ICELAND
Iceland Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
One day you’re in Newark and the next you’re standing in the most jaw-dropping landscape you’ve ever seen — and even the wind, sleet and rain can’t bring you down. That’s Iceland. Go once and you’ll already be planning to come back before you ever leave.
This is your starting point for planning a trip to Iceland — from getting there and getting around to where to go and what to expect when you arrive.
Iceland at a Glance
The Basics
Location: North Atlantic, between Greenland and Norway
Best way to explore: Rent a car and drive — Ring Road or regional routes
Known for: Northern lights, volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal pools, midnight sun
Best for: Adventure travel, scenic drives, nature lovers, shoulder season travel
Best time to visit: June–August for midnight sun; September–March for northern lights
Key fact: Weather changes fast — always check road.is before you drive
Travel Basics
Language: Icelandic is the official language. English is widely spoken throughout the country.
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is essentially cashless — credit cards are accepted everywhere including parking meters.
Tipping: Not customary. Service is included — no need to calculate anything.
Electricity: Type F plugs, 230V. US travelers will need a plug adapter.
Entry Requirements: Valid passport required. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area.
Weather: Unpredictable year-round. Layers and a waterproof jacket are non-negotiable regardless of season.
How to Travel Iceland
Iceland is small enough to feel manageable but wild enough to surprise you at every turn.
Renting a car is the only way to truly explore — the best waterfalls, lava fields and coastal cliffs are not on a tour bus route. The Ring Road connects the entire island and can be driven in about a week, though two gives you room to breathe.
The real Iceland reveals itself when you pull over for no reason, follow a gravel road to see what’s at the end and let the landscape set the pace.
Getting to Iceland
Iceland’s international airport is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Icelandair, PLAY and most major international carriers fly direct from North America and Europe.
The flight from the East Coast is only about five hours — that’s enough time to sleep on the plane and hit the ground running. Look for flights from Boston (BOS), Newark (EWR) and New York City (JFK) on Skyscanner.
Travelers from the US, Canada and the EU don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. Confirm entry requirements based on your nationality before you go.
Getting Around Iceland
Iceland is made for road trips. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop when you want, stay as long as you want and find the places that aren’t on anyone else’s itinerary. Public transportation is limited outside Reykjavík so having your own wheels isn’t just convenient — it’s pretty much essential if you want to see the country properly.
Camper vans are also popular and give you flexibility on accommodations, especially if you’re planning to drive the Ring Road. I haven’t done the camper van route yet but it’s on the list.
Compare rental car rates on Discover Cars before you book — you can filter for things like automatic transmission which matters in Iceland since many cars are manual.
Southerner Says: If you aren’t renting a car, the Flybus transfer from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík is the most affordable option at around $25-30 USD one way. Skip the much more expensive taxi.
Top Places to Visit in Iceland
No matter where you roam in Iceland there is something to see. Here are the highlights by region.
Reykjavík Iceland’s capital is compact, walkable and full of surprises. Most people use it as a base or pass-through — don’t make that mistake. Give it at least two days. Read: Things to Do in Reykjavík.
Reykjanes Peninsula Right outside the airport and often overlooked. The Blue Lagoon is here but so is a UNESCO Global Geopark with over 55 geosites, dramatic lava fields and the Bridge Between the Continents.
The Golden Circle The most popular day trip from Reykjavík and worth every bit of the hype. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss are the headliners but the real magic is everything in between. Read: Golden Circle Itinerary: What to See in One Day.
The South Coast The longer, more dramatic drive. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier lagoons and one of the most beautiful roads you’ll ever be on. [South Coast Guide → coming soon].
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland
Planning Your Trip
Whether you have four days or two weeks, Iceland is an amazing destinations. Know what you want to prioritize, have a good plan and a well thought-out route in mind and leave some extra room for the unexpected — because Iceland will surprise you. I found my journal from my trip and it said “just when you think you have Iceland figured out, it surprises you” but in the best way.
If you’d rather have help putting it all together, I’d love to plan it with you. Fill out this form or email me.
