Iceland is understood 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 an excellent sense of the typical Iceland journey value. Whereas it’s dear, your Iceland trip value can nonetheless be inside attain for those who construct your Iceland price range rigorously.
To be sincere, I’ve seen every little thing from those who discovered an inexpensive flight, keep in hostels, and join group bus excursions to maintain prices right down to luxurious vacationers that ebook non-public drivers, luxurious lodges, and go all out with journey experiences like non-public helicopter rides. How a lot a visit to Iceland prices actually depends upon what kind of expertise you’re in search of, what sort of traveler you’re, and in the end, how a lot you wish to spend.
And whereas I wouldn’t advocate taking massive bus excursions, if that’s the solely approach you’ll be able to see Iceland, it’s nonetheless value it to go to this unimaginable 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 (outdoors of fundamental 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 enormously expanded its lodge stock, which helps stability provide and demand. The trade charge from U.S. {Dollars} to Icelandic Króna has additionally been trending within the favor of American vacationers lately. And, the current introduction of Play Airways brings a price range airline possibility again to Iceland after the demise of WOW Airways in 2019.
Common Iceland Journey Price
I’ll reduce 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 you could get monetary savings in every class. The common journey to Iceland value provides as much as about $350 per particular person, per day together with airfare. (Primarily based on present trade charges) This assumes price range airfare, price range accomodations, restricted organized actions, self-driving, and being cautious in your meals decisions.
If you’re touring solo, your finest guess will probably be staying at a hostel or renting an Airbnb. It positively helps to journey with others to be able to cut up the prices.
Since hostels and bus excursions aren’t our issues, I’ve based mostly the typical value for a visit to Iceland for a household of 4 staying in good (however not extravagant) lodges or guesthouses and renting a automotive for a self-driving trip. I’ve additionally included a number 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 number of adventures. However be mindful, that there’s sufficient pure magnificence and climbing out there you could simply bypass these to preserve your price range.
The common Iceland journey value for a household spending per 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 value them almost $2000, all prices included, for a five-day journey.
Iceland Funds Ideas
Be aware: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee.
In the event you do wish to avoid wasting cash, my accomplice Hidden Iceland provides my readers 10% off scheduled group excursions for those who use promo code WE3TRAVEL. We’ve got traveled with Hidden Iceland and extremely advocate this firm for its experience, professionalism, and friendliness. See all their out there excursions. You may as well ebook non-public excursions or get assist planning your entire itinerary — simply remember to point out We3Travel while you contact them.
You possibly can go to Iceland on any price range, at the very least in idea, however listed below are some ideas for maintaining prices down:
- Strive tenting as a substitute of staying at lodges or guesthouses. You possibly 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 possibly 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 price range one other $10-50 per night time for a campsite reservation.
- In the event you don’t wish to camp, you would additionally keep in hostels, which can run you round $40-100 per particular person per night time in Reykjavik.
- Airbnb or vrbo is an alternative choice for trip rental flats and cabins, which is a good possibility for households in comparison with renting two lodge rooms as a result of there are only some lodges in Reyjkavik for households that provide family-size rooms with beds sufficient for 4-5.
- Meals is among the particularly excessive bills in Iceland so to save cash, buy and put together your individual meals or purchase snacks on the fuel station comfort shops. If you need a foodie expertise, you’ll pay via the nostril for it so get used to sandwiches, burgers, and people well-known Icelandic scorching canine.
- Keep away from paid points of interest just like the Blue Lagoon and dear excursions like off-roading excursions and focus as a substitute on scenic drives, stops at waterfalls, and nature hikes.
- Keep within the countryside and keep away from the most important vacationer spots as a substitute of Reykjavik as issues are going to be dearer within the capital metropolis. I used to be stunned by how reasonably priced the lodging are within the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Earlier than you are concerned about having to transform and carry a ton of money round Iceland, don’t stress. Nearly all over the place takes bank cards in Iceland. You should definitely learn my Iceland suggestions for some caveats.
How A lot Does an Iceland Journey Price?
Let’s break down the typical Iceland price range. As with different posts the place I’ve damaged down trip prices for Italy, London, Greece, and Paris, this put up outlines pricing for 2 adults and two kids between the ages of 6-11, touring from a significant airport hub in america throughout the summer season excessive season, reminiscent of NYC to Reykjavik, and spending per week in Iceland.
I discover that in Iceland, some lodges 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 subject.
Airfare
I can’t even rely the variety of emails that I’ve gotten from individuals touring to Iceland that begin with “I discovered an incredible 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 $300-500 per particular person, roundtrip. Nonetheless, you then must construct in the price of checked baggage (except you’re an wonderful packer Iceland will usually imply a checked bag) and seat choice. This may simply add one other $100-200 per particular person.
Complete airfare value ($500 per particular person, spherical journey x 4 individuals): $2,000
Lodging
If you’re touring solo, it’s straightforward sufficient to remain in a hostel to save cash on lodging in Iceland. However most households will choose both a lodge or Airbnb/VRBO. A rental will definitely prevent cash as there are only some lodges that provide household rooms.
Most Reykjavik lodge rooms both have a double mattress (two twins pushed collectively) or two twin beds. Often you’ll 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 $400-600 per night time. You may as well get two rooms at a average lodge for about $150-250 per night time every.
Renting a vrbo residence will prevent a big quantity, so long as you’re snug as an impartial traveler. It’s best to have the ability to discover an residence within the metropolis massive sufficient to suit everybody for about $300 per night time. And in case you have been saving up your lodge loyalty factors, Hilton Honors members are actually in for a deal with with a number of Hilton properties now out there in Reykjavik.
Full-service lodges 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.
Within the countryside, there’s a massive collection of trip cabins out there on vrbo. Count on to pay about $200+ per night time for a cabin that sleeps 4. Simply plan upfront 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’re seeking to do Iceland on a price range, renting an Airbnb or VRBO is the way in which to go except you wish to camp or keep in hostels, as coated above.
Complete lodging value: assuming a median of $300 per night time (for those who primarily use trip leases) x 7 nights = $2,100
Automotive Rental
When visiting Iceland, if you wish to get away from crowded bus excursions and see the nation or drive the Ring Street, you’ll need to hire a automotive. In the event you don’t hire a automotive, 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. Simply don’t take a taxi as these can run about $150 a method between the airport and Reykjavik.
Automotive leases may be dear and you could be tempted to save cash by skipping the insurance coverage. Earlier than you do, test along with your bank card or automotive insurance coverage supplier since you in all probability nonetheless want to purchase the ash and rocks protection. Insurance coverage can enormously improve the price of the rental automotive, however you could want it.
There are many price range automotive leases however earlier than you ebook, 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 suggestions for Iceland automotive leases.)
If you’re visiting within the winter, you’ll positively need an SUV or four-wheel drive. In any other case, in case you are sticking to the Ring Street, a four-wheel drive isn’t needed. Nonetheless, entry to some hikes and actions might be on gravel roads and you can 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 parking zone for a hike earlier than and folks actually needed to carry the automotive to get it off. Fortunately it wasn’t completely ruined.
Additionally, understand that to drive on the inside “F roads”, you’ll need a automotive that’s allowed on these roads. Since lots of these roads aren’t satisfactory for a lot of the 12 months or are extraordinarily laborious to navigate (I’ve actually seen a highway signal in the midst of a subject of snow), I wouldn’t hassle with F roads.
The opposite factor to concentrate to is that it would be best to guarantee that your automotive is massive sufficient to suit baggage for your loved ones. Except you’re a tremendous gentle packer, you’ll in all probability want checked luggage for Iceland to be sure to are ready for any climate. (See my Iceland packing listing for suggestions!) I’d advocate both a station wagon or an SUV for a household of 4.
I exploit Auto Europe to test for the most affordable automotive rental charges in Iceland. Don’t neglect to price range for gasoline as nicely (and please, for those who hire a diesel automotive, be sure to use diesel petro!). At present (December 2022), fuel prices about $8.55 per gallon.
In the event you don’t wish to drive, your finest guess 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 need to anticipate to pay at the very least $500-1500 for the day.
Complete automotive rental value: Station wagon with insurance coverage and limitless miles might be roughly $1,200 for per week. Additionally, add about $300 for fuel in case you are driving lots.
Meals
You may have in all probability heard that meals in Iceland is pricey. You probably have traveled to Scandinavian nations previously, then you’re in all probability 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 $10-15 and most fish entrees might be nearer to $30+. So dinner for a household of 4 can simply value $100.
I’ve talked to many individuals who’ve felt Iceland was the costliest place that they’ve traveled to with regards to meals. My recommendation is to splurge on one meal however preserve the remaining informal to maintain the prices down.
You’ll want to attempt a number of the specialties like Arctic char, langoustines, lamb, and in case you are courageous even attempt some reindeer or puffin. However to stability out these specialties, you’ll be able to have a hearty lunch of meat soup or lobster bisque with bread. Within the countryside, you’ll find many eating places that provide buffets of fantastic recent, home made meals that can fill you up for hours so attempt to have a lightweight breakfast, one massive meal, and one lighter meal.
There’s additionally no want to purchase bottled water in Iceland as clear faucet water is available (though it might have a little bit of a sulfur odor at instances), simply remember to convey alongside a refillable water bottle. You may as well 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 dwelling or residence.
You should definitely take a look at my suggestions on the place to eat in Reykjavik.
Complete meals value for a household of 4: $200 x 7 = $1,400 (understand that this will differ broadly relying on for those who cook dinner and the way a lot you splurge)
Excursions and Actions
How a lot you spend on excursions is completely a private choice. You possibly can plan a personal helicopter tour for over $3,000, or you’ll be able to take a free hike. And nearly every little thing in between. There are additionally loads of free issues to do in Reykjavik too. I’d advocate making an attempt at the very least a number 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 every little thing. You don’t. For instance, you’ll be able to simply do the Golden Circle and Thingvellir Nationwide Park by yourself full-day highway journey. However you could wish to splurge on one thing like a glacier hike or an ATV tour that you simply CAN’T do by yourself.
You may as well forgo the touristy and costly Blue Lagoon (for those who go you’ll want to ebook upfront), in favor of different scorching springs across the nation, like Krauma, the Secret Lagoon, or Fontana Spas.
There are some things that I all the time advocate to purchasers. First, that is the land of ice and fireplace. Do at the very least one exercise that takes you out onto a glacier (the ice half) reminiscent of:
Another choice is to take a ship tour of the Glacier Lagoon.
For the “fireplace” half, I’d advocate both a lava tube cave tour, a cease on the Lava Middle, and/or a go to to at the very least one scorching spring or spa.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Iceland. If you’re adventurous, I’d advocate splurging on one thing like a brilliant jeep tour or ATV/buggy adventures.
I’d advocate staying away from massive group bus excursions (e.g. Reykjavik Excursions) and as a substitute ebook a small group or non-public tour with my accomplice Hidden Iceland. It can save you 10% on scheduled group excursions with Hidden Iceland utilizing promo code WE3TRAVEL or for personal excursions, simply inform them I referred you while you contact them.
In the event you can splurge on a number of actions, here’s what they might value (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
- Tremendous jeep tour (2 adults, 2 children underneath 11) = $737
Complete Actions Price for two adults and a pair of children underneath 12: $1413
Complete Iceland Funds: $9,826
| Class | Price |
| Airfare | $2000 |
| Lodging | $2100 |
| Transportation | $1500 |
| Meals | $1400 |
| Excursions & Actions | $1413 |
| Complete | $9826 |
So sure, Iceland trip prices are excessive. In the event you look intently on the breakdowns, you’ll find methods to save cash. You may as well 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. 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 suggestions for visiting Iceland within the winter.) You may as well scale back the variety of days you keep. In the event you persist with only one area, you’ll be able to really pack lots into simply 5 days, however I wouldn’t advocate staying any much less.
The place to Go in Iceland
In the event 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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