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Planning an Iceland Ring Road trip?
If you’re researching Iceland, you’ve probably already noticed how expensive hotels and rental cars can be. During peak season, hotel prices alone can easily exceed €200 per night.
That’s one reason why many travelers choose a campervan instead. A campervan combines transportation and accommodation into one, making it one of the most practical and budget-friendly ways to explore Iceland.
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Before planning your route, it’s worth checking campervan availability, especially between May and September when demand is highest.
Table of Contents
- 1 Quick Trip Overview
- 2 Why Travel Iceland by Campervan?
- 3 Hotel + Rental Car vs Campervan
- 4 How Much Does a 7-Day Iceland Campervan Trip Cost?
- 5 Why We Recommend Go Campers for This Route
- 6 Typical Campervan Pricing
- 7 Pros and Cons of a Campervan Trip
- 8 Best Time to Drive Iceland’s Ring Road
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Final Thoughts
Quick Trip Overview
| Trip Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days |
| Distance | ~1,350 km |
| Starting Point | Keflavik Airport |
| Best Time | May–September |
| Recommended Vehicle | Campervan |
| Suitable For | Couples, Families, Solo Travelers |
Why Travel Iceland by Campervan?
Traveling Iceland by campervan offers several benefits:
✔ Save money on accommodation
✔ Travel at your own pace
✔ Wake up next to Iceland’s top attractions
✔ Avoid daily hotel check-ins
✔ Perfect for photography trips
✔ Great option for the Ring Road
For many travelers, a campervan is more affordable than booking hotels and a rental car separately.
Hotel + Rental Car vs Campervan
One of the most common questions is whether a campervan is actually worth it.
Here’s a simple comparison for two travelers:
| Option | Estimated Cost (7 Days) |
|---|---|
| Hotel + Rental Car | €2,200–€3,500 |
| Campervan | €1,400–€2,500 |
In many cases, a campervan can save hundreds of euros while providing more flexibility.
How Much Does a 7-Day Iceland Campervan Trip Cost?
Here’s a realistic budget estimate for two travelers:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Campervan Rental | €800 – €1,600 |
| Fuel | €200 – €350 |
| Campsites | €100 – €180 |
| Food | €200 – €400 |
| Activities | €100 – €500 |
Estimated Total
€1,400 – €3,000
Not sure whether to rent a campervan or a traditional rental car?
Read our comparison of
Go Campers vs Go Car Rental
to find out which option is best for your Iceland adventure.
Actual costs depend on travel dates and campervan type.
Day 1: Keflavik Airport → Golden Circle
Distance: Approximately 230 km
Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Kerið Crater
Recommended campsite:
- Selfoss Campsite
Day 2: South Coast Adventure
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss
- Gljúfrabúi
- Skógafoss
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Recommended campsite:
- Vik Campsite
Day 3: Skaftafell & Glacier Lagoon
Distance: Approximately 190 km
Highlights:
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
- Skaftafell National Park
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
Recommended campsite:
- Höfn Campsite
Why We Recommend Go Campers for This Route
When planning a Ring Road trip, reliability matters.
Go Campers is a popular choice because it offers:
✔ Campervans for different budgets
✔ Convenient pickup near Keflavik Airport
✔ Unlimited mileage options
✔ Vehicles suitable for Iceland’s weather
✔ Campervans for solo travelers, couples, and families
For most couples, a compact campervan provides the best balance between comfort, fuel economy, and value.
Typical Campervan Pricing
| Campervan Type | Estimated Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Budget Camper | €80–120 |
| Compact Camper | €120–180 |
| Family Camper | €180–300+ |
| 4×4 Camper | €250–450+ |
Prices vary based on season and availability.
Day 4: East Fjords
Distance: Approximately 260 km
Highlights:
- Djúpivogur
- Stokksnes Peninsula
- Vestrahorn Mountain
- Seyðisfjörður
Recommended campsite:
- Egilsstaðir Campsite
Day 5: Lake Mývatn
Distance: Approximately 270 km
Highlights:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Hverir Geothermal Area
- Lake Mývatn
- Dimmuborgir Lava Fields
- Grjótagjá Cave
Recommended campsite:
- Mývatn Campsite
Day 6: Akureyri & North Iceland
Distance: Approximately 300 km
Highlights:
- Goðafoss Waterfall
- Akureyri
- Eyjafjörður Fjord
- Whale Watching Tours
Recommended campsite:
- Varmahlíð Area
Day 7: Return to Reykjavik
Distance: Approximately 320 km
Highlights:
- Kolugljúfur Canyon
- Hraunfossar Waterfalls
- Reykjavik City Center
Return your campervan before your departure flight or spend one final evening in Reykjavik.
Pros and Cons of a Campervan Trip
Pros
✔ Lower travel costs
✔ Flexible itinerary
✔ Incredible scenery every day
✔ No need to book hotels
✔ Great road trip experience
Cons
✘ Weather can change quickly
✘ Driving distances are long
✘ Campsites can be busy in summer
✘ Limited privacy compared to hotels
Best Time to Drive Iceland’s Ring Road
Summer (June–August)
- Best weather
- Long daylight hours
- Highest demand
Spring & Autumn
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
- Great balance of weather and cost
Winter
- Northern Lights opportunities
- More challenging driving conditions
- 4×4 recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 Days Enough for Iceland’s Ring Road?
Yes. Seven days is enough to complete the route, although 10–14 days allows a more relaxed pace.
Do I Need a 4×4 Campervan?
Not during summer. Most travelers can comfortably drive the Ring Road with a standard campervan.
Can You Sleep Anywhere in Iceland?
No. Travelers should use designated campsites.
Is Renting a Campervan Worth It?
For many visitors, absolutely. A campervan can significantly reduce accommodation costs while offering greater flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road by campervan is one of the most memorable travel experiences in the world.
From waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches, every day brings something new.
If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s worth checking availability early to secure the best campervan options and pricing.
View current campervan options and compare prices directly on Go Campers.
Still deciding whether a campervan is right for your trip?
Read our detailed Go Campers review to learn more about vehicle options, pricing, and rental experience.
Discover how Take Cars makes car rental in Europe simple, transparent, and stress-free. Compare trusted local providers, enjoy flexible options, Read more
Hey there, fellow travelers and savvy consumers. Lyra here. For years, I've navigated the globe on my own terms, and Read more
There’s a unique feeling that bubbles up when you’re standing in front of an empty suitcase, isn’t there? It’s a Read more
There are some places in the world that live in our imaginations long before we ever set foot there. For Read more
