Cheap 5-Day Iceland Road Trip from Reykjavík traveling north to Stykkishólmur and Borgarnes

Your exciting road trip through Iceland starts when you reach the incredible city of Reykjavík, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Reykjavík and begin your adventure in Iceland.

Reykjavík is a popular cheap holiday destination in Iceland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Iceland, Reykjavík is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Reykjavík has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Icelandic Street Food, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,028 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Íslenski barinn, so you'll want to drop by this place. Íslenski barinn serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,036 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Reykjavík is Old Iceland. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.

One great example is Matarkjallarinn - Foodcellar. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 638 customers.

Lebowski Bar is another popular bar in Reykjavík. If you ask the 2,458 customers who have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, Lebowski Bar is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Iceland!

Day 2 of your road trip across Iceland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Reykjavík and Stykkishólmur. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Stykkishólmur.

When you're ready to see some sights, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a great place to start with. This art gallery is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,450 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Rainbow Street. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,833 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Hallgrímskirkja. The church building has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,929 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Perlan. This architectural structure is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,777 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stykkishólmur, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Reykjavík to Stykkishólmur may take around 2 hours 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Stykkishólmur. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Stykkishólmur, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Iceland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Stykkishólmur that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Stykkishólmur is Narfeyrarstofa. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 546 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Stykkishólmur, Sjávarpakkhúsið is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 486 diners.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Fosshótel Stykkishólmur, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 461 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Iceland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Iceland!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Iceland will take you to the region of Borgarnes, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Borgarnes, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Iceland, including Grundarfjörður, Hellissandur, Hellissandur, and Borgarnes.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Grundarfjörður. This car ride takes around 37 min.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Hellissandur. This car ride takes around 29 min.

While exploring Iceland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Borgarnes has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Borgarnes on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the region.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Borgarnes, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the region's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Eat at La Colina Pizzeria. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 502 reviews.

You can also check out Bara Borgarnes. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 242 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Englendingavík. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 300 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

If you’re up for getting a drink, consider going to B59 Hótel. Around 324 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Iceland!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Iceland, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Reykjavík. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Reykjavík.

Reykjavík offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Iceland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Reykjavík should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Reykjavík, try some of our top recommendations.

You could check out Sjávargrillið, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,167 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Forréttabarinn is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Lamb street food. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Lamb street food has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 726 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit Sæta Svínið Gastropub for a drink or two. This bar serves plenty of food and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,058 customers.

You can also enjoy your night at Kol Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 931 customers, it's safe to say that Kol Restaurant promises an unforgettable bar experience.

Alternatively, locals recommend Fish Market. This bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 802 customers, is a great place to meet new friends.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Reykjavík!

Your budget road trip vacation in Iceland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Reykjavík.

Optimize your last day in Iceland and go on a shopping spree in Reykjavík’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Iceland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

Before you conclude your road trip in Iceland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Reykjavík.

For example, KRÖST has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 635 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Café Loki is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,313 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is Apotek Restaurant. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,295 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of Iceland and your fun memories in Reykjavík.

You’ll then say farewell to Reykjavík. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Iceland!