Iceland FAQ
How do I plan my trip to Iceland?
What is the Covid Cancellation Policy?
If travel is prohibited due to Covid, you can postpone your trip with no change fees. If you want to cancel your trip, the regular cancellation policy applies. If travel is not prohibited, but you are still too nervous to travel, we may still be able to postpone your trip.
Do I need a Covid test?
A vaccine is currently required to enter Iceland. You also need a negative Covid test within 72 hours of arriving into Iceland. When you arrive at the airport in Reykjavik, you will be given another Covid test (free of charge). You will then go to your hotel and wait for the results (typically 6-8 hours). Then you are free to travel around freely.
People who are not vaccinated need to quarantine for 6 days.
You can get a Covid test prior to departing Iceland. The tests are about $57. You sign up for a test online:
More information on COVID and testing in Iceland can be found on this website:
When should I travel to Iceland?
- Summer / Midnight Sun: March-August
- Winter / Northern Lights: September-March
- Puffins: May-August
- Whales: April-September (June-August best)
What are hotels like?
As for the accommodation in 3* hotels in the countryside, there will just be one standard double bed/queen size. The accommodation will not be very big properties, none of them are huge hotels. Please be aware that 3* hotels in Iceland are very Scandinavian, not big, only have double beds, and are very basic. They are clean an comfortable, but very basic. This is different from the U.S. where there are large rooms and king-size beds.
If you want adjoining room, we can request that, but it cannot be guaranteed.
What are the options for upgrading hotels?
There are no fancy hotels in the countryside, but there are nice hotels to upgrade to in Reykjavik.
- 4-Star: Hotel Island or Grand Hotel Reykjavik
- 3.5-Star: Hotel Fron
- 3-Star: Skuggi Hotel
What car rentals are available?
In order of price from cheapest to most expensive:
- 2WD VW UP or similar — Cheapest and smallest, only for 2 people
- 2WD VW GOLF or similar — A little nicer for 2 people
- 2WD FORD FOCUS Stationwagon or similar — Cheapest option we recommend for 4 people
- 4WD Dacia Duster or similar — Cheapest 4WD
- 4WD Toyota RAV or similar — Nicer 4WD
Do I need a 4WD to drive in Iceland?
4WD is not important in the summer, the reason for these categories is the size of the car and comfort for 4 passengers.
How much does gas cost for the rental car?
Cost for gas: approx $2/liter
How about parking in Reykjavik?
None of the downtown hotels have their own parking or offer vouchers. There is no charge for parking after either 6pm or 8pm in the evening, and until either 8am or 9am in the morning, so there is no overnight charge. During the day, parking costs from $1.49 – $2.90 per hour. Your hotel should be able to tell you best place to park.
Do I need a Visa to enter Iceland?
People from the U.S., Canada, and Europe do not need a visa. Here is the full list of countries that need a visa (get it ahead of time).
How do I get to Iceland?
See this map of where Icelandair flies from:
What Excursions are available on the Iceland Cruise?
Hotel Check-In / Check-Out Times
Generally speaking, there is a check-in time of 2pm check-in and a check-out time of 11am-12pm.
How much are extra expenses on the Ring Road?
Budget $20/person for lunch and $40/person for dinner in most places. An entree and glass of wine can be $50/person in Reykjavik. You do not have to tip in restaurants. You can also buy things at a grocery store for lunches.
How do we get meals on the Ring Road?
There are supermarkets and restaurants all around Iceland. Most hotels offer dinners. When staying in towns, there are always one or more restaurants around. If you are arriving late at hotels, you need to eat before check-in. This will be in your travel itinerary.
Bring a water bottle to refill.
Is the Blue Lagoon crowded?
The Blue Lagoon can get busy, but it is really fantastic. They also have a really nice restaurant with great food.
The Sky Lagoon is another option in Reykjavik. If you are driving the Ring Road, the Nature Baths by Lake Myvatn is also amazing.
On the Ring Road, there are “hot pots” all along the route. You will see signs for them where you can get off, change into your swimsuit and enjoy the Hot Pot like a local. The nature baths in Myvatn, which is up north, is much more remote and has beautiful scenery.