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

Iceland is thought for being an costly vacation spot and after visiting Iceland thrice and serving to over 30 individuals plan their Iceland journeys, I’ve gotten a very good sense of the common Iceland journey price. While it’s dear, your Iceland trip price can nonetheless be inside attain should you construct your Iceland funds fastidiously.

To be trustworthy, I’ve seen all the things from folks that discovered an affordable flight, keep in hostels, and join group bus excursions to maintain prices right down to luxurious vacationers that guide non-public drivers, luxurious resorts, and go all out with journey experiences like non-public helicopter rides. How a lot a visit to Iceland prices actually is determined by 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 advocate taking huge bus excursions, if that’s the solely approach you’ll be able to see Iceland, it’s nonetheless value it to go to this unbelievable nation. There are few locations on this planet which have touched my soul and captured my coronary heart like Iceland. For its uncooked magnificence, fireplace and ice extremes, huge vacancy (exterior of fundamental 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 significantly expanded its lodge stock, which helps steadiness provide and demand. The trade price from U.S. Dollars to Icelandic Króna has additionally been trending within the favor of American vacationers not too long ago. And, the latest introduction of Play Airlines brings a funds airline choice 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 could be, however remember to learn on to see the breakdown and methods that you could lower your expenses in every class. The common journey to Iceland price provides as much as about $350 per individual, per day together with airfare. (Based on present trade charges) This assumes funds airfare, funds accomodations, restricted organized actions, self-driving, and being cautious in your meals selections.

If you’re touring solo, your finest wager will seemingly be staying at a hostel or renting an Airbnb. It positively helps to journey with others to be able to break up the prices.

Since hostels and bus excursions aren’t our issues, I’ve based mostly the common price for a visit to Iceland for a household of 4 staying in good (however not extravagant) resorts or guesthouses and renting a automotive for a self-driving trip. I’ve additionally included a number of actions since I feel it might be a disgrace to get to a bucket listing vacation spot like Iceland and never get to participate in a number of adventures. But take into accout, that there’s sufficient pure magnificence and mountaineering obtainable that you could simply bypass these to preserve your funds.

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 almost $2000, all prices included, for a five-day journey.

Iceland Budget Tips

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

If you do wish to avoid wasting cash, my companion Hidden Iceland provides my readers 10% off scheduled group excursions should 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 obtainable excursions. You may also guide non-public excursions or get assist planning your entire itinerary — simply remember to point out We3Travel if you contact them.

You can go to Iceland on any funds, no less than in concept, however listed below are some options for maintaining prices down:

• Try tenting as a substitute of staying at resorts or guesthouses. You can hire a campervan that matches two individuals for about $80 an evening, as much as about $250 per night time for bigger campervans. You can camp at no cost in Iceland however in case you are in a camper van, you’ll in all probability wish to keep at a campground with amenities so funds one other $10-50 per night time for a campsite reservation.
• If you don’t wish to camp, you possibly can additionally keep in hostels, which can run you round $40-100 per individual per night time in Reykjavik.
• Airbnb or vrbo is another choice for trip rental residences and cabins, which is a good choice for households in comparison with renting two lodge rooms as a result of there are only some resorts in Reyjkavik for households that provide family-size rooms with beds sufficient for 4-5.
• Food is without doubt one of the particularly excessive bills in Iceland so to economize, buy and put together your personal meals or purchase snacks on the gasoline station comfort shops. If you need a foodie expertise, you’re going to pay by the nostril for it so get used to sandwiches, burgers, and people well-known Icelandic scorching canines.
• Avoid paid points of interest 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 inexpensive the lodging are within the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Before you are worried 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 certain to learn my Iceland ideas for some caveats.

How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost?

Let’s break down the common Iceland funds. 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 kids between the ages of 6-11, touring from a significant airport hub within the United States throughout the summer season excessive season, comparable to NYC to Reykjavik, and spending every week in Iceland.

I discover that in Iceland, some resorts 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 a good enjoying discipline.

Airfare

I can’t even rely 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 individual, roundtrip. However, you then have to construct in the price of checked baggage (until you’re an wonderful packer Iceland will usually imply a checked bag) and seat choice. This can simply add one other $100-200 per individual.

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

Accommodations

If you’re touring solo, it’s straightforward sufficient to remain in a hostel to economize on lodging in Iceland. But most households will favor both a lodge or Airbnb/VRBO. A rental will definitely prevent cash as there are only some resorts that provide household rooms.

Most Reykjavik lodge rooms both have a double mattress (two twins pushed collectively) or two twin beds. Occasionally yow will discover 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 price between $400-600 per night time. You may also get two rooms at a reasonable lodge for about $150-250 per night time every.

Renting a vrbo condo will prevent a major quantity, so long as you’re snug as an unbiased traveler. You ought to have the ability to discover an condo within the metropolis giant sufficient to suit everybody for about $300 per night time. And when you’ve got been saving up your lodge loyalty factors, Hilton Honors members at the moment are in for a deal with with a number of Hilton properties now obtainable in Reykjavik.

Full-service resorts within the countryside will begin at round $150 per night time for the standard room and $350 per night time for a household room. There are additionally some guesthouses that begin round $150 per night time, per room or decrease, particularly in much less crowded areas.

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

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

Total lodging price: assuming a median of $300 per night time (should 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 will have to hire a automotive. If you don’t hire a automotive, you will have to take a shuttle bus (about $30 per individual) from Keflavik airport into downtown Reykjavik after which prepare group excursions with choose up and drop off from there. Just don’t take a taxi as these can run about $150 a method between the airport and Reykjavik.

Car leases could be dear and you might be tempted to economize by skipping the insurance coverage. Before you do, test together with your bank card or automotive insurance coverage supplier since you in all probability nonetheless want to purchase the ash and rocks protection. Insurance can significantly enhance the price of the rental automotive, however you might want it.

There are loads of funds automotive 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 to be able to evaluate apples to apples. (See different ideas for Iceland automotive leases.)

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

Also, take into account that to drive on the inside “F roads”, you will have a automotive that’s allowed on these roads. Since lots of these roads aren’t satisfactory for a lot of the yr or are extraordinarily laborious to navigate (I’ve actually seen a street signal in the midst of a discipline of snow), I wouldn’t hassle with F roads.

The different factor to concentrate to is that you’ll want to be sure that your automotive is giant sufficient to suit baggage for your loved ones. Unless you’re a tremendous mild packer, you’ll in all probability want checked baggage for Iceland to be sure to are ready for any climate. (See my Iceland packing listing for ideas!) I might advocate both a station wagon or an SUV for a household of 4.

I take advantage of Auto Europe to test for the most cost effective automotive rental charges in Iceland. Don’t overlook to funds for gasoline as properly (and please, should you hire a diesel automotive, be sure to use diesel petro!). Currently (December 2022), gasoline prices about $8.55 per gallon.

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

Total automotive 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 in case you are driving quite a bit.

Food

You have in all probability heard that meals in Iceland is dear. If you have got traveled to Scandinavian international locations up to now, then you’re in all probability 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 in relation to meals. My recommendation is to splurge on one meal however maintain the remaining informal to maintain the prices down.

You will wish to strive a number of the specialties like Arctic char, langoustines, lamb, and in case you are 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, yow will discover many eating places that provide buffets of fantastic contemporary, home made meals that can fill you up for hours so attempt to have a light-weight breakfast, one giant 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 remember to deliver 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 house or condo.

Be certain 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 (take into account that this may range extensively relying on should you cook dinner and the way a lot you splurge)

Tours and Activities

How a lot you spend on excursions is completely 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 a number of of those distinctive issues to do in Iceland.

Whatever you do, don’t really feel like you might want to 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 street journey. But you might wish to splurge on one thing like a glacier hike or an ATV tour that you just CAN’T do by yourself.

You may also forgo the touristy and costly Blue Lagoon (should you go you might want to 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 purchasers. First, that is the land of ice and fireplace. Do no less than 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 “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’re adventurous, I might advocate splurging on one thing like an excellent jeep tour or ATV/buggy adventures.

I might advocate staying away from giant group bus excursions (e.g. Reykjavik Excursions) and as a substitute guide a small group or non-public tour with my companion 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 a number of actions, here’s what they’d price (based mostly 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 underneath 11) = $737

Total Activities Cost for two adults and a couple of children underneath 12: $1413

Total Iceland Budget: $9,826

So sure, Iceland trip prices are excessive. If you look intently on the breakdowns, yow will discover 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 based mostly 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 may also cut back the variety of days you keep. If you keep on with only one area, you’ll be able to truly pack quite a bit 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, remember to take a look at our guides and itineraries:

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