Cheap 9-Day Iceland Road Trip from Reykjavík to Vík, Höfn, Seyðisfjörður, and Akureyri

Your exciting road trip through Iceland starts when you reach the incredible city of Reykjavík, where you'll stay for 4 nights. 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Reykjavik and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing The Sun Voyager will make your cheap holiday in Iceland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating sculpture that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,294 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Reykjavík. An excellent example is the popular Icelandic Street Food. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,028 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Iceland is Old Iceland. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Sjávargrillið. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,167 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Íslenski barinn is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 2,036 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Reykjavík we recommend is Matarkjallarinn - Foodcellar, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 638 customers.

KRÖST is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 635 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Reykjavík, proving that cheap holidays in Iceland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. This attraction is an art gallery that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,419 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Rainbow Street. This popular place of interest is a stunning must-see tourist destination that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,735 visitors.

To make your trip to Reykjavík more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Hallgrímskirkja. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 21,728 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Hallgrímskirkja is often mentioned in Iceland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Perlan is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This architectural structure and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,711 reviews.

Your discovery of Reykjavík does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Reykjavík on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Iceland.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Iceland, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Forréttabarinn, one of the best restaurants in Reykjavík. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 762 reviews.

You can also check out Lamb street food. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 726 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Café Loki. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,313 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Reykjavík.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Reykjavík for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Lebowski Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,458 customers.

The Laundromat Cafe is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,938 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Bastard Brew & Food. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 981 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Reykjavík.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Reykjavík!

This 4-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 3,901 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star CenterHotel Laugavegur. CenterHotel Laugavegur has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,829 former guests.

This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the region. Hotel Fron has been rated by 2,819 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the region, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

For example, the outstanding waterfall, Gullfoss. This attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 4,152 visitors.

The famous Strokkur is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible geyser and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,584 visitors.

Around 3,945 travelers have rated the spectacular Great Geysir an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Þingvellir. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 20,702 reviews, a visit to this wonderful national park of iceland and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Iceland is also your chance to admire the fantastic Öxarárfoss up close. This fascinating waterfall and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Öxarárfoss enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,864 travelers.

Locals enjoy eating at Apotek Restaurant for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,295 diners.

101 Reykjavik Street Food serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,639 food lovers.

If you want more options, Grillmarkaðurinn is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Grillmarkaðurinn has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,726 reviews.

Locals recommend Sæta Svínið Gastropub, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,058 customers.

Kol Restaurant is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Iceland.

You might also want to cap the night off at Fish Market, a fascinating bar that 802 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Iceland!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Iceland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Vík and end your day in the region of Rangárþing eystra.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Vík for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Iceland.

While you’re in Vík, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Dyrhólaey lighthouse. The fantastic Dyrhólaey lighthouse is a popular lighthouse and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,223 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Reynisfjara Beach, a well-known natural feature in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.8 out of a 5 star-rating from 7,751 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Vík, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the region of Rangárþing eystra.

Make Seljalandsfoss your first stop. This popular waterfall among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,052 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Rangárþing eystra is the outstanding Gljufrafoss. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,955 visitors, this remarkable waterfall and attraction deserves a spot on your Iceland travel bucket list.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Skógafoss. This attraction, a stunning waterfall, has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,116 travelers.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Iceland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Iceland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try The Soup Company, one of the best restaurants in Vík. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,225 customers.

Restaurant Suður-Vík is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Restaurant Suður-Vík is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,574 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Halldórskaffi, another well-loved restaurant in Vík. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,172 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Iceland.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Vík, Smiðjan Brugghús. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 946 bar goers.

Hótel Kría is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Vík, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 522 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Hótel Vík, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 224 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Iceland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Iceland!

Day 5 of your road trip across Iceland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Höfn and the enchanting Skaftárhreppur, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Höfn and end the day in Skaftárhreppur, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 5 of your affordable vacation in Iceland will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Höfn is the magnificent Svartifoss. Around 3,915 visitors have rated this excellent waterfall and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Jökulsárlón on this leg of your self-drive tour in Iceland. This attraction is a well-known glacial lake that has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from around 2,285 travelers.

The remarkable Diamond Beach is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Iceland. This attraction, an amazing natural feature, is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,213 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Höfn, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic region of Skaftárhreppur.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Fjaðrárgljúfur. This popular site is a valued canyon in Skaftárhreppur and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,810 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Iceland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Iceland. Make your cheap holiday experience in Iceland more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Höfn offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Iceland. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Höfn offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Iceland.

Pakkhús Restaurant is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,177 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Höfn is Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 725 customers.

Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Höfn. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,437 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Höfn’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is an excellent example of a great bar in Höfn offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,381 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Úps, another of locals’ go-to bars in Höfn. Úps is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 133 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Jon Riki is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Höfn. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 127 bar-goers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Iceland, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Seyðisfjörður and end your day in the city of Seyðisfjörður, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Seyðisfjörður is the amazing Rjúkandafoss Parking. This travel destination is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 650 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Stuðlagil. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,835 travelers, a visit to this well-known canyon and sightseeing spot in Seyðisfjörður is likely to make your vacation in Iceland even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Seyðisfjörður is the outstanding Gufufoss. This waterfall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 688 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Iceland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Iceland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Iceland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Iceland.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Seyðisfjörður. Seyðisfjörður is another cheap travel destination in Iceland where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Iceland can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Seyðisfjörður that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Seyðisfjörður is Skálinn Diner. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 688 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Seyðisfjörður, Askur Pizzeria is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 360 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Skaftfell Bistro. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Seyðisfjörður enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 334 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Seyðisfjörður’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Iceland. For example, you can visit Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 627 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Tehúsið - Café, Bar, Guesthouse & Hostel. This popular bar in Seyðisfjörður has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 172 bar-goers.

You can also go to Askur Taproom as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Askur Taproom is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 93 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Iceland!

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Iceland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the region of Reykjahlíð and end your day in the region of Þingeyjarsveit.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Akureyri for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Iceland.

While you’re in Reykjahlíð, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Hverir. The fantastic Hverir is a popular must-see tourist destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,259 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Mývatn Nature Baths, a well-known spa in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.5 out of a 5 star-rating from 6,484 travelers.

The top-rated Grjótagjá is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular cave and destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 3,626 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Reykjahlíð, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the region of Þingeyjarsveit.

Make Goðafoss your first stop. This popular waterfall among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,009 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Iceland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Iceland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Kaffi Ilmur, one of the best restaurants in Akureyri. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 590 customers.

Greifinn is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Greifinn is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 509 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Bryggjan, another well-loved restaurant in Akureyri. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 407 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Iceland.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Akureyri, Strikið. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 520 bar goers.

Akureyri Backpackers is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Akureyri, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 805 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by LYST, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 136 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Iceland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Iceland!

Day 8 of your road trip across Iceland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Akureyri and the enchanting Bifröst, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Akureyri and end the day in Bifröst, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 8 of your affordable vacation in Iceland will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Akureyri is the magnificent Hof Cultural and Conference Centre. Around 542 visitors have rated this excellent best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Akureyri, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Bifröst.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Grábrók. This popular site is a valued mountain in Bifröst and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,277 visitors.

Another must-visit in Bifröst is the spectacular Glanni. This outstanding waterfall and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 1,108 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Iceland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Iceland. Make your cheap holiday experience in Iceland more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Reykjavík offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Iceland. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Reykjavík offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Iceland.

Fish Company is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 982 diners.

Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Reykjavík’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Bryggjan Brugghús is an excellent example of a great bar in Reykjavík offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 863 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Frederiksen Ale House, another of locals’ go-to bars in Reykjavík. Frederiksen Ale House is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 635 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Prikið is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Reykjavík. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 722 bar-goers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Iceland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Reykjavík.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Iceland.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Reykjavík is the remarkable Laugardalslaug. This must-see tourist destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,921 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Reykjavík and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Iceland!