Iceland is a magical country with changing landscapes and views within just a few kilometers, and a place you must definitely discover. It is one of our favorite travels, a 7-day road trip mainly using Route 1 (or the Ring Road), the country’s main highway. We believe the ideal way to explore Iceland is by car (preferably a 4×4, especially in winter, as some roads are difficult to navigate), as it gives you the freedom to reach every corner of the country. We visited Iceland in mid-March, so the weather wasn’t always perfect. Nevertheless, we enjoyed every minute of our stay. The peak of the tourist season is considered to be from May to September. So, during the time we were in Iceland, we didn’t encounter many tourists, and the prices for car rentals and accommodations were definitely better. For anyone who wants to experience this country with a more wintery vibe and at more affordable prices, March is a great choice.
Organisation and travel costs
We booked the flight tickets, car and hotels 2 months before our departure. On this road trip we were 4 people and the total cost including all expenses (airfare, car, accommodation for 7 nights, food…) was 1600 euros per person.
For the flight tickets we used Skyscanner. There are direct flights from many european cities to Keflavik International airport, which is close to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The cost of the tickets for a roundtrip from Paris was about 250 euros and each flight lasts 3 hours and a half.
For car rental, after online research, we concluded that the best option is to use local rental companies. We booked our car (4×4) through IceRentalCars that has affiliated offices at the airport. The total cost for 7 days with free cancellation, an extra driver and full coverage was 51500 Icelandic Kroner which is about 350 euros.
Finally, for hotels we used Βooking.com. We stayed in 6 different areas in order to do the tour of the island in just 7 days. The total cost was 430 euros per person.
What do you need for a trip to Iceland?
Passport or identity card for EU citizens and a European health insurance card.
Credit card for car rental and a debit card with the lowest possible fees (Revolut is a good solution). In general, transactions in Iceland are almost exclusively done with credit or debit cards.
Clothes depending on the season you are travelling. For winter you will need appropriate clothing, scarves, gloves, hats and shoes for snow and hiking. Don’t forget your swimsuit as there are many hot springs, which are perhaps the most authentic experience in Iceland.
General information about Iceland
The currency is the Icelandic króna. 1 euro is equivalent to approximately 145 Icelandic kroner (January 2025).
The official language is Icelandic. The majority of the locals speak fluent English.
The tap water is potable.
Gasoline costs just over 2 euros per litre.
Driving in Iceland is done on the right side. The road network is in good but not excellent condition. Using road.is is essential as you have all the latest information on the condition of the roads.
Most attractions offer organized parking lots with a low fee that can be paid online.
Instant information about the weather and possible seismic or volcanic activity, phenomena quite common but monitored in Iceland, can be found on safetravel.is.
