Planning a campervan trip in Iceland? It’s a great way to explore the country’s landscapes, like waterfalls, mountains, and possibly the Northern Lights. Before you start, consider the costs—Iceland can be expensive, and expenses build up quickly. This guide outlines what you’ll need to budget for, including rental, fuel, campsites, food, and other items, along with some ways to reduce spending. Here’s the breakdown.
Why Budgeting Matters for a Campervan Trip
Iceland is incredible, but it can hit your wallet hard if you’re not ready. A campervan lets you explore on your terms and saves cash compared to hotels. Still, things like gas and groceries can add up. Knowing what to expect means you can keep things affordable and focus on the fun.
What Affects the Costs
Iceland is a pricey country, there’s no way around it. However, some factors can help you save money or spend more than you need to.
Season
The time of year has a significant impact on costs and conditions.
Summer (June-August): This is peak season, and crowds are heavy. Prices for rentals, campsites, and activities are at their highest. Expect longer daylight (up to 20+ hours), which is great for driving. However, availability can be tight, so booking ahead is a must. Costs can double compared to off-season.
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October): These shoulder seasons offer a balance—fewer people, lower rates (often 20-40% less than summer), and decent weather. Spring brings melting snow and some road closures, while fall has shorter days but stunning colors. Both are solid for saving money without extreme conditions.
Winter (November-March): The cheapest time to go, with rental prices dropping as low as 50% of summer rates. You’ll save big, but daylight shrinks to 4-6 hours, and icy roads—especially F-roads to remote areas—are often closed or risky. Snowstorms can delay plans, so flexibility and winter driving skills are key.
Van Type
The kind of campervan you choose directly affects your rental cost and comfort.
Basic Models: These come with a bed, small stove, and maybe a sink—perfect for keeping costs down. They’re lighter, so fuel efficiency is better, but you’ll miss out on extras like heating (crucial in winter) or a bathroom.
Upgraded Models: Vans with heaters, showers, or 4WD (for rougher roads) cost more—sometimes $50-$100 extra per day. They’re worth it if you’re traveling in cold months or want more independence, but they guzzle more fuel and can strain a tight budget.
Insight: Check the weather forecast and your route. A basic van works fine for summer or paved roads, but winter or off-road trips might demand upgrades—balance the upfront cost against potential hassles.
Trip Length
How long you rent the van changes both the rate and overall expenses.
Short Trips (3-5 days): Daily rates are higher—think $100-$200 in summer—because companies prioritize longer bookings in peak season. Fuel and campsite costs stay lower, but you’ll see less of Iceland.
Longer Trips (7-14 days): Many rental companies drop the daily rate (sometimes to $50-$150) for extended periods, especially off-season. The catch? You’ll rack up more fuel, campsite fees, and food costs. For a 10-day trip, savings on the rental might offset these extras if you plan well.
Insight: Look at your itinerary—stretching to 10 days could cut the rental cost per day, but don’t overextend if it means burning cash on unnecessary driving or unused campsite nights.
Driving Distance
Your route will determine how much you’ll spend on gas and the wear on the van.
Big Loops (e.g., Ring Road): The 1,300 km Ring Road is a classic—it hits major sights but burns more fuel (100-130 liters, or $225-$300 at $2.25/liter). You’ll pass gas stations often, but detours to remote spots add up fast.
Shorter Routes: Sticking to one region—like the Golden Circle (300 km) or South Coast (500 km)—keeps fuel under $100 for the trip. It’s less ground covered, but easier on the budget and schedule.
Insight: Iceland’s gas stations are sparse outside towns, and prices jump in rural areas (up to $2.50/liter vs. $2.25 in Reykjavik). Map your stops to refuel smartly, and avoid backtracking—every extra km costs you.
Now, let’s look at the main costs and how to keep them low.
Campervan Rental Prices
The van’s your most significant expense—it’s where you’ll sleep and cook.
In summer, a simple two-person van is $150-$250 a day. Shoulder seasons drop to $75-$125; winter can be $50-$75. For 10 days, that’s $500-$2,500.
How to Save:
Book early, especially for summer.
Pick a basic van if you don’t need extras.
Look for deals on longer rentals.
Go in the off-season if you can handle it.
Fuel Costs
Gas in Iceland isn’t cheap, and you’ll want to drive a lot to see everything.
Fuel is about $2.25 per liter right now. Most vans get 10-15 km per liter. For a 1,300 km trip (like the Ring Road), you’re looking at 100-130 liters—$225-$300 total.
How to Save:
Get a van that’s good on gas—smaller or diesel helps.
Plan your route to avoid extra driving.
Fill up in towns—remote stations charge more.
Camp Fees
Campsites are your overnight stops, and they’re not free.
Most charge $10-$20 per night per van. Some go by person, so for two, it could be $20-$40 a night. Over 10 nights, that’s $100-$400.
If you’re trip is longer than 10 days and you’re traveling with family, your best bet is to buy the Camping Card, which gives you access to over 40 campsites for a flat fee of 179€ ($187).
How to Save:
Buy the Camping Card
Find sites that charge per van, not per person.
Look for free or cheap spots in rural areas (check the rules—wild camping’s strict).
Cooking in the van helps you save a lot—eating out can cost $30-$50 a person per meal.
Groceries aren’t cheap either, but they’re much more affordable than restaurants. Bread’s $2-$3, milk’s $1.50-$2, chicken’s $10-$15 per kilo. For two people, figure $15-$25 daily—$150-$250 for 10 days.
How to Save:
Shop at Bónus or Krónan for lower prices.
Buy bulk stuff like pasta or rice.
Plan meals so you don’t grab expensive last-minute stuff.
Insurance and Extra Fees
Don’t overlook the details—insurance and add-ons can bump up your bill.
Basic insurance is usually included, but extras like gravel protection (handy for Iceland’s roads) or full coverage can add $10-$30 a day.
How to Save:
Check if your credit card or travel insurance covers rentals.
Skip stuff like GPS—use your phone—and bring your own gear if possible.
Activities and Attractions
Iceland has plenty of natural beauty to enjoy for free, but some activities and locations do come with a price. Whether it’s soaking in hot springs, chasing whales, or visiting popular attractions, here’s what to expect—and how to keep costs down.
Hot Springs:
Blue Lagoon: The basic package costs $72 per person (around 9,990 ISK). It’s the big-name spot near Reykjavik, but it’s pricey.
Secret Lagoon: About $30 per person (4,2000 ISK). Near the Golden Circle, it’s older, simpler, and way cheaper.
Myvatn Nature Baths: Around $50 per person (6,900 ISK). Up north, smaller than Blue Lagoon but still relaxing.
Local Pools: Found in most towns, these geothermal pools cost $5-$10 per person (700-1,400 ISK). Basic, but a budget win.
Other Paid Activities:
Some must-do activities here are pretty expensive but worth the effort. If you have to prioritise, go for whale watching and glacier hiking.
Whale-Watching: Tours run $50-$100 per person, depending on where you start (Reykjavik’s on the lower end, Husavik’s pricier but better for sightings).
Glacier Hiking: $80-$150 per person for a guided trip (like on Sólheimajökull). Gear and a guide are included.
Snowmobiling: Around $100-$200 per person for an hour or two, often on Langjökull glacier.
Inside the Volcano: A unique tour at Thrihnukagigur—$300+ per person. Pricey, but rare.
All natural attractions are free, but most now charge for parking too. Price ranges $2-$10 per stop—$3 at smaller spots like Landmannalaugar, up to $7-$10 at busy ones like Thingvellir or Skogafoss. For a 10-day trip with 10-15 stops, that’s $20-$150 extra.
How to Save:
Hot Springs: Skip Blue Lagoon and hit the Secret Lagoon or local pools for a fraction of the cost. Look for free wild hot springs (like Reykjadalur) if you’re up for the trek.
Whale-Watching: Book from Reykjavik for cheaper rates, or check smaller operators for last-minute deals.
Other Activities: Bundle glacier hikes or snowmobiling with other tours for discounts—some companies offer combos. Skip the super-expensive stuff like Inside the Volcano unless it’s a must-do.
Parking Fees: Carpool with another campervan crew if you meet people, or park outside fee zones and walk in where it’s safe. Focus on lesser-known spots with no fees—like hidden waterfalls off the main routes.
General Tips: Pick one or two paid things you really want (say, a hot spring and a glacier hike), then fill the rest of your days with free hikes, geysers, and beaches. Iceland’s got plenty that doesn’t cost a dime.
Estimated Expenses for the Campervan Trip
Here’s a basic cost estimate for a 10-day campervan trip for two people, based on the stuff we’ve talked about. The ranges depend on the season and your choices:
Campervan Rental: $500 (winter, basic) - $2,500 (summer, fancy). A cheap van in off-season at $50/day adds up to $500; a nice one in peak season at $250/day hits $2,500.
Fuel: $100 (short trip) - $300 (Ring Road). Driving 500 km with a van that gets 12 km per liter uses 42 liters, about $95; 1,300 km uses 108 liters, around $243, bumped up to $300.
Camp Fees: $100 (cheap sites) - $400 (per-person charges). $10 a night totals $ 100; $40 a night totals $400. The Camping Card at $187 could keep it lower.
Groceries: $150 (saving) - $250 (easier eating). $15 a day makes $150; $25 a day makes $250.
Insurance/Extras: $0 (basic) - $300 (full add-ons). $0 if your credit card covers it; $30 a day adds up to $300.
Activities: $20 (local pool) - $600 (lots of tours). One pool trip costs $20; whale-watching plus glacier hiking costs $260-$500.
Parking Fees: $20 (few stops) - $150 (lots). 10 stops at $2 each is $20; 15 stops at $10 each is $150.
Total: $890 (low, winter) - $4,500 (high, summer). A cheap trip in March might be $1,300; a big summer trip could reach $4,000.
These numbers are for two people splitting costs. Winter lowers rental and campsite prices but cuts daylight and road access. Summer gives you more options but costs more.
Wrapping Up
This covers your main costs on a campervan trip in Iceland—rental, fuel, campsites, groceries, and activities. With some planning, you can keep expenses under control, no matter if you travel in summer or winter. Understanding these numbers helps you decide where to cut back. The payoff is the chance to drive through Iceland’s unique landscapes at your own pace. Take a moment to figure out your budget, adjust as needed, and prepare for the trip.
