Is Iceland really that expensive? The actual cost of a road trip.

Iceland has a reputation for being one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. This reputation is partly justified, but with good planning, a trip to Iceland can be much more affordable than you might think.

In this article, we break down the budget to expect for a road trip of 7 to 10 days: transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. You'll know exactly what expenses to anticipate and how to manage your budget.

Iceland is a sparsely populated island where a large part of the products are imported. On top of that, there’s a high cost of living, significant wages, and a relatively short tourist season, which drives up the prices of accommodations, restaurants, and activities.

However, this doesn't mean that a stay in Iceland has to be out of reach...

Here are a few tips to significantly reduce your budget:

• cook for yourself instead of dining out every night;
• prefer camping over hotels or guesthouses;
• travel off-peak, especially in May or September, to enjoy better rates on rental vehicles and accommodations.

With the right choices, a road trip in Iceland remains perfectly accessible, especially if you go for an organized trip where many services are already included.

A round-trip flight between Belgium or France and Reykjavik (Keflavík) usually costs between €150 and €350 per person, depending on the time and date of booking.

Booking several months in advance and avoiding school holidays often leads to great savings.

This is the biggest expense in the budget for a road trip in Iceland, but it’s also the area where you can save the most with an all-inclusive package.

At Iceland Nomads, the trips include:

• a 4x4 equipped with a rooftop tent or a fully equipped van;
• all camping gear (mattresses, cooking equipment, etc.);
• reserved camping spots;
• a detailed itinerary with the most beautiful sites and some lesser-known spots;
• assistance throughout the trip.

For a 7-day trip, prices start at around €690 per person (based on two travelers per vehicle), excluding flights. For a 10-day trip, expect to pay around €875 per person, depending on the vehicle chosen and the season. Since accommodations are already included, there’s no need to budget extra for hotels or campsites.

If you choose to rent a car on your own and stay at a hotel, you can easily add a few hundred euros to your trip budget.

Gasoline and diesel prices are comparable to those in many Western European countries, around €2.40 to €2.50 per liter.

For a route of 1,300 to 2,500 kilometers, plan for a fuel budget of about €150 to €250 per person for a ten-day trip.

Preparing your meals while camping is by far the most economical solution.

Plan for about:

• 25 to 35 € per person per day for groceries and meals prepared on-site;
• 30 to 50 € for a main dish at a restaurant when you want to treat yourself.

At Iceland Nomads, you can choose a food pack, which is convenient for saving time while keeping your budget in check.

For ten days, expect to spend around 250 to 400 € per person.

The budget for excursions obviously depends on your preferences.

As a guideline:

• glacier hiking: from 100 to 150 € per person;
• whale watching excursion: 100 – 160 € per person;
• visit to an ice cave in winter: from 150 € per person.

On the other hand, many natural wonders (waterfalls, black sand beaches, or hikes) are free, except for a few paid parking areas.

For activities, plan a budget between 100 and 300 € per person.

Don't forget about a few extra costs:

• some paid parking;
• the Vaðlaheiði tunnel (around 12 €);
• souvenirs;
• travel insurance.

Expect about 50 to 100 € per person.

For a road trip of 10 days, the average budget per person is as follows:

• Budget version: between €1,400 and €1,700, including flights, with cooking at campsites and few paid activities.
• Mid-range version: between €1,700 and €2,200, with some restaurant meals and several excursions.
• Comfort version: between €2,200 and €2,800, with more activities, a more comfortable van, and a few nights in a hotel.

For a one-week stay, these amounts are generally 15 to 20% lower.

A few simple actions can significantly reduce the cost of your trip:

• choose an all-inclusive package (vehicle, camping gear, and accommodations);
• shop at supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan instead of gas station stores;
• optimize your itinerary to avoid unnecessary miles;
• favor free natural wonders and limit paid excursions;
• travel in May or September for lower prices and fewer crowds.

With Iceland Nomads, you know your budget even before you leave. The vehicle, camping equipment, campsite reservations, and a complete roadbook are included in the price (starting from €690).

All you need to consider are fuel, meals, and any activities you want to add. This way, you get to enjoy all the freedom of a road trip in Iceland, without any nasty surprises from hidden costs.