iceland tour inexpensive

Affordable trips to Iceland

• Accommodation and local transport included
• 24/7 helpline while you’re in Iceland
• Stress-free booking process
• No hidden fees or unexpected costs

68 trips found

About our Iceland budget trips

• Book a trip from less than €300 per person
• Rely on our 40 years of travel expertise
• Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit
• Choose from a wide range of packages

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See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

FAQs about cheap trips to Iceland

Is iceland an expensive place to visit.

Iceland has a reputation for being a pricey destination. While that can sometimes be the case, there are plenty of ways to experience Iceland without breaking the bank.

The packages on this page offer value for money that’s hard to beat. Iceland Tours offers a wide range of cheap Iceland vacation packages.

They all include places to stay, local transport, and a detailed itinerary. Depending on the package you choose, breakfast and activities could also be part of your package price.

How much are trips to Iceland?

The Iceland vacations above start from less than €300 per person. You can also sort them by price to find the best deals available.

You’ll find that multi-day trips by bus are the most affordable way to travel. On this type of trip, all your local transport is taken care of and breakfast is included. This means you’d only need to budget for lunch and dinner, and any souvenirs of course!

Self-drive tours also offer excellent value for money. You get a fuel-efficient car, accommodation, breakfast, and a detailed itinerary. Driving a car in Iceland is the adventurer’s way to explore: you have the freedom to stop as often as you like.

With this freedom, you also get peace of mind. Thanks to our Best Price Guarantee on self-drive packages, you’ll never pay less elsewhere for the same road trip.

Finally, camping trips to Iceland can be an economical way to see the country. The camping packages shown here include a car, camping gear, and a detailed itinerary.

What can I do on a budget trip to Iceland?

There’s loads you can do on an Iceland trip without denting your wallet. Here’s just a taste of what you could get up to:

• Hop between waterfalls on the south coast
• Go whale watching from Reykjavík or Húsavík
• Follow the legendary Golden Circle touring route
• Travel through vast, unspoiled lava fields
• Chase down the Northern Lights on a winter trip
• Get up close to a glacier in Vatnajökull National Park
• Marvel at bubbling hot springs around the Ring Road
• See ‘Iceland in Miniature’ on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Soak up culture at Reykjavík’s galleries and museums
• Join a lava caving tour and walk underground
• Explore Iceland's outdoors on a day hike

Want even more ideas? Don’t miss this complete guide to Iceland .

How do I plan a cheap trip to Iceland?

A vacation package from Iceland Tours takes away the hassle of planning a trip by yourself. You can easily see the breakdown of your package price and customize it to suit your traveler budget.

Here are some ideas for things you can do to save money while you’re in Iceland:

• Buying lunch and snacks at a grocery store
• Shopping around for fuel
• Bringing your own water bottle
• Stocking up on toiletries at your home airport
• Eating at food halls with the locals
• Purchasing a Reykjavík City Card to save on museum entry fees

For more money-saving tips, check out this Iceland budgeting guide .

It’s also a smart move to buy travel insurance for your trip. That way, you’re covered if there are any unexpected costs while you’re in Iceland.

How much does a meal cost in Iceland?

Iceland is known for its top-quality restaurants, but there are also plenty of wallet-friendly options around the country.

The unchallenged best-value option is the humble Icelandic hot dog, available at the Bæjarins beztu stand downtown and around the country. For a few hundred krónur, you get a tasty meal that’ll keep you going.

Food halls are another place where you get fantastic bang for your buck. These modern-day food courts offer a wide range of tasty, contemporary dishes for much less than you’d pay in a traditional restaurant.

For more tips on eating out, see this Iceland restaurant guide .

How much cash should I bring to Iceland?

Card payment is the norm almost everywhere in Iceland, including at shops, restaurants, and cafés. Local market stalls, food trucks, and taxis also prefer payment by card.

It’s also worth knowing that some places only accept card, for example parking meters or self-service fuel stations. So it’s essential to take a payment card with you when you go to Iceland.

Visa and Mastercard are taken anywhere you can pay by card. Some places also accept American Express, but not as widely as in other countries.

You might want to bring a small amount of cash to spend or keep as a souvenir though. It’s cheaper to withdraw Icelandic krónur at a bank in Iceland, rather than exchanging it abroad or at Keflavík airport.

What do your Iceland vacation packages include?

When you book a trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll always get:

• Accommodation at the comfort level you choose
• Local transport
• Detailed itinerary

With the exception of camping trips, all of our packages also include breakfast.

What’s more, many tours come with activities like an ice cave trip or a Blue Lagoon spa day so you get even better value for money.

When should I book my trip to Iceland?

To guarantee availability and lock in the best price, it’s best to book your trip a month or two before you plan to travel. And with deposits as low as 5%, there’s no need to make a large downpayment.

This lets you spread the cost of your trip over a longer period. The earlier you book, the more time you have to save up.

How do I book my Iceland budget trip?

Start by exploring the vacation packages above. You can filter by date, interest, and more, as well as being able to sort by price or other criteria.

Once you’ve found the trip for you, follow the instructions on the package page to complete your booking. At checkout, you can add extra activities or extend your trip with days before or after your tour.

Flights aren’t included with these vacation packages. We recommend booking them as soon as your trip is confirmed to get the best possible price.

What should I pack for my vacation to Iceland?

It pays to come prepared for any trip, and the Land of Fire and Ice is no exception. No matter what time of year you’re visiting Iceland, it’s a good idea to bring:

• Warm jacket
• Waterproof outer layers
• Gloves, scarf, and wooly hat
• Sturdy walking boots
• Moisturizer and lip balm

Check out this Iceland packing list for more helpful tips on what to take with you.

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Make your krónur go further in Iceland with these budget tips © Sam Spicer / Getty Images

Iceland is famous for its spectacular nature, but also for being spectacularly expensive.

However, you can save a buck while ticking things off your bucket list. DIY nature exploration costs more calories than money, pools are cheaper than lagoons, and some accommodation is comfortable for your wallet without being short on comfort.

Here are our tips on how to make your krónur go further in Iceland , along with a guide to daily costs.

Daily costs (during peak season)

Dorm bed in a hostel: 8000–10,000kr Basic room for two: 27,000–31,000kr Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): 20,000–43,000kr Public transport ticket: 630kr in Reykjavík Coffee: 650–800kr Sandwich: 650–1800kr Dinner for two: 7000–24,000kr Beer/pint at the bar: 1500kr Swimming pools: 1200–1400kr

Average daily cost (three meals, accommodation and activities): 25,000–45,000kr

1. Pick the right kind of flight

Iceland is a convenient transfer hub, so there are many airlines and some good deals to be found. Search engines, like  Dohop or  Skyscanner , can help you find a fair-priced ticket to Iceland. Peak season months include June, July and August, so fares tend to be lower during other months – but there will also be fewer flights. Travelers from London Gatwick who want to explore the wonders of the North should consider flying direct to Akureyri  with EasyJet  instead of going via Reykjavík .

Ready to plan your trip further? Here's our guide to the best time to go to Iceland

2. Choose one region and explore it well

Driving the Ring Road is not a must. Save money on transportation by making one region your base camp and exploring it in detail, finding more peace and quiet and possibly discovering something unexpected. One region that works well for this is  Hvalfjörður about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík, close to Þingvellir National Park and many hiking routes , such as Síldarmannagötur over to Skorradalur valley and to Glymur waterfall (open in summer, only). In the North,  Eyjafjarðarsveit off Akureyri has farm-fresh food, horseback riding, quirky museums and hiking opportunities, including of Kerling mountain . If you’re not set on a specific destination, you could start by finding the most economical accommodation and make it your base camp in Iceland.

3. Embrace the elements in Iceland's national parks

Bring a tent and sleep at one of Iceland’s many  campsites . Some of them are located in nature reserves or national parks, such as Skaftafell and Ásbyrgi in  Vatnajökull National Park , and  Þórsmörk , a forested oasis in the southern highlands. National parks have free entrance and some of the most beautiful campsites, with costs around 2000kr per adult per night. You can also  rent a tent for as little as 1050kr per night. Mind that nights are chilly, even at the height of summer, so bring warm clothing and blankets. In other seasons, camping is for hardened adventurers only.

4. Road trippers should consider hiring an RV

If you’re planning a road trip, why not bring your bed? Hiring a camper/RV gives you increased flexibility. A two-person campervan costs around 17,000kr per day during peak season but prices sometimes drop to as little as 7500kr per night at other seasons. Two of the most popular companies are  CampEasy and  Indie Campers . However, you are required to stay at campsites overnight and pay the same rate as other campers. Note also that not all campsites are open year-round.

5. Consider budget hostels or farm stays

There are  18 HI (Hostelling International) hostels around Iceland, from hip urban settings to the middle of nowhere. The rooms are typically double or twin with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. The rate varies but is often around 20,000kr per night for a double room in the shoulder season and 30,000kr in the summer. You can find lower rates in the off-season but some hostels close. Also  check out KEX Hostel in Reykjavík,  Backpackers in Akureyri and  Tehúsið in Egilsstaðir, as well as farm stays , where you can learn about Icelandic rural realities while enjoying nature.

6. Summer travelers can stay at a boarding school turned hotel

Open in summer only, the Edda hotels (now part of the Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya) accommodates students the rest of the year. There are two: one in Akureyri in the North and one near Egilsstaðir in the East. You can get a double room with shared bathroom facilities for under 20,000kr in Akureyri. Both hotels are centrally located in each respective region and make for a good base for exploring nearby attractions.

7. Summer houses are good value for group travelers

Icelanders love countryside breaks in cottages, or summer houses, as they’re known, in every season. Many families have their own or rent one from their labor union, but it’s also possible to  rent a cottage  as a visitor – there are over 500 – a good option for larger families or groups. For a mini cottage experience, try  camping pods .

8. Look out for last-minute deals or home swaps

If you’re okay with being spontaneous, it could pay off to browse booking pages like  hotels.com or  booking.com . Sometimes a good deal pops up last-minute due to cancellations, which you can jump at if it fits your schedule.  Airbnb is an option, too, with a range of rooms to villas at a great price range. Icelanders Icelanders are avid travelers themselves, so if you're up for trading homes and even vehicles, try sites like Homelink and  Intervac .

9. Soak up Icelandic bathing culture as Icelanders do

Bathing doesn’t have to leave your finances feeling blue. Taking a dip in a chic spa bath costs around 7000kr, but in a public pool roughly 1000kr and children often swim for free. There are typically slides and always a hot tub. This is where the locals go, so it’s more of a proper Icelandic experience. Beachside hot tubs, popular among sea swimmers, are also an economical choice. These include  Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík,  Guðlaug in Akranes,  Drangsnes in the Westfjords , and Hauganes in the North.

10. Buy a Reykjavík City Card

The capital has a lot to offer and you can experience it all with  the Reykjavík City Card . The 24-, 48- or 72-hour-card gives you access to a large selection of museums and galleries, every swimming pool in Reykjavík, the Family Park and Zoo. It also functions as a bus ticket and includes various discounts. A 24-hour card costs 5040kr, which quickly pays off when you're sightseeing in the capital. You can even use it for the ferry to Viðey island and the bus to Mt Esja, popular for hiking.

11. Reserve eating out for special occasions

To save money, avoid cafes and restaurants and buy food at supermarkets ( Bónus ,  Krónan and  Nettó are the least expensive). Make lunch packs, have picnics and, if you have access to a kitchen, cook your own dinner. For alcohol, go to the state-run  wine store , or plan ahead and save money at  duty free . If you do want to eat out, you can sometimes find good deals, especially for lunch. For example, you can get the fish of the day and a soft drink at  Slippbarinn , Reykjavík Marina, for 2500kr. Also, most bars have happy hour.

12. Weigh up the cost of bus fares vs car hire and rideshares

Check bus routes for the Reykjavík area on  Straeto  and available payment methods on  Klappid . You can, for example, buy a 24-hour pass you can use 10 times, which costs 2500kr, while a single ticket costs 630kr. Children 11 years and younger ride the bus for free. If you’re traveling in a group, bus fares quickly add up so it could be cheaper to share a taxi, including from Keflavík Airport.  Hreyfill is one of the larger taxi providers. Also compare prices from car rentals, which are usually lower during offseason, and  car sharing . You can also  rent a bike or a scooter . In Akureyri, public buses are free and most other places are small enough to explore on foot.

13. A flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri can be cheaper than the bus

The bus from Reykjavík to Akureyri costs 12,540kr one way. If you’re lucky you can get a plane ticket for less (see  Icelandair ) and the flight takes 40 minutes vs a bus ride of 6.5 hours. However, you get the added bonus of a road trip experience and sightseeing out the window. If you’re planning a lot of excursions, it might make sense to rent a car or even join a tour. A lot of people take advantage of  car pooling .

14. Nature is right there, free to enjoy

Wherever you’re based, pay attention to the surrounding nature. Stroll the nearest beach, hike the nearest mountain, find the nearest forest (see Wapp for trails). When in doubt, ask the locals. In the capital area, Úlfarsfell, Heiðmörk or Grótta are many people’s favorite spots. In Akureyri, they might mention Kjarnaskógur or Krossanesborgir. In Egilsstaðir, Selskógur would likely come up. Iceland may be pricey, but the fresh air, birdsong, rustling of leaves, crashing of waves, mountain views and the connection with nature is priceless.

This article was first published May 1, 2015 and updated Apr 4, 2024.

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Reviews of Iceland Tours

My solo trip to Iceland for my 29th birthday, with Andres leading our amazing group tour, was truly life-changing. From chasing Northern Lights to hiking a glacier, every moment was unforgettable, and our group became like family. Book it now for an unforgettable adventure!

10/10 tour- Couldn’t have asked for a better itinerary!! We saw northern lights on two nights and each day had a fantastic day filled with a mix of beautiful sights, historical information, educational and our tour guide added lots of folklore. Everything from stories about the Vikings, early settlements and the trolls. We added the ice caves tour. All agreed you would never see so much on your own! This was our first group tour- we usually do solo traveling- 26 people on our tour from all over the world- sounds big but was actually 10 families/couples, so was perfect size to meet so many great people! At so many of the stops you can break off (walking to waterfalls/climbing the volcano) so you were not on top of people the entire time. Do your research on food as meal variety was limited- not by tour but hotel restaurants had limited items- lamb, fish and usually a burger. Stopping at Market first day helped to work around food allergies - bought GF snacks/bread for the trip. Comfortable coach bus- great driver! If you want to see Iceland this is the trip!! You won’t regret this tour.

I had a really amazing time with my group in Iceland! I had a lot of worries prior to the trip because it was my first time out of North America, on my first solo trip, and I don't drink so I thought nobody was going to talk to me. It was quite the contrary, there will always be people who will talk to you & want to be around you. I found a great group of friends, we went on so many great adventures, learned a lot about Iceland, ate SUCH GOOD FOOD, and saw the best sights. Demi was a stellar trip manager, she made me feel so comfortable, she knows her stuff, and she made me laugh so many times during the trip. I'm so glad I went on this trip, and if you're on the fence, I'd say book it now, you won't regret it!

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