Plan Your Iceland Itinerary: Budget Tips for 7 Days

Are you planning a trip to Iceland and wondering how much you should budget for 7 days? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the expenses you can expect during your trip to this beautiful country, allowing you to budget and plan with ease.

Transportation

Transportation will likely be one of your biggest expenses in Iceland. Depending on your itinerary, you may choose to rent a car or use public transportation. A rental car will provide the most flexibility in terms of travel, but it can also be costly. On the other hand, public transportation is cheaper but may limit your options for exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Rental Car

If you choose to rent a car, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per day, depending on the type of car and the time of year. It’s also important to budget for fuel, which can be expensive in Iceland. Plan to spend around $130 on gas for a 7-day trip.

Public Transportation

Using public transportation in Iceland is much cheaper than renting a car. The Reykjavik City Card, which includes unlimited access to public buses, costs around $71 for a 7-day pass. It’s worth noting that public transportation is less frequent outside of Reykjavik and may not be a practical option for accessing some of Iceland’s most remote attractions.

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options in Iceland, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The average cost of a hotel room in Reykjavik is around $200 per night but you can find less expensive options if you look outside the city center. Hostels are a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 per night. If you’re looking to cut costs even further, consider camping.

Hotels

Hotels in Iceland can be expensive, especially during peak season. A budget of $1,400 for a 7-day stay should suffice for mid-range accommodations. Expect to pay more for luxury hotels, with prices ranging from $300 to $600 per night.

Hostels

Hostels are a popular option for budget-conscious travelers. In Reykjavik, dorm rooms start at around $25 per night, while private rooms can be as much as $120 per night. However, prices are generally lower outside of the city center.

Camping

If you’re traveling during the summer months, camping is a great way to save money. There are plenty of campsites throughout Iceland, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 per night.

Food and Drink

Icelandic food is unique and delicious but can be expensive. Expect to pay an average of $20 to $40 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant and around $5 for a cup of coffee. If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, consider booking a room with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals and save money on dining out.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your 7-day trip to Iceland. From exploring glaciers to soaking in hot springs, there’s something for everyone. Budget around $500 for activities, but keep in mind that some experiences, such as a glacier hike or whale watching tour, may cost more.

Unexpected Expenses

It’s always a good idea to budget for unexpected expenses when traveling. In Iceland, you may need to purchase additional clothing or gear if the weather changes unexpectedly. Plan to set aside around $200 for unexpected expenses.

In Conclusion

Iceland is a beautiful country with plenty of sights and experiences to offer. Budgeting for a 7-day trip to Iceland can be challenging, but with the information provided in this guide, you should have a good idea of how much to budget for transportation, accommodation, food and drink, activities, and unexpected expenses.