Select Page

Iceland is one of my favorite countries to visit. I love the culture, the food and drink, and the incredible natural beauty. It’s also a great place for solo travel. This guide will give you all the information on how to plan your trip, what you should pack and what to expect once you get there.

How easy is Solo Travel to Iceland?

Solo travel to Iceland is easier than you think.

Iceland landscape
Iceland landscape

The first thing to consider is that the country has a low population density, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. You can do whatever you want and see whatever you want without having to worry about other tourists taking away from the experience. I found myself in places where there were only two other people, who just happened to be tourists from Japan!

In addition, Icelanders themselves love traveling around their own country—especially when it comes time for holidays like Easter or Christmas. The roads are typically pretty empty during these times (with an exception being summer, which brings its own pros and cons). On top of all this, most people speak English here; therefore communication shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to getting around town or booking tours through tour companies or operators.

If you’re headed to Iceland and you have kids, check out our Iceland with Kids Sightseeing Tour!

How much does it cost to travel solo in Iceland?

  • Budgeting your solo travel to Iceland
  • How much does it cost to travel solo in Iceland?

The average cost of a solo trip to Iceland is $2,834 per person (in USD). This can vary depending on the time of year you go, how long your stay is and what activities you choose to do while there. The average price paid by our users who have been to Iceland was $2,834 per person (in USD), which includes all lodging and transportation costs as well as meals and other expenses incurred during their trip such as sightseeing tours and museum admissions. The combined cost of flights from New York City or Boston ($638), two nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Keflavík International Airport ($414), one night at Hótel Ólafsfjörður ($558) plus meals ($200) totaled up to $1,922! That said–your experience will vary based on how long you stay in Iceland; if you plan on seeing more than just Reykjavik then expect this number could increase due to additional transportation costs that would be needed when traveling between cities/towns outside of Reykjavík itself..

Unrelated featured article: Traveling to Rome with Your Spouse

You can still see most of the best stuff on a budget.

You can still see most of the best stuff on a budget. As with any travel destination, there are plenty of ways to save money while visiting Iceland. You can book your hostel in advance and look for deals on flights, or stay at an Airbnb if you want more privacy. If you’re camping or staying at local accommodations, eating out is going to be your biggest expense.

If you want to spend less time traveling and more time exploring Iceland’s natural beauty (and who wouldn’t?), consider taking advantage of the country’s many free activities:

  • Go snorkeling in Silfra Fissure between two continents
  • Go hiking in Landmannalaugar
  • Visit Thingvellir National Park (the site where Vikings convened once a year)

Solo Travel Tip: You don’t need to spend a lot.

I’ll start with the biggest lesson learned: You don’t need to spend a lot of money.

I think this is important because many people have the impression that Iceland is an expensive country, and it can be if you don’t know how to travel in it wisely. But here are some tips on how to make your trip cheap!

  • Renting a car isn’t necessary. I rented a car for part of my trip and paid around $600 USD for two weeks (plus gas). However, you can get around by bus or bike as well! If you want to go camping or stay at hostels, go overlanding in an RV would be much cheaper than renting a car—and there are plenty of great campgrounds all over the country.

Considering doing Iceland on a budget and going camping instead of staying in hotels?

Woman hold camping mug on hike trip in iceland
Woman hold camping mug on hike trip in iceland
  • Camping is a great way to save money. If you’re on a budget and want to go camping, Iceland has some of the world’s most beautiful campsites.
  • You can either camp in the wild or at a campsite. The advantage of camping in the wild is that you’ll get to know your surroundings better—you’ll see more wildlife, and find yourself immersed in nature all around you. There are many wonderful places where it’s perfectly safe for you to pitch a tent (and even sleep outside), but make sure your spot isn’t near any steep cliffs or dangerous rivers!
  • Camping can also be an opportunity to bond with local people and other travelers who are doing the same thing as you are: exploring Iceland!

Solo Travel Tip: If you are renting a car, don’t forget to get that international driver’s license!

If you are renting a car, don’t forget to get that international driver’s license! If you plan on driving around Iceland, then this is a must! I was lucky enough to have my husband with me for the trip, so we were able to only rent one car. However, if you are traveling alone or as a couple (and don’t have anyone who can drive), then it is important that everyone has an international driver’s license.

Iceland, young woman in car looking at map
Iceland, young woman in car looking at map

The process would be very similar whether you are getting one at AAA or AATA:

  • Go in person with your US drivers license and proof of age (you will need either birth certificate or passport). They will run your information through their system and give you an application form which includes all of the details about what they require from each state. For example: New York requires proof of liability insurance coverage while Florida does not require any proof at all; however, both states do require photo identification such as your driver’s license after submission of original documents. There may be other requirements based on where/how many years experience driving as well as age restrictions etc so make sure anything needed for submission gets taken care of before heading down there!
  • Once fully filled out with correct information including payment options ($30-$35 depending on how long ago issued), return with completed packet within 60 days otherwise additional fees will apply.”

Are there any special considerations for solo female travelers in Iceland?

As a solo female traveler, there were two things I was most concerned about—safety and being mistaken as a tourist. There are parts of Iceland that are quite remote and it’s not uncommon to find yourself completely alone on the road. However, this can feel quite liberating at times as well!

When I arrived in Iceland, my first thought was “Oh no! I’m going to get lost all day!” But then my second thought was “Oh no! There will be someone who speaks English here!” And then the third thought was “Oh wait… if I do get lost or need help finding something else, what happens?”

Fortunately for me (and all travelers), there is an app called Road Trip by Icelandic Travel Association™ that provides clear instructions for driving routes around the country. This app allows you to select different types of vehicles such as camper vans or buses so that anyone can use it regardless of their mode of transportation. Section 2: Safety Tips For Female Solo Travelers In Iceland

I always felt safe, no matter where I was.

above view of residential houses in Reykjavik
above view of residential houses in Reykjavik

This is a good thing. Iceland is a safe country. I never felt unsafe, even when I was alone in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service and only one other person in sight for miles around. I always felt comfortable wandering through town streets, hiking up mountains, or camping out in the wilderness.

Of course, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to stay safe—don’t go off into the wilderness by yourself if you’re not prepared; keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas; don’t go out after dark without someone else accompanying you—but these are things that should be true wherever you travel.

If you are considering going to Iceland by yourself, go for it!

If you are considering going to Iceland by yourself, go for it! You will meet new people, have a great time and be safe. You will have a lot of fun and learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. If you are lucky (like me) you may even be able to see everything that you want to see in this beautiful country as well. The experience itself is priceless and something I will never forget.

Want more tips, check out Iceland Tourism Board’s Website!

I hope these tips have helped you get more excited about traveling to Iceland on your own. The experience was one of the most rewarding and fun things I’ve ever done, and I know it will be for you too!