5-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
If you’re planning your first trip to Iceland and wondering if 5 days is enough—you’re in the right place.
I recently completed a 5-day Iceland adventure that took me from Reykjavik to the South Coast, glaciers, waterfalls, and back again. It was one of the most unforgettable (and unpredictable) trips I’ve ever taken.
This itinerary is perfect if you want:
- A self-drive Iceland road trip
- A mix of waterfalls, glaciers, lagoons, and scenic stops
- A realistic 5-day plan with driving times
- A budget breakdown and honest travel tips
Let’s get into it.
Trip Overview
Duration: 5 days
Style: Self-drive Ring Road (partial loop + South Coast focus)
Best Season: Year-round (I traveled in March). Keep in mind, weather might change things.
Main Base: Reykjavik + South Iceland stops
We chose a 5-day version of Iceland’s Ring Road focusing on the most iconic highlights instead of rushing the full loop.
Day 1: Arrival + Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik
After landing at Keflavik Airport, we picked up our rental car and headed straight to the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Experience
A perfect way to start the trip—warm geothermal waters, silica masks, and surreal lava field surroundings.
After spending a few hours here, we made our way to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik Highlights:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Old Harbor area
- Sun Voyager (Solfar)
- Downtown walking streets, Laugavegur
Tip: Don’t overpack Day 1. Jet lag is real.
Day 2: Golden Circle Route
One of the easiest and most popular day trips in Iceland.
Stops included:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
This route gives you your first taste of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. You could make this a day trip from Reykjavik or stay in a neighboring town to prevent backtracking and continue the drive south.
Driving time: ~3–4 hours total with stops
Day 3: South Coast (Waterfalls + Black Sand Beach)
This was one of the most scenic driving days of the trip.
Key stops:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (walk behind it if weather permits!)
- Gljúfrabúi (Canyon Dweller) a short 10 mins walk north of Seljalandsfoss, don’t miss it, is a beautiful sight. Just follow the paved path.
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (Vik)
The South Coast feels like a completely different world—cliffs, ocean waves, and endless waterfalls.
Tip: Be careful at Reynisfjara. The waves are extremely dangerous.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon + Ice Cave Adventure
This was one of the most unforgettable days of the trip.
We drove toward Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, home to floating icebergs and nearby Diamond Beach.
Highlights:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Ice cave tour
- Glacier hike experience
- Diamond Beach
The ice cave formations were unlike anything we’ve ever seen—blue, glowing, and constantly changing. You’ll never visit the same cave twice!
Driving time: Long day (~5 hours each way from Reykjavik area)
Tip: Stay overnight closer to the lagoon if possible to avoid long night driving.
Day 5: Return to Reykjavik + Sky Lagoon
We slowly made our way back toward Reykjavik with scenic stops along the South Coast.
To end the trip, we visited the Sky Lagoon.
Sky Lagoon Experience:
- Oceanfront geothermal pool
- 7-step ritual (cold plunge, sauna, steam, scrub)
- Modern, peaceful atmosphere
A perfect way to end the trip after days of adventure.
Driving Tips for Iceland
- Rent a 4WD vehicle (especially in winter)
- Check road conditions daily (road.is)
- Weather changes quickly—stay flexible
- Add full insurance (wind + gravel protection recommended)
Driving in Iceland is part of the adventure—but also something to respect.
Iceland Cost Breakdown (5 Days)
Approximate range per couple: $3900-$4,400($1,950-$2,200 per person)
- Flights: $1150 for two using IcelandAir
- Car rental: $475 + $115 Gold Insurance
- Hotels: $700 for 3 hotels 4 nights total
- Food: $50–$120 per day (I spent under $500 for food. Breakfast were included in hotels and we stocked up for lunches, so we mainly ate one big meal per day)
- Tours: $100–$200 per activity ($1,210 total)
- Gas: I only fueled up every time I got the chance and each time it was under $50, I don’t think I went over $200 -this is not factored in the estimate above)
Tip: Booking hotels with breakfast included helps save money.
What I’d Do Differently
- Spend more time near Glacier Lagoon (less rushing) -this was the plan, however we drove in to a snow storm and had to stop and check in into the nearest hotel.
- Stay 1 night outside Reykjavik during South Coast portion
- Book accommodations and lagoons earlier for better pricing
- Allow more flexibility for weather delays
Final Thoughts
Five days in Iceland felt like stepping into another planet.
It’s beautiful, unpredictable, somewhat expensive, and unforgettable all at once.
If you’re thinking about doing this trip—don’t wait for perfect timing. Just plan it, prepare for the weather, and go.
Because Iceland is not just a destination.
It’s an experience you feel long after you leave.
