2025 Iceland Travel Costs: Complete Budget Guide

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. Additionally, you’ll need to account for 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, it’s clear how expenses can accumulate quickly. Maximizing your budget is essential to ensure you don’t miss out on memorable activities and experiences. Therefore, let’s navigate the budgeting landscape for an Iceland trip together.

How Much a Trip to Iceland Costs

When traveling to Iceland, your choices significantly influence your overall budget—be it rental cars, accommodation options, or food. This guide provides all the average cost factors so you can establish a sound personal budget for your Iceland adventure. We will cover everything, from accommodation prices to food costs and the expenses of popular tours.

Airfare Cost

Airfare is generally a manageable part of your Iceland travel budget. Depending on your starting location, the average flight price is several hundred dollars. For instance, a round-trip flight from the U.S. east coast to Iceland averages around $450, and you may find even cheaper options if flying from Europe. Thus, when compared to flights to other international destinations, particularly in Australasia, Iceland can be more budget-friendly for airfare.

Moreover, you can save money by taking advantage of off-season flight deals and utilizing air miles. Consider airline reward programs like British Airways, Qantas, and Delta SkyMiles. These loyalty programs can significantly enhance your ability to secure lower fares. Always utilize flight comparison tools, like Skyscanner, and remember to search in private browsing mode, as cookies may inflate prices on frequently viewed flights.

How flexible are you with your Iceland vacation? It’s worth noting that if you choose to fly from Europe to North America with Icelandair, they offer a complimentary layover in Reykjavik. This can be extended from 1 to 7 days if you wish to explore Iceland further—an excellent opportunity to enjoy Iceland’s unique attractions without incurring the cost of direct flights. Now, picture the benefit of combining trips to London, New York, and Iceland seamlessly.

Consequently, airfare costs shouldn’t heavily impact your Iceland trip budget. However, if you strive to reduce costs, consider these tips. You should expect to budget around $500 for return flights from North America or Europe with a mid-range airline.

For instance, if you opt for off-season flights from specific locales like London, you might secure tickets for as little as $100 return. The more flexible you are, the lower your airfare expenses might be. Hence, actively seek out deals through Skyscanner or similar tools.

• Budget: $500 for return flights or under $200 from Europe with flexibility.

Accommodation Prices

Accommodation costs in Iceland can be quite steep, often representing a significant portion of your trip budget. Even basic hotel rooms come with high price tags, particularly mid-range and luxury options. Furthermore, the most affordable hostels and value properties tend to fill up quickly, especially in remote areas of Iceland, where your choices may dwindle. Therefore, it’s crucial to compare prices when securing your accommodation but also act fast to avoid missing out on great deals.

If you book in advance, the average cost of a budget hotel is about $150 per night. Accordingly, for a three-day trip, you’d expect to pay around $499. For a week, that figure increases to approximately $1,047. However, if you delay booking, you may find yourself facing higher prices for more luxurious hotels and vacation rentals. Location also plays a key role; areas along the Ring Road and Golden Circle often have higher accommodation costs.

Generally, expect to spend approximately $150 per night, but be mindful that this number varies across Iceland. Cost is a crucial factor when selecting accommodation, and acting swiftly can help secure favorable deals.

Here are a few examples of average accommodation prices at different establishments in Iceland:

Hofn Cottages

Hofn Cottages offer budget-friendly cabins costing just $70 per night, inclusive of a patio and cooking facilities. These options tend to sell out quickly, but their remote location does provide slightly cheaper rates.

Reykjavik Konsulate Hotel

This mid-range hotel in Reykjavik averages about $250 per night, and it’s easy to see why. With contemporary design, an onsite wellness center, and a gym, it represents a polished mid-range stay in the city center, making it an attractive option for enjoying central Reykjavik.

Hotel Ranga

This luxury hotel commands rates that begin at $500 per night. It exemplifies top-tier luxury in Iceland, offering amenities such as a star gazing observatory and wake-up calls for viewing the northern lights, all while providing stunning views of local volcanoes.

• Budget: $150 per night for an average rate at a budget hotel.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation in Iceland, it’s crucial to recognize that rental cars are the primary means of getting around outside Reykjavik. The Keflavik International Airport serves as the main entry point into Iceland, located just outside Reykjavik, where you can arrange a shuttle service to the city center. Reykjavik itself is quite pedestrian-friendly, resembling a small town rather than a large capital.

Iceland has a limited bus service, and relying on public transport in remote areas may not be a safe option. If you are staying in Reykjavik without utilizing a rental vehicle, you can organize tours to visit key attractions. For instance, tours to the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, and South Coast experiences are available.

You can join tours for activities such as horseback riding on black sand beaches, hiking on glaciers, or snorkeling at Silfra. These guided activities can quickly accumulate in cost, so it’s prudent to budget accordingly. Renting a car offers a liberating way to explore Iceland without incurring the high cost of organized day trips and opens the opportunity for free attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

• Budget: Expect to spend $350 for a week rental car plus $100 for petrol or about $870 on transfers and day trips.

Food

Food represents another sizable expense during your Icelandic adventure. To adequately plan for your food budget, aim to set aside at least $500 weekly. For this amount, you can enjoy several meals at local eateries, stock up at budget-friendly grocery stores, and indulge in a few drinks at bars. Keep in mind that imported goods carry high price tags in Iceland, but being open to local options can help offset costs.

If you’re curious about grocery prices in Iceland? While certainly higher than many places, some items remain reasonably priced. 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

Additionally, Iceland is known for its delectable hot dogs, often found at street carts. A practical money-saving tip is to consider hot dogs for lunch rather than dining in restaurants. These sausages, called ‘bjuga,’ originated in the Viking era and often cost as little as $2.50, making them an affordable and delicious meal option.

When planning to cook your own meals, ensure you select accommodation that provides cooking facilities, such as apartments or hostels with shared kitchens. By doing this, maintaining a food budget of $500 is achievable while enjoying a few dining experiences. On the contrary, if you stay at a hotel without access to a kitchen, expect to pay roughly double that, as the average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant approaches $120.

Food budgeting should anticipate $500 for a week if you mix in home-cooked meals, or close to $1,000 if dining out consistently.

• Budget: $500 per week for groceries and dining out occasionally, or $1,000 for eating out every day.

Tours and Activities

Entertainment expenses will likely constitute the largest portion of your budget, especially if you forgo renting a vehicle. Guided day trips can easily exceed $300, so planning to partake in 4-5 activities can lead to significant costs. You can indulge in guided excursions to famous landmarks like the Golden Circle or participate in unique experiences such as snorkeling or northern lights watching. Such experiences come at a premium, and managing your budget while ensuring memorable activities is essential.

Recommended Tours in Iceland

Here are some of Iceland’s most popular tours worth considering:

• 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 method to cut costs is to rent a car. Certain day trips, notably those exploring natural sites or chasing the northern lights, can be easily done independently with a vehicle and minimal fuel expenses. Renting a car allows you the freedom to choose tours based on your own timeline and preferences, making it a cost-effective choice for exploring areas like the Golden Circle or scenic waterfalls.

While options like whale-watching boat tours and glacier hikes require guides, many stunning places can be visited at no cost with a rental car. Even hunting for the northern lights can be done independently, with many northern lights tours being simply luck-based. By downloading the latest maps and information on aurora predictions, you can easily embark on this adventure on your own.

Lastly, keep in mind that alcohol can add significantly to your expenses in Iceland. Hence, we recommend visiting duty-free shops upon arrival or limiting alcohol consumption to save money. Nightlife can also be costly; while enjoying the local scene can be fun, try to stick to a limited number of nights out.

Additionally, purchasing clothing for activities can become an extra cost when enjoying excursions in Iceland. Make sure to invest in quality winter clothing, including thermal layers, as they are crucial for comfort during most months. Make the most of clothing sales before your trip to secure warm gear.

So, how much should you budget for tours and activities in Iceland, along with suitable clothing? Here are our budgeting estimates for a week in Iceland without a rental car:

• $1,200 for four organized day trips, including transportation.
• $200 for appropriate winter clothing, especially thermal layers and footwear.
• $200 for a couple of evenings out in Reykjavik.

Total: $1,600

If you opt for a rental car, here’s how your budget may look:

• $400 for four organized tours, without included transportation costs.
• $100 fuel for the week.
• $200 for suitable clothing.
• $200 for dining out a couple of nights in Reykjavik.

Total: $900

• Budget: Without a car, expect to pay around $1,600 over a week, while with a car rental, this falls to approximately $900.

Overall Trip Cost

If you’ve been adding up costs, we’ve got you covered. This is your comprehensive budget estimate for visiting Iceland, not including travel insurance. Each cost component influences your budget – whether you choose to rent a car, travel during off-peak seasons, or select accommodation with kitchen facilities. Here’s a quick overview of your budget breakdown.

Airfare

Airfare costs generally rest at around $500 for a return trip from Europe or North America. However, if flying from Europe during off or shoulder seasons with mid-range airlines, you might budget less than $200 for return flights.

Accommodations

For accommodation, aim to set aside $150 per night for a reasonably priced hotel in a decent location. If you’re open to compromises on location, you might find options for around $70 per night. Conversely, luxury accommodations can rise to $500 per night. Regardless of the option you choose, booking early is key to landing the best rates.

Transportation

Estimating transportation costs can be tricky. If you opt for a rental car, budget approximately $350 for a week’s vehicle rental along with around $100 for fuel. Those who choose public transport in Reykjavik will likely spend less than the cost of rental but end up paying considerably more in shuttle transfers for excursions. For a week, anticipate $450 if you rent a car versus about $870 without one.

Food

The theme with food costs is simple: prioritize finding accommodation with a kitchen. If you aim to eat out occasionally, budget $500 for the week, and $1,000 if you plan to dine out for most meals.

Tours and Activities

The main expense lies in tours and activities, particularly if you choose not to rent a car. Without a vehicle, expect to spend about $1,600 for a week’s worth of excursions, while budget-conscious travelers with a car can manage to keep it around $900.

10 Top Money-Saving Tips

If you’re ready to trim down the average cost of your Iceland trip, effective strategies do exist. With the average price reflecting what most people pay on their visit, there’s potential for budget savings with our top 10 money-saving tips. You’ll find that everything from car rental choices to hostel stays can significantly cut down your holiday expenses in Iceland.

So, prepare to jot these essential tips down—these suggestions could reduce costs significantly during your Iceland adventure.

1. Visit Off-Season

Visiting Iceland in the off-season is one of the most effective strategies for saving money. The winter months can be bustling with tourists, particularly those seeking snow sports and the northern lights. Consider planning your trip in February or late January to avoid the crowded December rush. This shoulder season offers lower-priced tours and accommodation due to decreased competition.

Moreover, if you remain flexible in your itinerary, you’ll find that June through October provides optimal conditions for lower car rental rates and accommodation deals, although certain attractions may be closed during this time, and the northern lights won’t be visible. Nonetheless, this season is renowned for the midnight sun, providing nearly 24 hours of daylight during summer.

2. Buy From Grocery Stores

Purchasing groceries is significantly more economical than dining out at restaurants. Given that the average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Reykjavik is nearly $120 and a meal at McDonald’s can cost over $16, it’s evident that grocery shopping is the more budget-conscious approach.

This strategy is most effective if you secure accommodation with kitchen facilities, so search for options with communal kitchens or self-catering accommodations to fully capitalize on this money-saving technique.

3. Rent a Car

Although it may seem counterintuitive, renting a car is one of the most efficient ways to experience Iceland on a budget, especially if you plan to tour extensively. Tour companies charge exorbitant fees for transfers and excursions, but with a rental vehicle, you can explore at your convenience, ultimately saving money on multiple tours. Check rental rates for yourself!

4. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Renting a car also allows you to access Iceland’s numerous free attractions, such as stunning waterfalls or geothermal areas like Geysir. Road-tripping can provide a wealth of free experiences and breathtaking scenery, letting budget-conscious travelers create an exciting itinerary without breaking the bank.

5. Try Camping

If you visit during warmer months, camping is another fantastic way to save on accommodation costs. You can choose to camp with a campervan or use a tent, especially if you avoid the colder seasons. Campsites are plentiful throughout Iceland, making this an easy tip to implement.

6. Use a Bus Pass

While bus connections are limited, if you’re willing to adhere to a structured travel plan, considering a bus pass might be worthwhile. This allows you to pay a flat rate for unlimited bus use during a specified time period, providing savings compared to purchasing individual tickets or paying for expensive day trips.

7. Buy Alcohol From Duty-Free Shops

Purchasing alcohol at duty-free shops upon landing can save you considerable sums given the high taxation on alcohol in Iceland. While it might be tempting to indulge, reducing alcohol consumption would effectively enhance your budget during your Iceland stay.

8. Seek Alternatives to the Blue Lagoon

The ever-popular Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly captivating; however, alternatives exist that can save you money. Investigate other geothermal pools and lesser-known hot springs in Iceland for budget-friendly relaxation options.

9. Skip Bottled Water

Iceland boasts some of the cleanest tap water globally, making bottled water a redundant expense. Instead, opt for a refillable water bottle to cut costs, which also contributes to reducing plastic waste. For further savings, consider a filter bottle if you plan on camping.

10. Book in Advance

While spontaneous travel has its perks, booking ahead offers substantial savings on both accommodation and activities. Early booking secures better rates as options fill up quickly, so familiarize yourself with cancellation policies if you’re concerned about committing too early.

To Conclude

Your Iceland trip cost will largely depend on your choices, but this guide offers insight into an average budget for visiting the country. By taking into account factors such as accommodation, food, transport options, airfare, and activities, you can create a tailored budget for your trip. Furthermore, leveraging some of our money-saving tips may allow you to enjoy Iceland without overspending. After all, who wouldn’t want to decrease their expenses while exploring one of the most beautiful destinations in the world?

Looking for more Iceland inspiration? Be sure to explore these fun facts ahead of your adventure. We also provide a guide featuring the best experiences in Reykjavik—the vibrant capital of Iceland. Regardless of embarking on an extensive road trip, ensure you take the time to uncover the charm of Reykjavik.

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

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Travel Planning Resources

Considering booking your next journey? Explore these trusted resources.

Your Flight: Start planning by locating the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Your Hotel: Find incredible hotel prices with these trusted providers. If based in Europe, consider Booking.com; for other locations, use TripAdvisor.

Apartment Rentals: Discover the best rates on apartment rentals through VRBO.

Travel Insurance: Don’t forget travel insurance. Here is our recommendation:

• Safety Wing – Ideal for occasional travelers.
• Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.

Your Activities: Searching for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, and more? We recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help with your travel planning? Visit our Resources Page where we share trusted companies we use when traveling.