Iceland is understood for being an costly vacation spot and after visiting Iceland thrice and serving to over 30 folks plan their Iceland journeys, I’ve gotten a superb sense of the common Iceland journey value. Whereas it’s dear, your Iceland trip value can nonetheless be inside attain in case you construct your Iceland price range rigorously.
To be trustworthy, I’ve seen the whole lot, from individuals who discovered an affordable flight, stayed in hostels, and signed up for group bus excursions to maintain prices down, all the way in which to luxurious vacationers who e-book personal drivers, luxurious motels, and go all out with journey experiences. Did somebody say personal helicopter rides?
So how a lot does a visit to Iceland actually value? It depends upon what sort of expertise you’re on the lookout for, what sort of traveler you’re, and in the end, how a lot you wish to spend. And whereas I wouldn’t suggest taking huge bus excursions, if that’s the solely means you’ll be able to see Iceland, it’s nonetheless value it to go to this unbelievable nation.
There are few locations on the planet which have touched my soul and captured my coronary heart like Iceland has. For its uncooked magnificence, fireplace and ice extremes, huge vacancy (exterior of predominant vacationer stops), to the endearing quirkiness of the Icelandic tradition, it’s a place I’ll return to repeatedly.
The excellent news is that Iceland has significantly expanded its lodge stock, which helps steadiness provide and demand. And, Play Airways has introduced a price range airline choice again to Iceland.
Need assistance planning your journey to Iceland? Ask about my journey planning companies!
Common Iceland Journey Price
I’ll lower to the chase and provide the backside line on how costly a visit to Iceland may be, however remember to learn on to see the breakdown and methods that you could get monetary savings in every class. The common journey to Iceland value provides as much as about $300 per particular person, per day together with airfare. (Based mostly on present trade charges) This assumes price range airfare, price range lodging, restricted organized actions, self-driving, and being cautious in your meals selections.
Observe: This submit was up to date in December 2024 to replicate journey prices for Summer season 2025.
In case you are touring solo, your greatest guess will possible be staying at a hostel or renting an Airbnb. Although it undoubtedly helps to journey with others with the intention to cut up the prices.
Since hostels and bus excursions aren’t our issues, I’ve primarily based the common value for a visit to Iceland for a household of 4 staying in good (however not extravagant) motels or guesthouses and renting a automobile for a self-driving trip. I’ve additionally included a couple of actions since I feel it could be a disgrace to get to a bucket listing vacation spot like Iceland and never get to participate in a couple of adventures. However remember, that there’s sufficient pure magnificence and mountaineering out there that you could simply bypass these to preserve your price range.
The common Iceland journey value for a household spending every week in Iceland is round $8,534 together with airfare. Yup, that’s about $1,219 a day for the complete household. After all, I’ve labored with households of 5 which have spent $25,000 on a 10-day journey, and {couples} who’ve spent $5,000 on a week-long journey. I’ve even deliberate an Iceland trip for a solo traveler that value them solely $2000, all prices included, for a five-day journey. Making Iceland one very versatile trip.
Iceland Funds Suggestions
Observe: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee.
You’ll be able to go to Iceland on any price range, at the least in principle, however listed below are some strategies for holding prices down:
- Strive tenting as an alternative of staying at motels or guesthouses. You’ll be able to hire a campervan that matches two folks for about $110 an evening, as much as about $300 per evening for bigger campervans. You’ll be able to camp free of charge in Iceland however in case you are in a camper van, you’ll most likely wish to keep at a campground with amenities so price range one other $10-50 per evening for a campsite reservation.
- If you happen to don’t wish to camp, you may additionally keep in hostels, which can run you round $50-100 per particular person per evening in Reykjavik.
- Airbnb or vrbo is an alternative choice for trip rental flats and cabins, which is a superb choice for households in comparison with renting two lodge rooms as a result of there are only some motels in Reykjavik for households that provide family-size rooms with beds sufficient for 4-5.
- Meals is likely one of the particularly excessive bills in Iceland so to economize, buy and put together your personal meals or purchase snacks on the fuel station comfort shops. In order for you a foodie expertise, you’re going to pay by the nostril for it so get used to sandwiches, burgers, and people well-known Icelandic sizzling canine.
- Keep away from paid sights just like the Blue Lagoon and expensive excursions like off-roading excursions and focus as an alternative on scenic drives, stops at waterfalls, and nature hikes.
- Keep within the countryside and keep away from the most important vacationer spots as an alternative of Reykjavik as issues are going to be dearer within the capital metropolis. I used to be shocked by how reasonably priced the lodging are within the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Earlier than you are worried about having to transform and carry a ton of money round Iceland, don’t stress. Nearly in every single place takes bank cards in Iceland. Make sure you learn my Iceland ideas for some caveats.
How A lot Does an Iceland Journey Price?
Let’s break down the common Iceland price range. This submit outlines pricing for 2 adults and two kids between the ages of 6-11, touring from a serious airport hub in the USA in the course of the summer time excessive season, comparable to NYC to Reykjavik, and spending every week in Iceland.
I discover that in Iceland, some motels listing their costs in Euro, and most present charges in Icelandic Krona. To make it simpler, I’ve transformed to U.S. {dollars} to create an excellent enjoying area.
Airfare
I can’t even depend the variety of emails that I’ve gotten from folks touring to Iceland that begin with “I discovered an excellent airfare to Iceland subsequent month (or another shut time-frame)…” I then go on to pop their bubble about how costly the remainder of the journey might be.
As soon as WOW went out of enterprise, costs went up a bit however I nonetheless have discovered charges on IcelandAir or Play Airways from Boston for about $500-600 per particular person, roundtrip. Typically even cheaper!
I extremely suggest signing up for a membership to Going to get alerts on flight offers and arrange preferences on your dream locations. If you wish to discover one of the simplest ways to build up factors and miles by bank card spending and enroll bonuses, I’d recommend downloading the Journey Freely app to trace your bank cards and learn to earn factors.
Complete airfare value ($500 per particular person, spherical journey x 4 folks): $2,000
Lodging
In case you are touring solo, it’s straightforward sufficient to remain in a hostel to economize on lodging in Iceland. However most households will want both a lodge or Airbnb/VRBO. A rental will definitely prevent cash as there are only some motels that provide household rooms.
Most Reykjavik lodge rooms both have a double mattress (two twins pushed collectively) or two twin beds. Sometimes you could find a triple or a household room, however a household of 4 usually wants to order two rooms. A pleasant lodge in downtown Reykjavik with a household room will value between $300-500 per evening. You may also get two rooms at a reasonable lodge for about $150-250 per evening every.
Renting a vrbo condominium will prevent a major quantity, so long as you’re snug as an unbiased traveler. You must have the ability to discover an condominium within the metropolis giant sufficient to suit everybody for about $300 per evening. And when you have been saving up your lodge loyalty factors, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy members at the moment are in for a deal with with a number of properties now out there in or close to Reykjavik.
Full-service motels within the countryside will begin at round $150 per evening for the standard room and $350 per evening for a household room. There are additionally some guesthouses that begin round $150 per evening per room or decrease, particularly in much less crowded areas.
Within the countryside, there’s a giant number of trip cabins out there on vrbo. Count on to pay about $200+ per evening for a cabin that sleeps 4. Simply plan prematurely if you wish to keep in fashionable areas alongside the south coast or by the Glacier Lagoon, as these promote out early.
In case you are trying to do Iceland on a price range, renting an Airbnb or VRBO is the way in which to go until you wish to camp or keep in hostels, as coated above.
Complete lodging value: assuming a median of $300 per evening (in case you primarily use trip leases) x 7 nights = $2,100
Discover extra locations to remain in Iceland:
Automotive Rental
When visiting Iceland, if you wish to get away from crowded bus excursions and see the nation or drive the Ring Highway, you have to to hire a automobile. If you happen to don’t hire a automobile, you have to to take a shuttle bus (about $30 per particular person) from Keflavik airport into downtown Reykjavik after which prepare group excursions with decide up and drop off from there. Simply don’t take a taxi as these can run about $150 a technique between the airport and Reykjavik.
Automotive leases may be dear and it’s possible you’ll be tempted to economize by skipping the insurance coverage. Earlier than you do, examine along with your bank card or automobile insurance coverage supplier since you most likely nonetheless want to purchase the ash and rocks protection. Insurance coverage can significantly improve the price of the rental automobile, however it’s possible you’ll want it.
There are many price range automobile leases however earlier than you e-book, double-check their hours and placement (how removed from the airport, shuttle hours), and see the price of add-ons with the intention to evaluate apples to apples. (See different ideas for Iceland automobile leases.)
In case you are visiting within the winter, you’ll undoubtedly need an SUV or four-wheel drive. In any other case, in case you are sticking to the Ring Highway, a four-wheel drive isn’t needed. Nevertheless, entry to some hikes and actions might be on gravel roads and you may be extra snug (and fewer more likely to maintain harm from rocks) in a automobile with the next clearance. I’ve seen a sedan get caught on a rock within the parking zone for a hike earlier than and other people actually needed to elevate the automobile to get it off. Fortunately it wasn’t completely ruined.
Additionally, understand that to drive on the inside “F roads”, you have to a automobile that’s allowed on these roads. Since a lot of these roads aren’t satisfactory for a lot of the yr or are extraordinarily onerous to navigate (I’ve actually seen a street signal in the midst of a area of snow), I wouldn’t trouble with F roads.
The opposite factor to concentrate to is that it would be best to guarantee that your automobile is giant sufficient to suit baggage for your loved ones. Except you’re a tremendous gentle packer, you’ll most likely want checked luggage for Iceland to be sure to are ready for any climate. (See my Iceland packing listing for ideas!) I’d suggest both a station wagon or an SUV for a household of 4.
I take advantage of Auto Europe to examine for the most cost effective automobile rental charges in Iceland. Don’t overlook to price range for gasoline as properly (and please, in case you hire a diesel automobile, be sure to use diesel petrol!). Presently in December 2024, fuel prices about $8.30 per gallon.
If you happen to don’t wish to drive, your greatest guess is to remain in Reykjavik and take excursions that provide pick-ups from town as day journeys. If you wish to rent a personal driver-guide, it is best to anticipate to pay round 120-350 per particular person, so at the least $500-1500 for the day.
Complete automobile rental value: A station wagon with insurance coverage and limitless miles might be roughly $600-900 for every week. Additionally, add about $300 for fuel in case you are driving quite a bit.
Meals
You will have most likely heard that meals in Iceland is dear. You probably have traveled to Scandinavian nations prior to now, then you’re most likely used to excessive meals costs, however for a lot of, it may be a shock. That is very true within the nicer eating places in Reykjavik.
In Iceland, even a hamburger can run you $15 and most fish entrees might be nearer to $30+. So dinner for a household of 4 can simply value over $150.
I’ve talked to many individuals who’ve felt Iceland was the costliest place that they’ve traveled to in relation to meals. My recommendation is to splurge on one meal however maintain the remainder informal to maintain the prices down.
It would be best to strive a few of the specialties like Arctic char, langoustines, lamb, and in case you are courageous even strive some reindeer or puffin. However to steadiness out these specialties, you’ll be able to have a hearty lunch of meat soup or lobster bisque with bread. Within the countryside, you could find many eating places that provide buffets of wonderful contemporary, do-it-yourself meals that may fill you up for hours so attempt to have a light-weight breakfast, one giant meal, and one lighter meal.
There’s additionally no want to purchase bottled water in Iceland as clear faucet water is available (though it may have a little bit of a sulfur odor at instances), simply remember to convey alongside a refillable water bottle. You may also save by stopping at one of many markets, just like the BONUS grocery retailer, and selecting up provides, particularly in case you are staying in a rental residence or condominium.
Complete meals value for a household of 4: $250 x 7 = $1,750 (understand that this may range broadly relying on in case you prepare dinner and the way a lot you splurge)
Excursions and Actions
How a lot you spend on excursions is completely a private desire. You’ll be able to plan a personal helicopter tour for over $3,000, or you’ll be able to take a free hike. And nearly the whole lot in between. There are additionally loads of free issues to do in Reykjavik too. I’d suggest making an attempt at the least a couple of of those distinctive issues to do in Iceland.
No matter you do, don’t really feel like you’ll want to take a tour for the whole lot. You don’t. For instance, you’ll be able to simply do the Golden Circle and Thingvellir Nationwide Park by yourself full-day street journey. However it’s possible you’ll wish to splurge on one thing like a glacier hike or an ATV tour that you just CAN’T do by yourself.
If you happen to would favor a guided, personal tour, I extremely suggest my accomplice Hidden Iceland. Hidden Iceland gives absolutely custom-made itineraries and professional guides and by mentioning WE3TRAVEL if you contact them, they’ve graciously provided our group preferential therapy and a few further perks whereas on tour.
You may also forgo the touristy and costly Blue Lagoon (in case you go you’ll want to e-book prematurely), in favor of different sizzling springs across the nation, like Krauma, the Sky Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon, or Fontana Spas.
There are some things that I all the time suggest to shoppers. First, that is the land of ice and fireplace. Do at the least one exercise that takes you out onto a glacier (the ice half) comparable to:
Another choice is to take a ship tour of the Glacier Lagoon.
For the “fireplace” half, I’d suggest both a lava tube cave tour, a cease on the Lava Heart, and/or a go to to at the least one sizzling spring or spa.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Iceland. In case you are adventurous, I’d suggest splurging on one thing like a brilliant jeep tour or ATV/buggy adventures.
If you happen to can splurge on a couple of actions, here’s what they might value (primarily based on present trade charges):
- Secret Lagoon (2 adults, 2 youngsters) = $65
- Into the Glacier (2 adults, 2 youngsters) = $360
- Lava Cave tour (2 adults, 2 youngsters) = $114
- Tremendous jeep tour (2 adults, 2 youngsters underneath 11) = $1145
Complete Actions Price for two adults and a pair of youngsters underneath 12: $1684
Complete Iceland Funds: $8,534
| Class | Price |
| Airfare | $2000 |
| Lodging | $2100 |
| Transportation | $1000 |
| Meals | $1750 |
| Excursions & Actions | $1684 |
| Complete | $8534 |
So sure, Iceland trip prices are excessive. If you happen to look carefully on the breakdowns, you could find methods to economize. You may also simply spend extra. This was meant to be a information to how a lot a visit to Iceland prices primarily based on my expertise serving to so many households. Bigger households or teams will value extra. {Couples} or solo vacationers might be a lot much less.
Touring low season will prevent cash (see my ideas for visiting Iceland within the winter.) You may also scale back the variety of days you keep. If you happen to follow only one area, you’ll be able to truly pack quite a bit into simply 5 days, however I wouldn’t suggest staying any much less.
The place to Go in Iceland
If you happen to want some assist deciding the place to go in Iceland, remember to take a look at our guides and itineraries:
Nonetheless Deciding The place to Go?
If Iceland sounds too costly, you can even take a look at our journey budgets for:
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising and marketing government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged professional in household journey. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and serves on the Board of the Household Journey Affiliation. She can also be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Experts journey podcast.
