You’ve probably heard that a trip to Iceland costs a lot of money. In fact, Iceland can be one of the most expensive destinations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to reduce your costs. As you plan your adventure, it’s essential to understand how much each component of the trip will cost so you can set a reasonable budget. So, how much can you expect to spend in 2025?
Is Iceland Really That Expensive?
One of the first questions people have is, “Is Iceland expensive to visit?” The answer to this question really depends on what the cost of living in your area is. For some, the vacation to Iceland can cost a comparable amount to what they spend on dining and hotels in their home area. For others, the prices can be considerably higher than what they are used to.
As a European destination, a vacation in Iceland costs considerably more than most other options on the continent. A large part of this higher cost is attributed to the fact that Iceland is an island country that has to import much of what is used, particularly food items.
How Much Does a Trip to Iceland Cost in 2025?
The first aspect of your trip to Iceland cost is your flights. While some visitors arrive by cruise ship or ferry, most people who travel to the country arrive via air. The price of flights fluctuates and depends on the airline you choose, but you can expect to pay between $300 and $800 for standard economy tickets.
After flights, the cost of a trip to Iceland can vary dramatically depending on the options you choose. Accommodations are available at varying price points, from as low as $30/night for hostels and budget guesthouses up to hundreds of dollars for more upscale stays. Renting a camper van and staying in campsites generally costs around $80-120 per night.
Food is another incredibly variable cost, depending on the types of experiences you choose. Some visitors choose to save money by buying food from the grocery stores and preparing meals themselves. Others prefer to splurge on vacation and dine in higher-priced restaurants every day.
Finally, don’t forget to calculate the cost of the type of rental car you will need and the tours you wish to take. While many locations can be visited for free or for a small parking fee, certain experiences require taking a tour, such as glacier hikes, ice caves, horseback riding, and more.
So, how much does a trip to Iceland cost? The answer varies, but you can expect to pay about $1500-2000 per person for a budget seven-day trip to over $5000 per person for an upscale vacation.
| Cost Category | Details | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | Most travelers arrive by air; flight prices vary by airline and season. | $300 – $800 (round trip, economy) |
| Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, hotels, or camper vans with campsites. | $30 – $300+ per night $80 – $120 per night (campervan + campsite) |
| Food | Ranges from self-catering with groceries to eating at high-end restaurants. | Highly variable depending on dining choices |
| Transport & Tours | Includes rental car costs and optional tours (e.g., glacier hikes, horseback riding). | Varies – some sites are free, others require paid tours |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1500 – $2000 per person for a 7-day budget trip $5000+ per person for a luxury experience |
|
Camper Van vs. Car and Hotel: Which Is Cheaper?
One of the most critical elements when determining how much does it costs to go to Iceland is choosing whether to rough it in a camper van or rent a car and stay in hotels throughout the trip. In general, it can be cheaper to combine your rental vehicle and accommodations into one by renting a camper van and staying in campgrounds along the way.
Renting a camper van for your trip and staying in various campgrounds will generally cost around $1000-1500 per night, depending on what type of camper van you choose. By renting a camper, you can also save more money by preparing meals rather than dining out every day.
While renting a non-camper vehicle can often be cheaper than renting a camper van, the other costs will increase the overall cost per day for your trip, making it more expensive than camping. For instance, you can spend $50-150 per day on a vehicle instead of $100-150 for a camper van, but you will spend $100-300 per night on a hotel rather than $10-30 per night in a campsite, bringing your total cost to $1700-1900 for a week.
You should also consider the size of your party. Renting a camper van for a larger family isn’t a cost-effective option, but for couples, solo travelers, and smaller families, it can be an excellent option to save money and enjoy nature.
| Option | Cost Breakdown | Total Estimated Weekly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camper Van + Campsites | • Camper van rental: $100–150 per night • Campsite fees: $10–30 per night • Self-cooked meals save on food costs |
$800 – $1400 (per week) | Solo travelers, couples, small families |
| Car Rental + Hotels | • Car rental: $50–150 per day • Hotel stays: $100–300 per night • Likely to dine out more often |
$1700 – $1900 (per week) | Groups, larger families, comfort-seekers |
Breakdown of Costs for a Camper Van Trip in Iceland
To make the fairest comparison to ensure you choose the most cost-effective options for your Iceland vacation, you’ll need to break down the various costs. By listing the costs, you’ll easily see where you can save money and what part of your trip will be cheaper when handling things one way or another. The following will help you make the best decisions as you explore the overall trip to Iceland cost.
Camper Van Rental Costs by Season
Like most costs, the amount you can expect to pay for your camper van rental will vary depending on the season you choose to travel. Camper vans are generally more expensive during the summer months, especially if you book them on short notice. The high costs are based on demand, as summer is the most common season for camping in Iceland.
If you choose to travel in the shoulder months or even the winter, you will find fewer campgrounds available, but the cost of your camper van will reduce accordingly as fewer visitors are choosing this type of rental vehicle.
For example, renting a camper in the summer will cost $150-250 per day. However, if you rent one in the winter, the same camper is more likely to cost $80-120. The shoulder seasons will fall in between these two extremes.
Campsites and Free Camping Options
When you rent a camper van in Iceland, you are required to spend the night in designated campgrounds. Wild camping generally isn’t allowed while in a camping vehicle. Therefore, your budget will need to include the cost of campgrounds. There are almost no free campgrounds in Iceland, but the cost per night is reasonably low, making it a cost-effective option, even if you’re trying to save money.
Most campsites in Iceland charge a fee per person staying on the campsite. You can expect costs around $10-30 per night. Even when factoring in the higher cost of renting a camper van versus a traditional vehicle, the money you will save on accommodations often makes camping the smart choice for travelers on a budget.
Fuel and Driving Expenses
Beyond the cost of renting your camper van vehicle, you will need to factor in additional costs, primarily fuel and insurance. Depending on what country you are from, gas prices in Iceland may seem normal, or they may be higher than you’re used to. The cost of fuel fluctuates in Iceland, just as it does anywhere else, and is dispensed in liters.
When driving around Iceland, you can expect to spend about $175-250 per 1000 kilometers travelled. You can track the current fuel prices in Iceland on the GSM Bensin website. In addition to fuel costs, you will need to pay for parking fees at many locations. Parking fees generally cost about 1000 ISK (roughly $8).
Food and Groceries (and Cooking in a Camper)
For some travelers, dining out is all part of the experience, but in Iceland, the cost of eating in restaurants. However, when you travel the country in a camper van, eating doesn’t have to cost as much. While it’s still nice to enjoy traditional Icelandic food at a restaurant now and again, the prices at the grocery stores are often comparable to other places.
By shopping at local grocery stores and preparing meals yourself, especially in a camper van, you can significantly reduce your food budget to keep your costs under control. If you choose to go to some restaurants, you can expect to spend between $20 and $60 per person. Adding alcohol to your meal increases the cost.
The best way to make the most of your vacation budget and control the trip to Iceland cost is to combine buying food in grocery stores and dining out.
Paid vs. Free Activities Accessible by Camper
The final component of determining “how much is a trip to Iceland?” is your activities. Iceland is filled with activities for every interest and skill level, some paid and some free. Before you start planning, you should make a list of why you decided to visit Iceland. This list will help guide you as you figure out how much you will need to set aside for activities.
Many of the natural sites around Iceland are free or only charge a small parking fee, allowing you to enjoy the country without spending a lot. However, there are plenty of tours and other activities that require setting a budget. For adventurous travelers, you can choose ice caves (in the appropriate season), glacier hikes, snowmobiling, ATV rides, ziplining, and more. Iceland is also home to plenty of museums.
As you create your list of things to do in Iceland, be sure to note where they are to determine if they will be accessible for the vehicle you drive. Some 4x4 camper vans are allowed on some of the milder F-roads, but you will need to ask your rental company to be sure. The good news is that if you want to visit a place you can’t access yourself, chances are you can book a tour to get there.
Hidden Costs You Might Overlook
The above costs are among the most commonly known when you’re planning a trip, but there are often costs you may overlook in your budgeting. To help you avoid being unaware of these hidden costs, the following will ensure you create a strong budget and know exactly how much a trip to Iceland costs.
Camper Insurance and Add-ons
The cost of renting your camper van isn’t the only expense you must consider for your budget. Buying proper insurance for your vehicle is absolutely essential in Iceland. Many camper rentals include basic CDW insurance, but it’s best to consider adding on other options, such as sand and ash, gravel, and more. Driving in Iceland is filled with hazards that can be costly if the vehicle is damaged.
In addition to camper insurance, other add-ons can be useful. Some of the most popular add-ons include a Wi-Fi device, extra bedding, camping equipment like chairs and tables, and more. Ask your rental company which add-ons are available so you can choose the ones that will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Parking, Tunnel Fees, and Tolls
As mentioned above, visiting the sights around the country will require paying various fees. For instance, many tourist stops have a small fee for parking, generally ranging between 750 and 1200 ISK (roughly $5-10). This parking fee typically covers the use of any on-site facilities like bathrooms, and also pays for the upkeep of the parking lot and trails. It’s important to note that many tourist sites in Iceland are located on private property.
In addition to parking fees, which are typically paid on-site or via the Park or EasyPark apps, if you are driving the Ring Road in the north, there is one toll tunnel just outside of Akureyri. The toll costs 2152 ISK (about $18) in each direction. If the weather is good, you can skip the tunnel with a 15-minute detour through the mountain pass instead. There are no other toll roads currently in Iceland.
Showers, Laundry, and Toilets
As you drive and stay around the country in your camper van, you will need to answer the call of nature and keep yourself and your clothing clean. The good news is that many places, including natural sights, have toilets available. Many of them are included in the parking fee, while some may require a small fee, such as 200-300 ISK. If you use the restroom in a gas station, it is typically recommended to purchase something, such as gas or a snack.
In Iceland, it is required to stay in a campsite if you’re camping in a camper van. This means you will have access to toilets and showers at the campgrounds. Some also have laundry machines, either included in the camping fee or for a low additional cost. You can also pay to use the showers at local pools as an alternative if the campground doesn’t offer this feature.
Wi-Fi, SIM Cards, and Connectivity on the Road
Staying connected is vital in today’s world. Even if you’re visiting Iceland to disconnect from the world, you may still need to keep in touch with family back home or reach your rental company or other companies while traveling in the country. While Wi-Fi is readily available in many places, purchasing a Wi-Fi hotspot or SIM card for your phone can be useful.
Some camper van rental companies offer Wi-Fi hotspots as an add-on to their rentals. If it isn’t an option, you can book a device from Trawire to pick up at the airport when you arrive. This device costs about $10 per day and connects up to 10 devices with unlimited data.
If you’re from outside Europe, you may want to purchase a SIM card to get a local number to use during your trip. These cards are available at the airport from various companies, including Siminn, Vodafone, and NOVA. Costs typically run about $15-25 for 5-10 GB of data, calling, and texting.
How to Save Money on Your Iceland Trip
Even though Iceland has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in the world, you can still find ways to reduce your costs with careful planning. Knowing the trip to Iceland costs will help you manage your expectations and choose areas where you can save some money and enjoy the trip of a lifetime with a more limited budget. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a good time.
Travel in Shoulder or Low Season
The time of year you travel can play a significant role in how much you can expect to spend. While summer is the most popular season, choosing one of the shoulder seasons, such as early spring or late fall, or visiting in the winter can mean lower prices for rental vehicles and accommodations. You will also get to experience Iceland with fewer crowds. However, keep in mind that many campgrounds close during these seasons, making finding one more challenging.
Cook Your Own Meals
Eating local food is all part of the experience, but that doesn’t mean you need to budget for expensive restaurant meals every day. While it’s nice to splurge a few times during your travels, you can save a lot of money by shopping in local grocery stores and preparing meals yourself in your camper van. You can still enjoy local cuisine and mix it with low-cost options you typically enjoy at home.
Shopping in Iceland’s grocery stores can be an adventure of its own as you explore local options. You will find all the staples you need with prices that are likely similar to what you are used to at home. Grocery stores and gas stations also often have affordable pre-made options like sandwiches and hot dogs if you want something quick that doesn’t cost a lot.
Choose Swimming Pools Over Luxury Hot Springs
The Blue Lagoon and other luxury hot spring spas are some of the biggest attractions that draw visitors to Iceland. Many people splurge on at least one of these experiences during their Iceland trip, but that doesn’t mean you have to. If you want to enjoy the soaking culture in Iceland without the high price tag associated with the luxury lagoons, local pools are a great option.
If you are considering local pools, however, you must keep in mind that showering naked prior to entering the pools is absolutely essential. In the local pools found in most towns around the country, private showering options are less common, so be prepared for the experience. In the end, choosing local pools allows you to immerse yourself in the Icelandic culture and enjoy life as a local.
Plan Your Route to Optimize Fuel and Time
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning their routes is too much backtracking. When you choose to stay in one place for the entire trip or for larger amounts of time, you will have to drive more, increasing the cost of fuel and wasting valuable time you could be spending on other things.
First, determine how far you are willing to drive in a day and map out the location of available campgrounds. Many are listed on tjalda.is with a map for easier navigation. Once you have planned your nightly stops, you can start building a list of sights to visit on each day, taking care to reduce the amount of backtracking these stops require.
By planning the shortest routes from point to point and staying a bit further along the road each night, you can maximize fuel efficiency and save time so you can make the most of your trip. You will spend less on fuel and see more sights without worrying about time-consuming backtracking.
Example Budget: 7-Day Iceland Camper Trip
Preparing for your trip to Iceland cost for seven days will depend greatly on what you wish to accomplish during your trip. The following examples will help you visualize how much you can expect to pay for a week-long trip in a camper on several price levels, allowing you to get a clear picture of your budget as you start to piece the trip of a lifetime together.
Mixing and matching components of each level lets you customize your trip and gives you the perfect options to suit your budget and vacation requirements. Here are some cost examples at each price point to help you get started.
Budget Option
If you’re trying to minimize your costs as much as possible, the following budget trip will help you keep costs lower. A budget trip will consist of renting a simple camper van with basic insurance, preparing most or all of your meals, and sticking to low-cost or free natural sights where you may only pay for parking or nothing at all.
- Camper rental: $700-900
- Campsites for 6 nights: $100-150
- Fuel: $175-250
- Groceries: $100-150
- Dining out (2-3 meals): $50-100
- Activities and attractions: $100-200
- Connectivity: $15-25
- Insurance and other add-ons: $100-250
- Souvenirs: $50-100
- Total Cost: $1300-2100
Mid-Range Option
If you want to splurge on a slightly better camper, dine out a little more, and add some more paid activities, such as lagoons and activities that can’t be done without a tour, like ice caves and glacier hikes, you will likely need to budget for a mid-range vacation. The following will help you determine how much you need to set aside.
- Camper rental: $1000-1300
- Campsites for 6 nights: $150-250
- Fuel: $250-325
- Groceries: $150-250
- Dining out (2-3 meals): $100-250
- Activities and attractions: $250-500
- Connectivity: $25-40
- Insurance and other add-ons: $250-400
- Souvenirs: $100-250
- Total Cost: $2300-3600
Premium Option
For some people, cost isn’t a concern when visiting Iceland. Whether you’ve saved for many years to take the trip of a lifetime or money is no object, a camper van trip to Iceland can be a premium experience with a higher price tag. From a high-end camper with premium insurance to the best camping spots, plenty of tours, and top-notch restaurant meals, you can expect to spend the following:
- Camper rental: $1600-2100
- Campsites for 6 nights: $250-300
- Fuel: $325-400
- Groceries: $250-400
- Dining out (2-3 meals): $250-500
- Activities and attractions: $500-1000
- Connectivity: $40-60
- Insurance and other add-ons: $400-600
- Souvenirs: $250-500
- Total Cost: $3900-5900
Is a Camper Van Worth It in Iceland?
One of the most important elements before you even start looking at the cost of your trip to Iceland is how you plan to get around and where you want to stay. Renting a camper van is becoming a more popular alternative for traveling in many places, including Iceland. It offers a more budget-friendly option that gives more flexibility to see the country as you wish.
As you consider whether to rent a regular car and stay in hotels, guesthouses, and similar accommodations or get a camper van and spend your nights in campgrounds, you must weigh which option is most worth it. Because you are combining your accommodations and transportation into one cost, it can be cost-effective to choose a camper van over hotels and a car or SUV.
The cost of a camper van may be higher than a standard vehicle, but when you consider the amount of money you will save on accommodations and food, the cost savings can quickly add up with a camper. Creating a list of pros and cons and the associated costs of each option can give you the best picture to make an informed decision.
Final Tips and Tools for Budget Planning
As you work toward finalizing your plans and estimating your exact trip to Iceland cost, you can make use of various tips and tools that will help you determine how much money you will need. When considering all the factors, you can customize your trip based on your preferences, giving you the opportunity to explore the country at a price you’re comfortable with.
Budgeting Apps and Travel Spreadsheets
There are several budgeting apps you can download for Android and iOS phones that will help you build a budget for your trip and keep track of how much you spend along the way. Some of the most popular apps to download include Travel Wallet, TravelSpend, Splitwise, and PocketGuard.
If you don’t want to use a budgeting app or want an alternative to use on your computer or laptop, creating a spreadsheet is an excellent alternative. Create rows for each expense, including camper rental, food, fuel, campsites, and activities. Then, create a column for each day of your trip. A spreadsheet can help you visualize your expenses and find ways to cut costs.
Fuel and Route Planning Tools
Finding the most cost-effective fuel is one of the best ways to save money, whether you rent a camper van or any other type of vehicle. The GSM Bensin website features real-time updates on fuel prices, helping you find the lowest prices close to your location before filling up. The Gasvaktin app can also be useful for similar reasons.
In addition to paying attention to fuel options, you may also wish to calculate the estimated amount of fuel you may use based on your itinerary. If you know the exact vehicle you are renting, you can calculate the cost of your trip by dividing the distance you will travel by the fuel efficiency of the car (kilometers per liter) and then multiplying by the cost of fuel per liter.
Route planning tools can also be useful as you decide where to visit within the country. Many people use Google Maps to create their itineraries, but you can also use road trip planners like Furkot and Roadtrippers. Always verify your route against the Icelandic Road Administration website to ensure roads are open and conditions are suitable for your vehicle.
Is the Iceland Camping Card Worth It?
One final consideration for your camper van adventure in Iceland is whether you should invest in the camping card. The Útilegukort costs around $200, is valid for two adults and two children, and gives holders up to 28 nights at participating campgrounds. However, it is not valid at all campgrounds, and you must still pay taxes on the stay. It can be used from May 1 through September 15.
To determine if the camping card is worth it for you and your party, you must determine whether the included campgrounds interest you and how many nights you will stay. The card isn’t worth the cost if you aren’t staying in Iceland longer than a week, or the included campgrounds don’t appeal to you. Once used, the card can’t be transferred to someone else.
Start Your Journey Today!
Once you have figured out your trip to Iceland cost, it’s time to book your camper van and finalize your plan. Whether you’re looking for a way to see Iceland for less or want to fully enjoy every aspect of an Iceland adventure, knowing your budget will ensure you can comfortably plan a trip that ticks off all your boxes.
