Budget

The prices shown here are average estimates taken at a specific moment in time. In reality, airlines, hotels, and rental companies adjust their rates depending on availability. The great news? You can often score amazing deals, even during peak season! Take a few minutes to play around with price comparison sites to fine-tune your travel budget.

Low

BUDGET QUOTIDIEN

15000.00 ISK|103.45 EUR
Accommodation
4000.00 ISK|27.59 EUR
Food
2000.00 ISK|13.79 EUR
Transport
8500.00 ISK|58.62 EUR
Activities
500.00 ISK|3.45 EUR

Camping or basic hostel night. Groceries for meals and hot dogs from gas stations. Small rental car shared with others and free activities such as hiking or soaking in natural hot springs.

Mid-range

BUDGET QUOTIDIEN

25000.00 ISK|172.41 EUR
Accommodation
8000.00 ISK|55.17 EUR
Food
4000.00 ISK|27.59 EUR
Transport
10000.00 ISK|68.97 EUR
Activities
3000.00 ISK|20.69 EUR

Stay in a guesthouse or budget hotel. Mix of fast food and simple restaurants. Compact car rental and a few paid activities such as guided tours or geothermal baths.

High

BUDGET QUOTIDIEN

60000.00 ISK|413.79 EUR
Accommodation
22000.00 ISK|151.72 EUR
Food
15000.00 ISK|103.45 EUR
Transport
15000.00 ISK|103.45 EUR
Activities
8000.00 ISK|55.17 EUR

Stay in boutique hotels or charming guesthouses, dine in good restaurants, rent an SUV, and enjoy several paid activities such as whale watching, spa experiences, or guided excursions.

It used to be difficult to find flights under €400, but the boom in tourism has brought prices down. If you book at least two months in advance, a return trip Paris–Keflavik usually costs between €130 and €300 depending on the season. Airlines like Transavia and EasyJet often offer good deals — consider subscribing to their newsletters.
During high season (July–August), booking hotels and hostels in advance is essential. Outside Reykjavik, the offer is much smaller. Campsites are generally open from May to September.

Low budget€10–€40

Camping €10
Hostel dorm €30–€40

Mid-range budget€130–€230

2–3 star hotel or guesthouse: €130–€230

High budget€200–€350

4-star hotel: €200–€350

Hotels

Every town now has at least one hotel, but outside Reykjavik, Akureyri or Keflavik, options are limited. Booking in advance is a must in summer. Expect to pay at least €130 for a 2-star hotel.

Hostels

Dorm bed: €30–€80 per night. Private room: €100–€200 for one or two people. Prices vary depending on the season (up to 20% cheaper in winter), services, and location.

Guesthouses

Average between €80 and €150. The website Hey Iceland lists available accommodations across the country.

Airbnb

Around €175 in Reykjavik and €200 in other towns. Availability is limited, so booking early is recommended.

Campsites

Between €8 and €15 per person (plus shower or Wi-Fi fees). Icelandic campsites are clean and well maintained. If there’s no attendant, leave the payment in the box provided.
Eating well on a small budget in Iceland can be tricky. Budget travelers often buy groceries and make their own sandwiches (about €4 per meal) or grab a hot dog at gas stations. A fast-food meal costs around €13, lunch in a restaurant €17, and a fine dining dinner up to €100.
Distances are long and roads can be slow, especially outside summer. Renting a car is the most practical way to explore, but prices vary widely depending on the season and insurance options.

Car rental

High season rates: €70/day for a city car, €100 for a compact, €140 for a sedan, €160 for a small 4x4, €220 for an SUV. In low season, prices can drop by half. Optional insurance often adds around €20/day.

Camper van / motorhome

Expect about €300/day for a motorhome and €150/day for a camper van in high season, excluding insurance.

Bus

A good option if traveling solo or without a driving license. Bus passes cover major tourist routes (from 14,000 ISK to 49,000 ISK). Service is limited in winter.

Flights

Domestic flights are a quick way to reach remote regions. Expect between 10,000 ISK and 30,000 ISK one way.

Cycling

For the sporty traveler: around 3,000 ISK (€20) per day. Be prepared for wind, rain, and gravel roads.

Hitchhiking

Common among tourists during summer, especially along the Ring Road. Outside high season, rides are rare. Iceland is safe, but caution is always advised.

Train

There is no railway network in Iceland.

Mobile & Internet

If your mobile plan doesn’t cover Iceland, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for about €15 with 5 GB of data at the airport or local stores. The network is excellent — 4G or even 5G almost everywhere except in remote areas.

Shopping

Buy your gear before you go: technical clothing, shoes, and outdoor equipment are around 50% more expensive than in France. Shopping online or at Decathlon before the trip is cheaper.
Budget Iceland - Itinego | Road Iceland