Iceland on a (Smarter) Budget: Our 10-Day Cost Breakdown, Itinerary, and Tips
Iceland has a reputation for being expensive. With a little planning, you can keep costs in check without sacrificing the bucket list moments. Here is our transparent breakdown from our first trip to Iceland in 2021, a 10-day trip, exactly what we booked, what we paid, and how we chose to splurge and save.
Day 1 Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.
What We Spent for Two People
Total trip cost: $3,268
That is about $250 per day total, or $125 per person per day.
Flights: 170,000 Amex points + $106 taxes and fees
Business class bid on return: $300 per person
Camper van rental for 10 days with @kukucampers: $826 total
Glass Airbnb @glasscottagesiceland: $500 for one night
Campsites: $26 total
Ferry from Vík to Vestmannaeyjar for two people and a car: $100
Blue Lagoon: $80 per person
Sky Lagoon: $40 per person
Katla Ice Caves tour with @arcticadventures: $125 per person
Zodiac boat tour of Jökulsárlón: $96 per person
Skaftafell glacier hike and ice climb with @trollexpeditions: $138 per person
Eldfell Volcano ATV with @volcanoatv: $82 per person
Free highlights: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Diamond Beach, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck hike, Reykjadalur hot river hike, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Gullfoss
Why this total stayed reasonable: we kept most nights in the van, cooked simple meals, picked a handful of standout tours, and timed sightseeing to avoid peak hours.
Splurge vs Save
Our splurge was a night at the Glass Airbnb. It is a true memory maker with panoramic views. We planned for it, then saved elsewhere.
Our save was nine nights in a camper van. Camper life in Iceland is practical and fun. You can chase good weather, pivot plans, and sleep close to sunrise spots or late night locations during the midnight sun.
Tours that felt worth it for us: Katla Ice Caves for the surreal blue tunnels that form as meltwater carves the glacier above Katla Volcano, the zodiac at Jökulsárlón for a close view of the icebergs, Skaftafell for an active glacier day, and the Eldfell ATV for fast access to volcanic scenery.
Practical Notes
Fly into Keflavík Airport KEF. Pick up your van soon after arrival. On the Ring Road, weather and photo stops add time, so keep the schedule flexible.
Campsites are simple and usually about $15 per person per night. Most have showers and kitchens. Bring a card or coins depending on the site.
Fuel colors are reversed if you are used to the United States. Black is diesel and green is regular. Always confirm your fuel type.
Tap water is excellent. Bring a reusable bottle and skip bottled water.
Pool etiquette matters. You will shower naked in men’s and women’s facilities before entering pools or lagoons.
Weather gear is essential. Think real rain shell, windproof layers, waterproof boots, warm hat and gloves. Iceland laughs at flimsy umbrellas.
Points and Miles Corner
We covered flights with 170,000 Amex points plus $106 in taxes and fees. We bid $300 per person for a business class upgrade on the way home. If you are new to points, start with a couple of strong starter cards, track bonuses, and learn the main transfer partners that reach Iceland routes.
If you like deal alerts and mistake fares, consider using a premium deal service. Organize your cards and balances so you can move fast when award space opens.
Iceland rewards flexibility and smart tradeoffs. We saved with the van and groceries, then chose a few once in a lifetime experiences, plus one dreamy glass cottage night. Use our numbers as a realistic baseline, then add your own splurges and swaps.
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We're the adventure-loving duo behind the lens and the keyboard, swapping nine-to-five predictability for jet lag, desert sunrises, and stories worth replaying. Follow our journey to 50 countries while we share all our tips, mistakes and hidden gems along the way. We love finding the world's most unique bucket list adventures and stays to share with you here!
We're Holly and luke
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los angeles, usa
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Norway
