Iceland is stunning, but I honestly don’t recommend going in March because........
Iceland Travel Guide (Explore the Polar Wonderland with a Budget of 12,000 to 40,000 RMB per Person)
Iceland, an isolated island in the North Atlantic, is famous worldwide for its volcanoes, glaciers, auroras, and geothermal hot springs. It is the ultimate destination for travelers in the Northern Hemisphere. Below is a practical guide covering classic attractions, unique experiences, transportation, accommodation, and expenses to help you plan a cost-effective trip to Iceland.
1. Transportation Costs and Strategies
International Transportation: There are no direct flights between China and Iceland; transfers are required in Europe or North America. Round-trip economy tickets vary by season and airline: off-season (April, September) costs about 5,000 to 8,000 RMB, while peak season (December to February and June to August) can rise to 8,000 to 12,000 RMB. It is recommended to book 3 to 6 months in advance and watch for airline promotions to save money.
Local Transportation:
Car Rental and Self-Driving: The Ring Road in Iceland is in good condition, and self-driving is the most flexible way to explore. In summer, daily rental for a standard car is about 800 to 1,200 RMB, and for an SUV about 1,200 to 1,800 RMB; in winter, a 4WD vehicle like a Toyota RAV4 is necessary, costing about 1,500 to 2,500 RMB per day, plus snow tires and extra insurance. Fuel costs about 20 RMB per liter; the full ring is about 1,300 km, with fuel expenses around 1,500 to 2,000 RMB.
Group Tours: If you prefer not to drive, you can join local day tours or multi-day tours. A Golden Circle day tour costs about 400 to 600 RMB, including transportation and guide services; a 6-day Ring Road tour costs about 5,000 to 10,000 RMB, including accommodation, transportation, and some meals.
City Transportation: A one-way bus ticket in Reykjavik costs about 20 to 30 RMB; taxi starting fare is about 100 RMB, charged by distance.
2. Accommodation Costs and Options
Iceland offers a variety of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels:
Budget: Hostel beds cost about 200 to 400 RMB per night, suitable for backpackers.
Comfortable: Standard double rooms in 3-star hotels cost about 500 to 1,000 RMB per night with basic facilities; 4-star hotels cost about 1,000 to 2,000 RMB per night, some including breakfast and hot spring access.
Unique Guesthouses or Farm Stays: About 600 to 1,200 RMB per night, offering local life experiences.
Luxury: Glass igloo hotels, glacier hotels, and other unique stays cost about 2,000 to 5,000 RMB per night, providing exclusive experiences like aurora viewing and private hot springs.
Money-saving Tips: Off-season (April, September) accommodation prices are 30% to 50% lower than peak season; early booking offers early bird discounts; staying in small towns along the Ring Road is more affordable than Reykjavik.
3. Food Costs and Recommendations
Iceland’s food prices are relatively high but there are cost-effective options:
Supermarket Meals: Sandwiches, salads, and other simple meals at supermarkets like Bónus cost about 50 to 100 RMB per meal.
Regular Restaurants: Average spending is about 150 to 300 RMB per person, where you can try Icelandic specialties like lobster soup and lamb stew. Recommended restaurants include Kröns (lamb soup and burgers), Svarta Kaffið (bread bowl soups), Ice Cave Bistro (pulled pork burgers), etc.
High-end Restaurants: Average spending may exceed 500 RMB, offering exquisite dishes and dining environments.
Street Food: Hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur cost about 30 to 50 RMB and are a popular Icelandic snack.
Self-catering: Buying ingredients from supermarkets and cooking yourself costs about 100 to 150 RMB per person per day, significantly saving on food expenses.
4. Attraction Tickets and Unique Experience Costs
Core Attraction Tickets:
Golden Circle: Includes Þingvellir National Park (free, parking about 50 RMB), Geysir geothermal area (free), and Gullfoss waterfall (free). Day tour packages cost about 400 to 600 RMB, including transportation and guide services.
Blue Lagoon: Tickets cost about 350 to 500 RMB, including entrance, towel rental, and one drink; premium packages cost about 800 to 1,200 RMB, including private changing rooms and meals.
Vatnajökull National Park: Glacier hiking costs about 500 to 1,500 RMB for 2 to 4 hours; blue ice cave tours cost about 1,000 to 2,500 RMB, available only in winter, including equipment rental and guide services.
Unique Experiences:
Silfra Rift Snorkeling: Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure with water temperature around 2°C is a magical experience, costing about 800 to 1,200 RMB, including equipment rental and guide services.
Whale Watching: The best season is summer (June to August), costing about 600 to 1,000 RMB, including transportation and guide services.
Horseback Riding: Explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes on Icelandic horses, costing about 500 to 800 RMB per hour, depending on the route.
Aurora Viewing: The best time is winter (October to March). Aurora tours cost about 300 to 500 RMB, including transportation and guide services; alternatively, stay in aurora-viewing cabins costing about 800 to 2,000 RMB per night.
5. Suggested Itineraries
Budget 7-day Tour (about 12,000 to 15,000 RMB per person):
Transportation: Round-trip tickets about 8,000 RMB (peak season), local group tours about 3,000 RMB including transportation and guide.
Accommodation: Budget hotels or hostels, 6 nights about 2,000 to 3,000 RMB.
Food: Combination of supermarket meals and regular restaurants, about 200 RMB per day, totaling about 1,400 RMB.
Attractions and Experiences: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking, etc., about 2,000 to 3,000 RMB.
Comfortable 7-day Tour (about 20,000 to 25,000 RMB per person):
Transportation: Round-trip tickets about 8,000 RMB (peak season), SUV rental about 5,000 RMB including fuel and insurance.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotels or unique guesthouses, 6 nights about 4,000 to 6,000 RMB.
Food: Mix of regular and high-end restaurants, about 300 RMB per day, totaling about 2,100 RMB.
Attractions and Experiences: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking, blue ice cave tours, etc., about 3,000 to 4,000 RMB.
Luxury 7-day Tour (about 30,000 to 40,000 RMB per person):
Transportation: Round-trip tickets about 10,000 RMB (business class), luxury SUV rental about 8,000 RMB including fuel and insurance.
Accommodation: Luxury hotels or glass igloo hotels, 6 nights about 10,000 to 15,000 RMB.
Food: Mainly high-end restaurants, about 500 RMB per day, totaling about 3,500 RMB.
Attractions and Experiences: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking, blue ice cave tours, Silfra snorkeling, whale watching, etc., about 5,000 to 8,000 RMB.
6. Practical Tips
Book Early: During peak season, accommodation, car rentals, and popular activities (like Blue Lagoon and blue ice cave tours) should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance.
Clothing Advice: Use the “onion” layering method with windproof and waterproof jackets, thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof hiking boots, hats, and gloves.
Safety First: Strictly follow park warnings, especially at black sand beaches, geothermal areas, and glaciers. Avoid stepping on mossy terrain, which takes decades to recover.
Environmental Awareness: Iceland’s natural environment is fragile. Do not leave trash and respect local culture and customs.
Currency and Payment: Iceland uses the Icelandic króna, but most places accept credit cards. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.