Iceland tours from the US

Nonstop flights from the US to Iceland make this a straightforward destination for you to visit. So with no time wasted on layovers, you’ll get the most out of those precious vacation days. Plus, Iceland’s compact size means you spend less time traveling between attractions.

If you like traveling at a leisurely pace then, we recommend around 10–14 days for driving around Iceland on a Ring Road tour.

You can also pack a lot into 7 days in Iceland. A week gives you enough time to drive around the island or explore one or two regions in more depth.

Or if you have 3–6 days to spend in Iceland, you could base yourself in the capital on a multi-day package from Reykjavík. Think soaking up cool Nordic culture in the city and enjoying excursions to some of the country’s top natural wonders.

Find out what you could do on a 5-day Iceland itinerary. Or read about how many days you need in Iceland in this article.

Iceland makes for a captivating destination no matter when you decide to travel.

In fact, you’ll have a magical trip whether you pick a summer tour or winter vacation. This means the best time of year for you to visit depends on what you’d like to do during your getaway.

If you’re after mild temperatures and more daylight for exploring, then we recommend heading to Iceland in summer. So travel in June, July, and August if you want to make the most of your time outdoors, soaking up the breathtaking scenery.

The winter months – from October to March – are just as mesmerizing though. Think frosted waterfalls, activities like snowmobiling, and twinkling lights around Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile, if you have your heart set on chasing the aurora borealis, then you’ll want to go for a Northern Lights tour. Visit in mid-winter, when the nights are at their longest, to increase your chances of seeing nature’s best light show. Find out more about how to see the Northern Lights.

For detailed advice and seasonal inspiration, check out this article on when to visit Iceland.

Whatever your interests, you’ll find there’s plenty to see and do in Iceland.

For instance, the capital city of Reykjavík has mouth-watering dining options, fascinating museums, and great local boutiques. Venture beyond the city and you can soak up the scenery, enjoy wildlife-watching opportunities, and take part in thrilling activities.

Let these wishlist-worthy things to do in Iceland inspire you:

• Luxuriate in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon
• Tour the Golden Circle’s iconic sights on a day trip from Reykjavík
• Marvel at black sand beaches and lava fields along Iceland’s south coast
• Chase the Aurora Borealis on an evening excursion in winter
• Soak in secluded natural hot springs dotted across the country
• Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture when you visit local museums
• Try Icelandic delicacies at Reykjavík's best restaurants
• Look out for puffins and Arctic foxes in the unspoiled Westfjords
• See volcanic wonders on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, ‘Iceland in Miniature’
• Head to North Iceland and go on a whale watching tour from Húsavík
• Visit the site where Iceland’s Viking settlers held the world’s first parliament

Get more detailed insight and ideas for your trip in this complete guide to Iceland.

Visit the Land of Fire and Ice with Iceland Tours and travel in a way that suits you. We have a range of self-drive trips, multi-day bus tours, and guided group packages for you to choose from.

A self-drive itinerary is perfect if you want all the freedom of driving yourself. This means you’ll be able to stop whenever and wherever you like as you explore Iceland.

Plus, with one main road circling the country – Route 1 (or the Ring Road) – navigation is straightforward. But there are hidden gems, such as charming fishing villages, to be found when you venture off this route too. Check out these North Iceland and Akureyri tours if you want to explore off the beaten path.

Go for a multi-day itinerary if you’d prefer not to drive and want to be based in Iceland’s capital. This way you can make the most of what the city has to offer by night. And during the day you’ll enjoy coach tours into the surrounding countryside.

Or pick a guided group, and you’ll travel around the Land of Fire and Ice with an expert guide. They’ll take care of the driving and share their local knowledge with you. So you can relax and take in the view on your way to the next must-see place.

While Iceland may be known as a higher-cost destination, there are plenty of ways for you to experience the country on a budget.

Travel with Iceland Tours and you can be sure you’ll get great value for money with these packages that include:

• Accommodation
• Local transport
• Airport transfers
• Breakfast each morning (except on camping trips)
• Detailed itinerary
• Access to our 24/7 helpline on your tour

You can also choose to travel during the shoulder season, when accommodation prices are lowest and there are fewer visitors. Or immerse yourself in nature on a summer camping trip. For more money-saving tips, check out this budgeting guide for Iceland.

Top tip: Save on cellphone roaming charges by using free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this at your accommodation and on most tour buses.

Yes, especially if there are specific activities you’d like to try or guided tours you want to go on when you’re in Iceland.

We work with handpicked tour operators that provide memorable excursions throughout the country. For instance, you could:

• Explore the Golden Circle’s sights: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir
• Head into the countryside to hunt for the Northern Lights in winter
• Taste the local cuisine on a food tour of Reykjavík with a local guide

Many of these are popular choices, so we recommend adding them to your booking when you check out online. Don’t worry though if you spot something afterward that you want to try. Get in touch with us, as soon as you can, and we’ll do what we can to get you onto the tour you want.

While most Icelanders speak excellent English as a second language, Icelandic is the official language. The nation’s mother tongue evolved from Old Norse, spoken by the Vikings.

So you’ll be able to communicate in English with ease at bars, restaurants and hotels. But Icelanders will appreciate it if you learn a few words of their language. Here are a few to get you started:

• Góðan daginn (GO-than DIE-in) – Hello
• Einn bjór, takk (EYT-n byoer, tahk) – One beer, please
• Skál! (scowl) – Cheers!

Takk fyrir (TAHK fee-reer) – Thank you

These tour packages don't include flights from the US. This means you’re free to pick the route that works for you. And there are plenty of airlines you know and trust offering direct flights.

Check out the answer to the next question for information on how to get to Iceland from the US.

The quickest and easiest way to get to Iceland from the US is by plane. In fact, there are plenty of nonstop routes for you to choose from.

Check out this list of US cities with direct flights to Keflavík International Airport (KEF):

• Baltimore
• Boston
• Chicago
• Denver
• Minneapolis
• New York
• Orlando
• Portland
• Seattle
• Washington D.C.

A direct flight from the east coast of the US is the quickest, with journeys from Boston and New York taking around 5½ and 6 hours respectively.

Departing from the west coast will take longer. For instance, the trip from Seattle takes about 8 hours.

You can choose from US airlines you know, like Delta and United, as well as trusted local carriers like Icelandair and Play.

If you’re an American citizen traveling to Iceland, you’re only required to have 3 months left on your passport before it expires. What’s more, there’s no need to get a visa.

That said, the US Department of State recommends that you have up to 6 months beyond when you plan to leave the Schengen area. If you plan to visit another European country before or after your Iceland trip, make sure you have more than enough time left on your passport.

Please check the Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date information regarding passports and tourist visas before you travel.

You’ll be able to rent a car and drive in Iceland, if you’re an American citizen with a full valid US driver’s license. Just don’t forget to bring your license when collecting your vehicle.

Good to know: You need to be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Iceland. And if you’d like to drive a larger vehicle, such as a 4x4, you need to be at least 23 years of age.

Read this guide to driving in Iceland for handy tips and advice.

At Iceland Tours, we always recommend getting travel insurance to protect your trip. That way, you’ll have financial cover if anything happens, such as unforeseen health care costs.

Although your health plan from home might cover you for medical expenses abroad, most do not pay out for disrupted flights, repatriation costs, or loss of personal belongings.

If you don’t already have an annual travel insurance policy, you can search online to find suitable insurance for your vacation. For most people, travel insurance won’t add much expense to your trip. And it’ll be worth it for peace of mind.

You can start planning your trip here. Browse these Iceland tour packages from the USA to find the one that’s perfect for you.

If you’d like to narrow the tour selection, you can filter by interest, time of year, travel date, and more.

Once you’ve found your ideal getaway, secure your trip by following the simple online booking steps. And when you’re checking out, you can customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extra nights.

Good to know: It’s worth keeping in mind that flights aren’t included in these tour packages. So our tip is to purchase them as soon as your itinerary is confirmed.

One thing you can count on at any time of year is the weather in Iceland being changeable. So whether you’re traveling in summer or winter, it’s best to pack for varied conditions.

Come prepared, and you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Iceland. Here’s a recommended packing list for your trip:

• Waterproof outer layers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Cozy gloves, scarf, and wooly hat
• Walking boots with a grippy sole
• Swimwear and travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Moisturizer and lip balm

So you don’t miss out on capturing those magical moments on your trip, remember to bring:

• Camera
• Waterproof camera bag
• Charging cable and spare battery packs
• Tripod, perfect for capturing the Northern Lights