Iceland Ring Road: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík

Explore the harbour and Hallgrímskirkja area. Rest after your flight before beginning longer drives.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: Reykjavík

Day 2: Reykjavík → Selfoss

Take the Golden Circle, choosing stops at Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Stay in Selfoss for the night.

2.5–4 hours driving · Overnight: Selfoss

Day 3: Selfoss → Vík

Stop around Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Visit Reynisfjara only from a safe distance and follow all warnings.

2–3 hours driving · Overnight: Vík

Day 4: Vík → Höfn

Choose a short Skaftafell trail or a Jökulsárlón viewpoint stop. Enjoy the lagoon from shore without climbing on ice.

3.5–5 hours driving · Overnight: Höfn

Day 5: Höfn → Egilsstaðir

Follow open main roads through the eastern fjords. Pause at small harbours and avoid mountain shortcuts without checking conditions.

3.5–5 hours driving · Overnight: Egilsstaðir

Day 6: Egilsstaðir → Mývatn

Drive north to explore volcanic formations around Mývatn. Stay on marked paths in geothermal areas.

2.5–4 hours driving · Overnight: Mývatn

Day 7: Mývatn

Plan a short Dimmuborgir walk and relaxed lake stops. Book separately if you want a paid geothermal bath.

0.5–1.5 hours driving · Overnight: Mývatn

Day 8: Mývatn → Akureyri

Stop at Goðafoss before continuing to Akureyri. Explore the town centre and botanical garden area in the afternoon.

1.5–2.5 hours driving · Overnight: Akureyri

Day 9: Akureyri → Borgarnes

Break the long westbound drive with regular rests. Unwind with a waterfront walk in Borgarnes.

4–5 hours driving · Overnight: Borgarnes

Day 10: Borgarnes → Reykjavík

Return to Reykjavík and drop off the car. Add driving and return time if flying from Keflavík.

1–2 hours driving · Overnight: End of itinerary

Before you drive

This is a summer plan, not a winter timetable. Check road and wind alerts and stay clear of dangerous waves at Reynisfjara. No F-roads are included.

Estimated budget for two

Illustrative October 2026 planning allowances, not live prices or quotes. Two adults, one rental car, a shared mid-range room and 9 nights. Flights, visas, insurance upgrades, deposits and one-way rental fees excluded. Peak season and major activities may exceed these amounts.

• Room per night: 22000–38000 ISK
• Car per day: 11000–18000 ISK
• Food for two per day: 12000–19000 ISK
• Fuel for the trip: 30000–45000 ISK
• Visits, parking and toll allowance: 15000–35000 ISK

Total range including 10% reserve: 520300–871200 ISK

Midpoint estimate / per person: 695750 / 347875 ISK