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How to Book a Week in Iceland on the Ring Road

How to · Travel

How to Book a Week in Iceland on the Ring Road

Hit the waterfalls and open roads in late May for about $4,200, then pay it down over 18 months interest-free.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $4,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $233.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $4,200 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.

Late May in Iceland gives you nearly endless daylight, thundering waterfalls fueled by spring melt, and clear roads before the summer tour buses arrive. It feels like driving across the moon. If you wait until July, the prices for rental cars and roadside cabins practically double.

A solid week driving the Ring Road runs about $4200 for two people doing it right. You do not have to part with that cash all at once if you give yourself a buffer before you book.

Remember that zero interest is a deadline, not free money. You still owe the $4200. Set an automatic monthly transfer for that $233.33 immediately, because if you leave a balance past that 18-month window, standard interest kicks in on what is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in late May dates

    Aim for the last two weeks of May. You get around 18 to 20 hours of daylight, the roads are mostly clear of winter ice, and rental outfits have not turned on high-season pricing yet.

  2. 02

    Grab your flights to Keflavík

    Direct flights from the East Coast take under six hours, and West Coast routes are manageable. Track prices starting four months out and book as soon as you spot a dip below peak summer rates.

  3. 03

    Reserve a 4x4 with full coverage

    The Ring Road itself is paved, but waterfalls and scenic viewpoints often sit at the end of pitted gravel paths. Get an all-wheel-drive vehicle and take the gravel protection insurance so flying stones do not ruin your week.

  4. 04

    Put the bookings on a 0% intro card

    Charge the big travel expenses to the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That $4200 total divides out to $233.33 per month, letting you pay off the adventure over a year and a half without finance charges.

  5. 05

    Map out guesthouses along Route 1

    Because you are circling the island, you will sleep in a new spot almost every night. Reserve small farm stays and guesthouses ahead of time, picking ones with free cancellation in case bad weather alters your driving schedule.

  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

Do I actually need a 4x4 in late May?

You can stick to a compact car if you never leave the main asphalt, but we do not recommend it. A 4x4 gives you clearance for gravel pull-offs, potholed waterfall parking lots, and sudden spring slush in northern mountain passes.

What is the biggest unexpected expense in Iceland?

Food and fuel add up faster than most people expect. A basic burger and fries can run $25 to $30, and gas prices are among the highest anywhere. Stop at local Bónus grocery stores to pack lunches and keep food costs under control.

Can I see the Northern Lights in late May?

No, you will not see them. The sun barely dips below the horizon in late spring, creating the midnight sun. The upside is that you can visit famous waterfalls at 11 p.m. in daylight with no crowds around.

When does the 18-month payoff clock start?

The clock begins on the day you open the card account, not when you take your flight. Make sure your bookings fall early in that window so you maximize the full 18 months to pay down the total.