No car? No problem. Even if you can’t drive, this Iceland itinerary still lets you catch the best of Iceland, from the city sights of Reykjavík to the Northern Lights, Golden Circle, and South Coast! 

Iceland’s synonymous with a few things: the Northern Lights, gorgeous scenery, and some seriously epic road trips. In a country bursting with natural wonders that’ll top any bucket list, you’ve simply got to get on the road to explore. But what if you don’t have your driving licence, or if like me, you’re still shaky with a steering wheel?

Kerid Crater - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
You don’t need a licence for these sick views!

It’s actually completely possible to see Iceland without a car — and we’re not just talking about Reykjavík city. The gorgeous Golden Circle route, and the iconic sights along the South Coast are easily doable with day trips out of the city. You’ll even be able to walk on a glacier and pet adorable Icelandic horses!

Glacier Walk 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
You don’t need to walk everywhere either (except on a glacier)

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Not another overpriced tour. But the truth is, there are some tours which are more cost-effective than driving, as you save on petrol and get discounted entrance and activity fees. You also won’t waste time collecting and returning your vehicle or struggling with navigation, so you can see more sights in fewer days — ultimately saving money on accommodation!

So here’s the best way to catch Iceland’s must-dos and must-sees — no driver’s licence needed.

Pre-trip Essentials

101 Guesthouse Accommodation - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Connectivity: Our 4G pocket WiFi (~S$9/day) gave us unlimited internet access, connecting up to five devices with battery life lasting through each day. We received it before leaving Singapore, so we could immediately explore Iceland upon touchdown! If you need to make calls, get a 4G SIM Card (~S$63 for 14 days) for 120 minutes of talk time and 10GB of data.

Getting Around Iceland: The most convenient and cost-effective travel option between Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík is via economy transfer (~S$23.00). We recommend the SmartBus option (additional ~S$11) with pickup and drop off at popular bus stops and hotels in the city, at all hours.

Accommodation in Iceland: Our Reykjavík accommodation, 101 Guesthouse (~S$81/night for two pax) was within walking distance of the main city attractions. The location was also perfect for tours, with the pickup point a mere two-minute walk away. We also enjoyed the kitchen and dining area, in-room sink, and daily towel change — better than most hostels!

Reykjavik Sunset - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
We didn’t travel far for this view — just a two minute walk outside our accommodation!

Eating Out in Iceland: Iceland is notoriously expensive, so we only ate at iconic eateries which are also value-for-money. Other times, we prepared meals with groceries from budget supermarkets like Bónus. Check out more budget tips here!

Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Day 1: Blue Lagoon and Icelandic Hotdogs

Dip in the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

With its abundance of lava fields, geothermal hot springs are a dime-a-dozen in Iceland. And what better way to unwind after a flight than at the iconic Blue Lagoon!

Before getting in, start with a refreshing scrub with the special soap and conditioner in the showers — it’s mandatory to keep the lagoon clean. Leave some conditioner in your hair to prevent dryness from the sulphur-rich water!

We got the comfort admission (the cheapest option at €88, ~S$134.87), which came with a towel and free drink at the in-pool bar. With options like fresh fruit smoothies and sparkling wines to sip while soaking, we truly felt like royalty.

Blue Lagoon Mask - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
We also treated ourself to the free silica mud mask, meant to strengthen and purify the skin

Touristy as it is, I loved the Blue Lagoon, with its infinity pool and surroundings that are just how I’d imagine heaven — only including saunas, scenic caves and bridges (actually, still heaven). It’s too easy to spend an entire afternoon at the lagoon, which is quite possible since the entrance fee lets you stay till closing. The only caveat is that you’ll have to book your entry beforehand.

Don’t worry about luggage — you can store them at ISK550 (~S$6.35) per pax.

Entrance Fee: From €88 (~S$134.87)
Opening Hours: Varies by month; check timings here.
How to get there: Being near the airport, save time by visiting the Blue Lagoon right after touchdown. Take the 30-min bus transfer (~S$30.05) from Keflavík Airport to Blue Lagoon, and from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík.

*Pro-tip: Set aside an hour for showering and changing before and after entering the lagoon — no easy feat when you’re grappling with layers of winter wear in a packed room.

Admire Natural Beauty at the Icelandic Phallological Museum

Icelandic Phallological Museum - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
The founder of the museum with his impressive collection. Photo credit: Iceland Phallological Museum

Icelanders are known for their offbeat sense of humour, and you’ll get a hard dose of that at the Icelandic Phallological Museum. A hit amongst tourists and locals alike, the museum boasts the largest collection of, er, members in one area.

You’ll examine over 200 penises from land and sea mammals in Iceland and around the world, including whales, seals, a rogue polar bear, and even some donated from generous… homo sapiens. If you’re weird enough to have wondered whether an elf’s or a merman’s is bigger, you’ll get your answer here (don’t ask how the museum managed to nick them).

Whether you own one yourself or not, the phallological museum is a fun and surprisingly educational way to spend an hour in the city — and a great story for the folks back home.

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Entrance Fee: ISK1,700 (~S$19.65)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Jun – Aug), 10AM – 6PM (Sep – May)
How to get there: The museum is on the street across Bus stop 10 (Hlemmur), or a 1-min walk from 101 Guesthouse.

*Pro-tip: Don’t forget to take the free audio tour, with humorous and educational narration by the founder himself!

Eat Wieners at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

After staring at wieners, munch on grilled ones at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Don’t be fooled by the humble street stall — it’s well-deserving of its name meaning ‘Best Hot Dog’, and attracts snaking queues during mealtimes.

Get yours with everything for full flavour — soft buns topped with a juicy lamb-beef-pork sausage and a delicious mix of ketchup, remoulade, sweet mustard, crispy onions and fresh raw onion. It’s the ultimate comfort food on a cold day, and better yet, one of the cheapest meals in the city!

Cost: ISK470 (~S$5.43). Add-on soda for ISK260 (~S$3)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 1AM (Sun – Thu), 10AM – 4:30AM (Fri – Sat)
How to get there: 16-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Day 2: Northern Lights and City Sights

Explore Reykjavík City

Reykjavik Drone Shot - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Start the day wandering around Reykjavík’s most famous attractions. Begin at Perlan, a unique glass dome resting on six hot water tanks. Inside, you’ll find Wonders of Iceland (from ISK3,900, ~S$45), featuring a planetarium, interactive exhibitions, and an immersive Forces of Nature show, where you’ll experience being in the middle of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Otherwise, head up to the Perlan Observation Deck (ISK890, ~S$10.29) for a bird’s-eye view of Reykjavík.

Perlan - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Perlan Museum

Entrance Fee: From ISK890 (~S$10.29) for Observation Deck entrance (included in Wonders of Iceland ticket).
Opening Hours: 9AM – 7PM (last entry at 6PM)
How to get there: 27-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Next, head to Hallgrímskirkja. You can’t miss it as you wander around the city — at 73m, it’s the largest church in Iceland and one of its tallest buildings.

Hallgrimskirkja - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Hallgrimskirkja

Step inside to admire the lovely architecture (inspired by lava rocks) and magnificent organ with over 5,000 pipes. Also visit the tower (ISK1,000, ~S$11.56) for a 360° view of Reykjavík and the surrounding ocean and mountains.

Hallgrimskirkja Organ - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Hallgrimskirkja’s famous organ

Entrance Fee: Free. Tower tickets at ISK1,000 (~S$11.56)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM (Oct – Apr), 9AM – 9PM (May – Sep). Check tower opening timings here
How to get there: 24-min walk from Perlan; 10-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Immerse yourself in a groundbreaking historical moment at Hofdi House, world-famous as the summit meeting-place of Reagan and Gorbachev in 1986, which officially began the end of the Cold War. Originally home to the French Consul in Iceland, other high-profile guests of Hofdi House include Winston Churchill, the Queen of England and even a ghost known as ‘The White Lady’.

Hofdi House - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Hofdi House

While you cannot enter (it’s currently owned and used by the city of Reykjavík), it’s still cool to admire one of the world’s most iconic houses, along the coast.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours. Best visited from 10AM – 6PM
How to get there: 18-min walk from Hallgrímskirkja; 10-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Lastly, admire one of Iceland’s more futuristic designs at the Harpa concert hall, winner of the 2013 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Opened in 2011, Harpa hosts major musical events including those by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera. The stunning glass structures bend and reflect light beautifully, and is especially lovely in the evening, when the surrounding Old Harbour lights up.

Harpa - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Harpa Concert Hall. Photo Credit: Meet In Reykjavík

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8AM – 12AM
How to get there: 24-min walk from Hofdi House; 19-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

If you’d like to learn more about each attraction, as well as interesting tidbits on Icelandic history, take the Reykjavík Grand Excursion Tour (~S$262). Do note that time at each attraction is short (around 30 min), which is enough for attractions like Hofdi House but not for the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan. However, the three-hour tour is great if you’re short on time and want a quick introduction of Reykjavík’s highlights. Plus, you won’t have to brave long walks in the cold between each attraction!

Reykjavik Grand Excursion Tour
Cost: ~S$262
Tour Timings: 12PM – 3PM or 1PM – 4PM
Meeting Point: Pick-up and drop-off at downtown bus stops and hotels (30 min before tour start-time)

Icelandic Street Food

Icelandic Street Food - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Food in Iceland is ridiculously expensive, but Iceland Street Food offers free soup refills, free drinks and free dessert! If I could live in this place, I would.

With the motto ‘Nobody leaves hungry’, this cosy restaurant functions on the premise that if the food is cheap and good, customers will return (and we did, twice). Try a different soup with each refill — they’re always generously piled with ingredients! We especially loved the creamy shellfish soup packed with scallop and shrimp, and the lamb soup with hearty veggies and sliced lamb.

You can also help yourself to complimentary coffee and tea, and sweet treats like mini brownies and coconut macaroons.

Cost: ISK1,490 – ISK1,990 (~S$17 – ~S$23)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 11PM
Address: Laugavegur 85, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (Laugavegur branch)

Chase the Northern Lights 

Northern Lights Tour 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Contrary to popular belief, seeing the Northern Lights isn’t a given — it requires proper planning and luck. You’ll need clear skies, strong aurora action, and of course, total darkness.

The best way to see the Northern Lights without a car is through a guided lights-chasing tour out of the city. With all the light pollution in Reykjavík, there’s hardly a chance we would’ve caught the lights otherwise!

Northern Lights Tour - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Our local guide, Nicola, was an experienced Northern Lights-chaser, who chose secluded viewing spots based on live forecasts and insider knowledge. When we finally caught them on our third stop, Nicola began playing the violin to ABBA’s Dancing Queen — in celebration of the lights which were indeed dancing vividly across the sky!

The tour also comes with complimentary hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries, which are truly a godsend when you’re shivering in the Icelandic cold. You’re also allowed a free rebook if the lights aren’t visible that night, so you can keep trying till you catch them all!

Northern Lights Premium Tour
Cost: ~S$114.85
Tour Timings: 9:30PM – 1AM
Meeting Point: Pick-up and drop-off at downtown bus stops and hotels

*Pro-tip: Forget the Androids and iPhones — you’ll need a camera with long exposure to capture the lights.

Day 3: Whale Watching at Reykjavík Old Harbour 

Sample Delicious Coffees and Pastries at Sandholt

Sandholt Bakery - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Photo credit: B14

One of Iceland’s most beloved institutions, Sandholt is a fourth-generation family bakery known for its yummy cuppas and the best pastries in Reykjavík. Some popular options are their cinnamon bun (ISK375, ~S$4.33), cafè latte (ISK540, ~S$6.24), and hot chocolate (ISK550, ~S$6.35).

Opening Hours: 7AM – 6:30PM
How to get there: 7-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Spot Whales at Reykjavik’s Faxaflói Bay

Whale Watching 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Photo credit: Klook

The shores surrounding Reykjavík are home to numerous species of whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises. We couldn’t miss the chance to spot some, so we booked ourselves on a whale-watching tour on Faxaflói Bay!

Our experienced guide taught us the basics of whale-watching and the characteristics of the creatures we spotted: minke whales, humpback whales, tooth whales, porpoises, and dolphins!

Whale Watching 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Learning about the gentle giants

We also got to touch real whale bones and learn about the ethics of eating whale meat. Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, Icelanders are actually against whaling. In fact, tourists are discouraged from eating most whale species (except the common minke whale) as their numbers are depleting.

Whale Watching Classic Cruise
Cost: ~S$127
Tour Timings: 9AM – 12PM or 1PM – 3PM
Meeting Point: Reykjavík Old Harbour

*Pro-tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, grab some pills at the cruise booth or aboard the cruise itself — they’re free!

Browse the Coolest Icelandic Goods at fischer

fischer - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Reykjavík-natives can’t stop raving about fischer, to the point that their local magazine even named it the ‘Best Goddamn Store’.

The brainchild of Jónsi from Icelandic band Sigur Rós, fischer encapsulates the quirky-yet-sophisticated Nordic spirit. Everything from the rustic store design and eco-friendly items, down to the poetic product descriptions, were clearly crafted with a ton of heart.

Displayed almost museum-like, you’ll find gems like Fischer no23 (ISK13,800, ~S$159.45), a scent that’s described as ‘Smoke in the air and tarred telephone poles’, tea blends (ISK3,200, ~S$37) and prints based on Icelandic folk medicine (ISK11,100, ~S$128).

While purchasing is pricey, you can’t miss this “sensory, highly aesthetic shopping adventure”, and meeting the adorable store dog, Atlas.

Cost: from ISK3,200 for a tea blend
Opening Hours: 12PM – 6PM (Mon – Sat), closed on Sundays.
How to get there: 16-min walk from Reykjavík Old Harbour, or 20-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Feast on Fresh Seafood at Sægreifinn

Saegriffin - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Photo credit: yiminie

While Iceland’s clear seas attract all kinds of fish, you’re hard-pressed to find good seafood for cheap. The one exception: Sægreifinn!

This established restaurant serves “the best lobster soup in Iceland” (ISK1,350, ~S$15.60), a sweet-savoury bowl with buttery lobster chunks and a basket of soft bread. Other favourites include the minke whale steak (ISK630, ~S$7.28 for a portion for two), and the juicy salmon and shrimp skewers (ISK1,950, ~S$22.53 each)

Cost: from ISK630 for minke whale steak
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 10PM
How to get there: 4-min walk from Fischer, or 22-min walk from 101 Guesthouse

Day 4: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon 3 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

You’ve not been to Iceland without visiting the Golden Circle, a popular route with beautiful natural attractions. We were entertained throughout our full-day tour, as our guide fed us with interesting facts, and as a former professional opera singer, even treated us to mini performances!

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Kerid Crater

Our first stop was the Kerid Crater, a beautiful viewpoint with admission included in the tour (ISK400, ~S$4.62).

Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Secret Lagoon

Next, soak in the Secret Lagoon, a less-crowded, quaint alternative to the Blue Lagoon. We liked that our tour included our admission fee (ISK3,000, ~S$34.62), lockers, and towels (ISK700, ~S$8.08), so we could spend the entire two hours just showering, changing, and relaxing!

Geysir Hot Spring Area

Geysir 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Geysir Hot Spring Area

We then headed to one of Iceland’s most iconic sights: the Geysir Hot Spring Area! It’s home to the highly-active geyser, Strokkur, which ejects hot water 100ft into the sky every five minutes.

This was also a lunch stop, with cafeterias selling soups (ISK1,550, ~S$17.88 each), and sandwiches from ISK790 (~S$9.12). If you’re on a budget, pack lunch instead.

Gullfoss

Gulfoss 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Gullfoss Waterfall

Of course, what’s an Iceland tour without seeing one of its famous waterfalls? The 32m Gullfoss is nothing short of majestic, and so powerful that there were once plans to use it to generate electricity.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Thingvellir National Park

Our last stop was Thingvellir National Park, one of the most historically-significant attractions in Iceland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir (meaning ‘the fields of parliament’), was the spot where Icelanders declared independence from Denmark and their first president — making it the birthplace of the world’s longest running parliament, the Alþingi, which continues to operate in Reykjavík today.

Thingvellir is also home to geological wonders like the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where you can walk between the edges of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. There’s also the stunning Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.

Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full Day Bus Tour
Cost: ~S$151.59
Tour Timing: 8AM – 6:30PM 
Meeting Point: Pick-up and drop-off at downtown bus stops and hotels

*Pro-tip: Don’t forget to pack swimwear for the Secret Lagoon!

Day 5: South Coast & Glacier Walk

Glacier Walk Group Pic - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car


Visit the stunning South Coast, home to breathtaking waterfalls and volcanoes. We took a South Coast tour that included a glacier walk, an absolute must-do in Iceland!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss -Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Begin at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which you can actually walk around and behind (prepare to get wet)! If you’re visiting on your own, do note that you’ll have to pay a ISK700 (~S$8) parking fee.

*Pro-tip: Ascend and descend Seljalandsfoss via the right staircase, as the left tends to get extremely slippery.

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre -Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre

Our second stop was Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano which famously erupted in 2010, disrupting flights across Europe. Outside the visitor centre, we saw a photo of the volcano on its first day of eruption, taken by a farmer who lives there!

Skógafoss

Skogafoss - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Skógafoss

Skógafoss was our second waterfall of the trip, and this time, we could walk right up to its edge for amazing photo opportunities.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

We then explored the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, with dark basalt columns overlooking the North Atlantic sea. While beautiful, do note that the waves here are extremely dangerous and can sweep you into the ice-cold sea without warning, so you should keep a considerable distance. You can also grab lunch at the Black Sand Beach Restaurant (from ISK1,590, ~S$18.35 for mains), or eat a packed lunch along the beach.

Sólheimajökull

Glacier Walk School Bus - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
The coolest storage hut ever

And of course, the day’s highlight — a two hour hike on Sólheimajökull, meaning ‘Sun House Glacier’. Even gearing up felt like an adventure, as we entered an abandoned school bus to collect crampons, ice picks, and helmets.

Our guide was friendly and experienced, making sure everyone was comfortable and safe as we trudged up 250m of rock-solid ice. It’s a slow, casual hike that doesn’t require any prior training, but you do need to watch your step and listen carefully to the guide’s instructions.

Glacier Walk 3 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car
Sólheimajökull Glacier

It’s an indescribable feeling standing atop the vast, blinding white ice, knowing that the glacier we’re on will melt in the next 200 years. We also got to peer into a moulin (‘glacier mill’), and sample the freshest water on earth — straight from the glacier itself!

Sólheimajökull Glacier - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Glacier Hike, Volcanoes & Waterfalls Trip from Reykjavik
Cost: ~S$218.49
Tour Timing: 8AM – 7:30PM
Meeting Point: Pick-up and drop-off at downtown bus stops and hotels

*Pro-tip: Bring a beanie to wear below your helmet during the glacier walk, as the helmets can get sweaty.

The Easiest Way to Sightsee Around Iceland

South Coast Tour Bus 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

To see Iceland without driving, there’s no better way than with guided tours. Not only will you cover Iceland’s must-sees, you’ll also learn about their background and get first-hand insights on Icelandic life.

During our tours, we heard tons of interesting stories, including why Icelandic lamb tastes different from others, the strange connection between Icelandic horses and birth control pills, and what the Blue Lagoon looked like before the tourist boom! Being guided by a local also means extra perks — like visiting the best but unknown spots to view the Northern Lights, or spontaneous stops at private farms to play with Icelandic horses.

South Coast Tour Bus 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Another cool thing about tours is that admission fees and activities are all included — so no hassle queueing for Secret Lagoon tickets, finding your own glacier guides at Sólheimajökull, or settling parking fees each step of the way.

And of course, the best part — napping in a comfy bus between locations!

These are the tours we took:
Reykjavik Grand Excursion Tour (~S$262)
Northern Lights Premium Tour (~S$114.85)
Whale Watching Classic Cruise (~S$127.05)
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full Day Bus Tour (~S$151.59)
Glacier Hike, Volcanoes & Waterfalls Trip from Reykjavik (~S$218.49)

Reykjavik City Tour - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

So put on your warmest clothes and leave the driver’s license at home as you explore the best that Iceland has to offer!

Read also: 10-Day Budget Iceland Itinerary Incl. Camper Van Experience For $2.8K

Check Flights to Iceland


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What are you most excited to see in Iceland? Let us know in the comments!


This post was brought to you by Klook.

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4 COMMENTS

    • Hi Swan!

      We’d budget about $2,300 total per pax for 5 days: ~$900 for tours, ~$200 for accommodation, ~$200 for food (mix of eating out and cooking your own meals), and ~$1000 for flights.

      We took Finnair to and from Reykjavik, with a stopover in Helsinki.

      For a longer itinerary which includes a road trip around Iceland’s ring road, check out our 10D Budget Itinerary too: https://thetravelintern.com/budget-iceland-itinerary-camper-van/

  1. Hi Nicole…..

    Im planning to have summertrip with my son for 1 month as he want to explore scandinavia . Can we have the tour contacts ? And should we booked in advance ?

    Should we have like some 1 day break in between tour ?

    Thanks a lost , your itinirary are the best !

    • Hi Tovie, we generally booked via Klook previously!
      For winter, I think it’s okay to book on the spot…. but for summer, it might be better to book ahead of time.

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