How To Plan a Stress-Free Iceland Road Trip With Kids

Keeping everyone happy can be tricky on a road trip. Fortunately, Iceland is the kind of place that has the wow factor in spades and is likely to impress everyone, no matter what their age.

It’s not the cheapest place in the world, however, so it’s worth doing some test calculations to make sure your Iceland road trip budget is enough to give you all the kind of vacation you’re hoping for. With that in mind, let’s take a brief look at how to plan a stress-free Iceland road trip with kids.

Estimate Your Total Iceland Road Trip Budget Before You Go

It’s a good idea to cost out the trip before you commit to bookings and reservations. Work out how many days you’d like and how much you are comfortable paying for accommodation. Check an online booking website to figure out if you can afford what gives you the facilities on offer.

Factor in the cost of dinner for your family and add at least the same again for breakfast, packed lunches, snacks and drinks. Cost out flights and car rental; if there’s anything left of your budget that can be directed to tours. When calculating your Iceland trip cost, don’t forget to include car rental in Iceland, which gives families the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Book Flights and Look for Cheap Flights During Off-Peak Seasons

As a family, you’ll be paying more than one airfare, so traveling during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall can save you a ton of money. Check out which airlines fly your route well in advance and once you’ve compared prices – don’t forget to factor in checked bags – then get them locked in while they’re cheap. Note that you’ll fly into Keflavik rather than Reykjavik’s city airport (the latter’s generally for domestic hops). All international flights land at Keflavík, not Reykjavík Airport. First-time visitors can check out our brief guide to Keflavík Airport to plan a smooth arrival.

Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation in Iceland That Fits Your Budget

When it comes to pinning down accommodation, many families opt to self-cater. An apartment or cabin can offer more space; if you’re traveling with small children there may be a separate living room where you can relax after their bedtime. Farm stays are also an enticing prospect if you’re out in the countryside.

Wherever you stay, plan to stay a few days in each place to give you time to be flexible with your itinerary and perhaps return during the day. You might also consider booking on a free cancellation basis so that you can be flexible so that something unexpected early in the trip doesn’t have a knock-on effect on later bookings.

Choosing the Best Family Transport in Iceland

If you’re an outdoorsy kind of family, you might be keen to pitch a tent or opt for a camper van, especially if you’re likely to be in Iceland during the summer. Compare the price of a family-sized rental car plus accommodation and compare it with a spacious motor home to see which you prefer.

Whichever you choose, make sure you build in frequent stops to break up the journey each day. Traveling in colder months? Make sure to read our guide to driving in Iceland during winter for practical safety and weather tips.

Plan Where to Eat: Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Grocery Store Stops

Self-catering means you can accommodate fussy eaters and make dining out fun. Keeping costs down is easy thanks to affordable supermarket chains such as Bonus and Krónan, and it’s easy to load up the car with breakfast cereals, snacks and the makings of packed lunches.

Some of Iceland’s most popular dishes, from creamy plokkfiskur( an Icelandic fish casserole) to tasty hot dogs, are great for kids, while a stop for ice cream each day is a must, no matter what the weather.

Budgeting for Family Activities and Tours

Some Icelandic activities and attractions are guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of all the family. Check the minimum age; those aged nine and over can ride a thrilling zipline, for instance, while for the easiest glacier hike your children need to be at least eight years old.

It’s worth spending some of your budget on experiences like these, but remember some of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping sights, from iceberg-strewn beaches to erupting geysers – are free.

Hot Springs and Swimming Pools for Kids in Iceland

Iceland’s geothermal lagoons are always a hit for visitors. Policies vary, the Blue Lagoon has a minimum age limit of two years, for instance. Do your homework if you’re traveling with little ones as you’ll need to consider whether the temperature is suitable.

Another family-friendly option is to visit the local swimming pool, especially in summer; scattered across the country, many of these have water slides and other kid-centric facilities.

It’s possible to enjoy a memorable Iceland family road trip without financial stress, so long as you set a budget and plan accordingly. Be sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance in case things don’t go according to plan and make sure you have access to emergency funds, whether on a credit card or some other means.

The country’s unique landscapes, safe environment and family-centric attractions make this a shoe-in for a vacation that’s memorable for all the right reasons, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Why an Iceland Road Trip With Kids Is Worth It

An Iceland road trip with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a thoughtful budget and flexible plans, your family can enjoy waterfalls, hot springs, glacier hikes, and even simple picnic stops along the Ring Road.

Whether in a rental car or camper van, the freedom to set your own pace makes the journey just as memorable as the destinations. Pack smart, plan ahead, and savor the adventure together.

FAQs

What is the average cost of an Iceland road trip with kids?

On average, families should budget for flights, rental cars, accommodation, food, and a few paid tours, though many natural attractions are free.

Can we rent a camper van in Iceland for a family road trip?

Yes, camper vans are popular with families. They combine transport and accommodation, but compare costs with renting a car plus hotels or cabins.

Is food in Iceland expensive for families?

Dining out can be pricey, but shopping at grocery stores like Bonus or Krónan and self-catering helps keep your Iceland trip cost down.

Do kids enjoy Iceland’s hot springs and lagoons?

Yes, but check age and temperature rules first. The Blue Lagoon has a minimum age limit of two, while local pools with slides are very family-friendly.

Do I need travel insurance for an Iceland family road trip?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential to cover flights, accommodation, car rentals, and medical care in case of unexpected events.