How We Traveled to Iceland on a Budget — Twice
The little red-roofed church in Vík, looking out toward the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. A reminder that even in a rugged land, there’s a sense of quiet and refuge.
The first time we set foot in Iceland was September 2023. We had ten days, a rented campervan, and a plan to drive all the way around Ring Road. Two years later, we went back for another ten days — this time sticking mostly to the southern coast so we could slow down and linger in places we loved the first time around.
We’d always dreamed of going. After years of seeing stunning photos online and watching the news of eruptions, we knew we had to make it happen. The challenge? We couldn’t afford to do Iceland the expensive way. So, we figured out how to do it our way — budget-friendly but still unforgettable.
Flights were our first hurdle. Both times we booked through ASAP Tickets and found the best rates on Icelandair. September was cheaper, but August gave us a taste of Icelandic summer. Neither trip broke the bank.
Transportation was another big decision. In 2023, we caught the FlyBus from Keflavík Airport into Reykjavík (about $32 per person) and then grabbed a short cab ride to Cozy Campers. This year, we rented from Camp Easy, which is based right near the airport. They even shuttled us for free, which saved time and money. Both companies were great, but Camp Easy wins for convenience.
Getting some shots at beautiful Skogafoss
“The best part about Iceland is that most of its treasures are free. Waterfalls, canyons, mountains”
Prepping for a delicious meal in our campervan
The campervan ended up being the key to our budget strategy. Lodging in Iceland is expensive, but a van gave us flexibility and freedom. Plus, they come with stoves, cookware, and sleeping gear. Campgrounds often have community kitchens and prep areas, so we could cook easily. Before heading out, we stocked up at Costco in Reykjavík (yes, your U.S. card works there), and then made stops at Bonus and Kronan grocery stores along the way. We hardly ate out, and we didn’t feel like we missed out on anything.
The best part about Iceland is that most of its treasures are free. Waterfalls, canyons, mountains — they don’t cost a dime. We saw Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, Múlagljúfur Canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Godafoss, Bruarfoss, Kirkjufell, Vestrahorn, and the black church at Búðir, just to name a few. Each stop felt like stepping into another world.
It takes a 4WD to get to The Highlands
Our one splurge was renting a Jeep for a day to reach Landmannalaugar in the Highlands because it requires 4WD. It’s rugged, colorful, and surreal — like no place we’ve ever seen. If we could go back tomorrow, that’s the first place I’d want to return.
Looking back, the biggest lessons are simple: shop at grocery stores, skip buying water (it’s pure right out of the streams), and do your homework in advance. Facebook groups and Reddit threads were goldmines for planning.
Traveling to Iceland doesn’t have to be out of reach. Twice now, we’ve proven to ourselves that with some planning, creativity, and a campervan, you can experience one of the most breathtaking countries in the world without spending a fortune.
