iceland’s climate.

However, even things like lamb and fish that are found in abundance in Iceland and are big staples of Icelandic cuisine, are still relatively expensive. Some basic food items such as bread, rice, and pasta, are actually fairly affordable as long as you shop at the more reasonably priced grocery stores.

There are many options for grocery shopping in Iceland . Bonus is the least expensive grocery store. You’ll see these yellow stores with a pig as their logo all around the capital region. They are great shopping options, but it should be noted that they have limited opening hours, usually not opening until 11 am and closing around 6:30 pm. Another low-cost option is Netto.

Netto prices are not much higher than Bonus, and they have longer opening hours. Some are even open 24 hours. Kronan is another popular option, but its prices are more expensive than Bonus or Netto.

Kronan stores are usually open from around 10 am-9 pm. Finally, Hagkaup is the most expensive grocery store to shop in, but it has the best selection and many of the locations are open 24 hours. There are many other grocery store options in Iceland, but these listed above are the most common.

Your best bet for keeping your cost of groceries to a minimum is buying everything you can at a Bonus in Reykjavik and only stopping at grocery stores on the road if it’s absolutely necessary. The further you get from the city, the fewer grocery store options there are and the higher likelihood you’ll be paying more.

There are also small selections of grocery items at many of the gas station stores if you are in need of a quick food source/snack. Here are some average prices in Iceland as of December 2018 for frequently bought food items.

• 500 grams Butter $3.87
• 1/2 liter Heavy Cream $4.29
• 500 grams Sliced cheese for putting on bread $5.71
• 150 grams Brie $3.97
• 1 liter Whole Milk $1.23
• 1 liter Reduced Fat Milk $1.23
• 1/2 liter Yoghurt with fruit $2.68
• 500 grams Ground beef $6.46
• 700 grams Chicken breast (fresh) $10.73
• 200 grams Sliced ham $4.45
• 1 kilogram Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread $2.41
• 500 grams Spaghetti $0.73
• 1 kilogram White Rice $1.45
• 1 kilogram Potatoes $2.41
• 800 grams Bananas $1.22
• Carrots 500 grams $2.90
• 1 liter Orange Juice, 100% juice $1.60 

Average Gas Prices In Iceland

When you look at gas prices in Iceland, the number refers to the price per liter. For reference, one gallon is equal to 3.78 liters. For those of you with Costco memberships, Costco will be your least expensive gas option.

Costco cards work all around the world, so even though your membership may not be from the location in Iceland, it will work at the gas pump. Just ask the employee at the pumps, and they’ll swipe their card allowing you access to the pump.

The catch is, there’s only one Costco in all of Iceland (it’s located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, in the town of Gardabaer), so if you’re far from Reykjavik, Costco gas won’t be an option.

Iceland has a lot of different options for alternative gas stations including N1, Orkan, OB, Olis, and AO. If you’re looking for gas station prices, locations across the country or the closest location to you, the website https://gasvaktin.is  is a great resource.

The gas prices in Iceland are expensive, even at Costco. You should expect to pay roughly $90-$100 dollars to fill up the tank of a 4×4 rental car and around $70-80 for the tank of an economy 2×2 car.

Sometimes you can plan ahead and use the website above to choose the least expensive options. But the further you drive out into the small remote towns of the country, the fewer options you have, and at some point, you’ll just be thankful there’s any gas station at all.

With all the natural beauty Iceland has to offer, it’s impossible to experience the best of the country without driving around. It’s inevitable that you will have to fill up your car throughout your trip, and the least expensive gas station won’t always be available. As you drive out into the country, it’s not worth the risk of running out of gas in an attempt to find a cheaper station.

Average Tour Prices In Iceland

Paying to go on tours can be a great way to see all that Iceland has to offer. Everything is planned out for you and you have knowledgeable tour guides providing you with valuable information about the country and what you are seeing.

Tour prices in Iceland are not inexpensive. However, if you choose to only go on tours and not rent a car, you can potentially reduce your Iceland trip cost. Tours can also be ideal for people of all ages. The tour buses that stop at different sites usually stop at easily accessible locations.

Some of the most popular tours in Iceland are Northern Lights tours , whale-watching tours , Golden Circle tours , South Coast tours , and Icelandic horse riding tours . The Northern Lights tours can be particularly helpful since the lights have a tendency to be elusive.

Though there are ways for you to track the strength of the lights yourself, having a tour guide who chases the lights for a living can be useful. The tour companies will also give you a chance to take the tour again for free if you don’t end up seeing the lights the first time around.

There are many different tour options in Iceland. Here’s a list of average tour prices based on the activity or location. You can also book combination tours such as The Golden Circle with the Blue Lagoon admission included, or the South Coast with a glacier hike. These, of course, will be more expensive.

• Golden Circle $47-$90
• Northern Lights $81-$138
• Horseback Riding $99-$184
• Whale-watching $81-$89
• South Coast $110-$194

If you are looking to NOT rent a car and just want to do tours while in Iceland, it may be better to book a multi-day tour! A Multi-Day tour allows you to save money and time on planning while still getting to see and experience the fantastic Icelandic landscapes!

Suggested Multi-Day Tours Of Iceland:

5 Day Winter Tour Of Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, Ice Cave

3 Day Golden Circle, Glacier Hike, Ice Cave, Northern Light Tour Of Iceland

2 Day Guided Iceland South Coast Adventure

3 Day Relaxation and Exploration Tour Of Iceland From Reykjavik 

2 Day Jökulsárlón, Glacier Hike + DC-3 Plane Wreck Tour In Iceland

Fast Food Prices In Iceland

Iceland has a number of fast-food options from salads to gas station hot dogs Icelandic style, to burritos. They also have fast-food locations that Americans will be familiar with such as Metro (their equivalent of McDonald’s), KFC, Subway, and Quiznos (though Iceland’s Quiznos offers delicious lamb sandwiches as well that are unique to Iceland).

Some of these locations have healthy options, many are delicious, and they can be particularly convenient for grabbing something quick when you’re on the road all day driving around the country. Though eating at fast food places is a less expensive alternative to going out to a restaurant, we have to warn you that the fast-food prices in Iceland are not cheap compared to the US.

Serrano, which is a semi-close equivalent to a Chipotle, sells burritos for roughly $12.50-$14.50.   In contrast, Chipotle is around $7-$8 for comparable burritos. The Icelandic hot dogs are famous. The hot dogs made of lamb meat, are topped with crispy and raw onion, sweet mustard, ketchup, and remoulade.

The Bæjarins Beztu food truck location downtown drew additional attention after a 2004 visit from President Clinton. They cost $2.83 at the gas stations, but at the Bæjarins Beztu trucks, it’ll cost $3.80. Even a salad (though the portions are solid-sized) costs $16-$19. At the Subway’s in Iceland, a footlong tuna sandwich will cost $12.23, while the exact same Subway sandwich in the US costs $7.25. As you can see, the prices in Iceland for fast food are consistently more expensive.

Average Restaurant Prices In Iceland

Restaurants in Iceland vary in price, but at nice restaurants downtown, any meat or fish dish is going to cost a lot.

Apotek Kitchen, Tapas Barrin and Brasserrie Askur are prime examples of average restaurant prices in Iceland. We never recommend going out to eat if you are looking to keep your Iceland trip cost down!

The cost of entrees at Askur ranges from roughly $24-$46 with the cheapest price being for vegetable pasta and the most expensive price being for beef tenderloin.

Similarly, the entrees at Apotek Kitchen range from $31-$52. At Tapas Barrin, single meat or seafood tapas can cost anywhere from $16-$32 with the vegetarian tapas ranging around $16-$19. People order about 3 tapas per person on average. And these prices are all assuming you don’t add any alcohol to the bill. 

Going out to dinner can be slightly less heart attack-worthy at some of the more casual restaurants.  Burgers and pizza tend to be the best options for meals out that hover between fast food and fine dining. Burgers at Roadhouse are roughly $21-30 and pizza at Eldofninn is $16-$25.

A favorite casual restaurant among Icelanders is Saffran. Saffran serves flatbread pizzas, salads, wraps, and chicken dishes such as tandoori chicken, all ranging from $16-$20.

While these options are all nice while you’re spending time in the capital region, as soon as you venture out into the more remote parts of Iceland, your dining options tend to be limited to fast food and expensive restaurants.

Average Cost Of Alcohol In Iceland

The easiest way to keep your alcohol spending to a minimum is to simply not drink at all! It’ll save you a significant amount of money. But, if you are among the many who would like to drink while in Iceland, here are a few tips.

Your best option is to buy alcohol at the Duty-Free in the airport, but be sure to not exceed the allowed limits. Once you leave the airport, buying alcohol will be expensive. Though you can visit bars at Happy Hour for a slightly reduced rate, during regular hours you’ll likely pay between $8-$12 for a half-liter of beer.

Besides 2.25% light beer, you won’t find any alcohol in the grocery store in Iceland. Your only option for buying alcohol is at the liquor store Vinbudin. Vinbudin has limited locations and restricted opening hours, so check the hours ahead of time. Prices at the liquor store are less than buying a drink at a restaurant or bar, but they still won’t be cheap.

A bottle of the more inexpensive wine options at the liquor store range from $15-$30, while a bottle of dessert wine will cost you anywhere from $19-$62. An individual half-liter can or bottle of beer will cost around $3.50. No matter where you go, alcohol prices in Iceland will always be expensive because alcohol is one of the highest-taxed items in the country. And suddenly not drinking at all sounds pretty appealing!

Cost Of Attractions In Iceland

Finally, a bit of good news when it comes to the prices in Iceland! Because Iceland’s biggest draw is its natural landscape, many of the sights you’ll visit will be completely free. Gullfoss and Geysir on the Golden Circle are both free.

The Solheimasandur Plane Crash and Reykjadalur Hot Springs? Free. Though there are some attractions that cost money, it is possible to plan your trip so that you only visit free locations but still get the chance to see some of the best that Iceland has to offer.

Thingvellir National Park, one of the 3 major stops along Iceland’s Golden Circle, does not have an entrance fee, but it has a $4 parking fee. The stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall also has a parking fee now of around $5.50. The parking fees usually go towards the maintenance of the roads and parking lot.

There are some natural attractions that do have entrance fees, such as Kerid Crater along the Golden Circle, which charges roughly $3.20 to enter.

At one point, the lava tube Raufarholshellir was open to the public for free, but now it requires a $50 tour ticket to explore. You can also expect to pay a small fee (somewhere around $1.50) to have access to the bathrooms at many of the major tourist stops.

If you’re not paying for tours though, the most money you’re likely to dish out is at museums. The LAVA Centre is an interactive museum teaching about volcanic activity.

In order to get the full museum experience, a ticket will cost you around $26. Perlan, which once was just a collection of water tanks, now has an incredible observation deck overlooking the whole of Reykjavik and beyond, and several museum exhibitions.

Tickets to these exhibitions and the observation deck range from $31-$36. Just the observation deck alone is $7. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkja Church and the view it offers of the city from the top.

Tickets are $8 to ride the elevator to the top. The country is full of museums and interactive exhibits and many of them are worth the price of admission to learn more about the country, its culture, and its unique natural landscape. 

Prices Of Hot Springs In Iceland

When it comes to hot spring prices in Iceland, there are options for you at all price levels.  It is possible to experience hot springs in Iceland completely for free. The whole country is full of natural hot pots. Much of Iceland’s beauty comes from its unique natural elements, and the hot pots are a huge part of this.

There is nothing quite like relaxing in a Jacuzzi temperature natural hot pot right in the middle of nature. Some great examples of free hot pot options are the Reykjadalur Hot Springs on Iceland’s South Coast and the Drangsnes Hot Pots.

Another option is to relax in the hot tubs at the town swimming pools. Every town in Iceland has at least one swimming pool and one hot tub (often more). In the capital region, the complexes have multiple hot tubs of varying temperatures.

Laugardalslaug, the biggest swimming pool complex in Reykjavik, even has a salt-water hot tub. The swimming pools are incredibly popular among locals and tourists alike and are a great way to wind down after a long day of adventuring. Admission for adults is roughly $8 a person per visit and $1.30 for children ages 6-17. Hot springs are some of the best stops along the Ring Road in Iceland and you really shouldn’t miss them!

If you’d rather go to a geothermal bath than a swimming pool, locations such as Laugarvatn Fontana or The Secret Lagoon might be perfect for you. Both of these geothermal bath complexes are located in towns that are geothermal hot spots.

At Laugarvatn Fontana, you can bathe in hot pots filled with naturally heated water from the surrounding area, relax in a steam room, or even watch the staff bake rye bread in the ground. An adult ticket into Laugarvatn Fontana is $30.50 and a ticket for children ages 13-16 is $16.00.

The Secret Lagoon is one large natural bathing area surrounded by steam vents, and it comes complete with pool noodles for ultimate fun and relaxation. Admission here is $24 for adults and is free for children under the age of 14.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you’ve likely heard of The Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal bathing area. Contrary to popular belief, The Blue Lagoon is not actually a natural hot spring, but rather a man-made lagoon resulting from activity at the nearby geothermal power plant, Svartsengi.

The lagoon’s water is renewed every 48 hours and is filled with natural minerals that are great for the skin. As a major tourist attraction, The Blue Lagoon now has a hotel, restaurant, and many other amenities. Due to its popularity, you have to book your entrance time at the lagoon, days and sometimes even weeks, in advance to ensure you’ll get a spot.

The Comfort Package (and cheapest option) is $55. The Premium Package is $78, and the Luxury is $624. Iceland’s other blue bathing complex is the Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland. The Nature Baths are smaller than The Blue Lagoon and as a result, have a slightly more intimate feel. Admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths is $36-$40 depending on the time of year.

In order to best enjoy your Iceland trip, we suggest factoring all these various components into your budget ahead of time, but not worrying about the prices once you’re actually on the trip. Prices in Iceland are expensive, and it’s inevitable that you will be paying a lot of money to be there.

Go out and enjoy the stunning nature and fascinating culture of Iceland. It will all be worth it in the end. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, or have already been and experienced having to carefully budget for your trip, feel free to tell us your thoughts or ask questions in the comments section.

Reader Interactions

June 28, 2020 at 6:10 pm

This is so useful!!! The best article i read so far about traveling to Iceland. Thank you ?

June 28, 2020 at 7:07 pm

Thank you so much!!!!

July 25, 2020 at 2:26 am

Thank you so much for taking time and laying out what the real cost of traveling could be. I am so glad that I found you page and can plan accordingly.

Thank you!!!!

July 25, 2020 at 3:29 am

Thank you for this kind comment! I hope you enjoy Iceland!

November 16, 2020 at 5:58 am

This is really amazing! Got all the info I was looking for. Can you suggest if it is more expensive to travel Iceland on solo with public transport/ rental car or just book a multiday trip from any tour agent?

December 5, 2020 at 4:22 am

You would have to do the pros and cons on your own! Everyone is different! And it depends on what you want to see and do! For me, going alone is well worth any possible extra cost so I can stay as long as I like in places!

January 11, 2022 at 8:42 pm

Thanks so much for the amazing information. I will be using this to plan my trip!

I am curious if you have any information on traveling in the later half of October? Any info will be greatly appreciated!

January 12, 2022 at 6:45 pm

Yes we sure do!! Here is our post about visiting Iceland in October!!! Good for Northern Lights! https://icelandtrippers.com/iceland-in-october/

How Much Will an Iceland Trip Cost in 2024?

Last Updated on December 11, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Is Iceland expensive to visit? How much will an Iceland trip cost if you stick to a budget? A destination that is on many a traveller’s wish list, many wonder if it is even possible to plan a trip to due to a perceived notion that it is an incredibly costly country to travel to.

If you are interested in visiting this gorgeous nation, then it is essential that you’re aware of the average prices in Iceland and budget accordingly. But, in all honesty, the cost of a trip to Iceland does not have to be astronomically high.

An average trip to Iceland cost for travellers who want to vacation in Iceland is approximately $110-400 USD per person per day . This means that the cost of 7 days in Iceland is around $770 to $2,800 USD excluding airfare. You can expect prices at the lower end if travelling on a budget during shoulder seasons and at the higher end as a mid-range traveller in peak season.

Depending on your travel style and tendencies, it is possible to reduce your Iceland vacation cost a lot in some facets in order to spend more in others. If you’re looking to visit this beautiful Nordic nation on a budget and you’re wondering how much your trip will generally cost, read on to find out our best money-saving advice.

Table of Contents

Iceland Trip Cost Guide

This guide will break out the average costs of your vacation to Iceland across accommodation, transport, food, activities and entertainment, helping you understand how much is a trip to Iceland.

Accommodation Prices

An average cost for accommodation in Iceland will be approximately $40-125 per person per day in shoulder seasons or $60-200 per person per day in high season. This assumes you’re either staying in a hostel dorm bed or, otherwise, splitting the cost of hotel rooms with another person.

Hostels in Iceland will set travellers back on average $40-60 per night, will prices tending to be more expensive in the capital city of Reykjavik and during the peak tourist seasons of July and August.

You can sometimes get cheaper prices if you book in advance and it’s worth doing this if you want to stay in hostels as options are limited once you get out of Reykjavik. You can browse the best hostels in Iceland here.

If you’re travelling as a couple or with a friend, then you can get similar costs by choosing to stay in a private room in an Airbnb. Another benefit of staying in an Airbnb or hostel is they often offer self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals and save money even further.

However, in popular places such as places like Vik and Jokulsarlon options are limited. If you’re looking for a budget hotel like Hotel Kanslarinn in Hella expect prices to begin at around $150 per night and increase to about $250 in the high season months.

If you want to go down this path, it’s worth booking as early in advance as possible as good quality places book out quickly, particularly in high season.

For those looking for a more traditional hotel route rather than wanting to stay in more budget-friendly accommodation, you’re going to have to pay a bit of a premium.

A decent, 3-star hotel in Iceland will start at around $250 per night and increase to roughly $400 per night in the high season. Expect nicer hotels to increase in price from there. Prices don’t vary too much in or out of Reykjavik.

Another popular option among budget travellers in Iceland is to hire a camper van, which kills two birds with one stone as you will also have your transport taken care of.

There are numerous camper rental companies throughout Iceland and the cheapest option for a basic manual-transmission van that sleeps two starts at around $120/day.

An auto-transmission will cost more but you can expect significant discounts to these prices if you choose to visit outside of peak seasons. Many campervans also offer heaters and camp stoves/cooking supplies which allow you to cook your own food easily.

Keep in mind, however, that it’s not possible to sleep anywhere you want in a campervan in Iceland so you will need to also factor the cost of campsites/overnight parking, particularly along the more popular South Coast .

Transport Prices

Contrary to the majority of European countries, public transportation in Iceland is lacking so the most effective and efficient way to get around this island nation is by car.

The cost of a hiring car with basic insurance included will be approximately $30-40 per person per day if splitting costs between two people. However, you can get significantly reduced pricing for basic cars if travelling in shoulder seasons.

In addition, to the cost of hiring a car, you’ll need to factor in the cost of fuel, which will increase your daily costs, as well. The average petrol price in Iceland as of December 2023 is $2.25/litre (or about $9/gallon).

If you plan to hire your own car and drive the Ring Road, there are a number of rental companies to choose from. While you may be inclined to hire a car through an internationally recognised company such as Hertz or Enterprise, often these companies charge a lot more than a local car hire company.

We, for instance, found a great deal from Reykjavik Cars which was by far the least expensive option we were able to find.

If you want to compare prices across companies we recommend browsing options here so you can see aggregate results from a number of the major car hire companies.

Another factor for your Iceland budget to keep in mind is that cars with an automatic transmission often cost considerably more than a manual. So if you can drive a manual and want to save some money, by all means, make sure you’re hiring a manual transmission.

Finally, if you do rent a car in Iceland, a great way to save money on insurance is by going through a third party such as iCarHireInsurance. They offer excess insurance (which means you won’t have to pay anything if you get in an accident) for a fraction of the cost of most car rental companies. 

If you don’t rent a car in Iceland then you’ll need to factor in additional costs such as airport transfers from Keflavik Airport . By booking in advance, you avoid having to wait in line when you arrive and can simply hop on the bus when you land. Click here to book your airport transfer to Reykjavik!

Food Prices

Another expense you will need to consider for your Iceland travel budget is the price of food. It will come as no surprise that food in Iceland is expensive, especially if you eat in a restaurant. If you choose to cook all your own meals then you can expect to spend approximately $10-15 per person per day.

The average cost of a meal at even the most budget-friendly of restaurants will probably set you back about $20-30 per person. This is why the absolute biggest Iceland food budget tip I can give would be to cook your own meals.

That isn’t to say there aren’t cheap eats in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavik, where in the capital a hot dog at the famed Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is just a bit over $4.

Groceries are significantly cheaper than anything you could get at a restaurant so I would suggest stocking up on as many non-perishable items as you would need for the entirety of your trip while in Reykjavik.

This was something of a shock to us, but grocery prices in the capital city were about 10-15% less than those at supermarkets in the smaller towns along the Ring Road.

But if you want to shave a considerable amount off of your total trip cost I would wholeheartedly recommend cooking for yourself. If you want to incorporate one meal per day at a restaurant then you should expect that to set you back around $30 per person, meaning your average food budget in Iceland will increase to around $40 per person per day.

Activity Prices

Luckily for the budget traveller, it is very possible to visit Iceland and not spend a dime on any activities! However, if you want to splurge on at least one or two of the major activities in Iceland (such as a basic Blue Lagoon visit or an hour of horseback riding) then you should expect to spend an average of $20-25 per person per day over a one-week trip.

Most of the main natural sites in Iceland don’t charge any entry fees and even if they do, they most certainly will not break the bank. For example, I think the only attraction we had to pay to visit was the Kerið Crater Lake on the Golden Circle route and that only set us back $3 per person.

There are also plenty of hot springs that you can visit that aren’t the Blue Lagoon that may require a bit of a hike, but are free to enter.

If you’re planning on spending a bit of time in the capital city, there are a number of things you do in Reykjavik on a budget and one of the best ways to see the main sites of this charming little city is by going on a free walking tour. While these tours advertise as being free, you should always tip the guide if you have enjoyed the tour.

It is certainly possible to splash out on experiences — such as glacier climbing, whale watching, horseback riding , or SCUBA diving along the fault line — these things are not necessary in order to get the most out of your Iceland trip.

If you don’t rent a car and are unwilling to hitchhike then your only option to see the Golden Circle and other stunning natural attractions is to book a guided from Reykjavik. Some of the best options include this full-day Golden Circle tour and this full-day South Iceland tour.

These amounts aren’t included in an average Iceland vacation cost as the majority of people visiting Iceland choose to rent their own transport.

Entertainment Prices

Sometimes there is nothing better after a long day spent outside enjoying stunning natural scenery than a nice, cold beer. However, in Iceland, this is going to cost you.

Iceland has some of the most expensive liquor prices in the world and a pint of local beer at a bar can easily set you back $10-15.

The easiest remedy to this is if you intend to visit Iceland on a budget, simply abstain from drinking. However, if you do enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverages, there are ways to drink in Iceland on a budget.

One great tip is to follow the lead of the locals and stock up on your booze at the duty-free shop in the airport. These are, by far, the cheapest liquor prices you’ll find in the country as the local tax is removed. Another option is to purchase liquor at the duty-free shop at the airport you are departing from.

Reykjavik is famous for its nightlife, but keep in mind that it can be very expensive to go out. While booze prices are slightly less expensive in Reykjavik than in the rest of the country, it’s still going to be considerably more than what most people are used to paying, given that you live outside of the other Nordic countries.

All in all, alcohol prices in Iceland are incredibly expensive and if you really want to cut down on your Iceland travel cost then it’s best not to drink at all. If you want to incorporate a couple of visits to a bar during your Iceland trip, then expect to plan for around $20-30 in your Iceland budget for every night out.

Average Iceland Trip Cost

So how expensive is Iceland? Well, it isn’t a cheap destination to visit, however, it is possible to travel on an incredibly tight budget while in Iceland. For the purposes of this section, I’ve averaged all of the costs so you can have an idea of how much you might spend per day while travelling in Iceland, assuming you are splitting the costs between two.

Accommodation:  $40 – 200 / night

Transport:  $30 – 70 / day

Food:  $15 – 50 / day

Activities:  $25 – 50 / day

Entertainment:  $0 – 30 / day

Depending on your travel style, it is possible to travel to Iceland on a minimal budget. Assuming that you’re not intending to camp and hitchhike your entire trip it’s safe to assume that your Iceland trip budget will be about $110 per person per day if travelling on a budget during shoulder season and up to $400 per person per day if you’re a mid-range traveller visiting in peak season.

This does not include any pre-trip expenses such as airfare or ensuring you have the right gear for your Iceland trip.

Finally, also make sure that you factor in the cost of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Another affordable option is SafetyWing which offers travel medical insurance policies. Click here to get a quote from SafetyWing.

Travelling in Iceland doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think. If you do the proper planning and budgeting, you might find that your trip to Iceland cost can be fairly affordable even in one of the most expensive countries in the world.

Are planning a trip to Iceland? Have any questions about prices? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Best Pants for Iceland in Winter or Summer

The Best Gloves for Iceland in Winter or Summer

Complete Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle Stops (with Map!)

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I’m glad that one commenter mentioned the exchange rate. Looking at the most recent exchange rate, is one of the reasons I’m thinking about going this year. I would have thought that would play a significant factor in lowering the cost. How can someone from the U.S. maximize this advantage. Maybe you could explain for a newbie.

We just returned from Iceland two days ago and got the bargain of a lifetime. Since we traveled there for the first time 3-1/2 years ago Icelandair offered us a fantastic deal which we could not pass up. For $595 per person the trip included round trip airfare, three nights in a hotel (which included breakfast), a Hop On Hop Off city bus tour, a boat tour to see the Northern Lights and an afternoon at the Sky Lagoon Geothermal Lagoon. We upgraded the hotel and stayed for 6 nights and paid $953.50 per person. Granted this was 3 nights in January and 3 nights in February 2022 but was well worth the bargain!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ginny! Seems like you had a great trip 🙂

Was there 10 days in July 2019. You can certainly get your fill of volcanic rock, a beautiful vacation though. rental of minivan, flight cost of 1400$, cost from home to Edmonton airport and back, grocery store pickups, trip to Drangey Island, full ring road with various hiking trips to the coast, 3 hot pools including Blue Lagoon, one restaurant out, and can’t remember what else. 4500$ cdn-was worth every penny!

Sounds like you had an amazing trip, Daryl!

We did Iceland for 15 days this winter 2020 , the best decision ever! Safe traveling , the island for our selves , no camping costs because they where closed .

We did this for 3600€ for the both of us and since we were influencing we worked together with a campervan company that cuts down our van cost with 1600€

That comes down to 2000€ for 15 days . All in, including flights

Thanks for sharing!!

Hi, I am planning to visit Iceland in April 2022 together with my Husband for maybe one week. Which are the places that we definitely should visit? And where should we start?

Do you have good Tips for as?

Thank you 🙂

Hi Lisku, you can find all of our information about Iceland here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/iceland-travel-guide/ Hope you have a great trip!

Hi! 3 years ago I visited Iceland together with my girlfriend: The south-east coast, the ring road, glaciers, geysers, fjords and a lot of waterfalls. By that time prices were quite higher than now because of the change from USD to ISK. I would say we spent around 1000 USD each one for a one week road trip.

The trip went awesome until the moment we were travelling back to home. We boarded the plane and just some minutes before departing the captain said there was a technical issue with the plane, It was one of the the last flights of the day.

At the end the flight got delayed 7 hours and we missed our next flight at JFK (New York). The interesting fact is that because of that delay, one month later the airline gave us a compensation of $720 to each one! Doing the math we got back around 75% of what we spent in Iceland.

I definilety will go back and visit Iceland again!

Thanks for sharing, Gabriel!

Are the costs quote in USD or CAD? Thank you.

Prices are quoted in USD.

Hey! My partner and I are planning to visit Iceland for our honeymoon,from India, for a 7 days trip,can you suggest the best places to visit ,the accomodation ,and an approximate cost of the whole.

Hi Rashi, hope you’re able to have a wonderful honeymoon! You can find more of our Iceland tips and articles here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/iceland-travel-guide/

I hope you went and enjoyed the trip. Could you help me with the details of the costs? Thanks

When I was in the Army my unit went to Iceland two times and I was not chosen to go, but this time I really want to make an effort to during the summer months. I would like to go through a travel agent and be in a group tour. I am a senior citizen and would like to do this trip since I never had the chance to go. Any suggestions from anyone? Thank you and God bless.

Hi Susan, thanks for your comment! As we write mostly for independent travellers, we don’t know of any multi-day tour companies in Iceland that we can recommend. However, if you base yourself in Reykjavik, you should be able to easily see what the country has to offer with a series of organised day tours. I hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

I just got back from an 8 day stay in Iceland, in March 2019. We arrived in Reykjavik. My mom and aunt wanted to do the ring road (which is risky in winter), and requires at least 7 days to enjoy the sights and not rush. we went. Then finished the trip back in Reykjavik.

We split the cost of the rental car, gas, and guesthouses, which are cheaper than hotels (three twin beds in a small room) equally.

Hostels in Reykjavik were about $40 a night and awesome at KEX hostel (old biscuit factory turned hostel with a bar / food). Met a bunch of people from all over the world!

We individually paid for food, attractions and souvenirs. I went Glacier hiking / ice cave tour which was about $170, bought some little things for co workers about $50 and food was roughly $20 a meal for one person (on the low side). My pockets weren’t tight when it came to trying real Iceland cuisine.

I caught a break on round trip airfare for about $530 from Richmond, VA to Reykjavik, Iceland with eleven hour layovers in Boston, Massachusetts each way.

After it was all said and done, my total out of pocket expense was about $2200 USD for 8 days.

I hope this gives you a better idea of how much you may spend on your trip to Iceland. Was it worth it? Absolutely, but I always love to travel. So save up, plan accordingly and have fun in Iceland!

Thanks for that insight, Jeremy!

Do they get to see the northern lights much? And wouldn’t winter be a little cheaper?

You can definitely see the Northern Lights in the winter months! And generally, pricing in the winter isn’t much different from pricing in the summer, as Iceland is generally a popular destination to visit year-round. Hope you’re able to visit soon!

Sounds great. Can I ask did you get to see the northern lights during that time period? Thanks in advance

I went there with my family last month. It is not too much expensive. We really enjoyed it. And It was an amazing experience to go there. Really worth it.

I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Iceland! It really is an amazing country. It’s definitely possible to cut costs and still completely enjoy your experience.

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For the discerning family traveler, iceland in 5 to 7 days: three epic itinerary options.

• by Shweta Singhal
• Posted on October 28, 2023 August 3, 2024

Iceland despite its size has so much to see and do. Iceland sees booming tourism mainly for its picturesque landscape, beautiful waterfalls, volcano craters, lava fields, and black sand beaches. If you wish to explore Iceland in 5 to 7 days, you would need to plan an itinerary to parts of this wildly beautiful country depending on your interests. Here are 3 fabulous routes to choose from to spend 5-7 days in Iceland.

Reyjavik, the popular Golden Circle attractions and the South coast highlights, in my opinion are a no-brainer for a first-time visit to Iceland. Or, if you have visited the south coast of Iceland or want to do something different, then combining North Iceland attractions with Reykjavik and Golden Circle route is a good alternative. And the third choice would be to base yourself in Reykjavik for all of 5 days and explore nearby areas as day trips.

Disclaimer:  This helpful post contains some affiliate links. If you click on any of the links in this post (AND make a purchase) I may receive a  small commission  at  absolutely no cost to you . As such I thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy .

Page Contents

Travel Tips for Iceland 5 to 7 day Itinerary

Are 5 days enough for iceland.

To do a full Iceland ring road itinerary , I recommend at least 10 days or more. Whether you are in self-drive mode or taking different tours, you need to account for changing weather in Iceland. Distances may be relatively smaller but weather, especially on the scenic south shore can play a spoil-sport in Iceland.

For 5 days in Iceland, you should focus on a couple of regions to make the best of attractions and activities, like glacier and canyon hiking, chasing waterfalls, relaxing in hot springs and more.

Do your research and book early

If you are spending 5 or 7 days in Iceland, do your research on what areas and activities appeal the most to you. Remember that there is a plethora of experiences in Iceland to choose from, so research and planning is required. You have to make an estimate for your Iceland Trip Cost .

Once you have made your selection, book flights, hotels or apartments, activity tours much in advance. The best of accommodation and tour options get sold out completely in summer months. And the prices keep rising as you get closer to your date of travel.

I suggest you do a road trip even if you are spending 5-7 days in Iceland. The beauty of Iceland is in the natural landscape and you need to get out of Reykjavik to see that. You don’t need to rent a 4-wheel-drive for a 5 or 7 day Iceland itinerary in summer. The ring road connects most locations in Iceland that you would visit on your Iceland 5-7 day trip and is suitable for all cars. You can get a good deal via Discover Cars .

A 4WD is only needed if you get on F-roads (unpaved paths in Iceland) and you do need more time than 7 days to explore off-beaten-routes in Iceland. Do take full insurance when you rent a car for your Iceland road trip.

Pack for weather changes and wear sturdy shoes

You need good water-proof shoes to explore Iceland sights, even if you are not hiking. Weather is temperamental in this country. And even for spring or summer months, it may rain or become cloudy or windy and cold. You must dress in layers on any day, even if it starts with being sunny. Here are all the packing tips and a complete packing list for Iceland.

Carrying rain gear with you at all times is a must. Our rain jacket which also worked as a wind breaker was used most days on our road trip to Iceland in June . You need to pack full sleeve T-shirts, sweaters or fleece jacket, a light down jacket and a rain jacket for spring and summer time. Winter needs a different packing list altogether, clothes suited for extreme cold.

Use credit card everywhere

You don’t need to exchange any cash for your Iceland trip. Use your credit card everywhere in this country but do remember your card PIN.

Travel Resources for Iceland

Use Skyscanner for flights.

Rent a car to drive around in Iceland. Get the best car deals on RentalCars and Discover Cars here!

Use Kiwitaxi for airport transfer if you are not renting a car immediately.

We used Booking.com for all our hotel bookings in Iceland

Get an eSim for your trip for effortless data connection from Airalo .

Iceland in 5 to 7 days: 3 Itinerary Routes

Here are 3 alternative Iceland 5 day itinerary routes to give you the best of this country. Each of these itinerary options can be extended to an Iceland itinerary for 7 days. The first 2 itinerary routes are best suited from spring, summer and autumn months in Iceland. Iceland in winter needs some changes to these itineraries. Driving is challenging in winter months and the short daylight hours make it difficult to explore all suggested attractions within a day.

Iceland 5 day itinerary: Route #1

This 5 day Iceland itinerary explores the capital city of Reykjavik, the famous Golden Circle route and the best of south coast attractions. It can be easily extended to a 7 day Iceland trip by adding Snaefellsnes Peninsula either at the beginning or at the end of the itinerary.

Route 1, Day 1: Explore Reykjavik, overnight stay in the city

Did you know that Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world? Reykjavik features on every Iceland itinerary for a first-time visitor. This city is cool, quirky, beautiful and compact to explore many neighbourhoods via a walking tour.

You can cover most  attractions in Reykjavik in a day . One of the main attractions to see in Reykjavik is the iconic Lutheran Church, Hallsgrimskirkja . This is the tallest church in Iceland at 74.5 metres in height. Its architecture is unique, inspired by the basalt columns found in so many natural sites in Iceland. The Church is beautiful from inside and you get panoramic vistas if you make the effort to climb to the top. 

You can also visit other attractions in Reykjavik on your first day of this Icelandic 5 day itinerary. While walking the promenade facing Faxaflói Bay, you would come upon the Sun Voyager Statue and the Harpa Concert Hall . The city is also known for its sculptures that pop up all across and cool street art (Old Harbour area, Laugavegur street). If you are travelling to Iceland with kids, make time for a visit to the Perlan Museum . There are informative exhibits and films for both kids and adults to enjoy. Plus the observation deck of Perlan offers some of the best views of Reykjavik city. 

Reykjavik also has a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. It is a great choice to try local Icelandic cuisine (Icelandic hot dogs from a street cart, or fresh seafood from a fine dining restaurant, you have all options). Stay overnight at Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik which has free car parking.

Route 1, Day 2: Golden Circle attractions

The popular Golden Circle route comprises Thingvellir national park, Geysir Hot springs area and Gullfoss waterfall. Most tourists who visit Iceland go to the Golden Circle attractions, partly because of its proximity to Reykjavik and also because it is a year-round destination.

It would be good to visit Thingvellir national park early in the morning to avoid crowds. This is about 50 km northeast of Reykjavik. Thingvellir park is a unique site, both due to geological and political history reasons. This is the only place in the world where the meeting of 2 continental plates – the North American and Eurasian – is clearly visible above the ground. Hiking trails, snorkelling or diving options in the clearest fresh water on the planet, the site for the oldest running parliament in Iceland, all make Thingvellir worthy of a visit. 

Geysir geothermal area is a 60 km drive ahead of Thingvellir. This geothermal area is famous for its geysers, hot springs, mud pools and seismic activity. The famous Geysir itself is no longer active. You can see the other famous geyser, Strokkur, erupt every 5-10 minutes apart.  It is important to walk only on designated paths in a geothermal area, and make sure that no one touches the hot water anywhere.

The final stop on the Golden Circle route is Gullfoss or ‘Golden waterfall’. This waterfall is the most forceful during summer months but the snow transforms the entire area to a white fairyland in winter months. This is one of the most besutiful and popular waterfals in Iceland. Gullfoss is made of 2 distinct waterfalls, a shorter cascade of 11 metres and then a bigger waterfall of about 21 metres. 

The 3 stops plus the drive from Reykjavik would make this a long day, very doable in spring or summer months.  You could consider staying overnight near Golden Circle or get back to your hotel in Reykjavik .

Route 1, Day 3: Visit South Iceland with Vik as the base

South coast has some of the most popular attractions in Iceland – beautiful waterfalls, the largest glacier in the country, ice lagoons, famous black sand beaches and more. No wonder that it is part of every Iceland 5 day itinerary for a first-time visitor. Vik i Myrdal is a pretty town on the south coast and makes for a good base to explore nearly sights. Reykjavik and Vik are joined together via the ring road, about 190 km apart. 

You can visit the most famous waterfalls in South Iceland on your drive to Vik: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Skogafoss is beautiful and impressive. There is a 60 meters drop and its creates a heavy mist around the falls. You will likely see a rainbow over the waterfall if the sun is shining.

Seljalandsfoss is different from other waterfalls because it can be viewed from behind. There is a path that takes you right at the back of the falls and you can admire its 60 meters drop and the thundurous sound from very close. As you get closer to the falls, you will get more drenched so do wear a rain jacket.  

You can then visit the famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara on your Iceland itinerary in 5 days. What makes this beach so famous are the tall basalt columns that make a magnificent backdrop for a photo. You could drive to Dyrholaey Peninsula nearby to get ever better views of this beach and of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Stay at the premium Hotel Kria in Vik for 2 nights to explore the south coast.

Route 1, Day 4: Explore more of the South coast

There are many sights on the south coast of Iceland , so there is a choice of activity on 4th day of this Iceland itinerary in 5 days. You can hike the largest glacier in Iceland or visit a natural ice cave or explore an ice lagoon. All these adventure activities need a guided tour to be taken. These icy-cool experiences become even more magical if you are visiting Iceland in winter.

I highly recommend a combo tour for glacier hiking and ice lagoon. You can hike to the largest glacier in Iceland, the Vatnajokull . A glacier hike can be done only with a tour guide and some hiking gear like crampons and ice picks. In the second half of the day, take a boat tour to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon . Large iceberg chunks that have broken off from the glacier float in this lagoon before getting into the Atlantic Ocean. Both these activities would take most of the day.

Check these options for exploring Vatnajokull Glacier:

You would need to book your tour to experience glacier lagoon:

If there is still time, and that’s quite possible on summer days with never-ending daylight hours, you can visit the Diamond Beach . Another black sand beach with a twist! Large chunks of ice get washed up here and the dramatic scenery of ice against the black sand is what makes this beach so famous.

Route 1, Day 5: Reykjavik with a optional detour to Blue Lagoon

After exploring the South Iceland highlights, it is time to drive back to Reykjavik. But first consider a detour to the famous Blue Lagoon at Grindavik. This is a world famous geothermal spa close to Reykjavik. And what better than soak yourself in the mineral-rich waters here at Blue Lagoon after 4 wonderful days of sightseeing in Iceland? The Blue Lagoon is open until midnight in the summer months and you get less crowded in the early morning or late hours. You need to pre-book your Entrance Pass to Blue Lagoon early as it is a popular destination.

After Blue Lagoon, you get back to Reykjavik or Keflavik airport depending on your flight back home. You have explored the best of Iceland in 5 days: the capital city of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle attractions and some of the highlights of South Coast of Iceland. Add to that, the famous Blue Lagoon and this 5 day Iceland itinerary makes for wonderful memories.

Take your flight back home or stay overnight at Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik for next morning flight.

[UPDATE: Blue Lagoon is currently open. An eruption at Sundhnúkagígar is ongoing but at a safe distance from Blue Lagoon. Please keep yourself updated before your visit. ]

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Get travel tips, itineraries, best activities and more straight to your inbox., extend this route #1 to iceland 7 day itinerary.

The first 4 days would follow the above Route #1 itinerary:

Route 1, Day 1, 2, 3 & 4: Explore Reykjavik , Golden Circle attractions , Visit South Iceland

Route 1, Day 5 of the 7 day Iceland itinerary: 

Day 5 would then follow a different plan from the 5 day Iceland itinerary in this case. The next 2 days would be to explore the scenic area of Snaefellsnes Peninsula . You can base yourself in Budir or Hellnar for these 2 days. Vik is connected to these towns via the ring road, a distance of about 350 km to Budir and about 365 km to Hellnar.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is nicknamed ‘miniature Iceland’ for its scenic coastal drives, lava fields, the glorious Snaefellsjokull glacier, beautiful mountains and waterfalls. It is accessible most of the year but is stunning if you visit Iceland in summer . If you visit Iceland in fall season, that has the advantage of summer crowds thinning out and warm autumnal colours painting the landscape. Plus with the chance of viewing the Northern Lights, Iceland is a good choice for where to go in Europe in October.

Some of the West Iceland attractions that can be covered on Day 5 include Ytri Tunga seal beach, Budir black church, Bjarnarfoss (a waterfall located behind Budir), and Arnarstapi cliffs. You would get views of Snaefellsjokull glacier from many parts of your road trip. 

Route 1, Day 6 of the Iceland 7-day itinerary: 

Day 6 is to visit the most photographed mountain in Iceland – Kirkjufell – located in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. And the pretty waterfalls from across the road to this mountain. Both the waterfalls and the mountain put together are a photographer’s delight. You can take a Lava Cave tour in one of Iceland’s oldest lava caves, Vatnashellir . Post this tour, you could drive further to climb the rim of  Saxholar volcano crater. The views of the surrounding areas are worth the climb. The lava fields of Djupalonssandur to see large lava rock formations is worth a stop.

You could stay the second night at Fosshotel in Hellnar and have a relaxed evening. Or if time permits, and this is quite possible in summer months with long hours of daylight, you could head to Grindavik and stay close to Blue Lagoon. 

Route 1, Day 7 of the Iceland 7-day itinerary: 

This last day of your 7 day Iceland itinerary is to head back to Reykjavik. From West Iceland, you can drive directly to Reykjavik or Keflavik airport depending on your flight time. Or, if time permits, you can opt for a detour to the Blue Lagoon. In this scenario, it would be better if you drive to Grindavik on the 6th day and stay the night. You can then visit Blue Lagoon in the early morning hours with less crowds before going back to Reykjavik. You need to pre-book your Entrance Pass to Blue Lagoon early as it is a popular destination.

Iceland 5 day itinerary: Route #2

This 5-day Iceland itinerary provides an alternate route to explore the north region. It combines Reykjavik, the famous Golden Circle and the Diamond Route in North Iceland. It can be easily extended to a 7 day Iceland trip by adding Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the way back from Akureyri to Reykjavik.

Route 2, Day 1: Explore Reykjavik as per the suggestions given in Route 1

Route 2, day 2: drive north to akureyri, stay at akureyri or myvatn.

Now it is time to see the North Iceland attractions. You can choose to stay overnight in Akureyri,  also called the capital of the North. Akureyri is at a road distance of about 385 km from Reykjavik so this would take at least 5 hours of drive. Akureyri has a nice church, botanical gardens to explore. And there are cool restaurants and bars to spend an evening.

You can also choose to drive ahead and spend the 2 nights in the Lake Myvatn area. Myvatn is a serene lake, the fourth largest lake in Iceland. The lake lies in an active volcano area. Should you decide to spend the night in Myvatn, you can visit Myvatn Nature Baths. These beautiful natural hot springs are less crowded than the Blue Lagoon and sit within a stark landscape. The nature baths are open until 11 PM during summer months of June, July and August.

Before or after Myvatn Nature Baths, you can visit the geothermal area of Hverir , also known as Namaskaro. This area is famous for its bubbling mud pools. Do note that in summer time, the lake waters attract a large number of tiny insects that buzz all over the surrounding areas. 

You can stay at Vogafjos Farm Resort in Myvatn for 2 nights.

Route 2, Day 3: Head to Husavik for whale watching, explore Dettifoss

Day 3 of this 5-day Iceland itinerary has a couple of main attractions from the Diamond Circle route in North Iceland . You first head to Husavik , the whale watching capital of Iceland. Husavik is an hour’s drive from Akureyri and about 45 min drive from Lake Myvatn.

The Skjalfandi Bay in the town of Husavik has deep waters and enough food for several whale species to come and feed. This is a great site to view humpback whales and puffins. You can even view Grimsey island on an exceptionally clear day, the Arctic Circle runs through Grimsey island.

It is best to pre-book a whale watching tour. I recommend booking this 3-hour Whale Watching tour .

You can have a nice lunch in Husavik town and then drive ahead to see Eurpe’s largest waterfall. Dettifoss is about an hour’s drive from Husavik. This waterfall can be viewed from both the west and east side. Although the west side has a car park, and a proper path laid out to go to the waterfall. The east side gets you a much closer view but there is no barrier between the large boulders and the falls here.

Dettifoss is truly a sight to behold with enormous amounts of water across a width of 100 meters gushing down 45 meters deep into Jokulsargljufur canyon. Ahead of Dettifoss on the west side, there is a path that leads to another waterfall in the area, Selfoss.  Selfoss is 100 meters wide but only 11 meters deep.After this site, you can head back to the Lake Myvatn area. But first drive ahead to visit Godafoss . Godafoss is about a distance of 100 km from Dettifoss. These falls can also be viewed from both the east and west side. This waterfall is beautiful, it has a width of 30 meters and a drop of 12 meters. 

If you spent the night in Akureyri on Day 2, then you can visit the Namaskaro geothermal area and Myvatn Nature Baths on Day 3 evening.

Route 2, Day 4: Drive back to Gullfoss waterfall, stay near Golden Circle

Day 4 has a long drive inin the first half of the day. Gullfoss is at a distance of about 370 km from Myvatn. So Day 4 is to explore 2 of the Golden Circle attractions: Gullfoss and the Geysir geothermal area. As mentioned in Route option 1 of 5 days in Iceland.

Gullfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. It comprises 2 falls, a shorter cascade of 11 metres and then a bigger waterfall of about 21 metres. Next you head to Geysir geothermal area  to see the famous geyser Strokkur erupt every 5-10 minutes apart. There are mud pools, hot springs to explore in this area. The overnight stay would be close to the Golden Circle attractions.

Route 2, Day 5: Explore Thingvellir and head back to Reykjavik

The last day of this 5-day Iceland itinerary is to start with the main attraction on the Golden Circle route,  Thingvellir national park . As mentioned in route option 1 itinerary, Thingvellir park is a unique site for geological and historical reasons. Where else can you view the 2 continental plates – the North American and Eurasian – above the ground? You can hike on marked trails, snorkel or dive in Silfra fissure. Thingvellir also has the site for the oldest running parliament in Iceland.

After visiting this national park, it is time to drive back to Reykjavik or Keflavik international park depending on your flight time.

Extend this Route #2 to Iceland 7 day Itinerary

You can extend this 5 days in Iceland to an Iceland 7-day itinerary by adding Snaefellsnes Peninsula either at the start or the end of the trip.

Route 2, Day 2: Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula in a day

You can base yourself in Budir or Hellnar for the night. The distance from Reykjavik to Hellnar is about 200 km. During long daylight hours in summer time, you would have no issue in exploring most of the West Iceland attractions: Ytri Tunga seal beach, Budir black church, Bjarnarfoss (a waterfall located behind Budir), Arnarstapi cliffs, Vatnashellir Lava Cave, Saxholar volacno crater, the lava fields of Djupalonssandur, and the famous Kirkjufell. Stay at Fosshotel in Hellnar .

Route 2, Day 3 & 4: Drive to Akureyri as per Route 2 itinerary

The next 2 days would be based in Akureyri or Myvatn area, to explore the North Iceland highlights as per suggestions given in Route 2. Spend an enjoyable time in Akureyri, take the whale watching in Husavik, view the mighty Dettifoss and the beautiful Godafoss, and explore the Namaskaro geothermal area. There is time to indulge in the hot springs at Myvatn Nature Baths. Make sure you pre-book the Whale Watching tour . Consider stay at Vogafjos Farm Resort in Myvatn.

Route 2, Day 5 & 6: Golden Circle

The next 2 days would be based near Golden Circle attractions. Day 5 & 6 would follow Route 2 above: a long drive from Myvatn area to Gullfoss and then exploring all the 3 famous sights on the Golden Circle route: Gullfoss on Day 5 and Geysir geothermal area + Thingvellir national park on Day 6. The overnight stay would be close to the Golden Circle attractions.

Route 2, Day 7: Blue Lagoon and drive back to Reykjavik

On the last day of this alternative 7-day Iceland itinerary, you can drive to the famous Blue Lagoon. Soak in this geothermal spa for a couple of hours, get a spa treatment, have a lavish meal and then head back to Reykjavik. You need to pre-book your Entrance Pass to Blue Lagoon early.

Iceland 5 day itinerary: Route #3

Some tourists may wish to not rent a car and base themselves in Reykjavik for all the 5 nights. In this scenario, the best option is to take day trips to nearby areas. Stay at Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik.

Here is a suggested itinerary for your 5 days in Iceland.

Route 3, Day 1: Explore Reykjavik as per the suggestions given in Route 1

Route 3, day 2: take a day tour to snaefellsnes peninsula.

Browse through these day tour options from Reykjavik:

Route 3, Day 3: Take a day tour for Golden Circle attractions

Here are the best Golden Circle Tour options from Reykjavik. You can choose to add Blue Lagoon to this.

Route 3, Day 4: Take a day tour to Landmannlaugar or to the South coast

Landmannalaugar or Icelandic Highlands lies in the central part of Iceland. You would traverse F-roads or unpaved tracks to reach this ethereal landscape. You can do a short hike and view the shades of Rainbow mountains. While hiking, you would come upon dried magma all over the landscape. There is geothermal activity to be found in the region.

Alternatively, you can book a day trip to see some of the highlights of south coast of Iceland. Another option is to hike up to Iceland’s newest volcano at Litla Hrút on a group tour from Reykjavík. 

Check out these day tour options from Reykjavik:

Route 3, Day 5: Rejuvenate at the Blue Lagoon

You need to book this tour much in advance as it is quite popular:

Whichever route you decide on, you will bring back happy memories from Iceland.

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Author: Shweta Singhal

Hi! I am Shweta, the zest behind this blog . I play several roles – parent to a 6-year old, adventure enthusiast, travel blogger, generally open to trying out new things in life. Besides travel, I love books and theatre and art. I would love to hear from you; do drop a comment. Join me on Instagram / Twitter @zestinatote. View all posts by Shweta Singhal

So great to see the best places for both North and South, this is very usefull for planning a trip and deciding the route! Thanks for sharing

Glad you enjoyed readiing the different possible routes.

I love how you suggested multiple amazing itineraries for iceland. All of them are so attractive. the natural beauty is breathtaking

Iceland is one of the most scenic places I have been to.

My husband has always wanted to go to Iceland. He is studying planetary geology, so he would find the Geysir geothermal area amazing! I think whale watching will be my favorite part when we go.

If he is a geology student, he would just love Iceland. There are other geothermal areas, lava fields, volcano craters to be explored.

Iceland has been my favorite place I’ve ever been!

It is a special country, most people would say its been a memorable trip for them.

I’m yet to visit Iceland. Your blog is wonderful, very informative and detailed with lots of choices. Thank you for sharing

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• Travel Planning Guide

Iceland Travel Budget - Visit Iceland on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Iceland Costs

• Is Iceland Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Iceland cost?
• Iceland Hotel Prices
• Iceland Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Iceland
• Best Cheap Hotels in Iceland
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Iceland
• Best Luxury Hotels in Iceland
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Iceland
• Best Hotels for One Week in Iceland
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• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Iceland Activities
• Iceland Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Iceland
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Iceland
• The Best Historical Tours in Iceland
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Iceland
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Iceland
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Iceland
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• The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Iceland
• The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
• The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland
• The Best Budget Tours to Iceland
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Iceland
• How much does it cost to travel to Iceland? (Average Daily Cost)
• Iceland trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Iceland?

Is iceland expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Iceland?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Iceland?

You should plan to spend around $207 (kr28,676) per day on your vacation in Iceland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $35 (kr4,870) on meals
• $31 (kr4,249) on local transportation
• $191 (kr26,381) on hotels

A one week trip to Iceland for two people costs, on average, $2,903 (kr401,468) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 207 kr 28,676
• One Week Per person $ 1,451 kr 200,734
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,903 kr 401,468
• One Month Per person $ 6,220 kr 860,288
• One Week For a couple $ 2,903 kr 401,468
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,805 kr 802,936
• One Month For a couple $ 12,440 kr 1,720,577

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Iceland cost?

A one week trip to Iceland usually costs around $1,451 (kr200,734) for one person and $2,903 (kr401,468) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Iceland on average costs around $2,903 (kr401,468) for one person and $5,805 (kr802,936) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Iceland will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Iceland on average costs around $6,220 (kr860,288) for one person and $12,440 (kr1,720,577) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Iceland is $498 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Iceland! 6 Days - 8 Destinations $ 848
• 17 Days Self-drive | Complete Iceland Tour 17 Days - 31 Destinations $ 5,488

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Iceland is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Iceland is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Luxembourg or Monaco.

For more details, see Is Iceland Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Iceland?

The average Iceland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Iceland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Iceland

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Iceland is $95 (kr13,191). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Iceland is $191 (kr26,381). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 95 kr 13,191
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 191 kr 26,381

Hotel Prices in Iceland

Looking for a hotel in Iceland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Iceland based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $150. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Hotel Phoenix Reykjavik Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 133
• Skalakot Manor Hotel Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 399

Local Transportation Budget in Iceland

The cost of a taxi ride in Iceland is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $31 (kr4,249) per person, per day, on local transportation in Iceland.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 31 kr 4,249

Recommended Services

• From KEF Airport: Private Transfer to Reykjavik in Iceland Viator $ 176
• Private Airport Transfer Viator $ 260

Food Budget in Iceland

While meal prices in Iceland can vary, the average cost of food in Iceland is $35 (kr4,870) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Iceland should cost around $14 (kr1,948) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Iceland is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 35 kr 4,870

Recommended

• Reykjavik Food Tour - Old Harbor Walking Tour Viator $ 123
• 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik Viator $ 129

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Iceland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Iceland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Dinner (Fish Market) kr 24,852

Entertainment Budget in Iceland

Entertainment and activities in Iceland typically cost an average of $42 (kr5,832) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 42 kr 5,832

Recommended Activities

• South Coast Summer Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik Viator $ 180
• Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar Viator $ 97

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Iceland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Iceland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Art Museum kr 1,500
• Wine and Spa kr 4,079

Tips and Handouts Budget in Iceland

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Iceland is $106 (kr14,693) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Iceland is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 106 kr 14,693

Alcohol Budget in Iceland

The average person spends about $15 (kr2,121) on alcoholic beverages in Iceland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 15 kr 2,121
• Distillery Tour Get Your Guide $ 44
• Reykjavik: Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting Get Your Guide $ 34

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Iceland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Iceland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Beer kr 1,227

Water Budget in Iceland

On average, people spend $7.26 (kr1,004) on bottled water in Iceland per day. The public water in Iceland is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 7.26 kr 1,004

Related Articles

Iceland on a budget.

At A Glance

• The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. It is not uncommon for Icelanders to also speak English and Danish, both of which are taught from an early age in schools. It is still respectful to attempt to speak some Icelandic before referring to English. These efforts will be much appreciated. If you learn a few phrases ahead of time, you'll be well respected for your efforts.
• Krona is the local currency in Iceland. It is recommended that you buy and sell krona in Iceland, where you will get the best exchange rate. Most business accept credit cards. Credit cards are also accepted by taxis and souvenir stands, so you really don't need to carry a lot of cash with you. Keep in mind that this country can get expensive, so here are some tips for budgeting in Iceland .
• If you're looking to buy some interesting, local products, consider purchasing items made from Icelandic wool. The Icelandic sheep is unique and makes a soft but durable wool that is woven into hats, gloves and more. Other interesting local items include arts and crafts such as musical baskets and porcelain sculptures that can be found at the local craft shops.
• Winters are surprisingly mild in Iceland. There is a maritime temperate climate and the winters are somewhat comparable to those in New England. Do be aware that the weather conditions can change rapidly. Although winters can be warmer than you might expect, summers are also quite cool, so come prepared for temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius during these months.
• A favorite activity in Iceland is to go hiking . Some of the hiking is quite intense so come prepared with good walking boots and some food. Also, be prepared for the changing weather conditions as a beautiful day may suddenly be interrupted by a strong storm, particularly during the winter months.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Adventurous Trip To Iceland From India

Posted on By Blog Admin

With its mysterious underground ice caves, towering volcanoes, lava fields and wonderful thermal baths, Iceland is a treat for the traveller. It’s also known as the land of “Fire and Ice”, and its crisp clean air, cinematic landscapes and the play of light and darkness in nature will leave you transfixed.

And with the list of best places to include in your customized Iceland package from India, your vacation is sure to transform into the most magical journey of all time.

What is the best time to visit Iceland?

The high travel season to visit Iceland is from May to August. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant and the days are long.

How far is Iceland from India?

Most international flights to Iceland arrive at the Keflavik International Airport. There aren’t any direct flights from cities like Kolkata, Delhi or Mumbai in India but connecting flights from many cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris and Amsterdam are available. It takes around 11 hours by flight to reach Iceland from major cities in India.

How much does an Iceland trip cost?

The cost depends on various factors like the type of vehicle chosen for local transportation, the hotels you choose, the length of your stay and local attractions you wish to experience. While customizing your holiday package you will get to know the complete cost of your Iceland tour.

What is Iceland famous for?

Iceland is known for having the most extreme geological contrasts. It is also known as “The Land of Fire & Ice”, and rightly so as it is home to some of Europe’s largest glaciers and the most active volcanoes in the world.

Does an Indian need visa for Iceland?

Indians require the Schengen Visa for visiting Iceland. It is authorized by the Embassy of Denmark in India. It costs around $110and is processed in 15 days post registration. You can apply for the Visa through the link https://www.vfsglobal.com/Iceland/India/

Most fascinating destinations for Iceland tourism from India

• Jokulsarlon
• Vestmannaeyjar
• Icelandic Cruises
• Mesmerizing Northern Lights

Here are some of the places for yoour Iceland holiday package:

1. reykjavik.

The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik is among the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the World. Reykjavik has a vibrant cultural and design scene, with plenty of exciting adventure tours, vivid nightlife, modern museums, world-class restaurants, galleries, shops, bars and clubs for you to explore throughout your stay. You must visit Reykjavik to experience some of the breathtakingly natural wonders such as the famous Blue Lagoon, The Northern Lights or the Golden Circle- where you’ll witness geysers, waterfalls, rift valleys and more.

Things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a lot to offer during the day as well as night.

• Visit and shop at the Town Centre.
• Visit Blue Lagoon.
• Visit the well-known Hallgrimskirkja Church.
• Boating in Tjornin
• Explore the Arbaejarsafn
• Dip in the Ellidaar hot springs
• Visit Aurora Borealis for northern lights
• Experience the midnight sun
• Dine at Perlan

Best Time to Visit

You can visit anytime as every season has its own benefits. Visit between November and February if Northern Lights are the only reason for your visit. Visit in July or August if you would like to hike and camp or visit in early May to get a little bit of every kind of weather and experience.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations

• Midgardur by center hotels- starting from INR 9,000 per night.
• Skuggi Hotel- starting from INR 9,000 per night.
• Fosshotel Reykjavik- starting from INR 9,000 per night.
• Storm Hotel- starting from INR 8,500 per night.
• Alda Hotel- starting from INR 10,000 per night.

Attractions at a Glance:

• National Museum of Iceland- for the architecture.
• Hallgrimskirkja Church – visit the famous Cathedral.
• Harpa Concert – for best concerts.
• Tjornin- for boating.
• Aurora Borealis- for northern lights
• Perlan- the best place to dine at.
• Town Centre- for shopping.

2. Akureyri

Akureyri stands strong as Iceland’s second city and it’s a wonder that the city generates this much buzz. Expect cool cafes, quality restaurants, a handful of art galleries and even some late night bustle.

With its relaxed attitude and extensive food and accommodation choices, it’s a natural base for exploring and seeing the growing number of cruise ships calling by.

Things to do in Akureyri

• Visit Akureyri Church
• The Botanical Garden
• Hlidarfjall Skiing mountain
• The beer baths
• Kjarnaskogur forest

The summer months between mid of May to August are a good time.

Where to stay? Our recommendations

• Hotel Kea- starting from INR 7,000 per night.
• Icelandair Hotel- starting from INR 6,500 per night.
• Hotel Akureyri- starting from INR 4,000 per night.
• Hotel Kjarnalundur- starting from INR 6,500 per night.
• Hotel Nordurland- starting from INR 5,000 per night.
• Fjord Eyjafjordun- For Whale watching.
• Botanical Gardens- to admire the nature.
• The Christmas house- to wander around.
• Godafoss- for waterfalls
• Akureyrarkirkja- for the Church.
• Hlidarfjall- for skiing.
• Akureyri Museum- for the architecture.

Selfoss is a town in Iceland with its own distinct style, charm and points of interest. It has a variety of shops, services, many restaurants and fast food places.

Things to do in Selfoss

• Kerid Crater
• Selfoss Geyser
• Hike the Seljalandsfors Falls
• Trekking at Landmannalaugar- Thorsmork
• Snorkelling at Thingvellir Park.

The best months in Selfoss are July and August.

• Hotel Geysir- starting from INR 9,000 per night.
• Hotel Grimsborgir- starting from INR 23,000 per night.
• Hotel Selfoss- starting from INR 7,000 per night.
• Lambastadir Guesthouse- starting from INR 6,500 per night.
• Arctic Nature Hotel- starting from INR 5,000 per night.
• Gulfoss falls- for the waterfall.
• Kerid Crater- for the volcano.
• Ulfljotsvatn Lake- for the amazing lake.
• Thingvellir National Park- for the nature.
• Seljalandsfors falls- for the hiking.

4. Jokulsarlon

Jokulsarlon is one of the Iceland’s natural crown jewels. Thousands of people are drawn to Jokulsarlon all year around. An incredible amount of photographs capture the lagoon’s stunning beauty and it has even become one of Iceland’s most popular filming locations.

Things to do in Jokulsarlon

• Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond beach
• Fjallsarlon iceberg lagoon
• Visit ice cave in Vatnajokull
• Boat tour at Amphibian

To experience the icebergs in their full glory, visit during summer between May to July.

• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon- starting from INR 10,000 per night.
• Hotel Smyrlabjorg- starting from INR 10,000 per night.
• Hali Country Hotel- starting from INR 9,500 per night.
• Gerdi Guesthouse- starting from INR 7,000 per night.
• Glacier Lagoon- the speciality of Jokulsarlon. 
• Iceland Golden Circle- for waterfalls.
• Blue Ice Cave- an astonishing place.

5. Skaftafell

Skaftafell, the jewel in the crown of Vatnajokull National Park is a breathtaking collection of peaks and glaciers. It’s the country’s favourite wilderness- people come here to marvel at thundering waterfalls, twisted birch woods, the tangled web of rivers, the brilliant blue-white Vatnajokull with its tongues of ice and dripping down mountainsides. At Skaftafell, take advantage of the fabulous hiking on the heath and beyond.

Things to do in Skaftafell

• Go to Skaftafell for Hiking.
• Svartifoss 
• Go to Svartifoss Trail for trekking
• Visit Hundafoss waterfalls for amazing waterfall.
• Explore the Vatnajokull National Park.
• Visit the Morsardalur Valley. 

Hikers consider July and August as the best time to visit Skaftafell.

• Hotel Skaftafell- starting from INR 10,000 per night.
• Hotel Klaustur- starting from INR 10,000 per night.
• Svartifoss Falls- for beautiful waterfalls.
• Hundafoss Falls- for waterfalls.
• Morsardalur Valley- for the scenery.
• Vatnajokull National Park- admire the nature.

6. Vestmannaeyjar

Owing to its existence to the underwater volcanic eruptions, Vestmannaeyjar is a distinct archipelago located on the southern coast of Iceland. Fishing and farming are chief economic activities. Comprising of famous volcanoes like Helgafell, and Eldfell, the islands of Surtsey and Heimaey are the best ones to be explored when in Iceland.

Things to do in Vestmannaeyjar

• Go to Heimaey island for boating.
• Go puffin watching.
• Saeheimar Aquarium
• Relish a delicious lunch at the famous Gott Restaurant.

Best Time to visit

The best months for all round outdoor activities are from June to August.

• Hrafnabjorg Guesthouse- starting from INR 4,500 per night.
• Hotel Eyjar- starting from INR 8,000 per night.
• Lava Guesthouse- starting from INR 4,500 per night.
• Ofanleiti Guesthouse- starting from INR 4,500 per night.
• Eldheimar- explore the museum.
• Saeheimar Aquarium- for the nature.
• Heimaey Island- for boating.
• Storhofdi- take a scenic view of the Peninsula.

7. Arnarstapi

Located at the foothills of Mount Stapafell, Arnarstapi is quaint, little fishing town that serves as a great offbeat destination in Iceland. Encircled by the village of Hellnar and Breiðavík farms, Arnarstapi is undoubtedly worth a visit.

Things to do in Arnarstapi

• Explore Ytri Tunga, the Seal Beach.
• Visit the black little church.
• Discover the Vatnshellir cave.
• Relish delicious fish soup at Gamla Rif.
• Visit the Jules Verne monument.

The best time to visit Arnarstapi is from June until September when you will have a very cold temperature but limited till little rainfall.

• Arnarstapi Hotel- starting from INR 10,000 per night.
• Arnarstapi Cottages- starting from INR 11,000 per night.
• Jules Verne monument- for the architecture.
• Ytri-Tunga – for the beach.
• The black little church.
• Gamla Rif- for delicious fish soup.

8. Icelandic Cruises

Discover the stunning beauty of the great outdoors on an Iceland cruise. Experience the magnificence of Iceland’s natural wonders. A summer cruise around Iceland is an ideal way to appreciate the country’s landscapes which include geysers, waterfalls and glaciers. It is a very convenient way to see much of the country because driving from one place to another takes a lot of time. The cruises provide accommodations featuring a unique design, décor and exquisite amenities. An Iceland cruise is relatively affordable, with good values to be had between June and September.

Peregrine Adventures, for instance, has several eight-day Cruising Iceland sailings in summer. The trips begin or end in either Reykjavik or Akureyri and include stops in Siglufjordur, Iceland’s northernmost city. Other top cruises including Balmoral which starts from $1542 per person, Boudicca which starts from $2094 per person, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line will, and Oceania Cruises etc. will give you an authentic snapshot of Iceland.

9. Mesmerizing Northern Lights

Enjoy these celestial lights as they dance across the night sky, varying in colour, usually green, but occasionally also purple, red, pink, orange and blue. The best places where we can witness the northern lights are Grotta, Oskjuhlid, Vik, Pingvellir National Park, Asbyrgi Canyon and Aurora Borealis which is the most visited one in Iceland.

To witness the aurora borealis in all their glory in Iceland requires patience, luck, and the following conditions to be met:

• You must be looking between September to April.
• The night must be as dark as possible.
• There should be as little unnatural light as possible.
• There should be as little cloud cover as possible.
• There must be enough solar activity.

A sample itinerary for Iceland tourism from India

Here’s a 5 days itinerary for the trip to Iceland from India

Day 1: Arrival at Reykjavik. Transfer to the hotel. Visit Blue Lagoon, Hallgrimskirkja Church and Sun Voyager statue. Dinner. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 2: Arrival in Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park, The Geysir Hot Springs Area and Gullfoss waterfall. Dinner. Overnight in Golden Circle.

Day 3: Head to the beautiful South Coast. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Gljufrabui, Skogar Museum etc. Dinner. Overnight in the South Coast.

Day 4: Arrival at Jokulsarlon. Transfer to hotel. Visit Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Svartifoss, Jokulsarlon Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Dinner. Overnight in Jokulsarlon.

Day 5: Breakfast. Transfer to Reykjavik Airport to fly back home.

Which are the must-try cuisines?

• Reykjavik’s hot dog- made from a blend of Beef, lamb and pork, it’s a very popular dish in Iceland.
• Sky r- If you want to eat like a local, you need to eat Skyr, a thick and creamy dairy product made with yoghurt and cottage cheese.
• Lamb- Icelandic lambs are famous and the dish is prepared stewed with root vegetables or roasted with spiced gravy.
• Fermented Shark- The shark is fermented with vinegar and many other natural ingredients.

Tips when travelling to Iceland

These are the essential tips that you need to know for your Iceland tour from India :

• Currency- The currency of Iceland is Icelandic Krona. One Icelandic krona can be roughly bought for 0.57 Indian rupees. MasterCard or Visa is most widely accepted but it is preferable to carry currency with you.
• Transport – Car, cruise and bus are the best and convenient way to travel to Iceland.
• Etiquettes- You must follow the following etiquettes in Iceland:
• Strip and shower thoroughly before entering a hot-pot or pool.
• Don’t smoke in public places, bars or restaurants.
• Don’t feel obliged to tip in Icland hotels – it’s not customary.
• Mobile Networks and sim card- The major mobile service providers are Siminn, Vodafone and Nova. Siminn has the widest coverage in the country.
• Power plugs- You need power plugs and sockets of F type.
• Taxi- There are two major taxi companies in Iceland, Hreyfill Baejarleidir and BSR.

The Indian Embassies address in Iceland is

Tungata 7, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland Phone- +354 534 9955

Checklist to travel to Iceland

• Travel Documents- Passport, Visa, travel insurance, tickets, medical documents and relevant ID cards.
• Money- Debit card, local currency, US dollars.
• Clothes- Wear long sleeved undergarments. During winters, wear wool or fleece sweaters.
• Electronics- Mobile phone, camera and travel adapter.
• Health and Hygiene- Medications that you are on, basic medical kit, women hygiene items and toiletries.

FAQs for your Iceland travel

• How should you dress?

In the summer, light clothing is often all you need – but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year. The weather can be extremely changeable. And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favourite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermal heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28°C.

• What are the people like?

Quite Scandinavian, exceptionally friendly, highly educated, sophisticated, attractive, honest and very modern. Their ancestors were predominately Norwegian, although some came from the British Isles.

• Do Icelanders speak English?

Most Icelanders speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome the opportunity – so never be shy about approaching an Icelander.

• Do people tip in Iceland?

While service charges are usually included in your bill in Iceland, you could still tip waiter or guide-10% is usually enough. The truth is that Icelanders receive good wages, and tipping has never been a big part of their culture.

• Is Iceland a safe place to travel?

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland was the safest country in the World in 2019. Violent crimes are extremely rare. 

• What is there besides nature in Iceland?

Apart from nature, Reykjavik and Akureyri are one of the liveliest, safest, modern cities some well known beaches like black sand beach and the nightlife and cultural activities have earned an exciting reputation.

Iceland- a mesmerizing destination for all the travellers

Get to experience the wonderful glaciers and northern lights in the Land of Fire and Ice. It has varied and distinctive scenery, a fascinating history, society and friendly people. There is much more to Iceland that you can never imagine and it must be on your “must visit” list. Iceland is the perfect destination for those who are looking for the unexpected as the reality is even more spectacular.

We’ll make sure you don’t miss out any of these best places in your Iceland package from India. All that you need to do is get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us at +91 3340525777.

We help you get the best Iceland tour packages through personalized services according to your budget and preferences.

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ICELAND TRIP from India: Cost Calculated

Iceland is a beauty !

Having seen the gorgeous pictures of Iceland landscape and posts of jaw-dropping northern lights on social media, it was always on my wishlist. I am sure that many of you also want to experience the blue lagoon, glaciers, ice caves,mighty falls, GOT spots and much more that this nordic country has to offer, but you restrain yourself because you have read and heard that Iceland is costly.

Even I was under the impression that Iceland is one of the most expensive countries, where consumer prices are on average 66 percent higher than in Europe. But to my surprise, total cost of our 8 days trip ( including 2 days in Amsterdam) came out to be approx INR 1.45 lakhs, which I think is not much compared to 8 days trip elsewhere in Europe.

We were a group of 5 people, which I think is an ideal group (find out later).

Flight Tickets: INR 57,000 (Del-Ams-Reyk-Ams-Del)

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight connecting India and Iceland (recently started wow air was also discontinued). You will have to take flights which will have a stopover in Europe. We preferred to stop for 2 days in Amsterdam and then fly from there to Keflavik-Reykjavik which is 3hrs away. This saved us from a 20hr long flight besides letting us get stoned in Amsterdam.

VISA: INR 7,000

Apply for Schengen Tourist Visa. Iceland doesn't have an Embassy in India . So, you have to apply at VFS or Denmark Emabassy and your queries are answered by Denmark Embassy. They generally give 30days visa.

Car Rental: INR 18,000 (INR 3,600 per person)

It is wise to have a comfortable and equipped car, especially if travelling in winters. We opted for a Suzuki Vitara 4x4 Automatic transmission car with studded tyres and preloaded GPS. It seats 5 people comfortably and accomodates 2-3 big luggage. We had the lowest possible insurance though the company tried to scare us into gold insurance package, because you have to be careful while driving anyways.

Petrol: INR 12,000 (INR 2,400 per person)

You can pay for petrol by card only and that too for fixed amount (1000ISK,3000ISK...) not by litres. Even if you swipe your card for 10000ISK petrol and you petrol tank is full at 5000 ISK, you will be charged for 5000 ISK only.

Hotels and Airbnb: INR 50,000

They have the most beautiful houses and that too in the lap of nature. AirBnb houses have big kitchens, private rooms, and living rooms which is the party area for the group. A few remote places don't have airbnbs and you have to book hotels but they are no less beautiful. A big problem with hotels is that you can't cook there. We stayed in a hostel also for 1 day.

Blue Lagoon: INR 7,000

It is must in the to-do list. We booked the minimum package and it included one complimentary drink and mud face mask.

Glacier Walk & Ice Cave: INR 10,000

You have to travel in winters to have this amazing experience. You are charged 1000ISK extra for shoes and crampons.

Sim Card and Recharge: INR 2,000

We got the Nova Sim which gave 1GB data for INR1000 and we needed less than 2GB for the whole trip.

Grocery and Wine: INR 3,000

Eating out in Iceland is damn expensive. We carried not only biscuits and noodles and dry fruits, but we had rice and spices from India. All we bought from there was chicken and eggs.

Meals: INR 5,000

You should try local food as well and some days you may not want to cook.

The Sum of expenses come around INR 1,45,000. Well, you can save a bit more but I think this much should be spent for a satisfactory trip. Having a group of 5 saves you money on car, food and stay. Because flights and hotels were booked before hand, we had to carry around 1000 Euros (700 Euros in currency card and 300 as cash). We saved some money for shopping as well.

So folks, plan your trip to Iceland today and have the time of a lifetime.

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