- Northern lights season runs roughly from September to April
- Summer brings almost 24-hour daylight and the best driving conditions
- Flights take about three hours from the UK
- Iceland is expensive, so budget carefully and book tours ahead
- Airports
- Keflavík International (KEF), about 50km from Reykjavík
- Flight time
- about 3h from London
- Best time to go
- September-March for the northern lights; June-August for road trips and the midnight sun
- Currency
- Icelandic króna (ISK)
Iceland feels like another planet, yet it's barely three hours from the UK. In a few days you can walk between tectonic plates, stand behind a waterfall, soak in geothermal pools and, with luck, watch the northern lights ripple across the sky. It's a superb short break and an even better road trip, as long as you plan for the weather and the prices.
This guide explains where to go, when to visit, how to get around and what to budget.
Where to go in Iceland
Reykjavík
The world's most northerly capital is small, walkable and creative, with the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa concert hall and a lively food and bar scene. Most short breaks are based here. Our Reykjavík guide covers where to stay and the best day trips.
The Golden Circle
This classic loop of around 300km from Reykjavík links three highlights: Þingvellir National Park, where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates; the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes; and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. See our Golden Circle guide for timings and tips.
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland's most famous spa sits in a lava field on the Reykjanes peninsula, close to the airport, which makes it an easy stop on arrival or departure day. Entry must be booked in advance; read our Blue Lagoon guide before you go. Recent volcanic eruptions on the peninsula have occasionally led to temporary closures, so check the latest status.
The south coast and beyond
The south coast is lined with waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara and glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift out to sea. With more time, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the north around Lake Mývatn and Akureyri, or the full Ring Road of about 1,320km around the island, reward a week or more.
Best time to visit Iceland
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (November-February) | Short days (around 4-5 hours of light in December), northern lights, ice caves, snow-covered landscapes |
| Spring (March-May) | Lengthening days, still a chance of auroras into April, fewer visitors |
| Summer (June-August) | Midnight sun, mild temperatures (around 10-15 °C), highland roads open, puffins, busiest and priciest |
| Autumn (September-October) | Autumn colours, northern lights return, good-value shoulder season |
For the northern lights you need dark, clear skies, so aim for September to early April and avoid nights around the full moon. Spend at least three or four nights to improve your chances, and use the Icelandic Met Office's aurora forecast.
Reynisfjara beach has dangerous "sneaker waves" that can sweep people out to sea. Stay well back from the water's edge, however calm it looks.
Getting to Iceland from the UK
Direct flights take about three hours from London, with routes from several UK airports including Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast, depending on the season. All international flights land at Keflavík, around 45 minutes from Reykjavík by Flybus or car.
Iceland isn't in the EU but is part of Schengen, so British visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180, and the EU's Entry/Exit System applies. Make sure your passport is under 10 years old on arrival and valid for three months after you leave.
Getting around
Outside Reykjavík, public transport is limited, so most visitors either hire a car or join day tours. Driving is straightforward in summer, but winter brings ice, snow, strong winds and closed roads: hire a 4x4 with winter tyres, check road.is and safetravel.is every morning, and never stop on the road to take photos. Highland F-roads are open only in summer and require a 4x4. Tours are the safer option for northern lights hunting and glacier activities, which must be done with a qualified guide.
Money and costs
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK), and cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for tiny purchases, so you'll rarely need cash. It's one of Europe's most expensive countries: a simple restaurant main can easily cost the equivalent of £25-35, and alcohol is heavily taxed, so buy duty-free on arrival if you drink. Supermarkets such as Bónus and Krónan help keep costs down. Tipping isn't expected, as service is included.
Top attractions in Iceland
NatureBlue Lagoon
Iceland's famous geothermal spa, with milky-blue water in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
NatureGolden Circle
Iceland's classic day trip from Reykjavík, linking the rift valley of Þingvellir, the Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss…
Iceland on the map
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
From September to early April, when nights are dark. The aurora is never guaranteed, so choose a trip of at least three nights and keep evenings flexible.
How many days do I need in Iceland?
Three or four days covers Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the south coast and the Blue Lagoon. Allow 7-10 days to drive the full Ring Road comfortably.
Is it safe to drive in Iceland in winter?
It can be, with experience of winter driving, a 4x4 and careful checks of conditions. If you're not confident, base yourself in Reykjavík and use guided tours.
Do I need cash in Iceland?
Almost never. Cards and contactless payments are accepted nearly everywhere, even in remote petrol stations.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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