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How to Book an Iceland Ring Road Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book an Iceland Ring Road Trip

See the waterfalls and glaciers on your own terms by breaking your budget into manageable monthly chunks.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $4,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $300.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $4,500 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Iceland is all about the landscape, from the black sand beaches of Vik to the glacier lagoons in the east. Booking six months out lets you snag the best campervans or guesthouses before the summer crowds take over the Ring Road.

A trip like this typically runs about $4500. To manage that without stressing your bank account, you can use the Discover it® Cash Back card to spread the cost over time.

The 0% intro APR is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after 15 months, the card will start charging interest on whatever you have left, which will get expensive quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your route

    Give yourself at least ten days to loop the island. This prevents you from rushing and missing the smaller towns along the coast.

  2. 02

    Book your transport

    Secure a 4x4 vehicle early. You will need it to handle the wind and unpredictable road conditions, even in the milder months.

  3. 03

    Use your payment window

    The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you charge your $4500 total, paying $300.00 per month will clear the balance within that 15-month intro window.

  4. 04

    Lock in lodging

    Hotels fill up months in advance along the Ring Road. Book your stays as soon as your dates are set to avoid overpaying for last-minute spots.

  5. 05

    Budget for fuel

    Gas is expensive in Iceland. Keep an extra $500 aside for fuel so you are not surprised when you fill up in remote areas.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is Iceland expensive?

Yes, it is one of the pricier places to visit. Food and gas costs add up fast, so keep your budget flexible.

What happens if I miss a payment?

You will likely lose the 0% rate and get hit with a late fee. Always set up an auto-pay for at least the minimum amount.

Can I do the Ring Road in a week?

You can, but you will spend most of your time driving. Ten days is the sweet spot for actually seeing the sights.

Do I need a credit card for the rental car?

Yes, almost every rental agency in Iceland requires a physical credit card for the deposit. Debit cards usually will not work.