How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? [2023 Iceland Budget]

Iceland is thought for being an costly vacation spot and after visiting Iceland 3 times and serving to over 30 individuals plan their Iceland journeys, I’ve gotten a superb sense of the common Iceland journey price. While it’s expensive, your Iceland trip price can nonetheless be inside attain when you construct your Iceland finances fastidiously.

To be trustworthy, I’ve seen all the things from people who discovered an inexpensive flight, keep in hostels, and join group bus excursions to maintain prices right down to luxurious vacationers that guide personal drivers, luxurious inns, and go all out with journey experiences like personal helicopter rides. How a lot a visit to Iceland prices actually is determined by what sort of expertise you might be in search of, what sort of traveler you might be, and in the end, how a lot you need to spend.

And whereas I wouldn’t advocate taking large bus excursions, if that’s the solely means you’ll be able to see Iceland, it’s nonetheless value it to go to this unimaginable nation. There are few locations on the earth which have touched my soul and captured my coronary heart like Iceland. For its uncooked magnificence, hearth and ice extremes, huge vacancy (exterior of most important vacationer stops), to the endearing quirkiness of the Icelandic tradition, it’s a place I’ll return to many times.

The excellent news is that Iceland has vastly expanded its resort stock, which helps steadiness provide and demand. The trade fee from U.S. Dollars to Icelandic Króna has additionally been trending within the favor of American vacationers not too long ago. And, the current introduction of Play Airlines brings a finances airline possibility again to Iceland after the demise of WOW Airlines in 2019.

Average Iceland Trip Cost

I’ll reduce to the chase and provide the backside line on how costly a visit to Iceland will be, however you should definitely learn on to see the breakdown and methods you could lower your expenses in every class. The common journey to Iceland price provides as much as about $350 per particular person, per day together with airfare. (Based on present trade charges) This assumes finances airfare, finances accomodations, restricted organized actions, self-driving, and being cautious in your meals decisions.

If you might be touring solo, your finest wager will seemingly be staying at a hostel or renting an Airbnb. It positively helps to journey with others in an effort to cut up the prices.

Since hostels and bus excursions aren’t our issues, I’ve primarily based the common price for a visit to Iceland for a household of 4 staying in good (however not extravagant) inns or guesthouses and renting a automobile for a self-driving trip. I’ve additionally included just a few actions since I feel it will be a disgrace to get to a bucket record vacation spot like Iceland and never get to participate in just a few adventures. But remember, that there’s sufficient pure magnificence and climbing out there you could simply bypass these to preserve your finances.

The common Iceland journey price for a household spending every week in Iceland is round $9,000-10,000 together with airfare. Yup, that’s about $1,400 a day. 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 price them practically $2000, all prices included, for a five-day journey.

Iceland Budget Tips

Note: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. 

If you do need to avoid wasting cash, my accomplice Hidden Iceland presents my readers 10% off scheduled group excursions when you use promo code WE3TRAVEL. We have traveled with Hidden Iceland and extremely advocate this firm for its experience, professionalism, and friendliness. See all their out there excursions. You can even guide personal excursions or get assist planning your entire itinerary — simply you should definitely point out We3Travel if you contact them.

You can go to Iceland on any finances, no less than in principle, however listed below are some strategies for holding prices down:

• Try tenting as a substitute of staying at inns or guesthouses. You can lease a campervan that matches two individuals for about $80 an evening, as much as about $250 per evening for bigger campervans. You can camp totally free in Iceland however if you’re in a camper van, you’ll most likely need to keep at a campground with amenities so finances one other $10-50 per evening for a campsite reservation.
• If you don’t need to camp, you could possibly additionally keep in hostels, which can run you round $40-100 per particular person per evening in Reykjavik.
• Airbnb or vrbo is another choice for trip rental residences and cabins, which is a good possibility for households in comparison with renting two resort rooms as a result of there are only some inns in Reyjkavik for households that supply family-size rooms with beds sufficient for 4-5.
• Food is without doubt one of the particularly excessive bills in Iceland so to save cash, buy and put together your personal meals or purchase snacks on the gasoline station comfort shops. If you need a foodie expertise, you’ll pay by the nostril for it so get used to sandwiches, burgers, and people well-known Icelandic scorching canine.
• Avoid paid sights just like the Blue Lagoon and expensive excursions like off-roading excursions and focus as a substitute on scenic drives, stops at waterfalls, and nature hikes.
• Stay within the countryside and keep away from the largest vacationer spots as a substitute of Reykjavik as issues are going to be costlier within the capital metropolis. I used to be stunned by how reasonably priced the lodging are within the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Before you are concerned about having to transform and carry a ton of money round Iceland, don’t stress. Almost in every single place takes bank cards in Iceland. Be positive to learn my Iceland ideas for some caveats.

How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost?

Let’s break down the common Iceland finances. As with different posts the place I’ve damaged down trip prices for Italy, London, Greece, and Paris, this submit outlines pricing for 2 adults and two youngsters between the ages of 6-11, touring from a serious airport hub within the United States in the course of the summer season excessive season, corresponding to NYC to Reykjavik, and spending every week in Iceland.

I discover that in Iceland, some inns record their costs in Euro, and most present charges in Icelandic Krona. To make it simpler, I’ve transformed to U.S. {dollars} to create a fair taking part in area.

Airfare

I can’t even depend the variety of emails that I’ve gotten from individuals touring to Iceland that begin 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 costly the remainder of the journey will likely be.

Once WOW went out of enterprise, costs went up a bit however I nonetheless have discovered charges on IcelandAir or Play Airlines from Boston for about $300-500 per particular person, roundtrip. However, you then have to construct in the price of checked baggage (except you might be an wonderful packer Iceland will sometimes imply a checked bag) and seat choice. This can simply add one other $100-200 per particular person.

Total airfare price ($500 per particular person, spherical journey x 4 individuals): $2,000

Accommodations

If you might be touring solo, it’s simple sufficient to remain in a hostel to save cash on lodging in Iceland. But most households will desire both a resort or Airbnb/VRBO. A rental will definitely prevent cash as there are only some inns that supply household rooms.

Most Reykjavik resort rooms both have a double mattress (two twins pushed collectively) or two twin beds. Occasionally you could find a triple or a household room, however a household of 4 usually wants to order two rooms. A pleasant resort in downtown Reykjavik with a household room will price between $400-600 per evening. You can even get two rooms at a average resort for about $150-250 per evening every.

Renting a vrbo condo will prevent a major quantity, so long as you might be snug as an impartial traveler. You ought to be capable to discover an condo within the metropolis massive sufficient to suit everybody for about $300 per evening. And in case you have been saving up your resort loyalty factors, Hilton Honors members at the moment are in for a deal with with a number of Hilton properties now out there in Reykjavik.

Full-service inns 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.

In the countryside, there’s a massive collection of trip cabins out there on vrbo. Expect to pay about $200+ per evening for a cabin that sleeps 4. Just plan prematurely if you wish to keep in fashionable areas alongside the south coast or by the glacier lagoon, as these promote out early.

If you need to do Iceland on a finances, renting an Airbnb or VRBO is the best way to go except you need to camp or keep in hostels, as coated above.

Total lodging price: assuming a mean of $300 per evening (when you primarily use trip leases) x 7 nights = $2,100

Car Rental

When visiting Iceland, if you wish to get away from crowded bus excursions and see the nation or drive the Ring Road, you’ll need to lease a automobile. If you don’t lease a automobile, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus (about $30 per particular person) from Keflavik airport into downtown Reykjavik after which organize group excursions with decide up and drop off from there. Just don’t take a taxi as these can run about $150 a technique between the airport and Reykjavik.

Car leases will be expensive and you could be tempted to save cash by skipping the insurance coverage. Before you do, test together with your bank card or automobile insurance coverage supplier since you most likely nonetheless want to purchase the ash and rocks protection. Insurance can vastly improve the price of the rental automobile, however you could want it.

There are loads of finances automobile leases however earlier than you guide, double-check their hours and site (how removed from the airport, shuttle hours), and see the price of add-ons in an effort to evaluate apples to apples. (See different ideas for Iceland automobile leases.)

If you might be visiting within the winter, you’ll positively need an SUV or four-wheel drive. Otherwise, if you’re sticking to the Ring Road, a four-wheel drive isn’t vital. However, entry to some hikes and actions will likely be on gravel roads and you’ll be extra snug (and fewer prone to maintain injury from rocks) in a automobile with a better clearance. I’ve seen a sedan get caught on a rock within the parking zone for a hike earlier than and folks actually needed to carry the automobile to get it off. Luckily it wasn’t completely ruined.

Also, needless to say to drive on the inside “F roads”, you’ll need a automobile that’s allowed on these roads. Since a lot of these roads aren’t satisfactory for a lot of the 12 months or are extraordinarily arduous to navigate (I’ve actually seen a highway signal in the midst of a area of snow), I wouldn’t hassle with F roads.

The different factor to concentrate to is that it would be best to be sure that your automobile is massive sufficient to suit baggage for your loved ones. Unless you’re a tremendous gentle packer, you’ll most likely want checked baggage for Iceland to be sure to are ready for any climate. (See my Iceland packing record for ideas!) I might advocate both a station wagon or an SUV for a household of 4.

I exploit Auto Europe to test for the most affordable automobile rental charges in Iceland. Don’t overlook to finances for gasoline as nicely (and please, when you lease a diesel automobile, be sure to use diesel petro!). Currently (December 2022), gasoline prices about $8.55 per gallon.

If you don’t need to drive, your finest wager is to remain in Reykjavik and take excursions that supply pick-ups from the town as day journeys. If you need to rent a personal driver-guide, it’s best to count on to pay no less than $500-1500 for the day.

Total automobile rental price: Station wagon with insurance coverage and limitless miles will likely be roughly $1,200 for every week. Also, add about $300 for gasoline if you’re driving lots.

Food

You have most likely heard that meals in Iceland is pricey. If you will have traveled to Scandinavian nations up to now, then you might be most likely used to excessive meals costs, however for a lot of, it may be a shock. This is very true within the nicer eating places in Reykjavik.

In Iceland, even a hamburger can run you $10-15 and most fish entrees will likely be nearer to $30+. So dinner for a household of 4 can simply price $100.

I’ve talked to many individuals who’ve felt Iceland was the most costly place that they’ve traveled to on the subject of meals. My recommendation is to splurge on one meal however hold the remaining informal to maintain the prices down.

You will need to strive a few of the specialties like Arctic char, langoustines, lamb, and if you’re courageous even strive some reindeer or puffin. But to steadiness out these specialties, you’ll be able to have a hearty lunch of meat soup or lobster bisque with bread. In the countryside, you could find many eating places that supply buffets of wonderful recent, do-it-yourself meals that can fill you up for hours so attempt to have a light-weight breakfast, one massive meal, and one lighter meal.

There can also be no want to purchase bottled water in Iceland as clear faucet water is available (though it might have a little bit of a sulfur scent at instances), simply you should definitely deliver alongside a refillable water bottle. You can even save by stopping at one of many markets, just like the BONUS grocery retailer, and selecting up provides, particularly if you’re staying in a rental dwelling or condo.

Be positive to take a look at my suggestions on the place to eat in Reykjavik.

Total meals price for a household of 4: $200 x 7 = $1,400 (needless to say this will range extensively relying on when you cook dinner and the way a lot you splurge)

Tours and Activities

How a lot you spend on excursions is totally a private desire. You can plan a personal helicopter tour for over $3,000, or you’ll be able to take a free hike. And nearly all the things in between. There are additionally loads of free issues to do in Reykjavik too. I might advocate attempting no less than just a few of those distinctive issues to do in Iceland.

Whatever you do, don’t really feel like it is advisable take a tour for all the things. You don’t. For instance, you’ll be able to simply do the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park by yourself full-day highway journey. But you could need to splurge on one thing like a glacier hike or an ATV tour that you just CAN’T do by yourself.

You can even forgo the touristy and costly Blue Lagoon (when you go it is advisable guide prematurely), in favor of different scorching springs across the nation, like Krauma, the Secret Lagoon, or Fontana Spas.

There are some things that I at all times advocate to shoppers. First, that is the land of ice and hearth. Do no less than one exercise that takes you out onto a glacier (the ice half) corresponding to:

Another possibility is to take a ship tour of the Glacier Lagoon.

For the “fire” half, I might advocate both a lava tube cave tour, a cease on the Lava Center, and/or a go to to no less than one scorching spring or spa.

There are so many enjoyable issues to do in Iceland. If you might be adventurous, I might advocate splurging on one thing like a brilliant jeep tour or ATV/buggy adventures.

I might advocate staying away from massive group bus excursions (e.g. Reykjavik Excursions) and as a substitute guide a small group or personal tour with my accomplice Hidden Iceland. You can save 10% on scheduled group excursions with Hidden Iceland utilizing promo code WE3TRAVEL or for personal excursions, simply inform them I referred you if you contact them.

If you’ll be able to splurge on just a few actions, here’s what they’d price (primarily based on present trade charges):

• Secret Lagoon (2 adults, children are free) = $42
• Into the Glacier (2 adults, 2 children) = $530
• Lava Cave tour (2 adults, 2 children) = $104
• Super jeep tour (2 adults, 2 children below 11) = $737

Total Activities Cost for two adults and a pair of children below 12: $1413

Total Iceland Budget: $9,826

So sure, Iceland trip prices are excessive. If you look intently on the breakdowns, you could find methods to save cash. You can even 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. Larger households or teams will price extra. Couples or solo vacationers will likely be a lot much less.

Traveling low season will prevent cash (see my ideas for visiting Iceland within the winter.) You can even cut back the variety of days you keep. If you stick with only one area, you’ll be able to truly pack lots into simply 5 days, however I wouldn’t advocate staying any much less.

Where to Go in Iceland

If you want some assist deciding the place to go in Iceland, you should definitely take a look at our guides and itineraries:

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