How Much to Rent a Campervan in Iceland? Your Complete Guide

Planning an Iceland trip almost always leads to one big question: how much to rent a campervan in Iceland? The truth is, there isn’t a single flat answer. The rental price depends on when you visit, which camper you choose, and whether you add extras like sleeping bags, cooking kits, or an extra driver.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether you’re coming in the peak season of July, visiting in the off season for cheaper rates, or hoping to catch the northern lights in northern Iceland, you’ll see exactly what to expect when setting your budget.

At Iceland Campers, we make the process simple and transparent. All of our campers are manual (no automatics or 4x4s), designed to handle Iceland’s rugged terrain, and easy to customize with extras to suit your trip.

Let’s dive into the details so you can plan your entire trip with confidence.

Why a Campervan is the Best Way to Explore Iceland

There’s no denying it: a campervan gives you more freedom than any hotel or traditional rental car. Imagine waking up by the south coast cliffs, sipping coffee with a view of a glacier, or pulling over near a geothermal hot spring because you felt like soaking in warm water after a long day of driving.

That’s the magic of campervan rental in Iceland. You carry your home, your kitchen, and your bed everywhere you go. No strict schedules, no overpriced hotels, no last-minute stress. Just you, your camper, and the open road.

We’ve seen travelers come back year after year saying the same thing: “That was the best trip of my life.” And almost every time, they did it with a camper.

What Impacts the Cost of Campervan Hire?

So, let’s talk about money. The rental price for a campervan depends on several factors:

Season
The summer months (June, July, August) are the busiest and most expensive. This is the peak season, with endless daylight, open roads, and the warmest weather Iceland offers. Expect higher prices.
The off season (spring and autumn) is cheaper. If you want the cheapest time to visit, consider April, May, September, or October. You’ll still enjoy beautiful landscapes but at lower rates.
Type of Camper
A smaller two-person camper is always going to be the cheapest option. These compact vans are easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and perfect for couples.
Larger campers give you more space and comfort, but you’ll pay more per day.
Extras
Things like sleeping bags, a camping table, or cooking facilities aren’t always included. You can add them when booking, and they make your trip more comfortable.
Insurance choices (like gravel protection or lowering your self risk) also affect price.
Duration
The longer you rent, the better value per day. Many travelers book for 7–10 days to circle the ring road, but if you want to explore slower, 2–3 weeks is even better.

Average Campervan Rental Costs in Iceland

Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Budget / Cheap Campervan: Around €70–€100 per day in the off season. These are simple, smaller campers with basic equipment. Perfect if you’re trying to save money while still enjoying flexibility.
Mid-Range Camper: Around €120–€170 per day. These usually come with a heating system, cooking facilities, and a bit more space. Most travelers choose this category.
Luxury Motorhomes: €200+ per day, especially in peak season. While we focus on campers, some travelers choose larger motorhome rental options if they want showers, toilets, and more room.

Remember, this is just the cost of the rental in Iceland. You’ll also need to budget for:

Campsite fees (around €10–€20 per person per night)
Fuel (prices vary, but Iceland fuel is higher than most of Europe)
Food and extras

Camper Rental vs Motorhome Rental

A lot of travelers ask us the difference between camper rental and motorhome hire. Here’s the short version:

Camper vans are smaller, easier to handle, and cheaper. They’re perfect for couples or small groups who want flexibility.
Motorhomes are larger vehicles that feel more like driving a small house. They’re more expensive, less fuel-efficient, and harder to drive on narrow Icelandic roads.

Since we specialize in campers, our focus is on practicality and affordability. That means we don’t offer 4x4s or automatic transmissions, but we do make sure every camper is well-equipped for Iceland’s rugged terrain and weather.

Why Rent With Us?

Here’s what makes us different:

All Manual Vehicles: More control on gravel roads and steep sections.
Add-On Extras: Sleeping bags, heating systems, camping table, or cooking facilities.
Convenient Pick Up: Close to Keflavik International Airport so you can start your trip right away.
Flexible Drop Off: Choose your drop off location and drop off date that works best.
Roadside Assistance: If you run into trouble, we’re just a call away.

Check out our camper fleet here

Exploring Iceland by Campervan: Routes and Destinations

The Famous Ring Road Adventure

The ring road (Route 1) is the most popular route for campervan hire in Iceland. It circles the entire island in about 1,300 km, connecting nearly all major towns and natural attractions. Most travelers spend 7–10 days driving it, but you could stretch it to two weeks if you like a slower pace.

Driving the ring road with a camper means you can stop whenever a glacier, waterfall, or hot spring catches your eye. Imagine waking up near the black sand beaches of Vík, eating breakfast at a campsite with mountain views, then pulling over at a roadside waterfall to take photos without worrying about hotel check-in times. That’s the joy of exploring Iceland at your own pace.

The Golden Circle

For travelers short on time, the Golden Circle is a must. This loop is only 300 km and can be done in a single day, but renting a camper lets you stretch it into 2–3 days so you can enjoy it more deeply.

Highlights include:

Gullfoss Waterfall: A breathtaking cascade of glacial water.
Geysir geothermal area: Where hot water erupts every few minutes.
Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between tectonic plates.

By spending the night in your camper nearby, you avoid the crowds and can visit these places early in the morning or late at night when tour buses are gone.

South Coast Adventures

The south coast is a favorite for many travelers. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, massive glaciers, and waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Drive a little further, and you’ll reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift slowly toward the sea.

The south coast is also where you’ll find the iconic black sand beaches. Walking barefoot on the volcanic sands feels otherworldly, especially if you’ve just come from soaking in nearby hot springs.

Northern Iceland: Whale Watching and More

Heading into northern Iceland gives you a quieter experience. Towns like Akureyri feel less crowded, and the scenery feels untouched.

This is where you’ll have the best chance for whale watching, especially in places like Húsavík. It’s also a fantastic area to see the northern lights if you’re traveling in autumn or winter.

Campsites here are cozy, and nights often feel magical under the dancing sky. For many travelers, this is the highlight of their entire trip.

The Icelandic Highlands

The Icelandic Highlands are remote, rugged, and incredibly beautiful. Towering mountains, lava fields, and untouched landscapes stretch for miles. However, they are only accessible by 4x4 vehicles via Iceland’s F-roads.

Since our fleet doesn’t include 4x4s, we recommend exploring the Highlands with guided tours or on foot through hiking trails. But don’t worry, your campervan rental in Iceland still gets you close enough to enjoy the highland atmosphere before switching to other transport options.

Saving Money on Your Campervan Iceland

Travel Off Season

The easiest way to save money is by avoiding the summer peak season. The off season in April–May and September–October not only means lower camper rental prices but also fewer crowds at major sights.

Cook Your Own Meals

Eating out in Iceland can be expensive. Luckily, our campers come with basic cooking facilities, and you can add extras like a camping table. Stock up at local supermarkets, cook simple meals, and enjoy dinner with glacier views.

Share the Drive

Adding an extra driver makes the journey safer and more fun. Long drives feel easier when you can switch, and the cost of adding another driver is small compared to the value it brings.

Use a Camping Card

The camping card is a handy way to keep costs down. It gives you access to many campsites across the country for a fixed price, which can cut down nightly fees if you’re traveling for more than a week.

Practical Tips for Camper van Rental in Iceland

Insurance and Safety

When booking, you’ll see different insurance options. We recommend lowering your self risk, especially if you plan to drive on gravel roads or areas with loose gravel. Iceland’s rugged terrain is beautiful but unpredictable.

Unlimited Mileage

All of our campers include unlimited mileage, which means you can drive the entire island without worrying about hidden fees. Want to chase the northern lights from one coast to another? Go for it.

Weather and Roads

Always check the weather forecast before driving. Conditions can shift quickly—icy roads in winter, heavy winds in autumn, or sudden rain in summer.

If you plan to drive near Iceland’s F-roads (which require 4x4s), stick to safe, open roads. Our campers are designed for paved and gravel roads, but not for off-road adventures.

Staying Comfortable

Our campers are compact but cozy. Extras like sleeping bags and a strong heating system keep you warm at night, even if temperatures drop close to freezing. And if you want more comfort at campsites, you’ll often find a hot shower included in the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Campervan Hire in Iceland

We get a lot of questions from travelers planning their first Iceland trip. Here are some of the most common ones, answered in detail.

Can You Sleep Anywhere in a Campervan in Iceland?

No, wild camping is not allowed in Iceland. You can’t just pull over anywhere and spend the night, even if the view is amazing. Instead, you need to stay at official campsites.

The good news is that there are many campsites spread all over the island. You’ll never be far from one, whether you’re driving the ring road or exploring the south coast. Campsites usually offer bathrooms, cooking areas, and sometimes even a hot shower, so it’s much more comfortable than parking on your own.

Is It a Good Idea to Rent a Camper van in Iceland?

Absolutely. Renting a camper makes your Iceland adventure flexible and unforgettable. You’ll get to explore Iceland’s rugged terrain at your own pace without worrying about strict hotel bookings.

For many of our happy campers, driving around Iceland with their bed and kitchen in the back of the van was the highlight of their entire trip. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, soaking in hot springs, or visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a camper gives you freedom and comfort.

Are Campsites in Iceland Expensive?

Not really. Campsites usually cost between €10 and €20 per person per night. Some even include extras like a hot shower or electricity for your camper. Compared to hotel stays, this is a huge saving.

If you plan a longer journey, consider buying a camping card. It gives you access to dozens of campsites for a single price, helping you save money during your trip.

Do Campervan Rental in Iceland Have Toilets?

Our campers do not have built-in toilets or showers, but since campsites are everywhere, this is rarely an issue. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, and most travelers prefer using them anyway. For added comfort, you’ll find cooking facilities and cozy sleeping setups in our campers, and you can always add extras like sleeping bags or a camping table.

Inspiration for Your Iceland Road Trip

Blue Lagoon and Hot Springs

A stop at the Blue Lagoon is a must for many travelers. Imagine soaking in steaming blue water after a long day of driving. And that’s just the start; Iceland is full of hot springs. Some are developed and easy to access, while others are hidden gems you’ll discover along the way.

Natural Attractions You Can’t Miss

Your campervan in Iceland puts you right at the doorstep of the country’s best natural attractions. Drive across lava fields, stop at waterfalls, and pull over at viewpoints where glaciers sparkle in the distance.

Highlights include:

Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO site, Golden Circle)
Black sand beaches on the south coast
Gullfoss Waterfall on the Golden Circle
The largest national park in Vatnajökull, where glaciers dominate the horizon

Northern Lights and Iceland’s Magic Skies

Many campers plan their Iceland travel in autumn or winter for the chance to see the northern lights. Renting a camper makes it easy, you can follow the weather forecast, drive away from clouds, and find a dark campsite where the aurora dances above.

Seeing the sky turn green, pink, and purple while wrapped in sleeping bags inside your camper is a memory that stays with you forever.

Road Safety and Driving Tips

Iceland is stunning, but it’s not always easy to drive. Keep these in mind:

Stick to open roads; our campers are not built for Iceland’s F-roads.
Drive slowly on gravel roads to avoid damage from loose gravel.
Watch for icy roads in winter.
Always check your pick up location, drop off location, and drop off date carefully.

Our rentals come with insurance options, roadside assistance, and choices to reduce your self risk. For peace of mind, consider travel insurance as well.

Extras and Add-Ons to Make Your Trip Easier

We know every traveler is different, so we let you add extras to customize your rental in Iceland. Options include:

Sleeping bags for warmth
Heating system upgrades for cold nights
Cooking facilities for self-catering
Camping table for outdoor meals
Adding an extra driver for long road trips

This way, you can shape your trip the way you want it.

Vehicles We Recommend

We don’t rent 4x4s, but we do offer sturdy manual campers designed for Iceland’s conditions. If you’re looking at alternatives, the Dacia Duster is a popular choice among travelers for road trips (though note, we only rent campers, not SUVs). For those who want a true road trip feel, a camper beats a car every time.

Who We’re For

Most of our travelers are adventurers who want to keep things simple, cozy, and flexible. Whether you’re from Europe or a North American traveler crossing Iceland off your bucket list, we make sure you feel at home on the road.

We’ve had countless happy campers tell us their stories: driving along the ring road, setting up at quiet campsites, and feeling the magic of exploring Iceland without rushing. That’s the spirit we want for you too.

Start Your Iceland Adventure

Renting a camper in Iceland isn’t just about transport, it’s about freedom, memories, and adventure. From exploring the Golden Circle and the south coast to chasing the northern lights in northern Iceland, your camper is your ticket to seeing it all.

With unlimited mileage, roadside assistance, and flexible drop off options, we make sure you enjoy the entire trip without stress. Whether you’re after a cheap campervan, a mid-range option, or something with a strong heating system, we’ve got you covered.

Check our campers and book your trip today

Your Iceland adventure is waiting. Pack your sleeping bags, plan your stops, and let us take care of the rest.