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How to Book a Trip to Iceland

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Iceland

Plan your Iceland trip for shoulder season, see the waterfalls, and map out your payments without getting tripped up by interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $188.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Iceland in May or September gives you the best of both worlds: fewer crowds at the major waterfalls and a real shot at catching the northern lights as the nights get longer. You get crisp air, quieter roads around the Ring Road, and steaming hot springs that feel even better when the weather has some bite to it.

A typical trip runs about $3400 once you factor in flights, a car rental, and places to stay. Spreading that cost out over time makes the upfront hit easier to swallow, but you need a solid plan for how you are going to pay it off before the bill comes due.

That 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, standard interest kicks in on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your shoulder window

    Aim for May or September to beat the heavy summer crowds and sky-high peak pricing. You will still get enough daylight to pack your days with hikes, but booking early is key since shoulder season lodging fills up fast.

  2. 02

    Book your flights and car

    Lock down your flights and a sturdy 4WD rental car well in advance. Road conditions in Iceland can change quickly, so having a reliable vehicle is not the place to pinch pennies.

  3. 03

    Map out your stays

    Mix guesthouses along the coast with a few nights near Reykjavik to keep your driving days manageable. Booking places with kitchenettes also helps you save a bit on food, since eating out in Iceland is notoriously pricey.

  4. 04

    Spread out the payments

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Splitting that $3400 total across the intro window on purchases means setting aside $188.89 per month.

  5. 05

    Pack for all four seasons

    Bring proper waterproof layers, windproof outerwear, and sturdy hiking boots that can handle mud and volcanic rock. You will use every single piece of gear you pack, often on the exact same day.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a trip to Iceland actually cost?

A typical week-long trip runs around $3400 per person when you factor in flights, a rental car, accommodation, and food. You can trim that down if you stick to hostels and campsites, or push it way up if you book luxury hotels and guided glacier tours.

Is May or September better for Iceland?

Both are great shoulder months, but they have different perks. May brings longer days and blooming landscapes, while September offers darker nights that bring back the chance to see the northern lights.

Do I really need a 4WD car in Iceland?

If you plan to stick strictly to the paved Ring Road in summer, you can get away with a standard car. The moment you head onto gravel F-roads or travel during shoulder season when snow is possible, a 4WD is mandatory.

What happens if I don't pay off the balance in 18 months?

The 0% rate only applies for that specific timeframe. Any remaining balance left on the card when the window closes will start accruing standard interest charges.