Best way to get to Iceland in 2025

Iceland is a destination that captures the imagination and inspires wanderlust. With its breathtaking natural scenery, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of visiting this enchanting country. If you’re one of those people then this article is for you. It’s been one of our top destinations and we can’t wait to go back! By utilizing Icelandair’s stopover policy and staying alert for its amazing promotions you too can fulfill your Icelandic dreams.

What is Icelandair’s Stopover Policy?

Icelandair offers a unique stopover policy that allows travelers to stop in Iceland for up to 7 days at no additional airfare cost when flying between North America and Europe. Whether you’re looking to enhance your European adventure with a visit to Iceland or you simply want to explore Iceland and add another European destination to your trip, this policy provides an incredible opportunity. Paired with frequent promotions, it becomes an exceptionally affordable way to experience both Iceland and Europe.

How to Make the Most of Icelandair’s Stopover Policy

Sign Up for Icelandair’s Email List: To get the best deals, the first step is to sign up for Icelandair’s email list. This ensures you receive notifications about special promotions and discounts directly in your inbox. Icelandair frequently offers sales that can make your trip significantly cheaper. To do this, simply visit their website at www.icelandair.com and click on the “Join Saga Club” button. While there, look for the “Sign Up for Email” box at the bottom of the page. Airline emails can be spammy and annoying, but they’re the best way to keep up-to-date with promotions and deals.

Be Ready to Act Quickly: While the stop-over option is always available, it’s not always very affordable so it’s important to be ready to act quickly. These promos, especially the good ones, don’t last long. Being prepared to book as soon as a deal is announced can save you hundreds of dollars. Keep an eye on your email and be ready to jump on a promotion when it appears.

Flexibility is Key: If you have flexible travel dates, you’re more likely to find affordable flights. Icelandair’s deals often apply to specific travel periods, so being adaptable can help you snag the best prices. Patience is also crucial, as these promotions come and go throughout the year. For instance, while Denver was the best option for us, it’s not always available at the lowest rates.

Plan Your Stopover: Your patience will pay off and soon enough you’ll receive an email with a promo like this one.

As you can see, some of these destinations are incredibly cheap! Even more so when you consider you can get 2-for-1 countries when stopping over in Iceland.

It’s worth noting that those are just some sample flights. At the time of this promo, in June of 2024, it lists one airport to another, but many are interchangeable and require you to plug in your desired destination to see the airfare.

Follow the links in the email or go to Icelandair.com to see the promos and the details.

Book that Trip!

Utilizing Icelandair’s stopover policy is an excellent way to add an extra layer of adventure to your travels. By staying informed about promotions and being ready to book quickly, you can experience both Iceland and Europe affordably. This unique opportunity allows you to explore the natural wonders of Iceland and the diverse cultures of Europe in a single trip, making your journey richer and more memorable.

Sign up for Icelandair’s email list, stay alert for deals, and book a trip that combines the best of two worlds. Happy travels!

Want to see what we did? Check out our itinerary.

Maximizing Your Iceland Stopover

  1. Research and Prioritize: With a limited number of days, it’s important to prioritize what you want to see and do in Iceland. Research popular attractions and decide what interests you most—be it natural wonders like geysers and waterfalls or cultural experiences in Reykjavik. We were only there for 3 days and while we did a lot, there is so much to see!
  2. Consider Guided Tours: If you want to make the most of your time without the hassle of planning each detail, consider booking guided tours. These can provide a comprehensive experience and ensure you don’t miss out on key sights.
  3. Rent a Car for Flexibility: Renting a car can be a great way to explore Iceland at your own pace. It gives you the flexibility to visit remote locations and stay as long as you like at each spot. Traffic is light and the roads are easy to navigate. We were extremely grateful to have done this as it allowed us to get further around the island to see so much more. Gas stations can be few and far between so plan ahead when driving long distances.
  4. Book Accommodations Early: Iceland can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking your accommodations early ensures you have a place to stay and can often save you money.
  5. Embrace the Outdoors: Iceland is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Make sure to pack appropriately for outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and exploring national parks.
  6. Staying Connected: We had a better internet connection in the middle of Iceland than we do in our mountains and valleys back home. As with all international destinations, plan ahead and you’ll have no issues staying connected. Use apps to stay updated on weather conditions and travel advisories in Iceland. Icelandair’s website and social media channels also provide valuable information for travelers.
  7. Budget Wisely: While flights can be affordable, Iceland can be expensive. Budget for food, accommodations, and activities in advance. Look for budget-friendly dining options and consider staying in guesthouses or hostels to save money. We only ate from grocery stores and this helped a lot. It was also a good way to stock up on food as some regions are remote.

Additional Tips

This same method can be used to get anywhere in the world. Find a destination, look into stopovers, get emailed deals, and book that trip!

The above image was from a deal in June of 2024. We flew from Denver to Paris for low $400s in 2021.

Icelandair will also send out package deals to Iceland only if that’s what you’re looking for.

The Airbnb we stayed in was kind of in the middle of nowhere, but it was incredible.