3 Days in Iceland: The Ultimate Golden Circle & South Coast Road Trip
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Only have three days in Iceland? Don't let a limited amount of vacation time stop you from experiencing this incredible country!
Iceland is one of my favorite places in the world, and I always seem to find a reason to go back. Between its enormous waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal pools, and landscapes that look like they belong on another planet, there's an unbelievable amount to experience.
Obviously, three days isn't enough to see everything Iceland has to offer. But if you plan your route carefully, you can see an impressive amount without spending your entire vacation behind the wheel.
This three-day Iceland itinerary combines two of the country's most popular regions: the Golden Circle and the South Coast. You'll visit some of Iceland's most famous natural attractions, discover a few of my favorite places, and have opportunities to add activities depending on your interests.
I've put this itinerary together using places I've explored during my own Iceland trips, with a schedule designed to make the most of a short visit.
The itinerary works best if you arrive the evening before your first full day of sightseeing and fly home the morning after your third day. However, I've also included a shorter alternative for anyone who only has three calendar days, including arrival and departure.
Ready to explore Iceland? Let's get started!
Planning to spend more time in Iceland? Explore my Iceland destination guide for additional attractions, travel tips, and inspiration to help you plan your trip.
At a Glance
This itinerary involves quite a bit of driving and several full days of sightseeing, but that's part of what makes it possible to experience so much of Iceland during a relatively short trip.
If you prefer to travel at a slower pace, you can easily remove some of the optional attractions or spread this itinerary across four or five days.
Are Three Days Enough to Visit Iceland?
Absolutely! Three days is enough time to see some of Iceland's most recognizable attractions, especially if you concentrate on one or two regions rather than attempting to drive around the entire country.
I would focus on the Golden Circle and the South Coast for a first visit. Both regions are relatively accessible from Reykjavík, and you'll get to experience an incredible variety of landscapes without having to travel too far from the airport.
The biggest thing to remember is that three full sightseeing days and three calendar days are very different.
If you're flying from the East Coast of the United States, many flights arrive in Iceland early in the morning. That can give you almost an entire additional day, provided you've had enough sleep and aren't exhausted from your overnight flight. Even better, if you can arrive the evening before your itinerary begins, you won't have to worry about fitting sightseeing around your flight.
For anyone with only three calendar days, I've included a shorter Golden Circle itinerary further down in this guide.
When Is the Best Time for a Three-Day Iceland Road Trip?
For a short road trip like this one, I would recommend visiting between late spring and early fall. Iceland's summer months offer exceptionally long daylight hours. Around the summer solstice, you can experience almost 24 hours of daylight, which is incredibly useful when trying to squeeze several attractions into one day.
However, Iceland is beautiful year-round, and winter offers completely different experiences.
Snow-covered waterfalls, icy landscapes, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights are all reasons to consider visiting during the colder months. The biggest difference is how much you can realistically fit into your itinerary. During winter, daylight can be limited to just a few hours. Snow, ice, strong winds, and road closures can also make driving more difficult. If you're visiting during the winter, I would shorten the sightseeing schedule and keep your plans flexible.
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, check out my guide to finding and photographing them. I cover everything from choosing the right location and checking aurora forecasts to the camera settings I use when photographing them.
Regardless of when you visit, always check the weather forecast and road conditions before leaving each morning. Icelandic weather can change very quickly, and you don't want to get stuck somewhere because you tried to follow an overly ambitious itinerary. For official updates, check the Icelandic Meteorological Office, Iceland's road conditions, and SafeTravel.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Iceland?
For this itinerary, I highly recommend renting a car. You can certainly experience the Golden Circle and South Coast through guided tours, but having your own vehicle gives you considerably more freedom.
You can stop whenever you see something interesting, spend extra time photographing a waterfall, grab something to eat, or completely change your plans if the weather isn't cooperating. And trust me, Iceland is one of those places where you'll constantly want to pull over for photographs.
The main roads on this itinerary are generally accessible to a standard rental car in good condition. However, winter driving requires additional preparation, and you should always choose a vehicle appropriate for the weather and road conditions during your visit. I would also recommend reserving your rental car before arriving, especially during the summer.
Arriving in Iceland
Most international visitors arrive at Keflavík International Airport, approximately 45 to 60 minutes from Reykjavík. After collecting your luggage, head to your rental car company. Depending on which company you've booked with, you may need to take a short shuttle ride from the airport. Once you have your car, your Iceland adventure officially begins!
If you arrive the evening before your itinerary starts, I would spend the night in Reykjavík. This gives you an opportunity to explore the capital, enjoy a good meal, and get some sleep before beginning your road trip.
There are also a couple of things you can do on arrival day if your flight schedule allows.
Optional: Visit the Blue Lagoon
One of Iceland's most famous attractions is conveniently located near Keflavík Airport.
If the Blue Lagoon is on your bucket list, arrival day is a great opportunity to visit before making your way to Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa surrounded by dark volcanic landscapes. Its warm, milky-blue water makes it a particularly relaxing place to visit after a long flight. Personally, I find that one to two hours in the lagoon is plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
What I'd recommend: Make your reservation well in advance and allow enough time between your flight's arrival and your scheduled entry. If you prefer, you can also save the Blue Lagoon for the end of your trip.
Because the Blue Lagoon is located in a volcanically active region of Iceland, check its latest operating information and access instructions before visiting.
If you'd rather visit a different geothermal pool, I'll cover a few alternatives later in the itinerary.
Optional: Explore Reykjavík
Even if you only have a few hours, I would try to spend some time exploring Iceland's capital. One of my favorite ways to experience Reykjavík is simply to walk around the city center.
Start on Laugavegur, one of the city's main shopping streets, where you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, cafés, and interesting architecture.
From there, make your way toward Skólavörðustígur. This is the famous rainbow-painted street that leads toward Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's iconic church. If you have time, visit the church's observation tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
On your way back, stop at Brauð & Co. for a pastry.
If you're anything like me and need coffee every morning, Te & Kaffi is one of my favorite coffee shops in Iceland.
Have some additional time? Head toward the waterfront to see Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
One Last Stop Before Leaving Reykjavík
Visit a grocery store!
Iceland can be expensive, especially when you're eating out for every meal. I always recommend picking up some groceries before beginning a road trip. Bread, sandwich ingredients, fruit, snacks, and drinks can save you quite a bit of money over several days. My favorite grocery store is Bónus. You can also find Krónan and Nettó stores throughout Iceland. You'll be grateful you have snacks in the car once you're out exploring!
Wondering how much a trip like this actually costs? I've broken down my real Iceland travel expenses, including flights, accommodations, rental cars, gas, food, parking, and attractions, to help you put together a realistic budget.
Day 1: Drive Iceland's Golden Circle
Today's route: Reykjavík → Þingvellir National Park → Geysir → Gullfoss → Friðheimar → Kerið → Selfoss
Suggested departure: Around 8:00 AM
Overnight: Selfoss
Click here for an already-made Google Maps route.
Your first full day in Iceland will take you along one of the country's most famous scenic routes: the Golden Circle. The classic Golden Circle connects three major attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss. There are also several additional stops worth considering, including Faxi Waterfall, Friðheimar, and Kerið Crater.
This is a fairly full day, so I would recommend getting an early start. For more information about each attraction, including parking, costs, walking times, and additional recommendations, read my detailed Golden Circle self-drive guide.
Stop 1: Þingvellir National Park
Recommended time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Begin your day at Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland's most historically and geologically significant locations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Iceland's first parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930. It's also located within a remarkable rift valley formed by the gradual separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
When you arrive, I recommend starting at the main viewpoint near the visitor center. From there, follow the maintained walking paths through Almannagjá, the enormous rocky gorge that runs through the area. If you have enough time, continue toward Öxarárfoss, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by rock formations. You'll also find several interesting viewpoints and informational signs throughout the park.
What I'd recommend: Don't rush straight through Þingvellir. It's a beautiful place to walk around, and the combination of history and geology makes it unlike anywhere else on this itinerary.
If you're particularly interested in adventure, you can also arrange a snorkeling excursion in the nearby Silfra Fissure. However, snorkeling is a separate activity that can take several hours. If you decide to include it, I would remove some of the optional stops from today's schedule.
Stop 2: Geysir Geothermal Area
Recommended time: 30 to 45 minutes
Your next stop is Geysir Geothermal Area, located in Haukadalur Valley. As you enter the geothermal area, you'll find steaming ground, bubbling hot springs, colorful mineral deposits, and several geysers.
The most famous is Great Geysir, which actually gave us the English word "geyser." Although Great Geysir is mostly inactive today, its neighbor, Strokkur, regularly erupts, sending boiling water high into the air. You'll usually only have to wait several minutes between eruptions.
One of my favorite things to photograph here is the moment immediately before Strokkur erupts, when the water swells into an enormous blue bubble. It happens incredibly quickly, so have your camera ready!
What I'd recommend: Stay long enough to see at least two or three eruptions. They're not identical, and you'll probably want another opportunity to photograph one after seeing the first.
Make sure you stay on the marked paths and behind all safety barriers. The geothermal water is extremely hot.
Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall
Recommended time: 45 to 60 minutes
Next up is one of Iceland's most recognizable waterfalls. Gullfoss, meaning "Golden Falls," is an enormous two-stage waterfall that drops into a dramatic canyon. You can hear the rushing water as you make your way toward the viewing areas.
What I particularly like about Gullfoss is that you can experience the waterfall from several different perspectives. The upper viewpoints offer expansive views of the falls and the surrounding canyon, while the lower walking path, when open, allows you to get considerably closer. Depending on the weather and time of year, the lower path may be closed because of ice or unsafe conditions.
What I'd recommend: Visit both viewpoints if they're accessible. The experience is completely different from the upper viewpoint, especially when you're closer to the waterfall. And bring something to wipe your camera lens. The amount of mist can be surprising!
If you're running ahead of schedule, Gullfoss is one place I would spend some extra time at.
Optional Stop: Faxi Waterfall
Recommended time: 20 to 30 minutes
If you're making good time, consider stopping at Faxi Waterfall, also known as Faxafoss. Faxi is considerably smaller and less dramatic than Gullfoss, but it's also a much quieter place to stop. Its wide curtain of water makes for an interesting contrast to the enormous waterfalls you'll encounter throughout your trip to Iceland.
The main viewpoints are located a short walk from the parking area, making Faxi an easy addition to your Golden Circle route. However, I would consider this stop completely optional.
If you're running late or have a lunch reservation coming up, I would skip Faxi rather than rush through everything else.
Stop 4: Lunch at Friðheimar
Recommended time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Who travels all the way to Iceland for tomato soup? I do!
One of my favorite additions to a Golden Circle road trip is Friðheimar, a family-run greenhouse restaurant in Reykholt. If you've never eaten inside a working greenhouse, you're in for a pretty interesting experience.
The restaurant is surrounded by growing tomato plants, and the menu features dishes, drinks, and desserts that incorporate its homegrown tomatoes. Their tomato soup, served with fresh bread, is particularly popular. Before heading inside, you may also get an opportunity to see some Icelandic horses around the property.
One thing to keep in mind is that it's quite warm and humid inside the greenhouse. And apparently, you should also avoid wearing bright blue! During one of my visits, I was wearing an electric-blue shirt, and a bumblebee absolutely refused to leave me alone. When I mentioned it to the person taking our order, they suggested that the bee might have mistaken my shirt for a flower. Sure enough, as soon as I put on my black sweatshirt, the bee completely lost interest.
So if you're wondering whether I learned anything from that experience, the answer is yes. Dress in layers, and maybe leave the electric-blue shirt at the hotel!
What I'd recommend: Make a reservation in advance and plan your day around your lunch time. Friðheimar is extremely popular, and you don't want to arrive only to discover that you can't get a table.
The greenhouse restaurant's kitchen currently operates from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, making it a convenient lunch stop during your Golden Circle drive.
Stop 5: Kerið Crater
Recommended time: 30 to 45 minutes
Your final major stop of the day is Kerið Crater. After spending the day exploring waterfalls, tectonic rifts, and geothermal attractions, Kerið introduces a completely different landscape.
This volcanic crater is filled with a blue-green lake surrounded by layers of colorful volcanic rock. Depending on the lighting and season, you'll see shades of red, orange, brown, green, and black throughout the crater.
Once you arrive, you can walk along the rim for views down into the lake. There's also a pathway that leads toward the water. I would recommend doing both if you have enough time. The view from above showcases the crater's incredible colors, while walking down to the lake offers a completely different perspective.
Kerið has a small entrance fee of 700 ISK per person. Parking is included.
What I'd recommend: If your itinerary is running behind, you can still get an excellent view of Kerið without walking the entire rim. However, if you have another 15 or 20 minutes, I think it's worth taking the path down toward the lake.
Where to Stay: Selfoss
After your final stop, make your way toward Selfoss. This is where I recommend spending your first night because it positions you perfectly for tomorrow's South Coast road trip.
Selfoss has plenty of restaurants, accommodations, grocery stores, and other services, making it an easy place to relax after a long day. If you're looking for somewhere to stay, Hotel Selfoss and Hotel South Coast are two options worth considering.
Get some rest because tomorrow you'll be continuing along Iceland's spectacular South Coast toward Vík, with plenty of waterfalls, incredible landscapes, and more adventures along the way.
Day 2: Explore Iceland's South Coast
Today's route: Selfoss → Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss → South Coast attractions → Reynisfjara → Vík
Suggested departure: Around 8:00 AM
Overnight: Vík
Click here for an already-made Google Maps route.
Day 2 takes you along Iceland's spectacular South Coast. You'll spend the day exploring enormous waterfalls, black sand beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and, if you choose, a glacier or volcanic exhibition. This is one of my favorite regions in Iceland.
The landscape changes constantly as you drive, and there are so many beautiful places to stop that you'll probably find yourself pulling over more often than you originally planned. Although there are several additional attractions along the route, I would prioritize Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara. Then choose one or two optional attractions depending on your interests and how much time you have.
Want to explore even more of Iceland's South Coast? Check out my detailed South Coast travel guide for additional waterfalls, attractions, viewpoints, and places worth adding if you have more time.
Optional Stop: LAVA Centre
Recommended time: 1 to 1.5 hours
If you want to learn more about Iceland's incredible geology, consider visiting the LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur.
This interactive exhibition explores Iceland's volcanoes, earthquakes, geological history, and the forces that continue to shape the country. The museum includes interactive exhibits, displays of volcanic activity, and an educational cinema. I particularly recommend it if you're interested in understanding the landscapes you'll be seeing throughout your road trip. It's also a useful option if the weather isn't cooperating. However, this is a full day of sightseeing, so I would include the LAVA Centre only if you're willing to forgo another optional activity.
Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Recommended time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are two of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland, and the best part is that they're located right beside each other.
Seljalandsfoss drops approximately 60 meters, or 200 feet, over a steep cliff. What makes it particularly special is the walking path that allows visitors to go behind the waterfall when conditions permit. If you've ever seen photographs of an Icelandic waterfall taken from behind a curtain of falling water, there's a good chance they were taken here.
Walking behind Seljalandsfoss is a pretty incredible experience. However, the path can become extremely slippery, and access may be closed during winter or other unsafe conditions. Even when the path is closed, the waterfall is still worth visiting.
Don't Miss Gljúfrabúi
A short walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall partially hidden inside a narrow canyon. Of all the waterfalls I've visited in Iceland, this is one of my absolute favorites.
You approach the waterfall by following a small stream into an opening between enormous rock walls. Once you're inside, the canyon opens up, revealing a waterfall cascading down into the enclosed space. It's such a cool experience.
You'll have to carefully make your way across rocks in the stream, and depending on the conditions, you may get pretty wet. However, the view inside is absolutely worth the effort when access is safe.
What I'd recommend: Wear waterproof clothing and shoes with good traction. You'll probably get wet at both waterfalls, especially if you walk behind Seljalandsfoss or enter the canyon at Gljúfrabúi.
If you only have time for a few waterfalls on this trip, I would make these two a priority.
Stop 2: Skógafoss Waterfall
Recommended time: 45 to 60 minutes
Continue along the South Coast toward Skógafoss, another enormous waterfall that drops approximately 60 meters. Unlike Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind, Skógafoss is particularly impressive when viewed directly from the front. You can walk toward the base of the waterfall and experience the incredible power of the water crashing down. If the sun is cooperating, you might even see a rainbow forming in the mist.
To the right of the waterfall, you'll find a staircase leading to a viewing platform above the falls. It's quite a climb, but the view offers an entirely different perspective on the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. If you decide to climb the stairs, make sure you leave additional time for your visit.
What I'd recommend: Even if you decide to skip the staircase, don't skip Skógafoss itself. It's an incredibly impressive waterfall and an easy stop along the South Coast.
Optional Stop: Sólheimajökull Glacier
Recommended time: 1 to 1.5 hours for a short visit
If you'd like to add a glacier to your itinerary, Sólheimajökull is an excellent option along the South Coast. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier extending from the much larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. The landscape surrounding the glacier is completely different from the waterfalls and green hills you've been exploring so far.
From the parking area, you can follow the marked walking route toward viewpoints overlooking the glacier and its surrounding lagoon. However, you should never attempt to walk onto the glacier on your own. If you want to hike on the ice, book a guided glacier excursion with an experienced operator. Guided activities can take several hours, so I would treat this as a separate experience rather than attempting to squeeze it into an already busy day.
What I'd recommend: If you only want to see a glacier, the short walk toward the viewpoints can be a worthwhile addition. If you want to actually hike on the ice, I would consider rearranging your itinerary to give yourself enough time.
Optional Stop: Dyrhólaey
Recommended time: 30 to 45 minutes
As you continue toward Vík, consider stopping at Dyrhólaey. This dramatic coastal promontory offers incredible views of Iceland's black sand beaches, surrounding cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most recognizable features is its enormous natural rock arch extending out into the sea. There's also a lighthouse perched on top of the cliffs.
If you're visiting during the warmer months, you may even have the opportunity to see puffins nesting in the area. However, Dyrhólaey is a protected nature reserve, and certain areas may close during nesting season to protect the birds.
What I'd recommend: If you're running behind, save Dyrhólaey for tomorrow morning. Since you'll be spending the night in Vík, it's relatively easy to incorporate a stop there into your return journey.
Stop 3: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Recommended time: 20 to 45 minutes, depending on access conditions
Your final major sightseeing stop of the day is Reynisfjara, one of Iceland's most famous black sand beaches. The landscape here is unlike anything else on the itinerary. Enormous basalt columns rise beside the coastline, while dramatic sea stacks stand offshore. The contrast between the black volcanic sand, crashing waves, and surrounding cliffs makes this an incredible location for photography.
However, Reynisfjara is also one of Iceland's most dangerous tourist attractions. The coastline experiences powerful sneaker waves that can surge much farther up the beach than expected, sometimes without warning. Never turn your back on the ocean, and always remain well away from the water. There are warning signs and safety lights near the entrance. Depending on current conditions, access may be restricted to designated viewpoints or the beach may be closed altogether. Always follow the latest safety instructions and respect all closures.
What I'd recommend: Reynisfjara is absolutely worth seeing, but no photograph is worth putting yourself in danger. Stay within the permitted viewing areas and don't attempt to get closer to the waves.
Where to Stay: Vík
After your final sightseeing stop, make your way to Vík í Mýrdal. Vík is one of my favorite villages in Iceland, and I always seem to find a reason to visit whenever I'm in the country. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches, glaciers, and mountains, it's an incredibly beautiful place to spend the night.
If you still have some energy, head toward Víkurkirkja, the village's iconic church perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding area. It's a great place to photograph Vík and the surrounding landscape.
After a long day of exploring Iceland’s South Coast, I highly recommend stopping at Smiðjan Brugghús in Vík. It’s one of my personal favorites and a great place to grab a burger, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner before calling it a night.
When I went on my trip to do the entire ring road, we wanted to go back to this restaurant so badly that instead of staying in Reykjavík, we drove all the way back to Vík before heading to the airport the next day.
For accommodations, I would consider Hótel Kría, Hótel Dyrhólaey, or one of the many cottages outside the village. There are some beautiful places to stay along this stretch of the South Coast.
Day 3: Return to Reykjavík With a Few More Adventures
Today's route: Vík → Optional South Coast activities → Reykjavík
Driving time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours without stops
Overnight: Reykjavík or Keflavík
Your final full day in Iceland is deliberately more flexible. You've already experienced the Golden Circle and visited many of the major attractions along the South Coast, so today is an opportunity to revisit somewhere you loved, see something you missed, or enjoy one additional activity before heading back toward Reykjavík. I would choose just one major optional activity rather than trying to fit everything into the schedule.
Here are a few options worth considering.
Option 1: Visit Dyrhólaey
If you skipped Dyrhólaey yesterday, this is probably the easiest addition to your return journey. Head back toward the coastal viewpoints and enjoy the incredible views overlooking Reynisfjara and the surrounding coastline.
If you're visiting during puffin nesting season, check which areas are open before arriving.
This is also a great opportunity to get some additional photographs if yesterday's weather wasn't particularly cooperative.
Option 2: Visit the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
If you're looking for something a little different, consider visiting the famous plane wreck on Sólheimasandur. The abandoned aircraft sits on an enormous stretch of black volcanic sand, creating a pretty unusual and dramatic landscape. It's become one of Iceland's most recognizable photography locations. However, there's one very important thing to know before adding it to your itinerary.
It's a long walk.
The plane wreck is approximately 4 kilometers, or 2.5 miles, from the parking area, meaning you'll need to walk around 8 kilometers round trip. For most visitors, I would allow at least two to three hours for the entire experience, depending on walking speed and conditions. The landscape is extremely exposed, and the weather can change quickly. I would avoid the hike in strong winds or poor visibility.
There may also be a paid shuttle service available, so check current operating information before arriving.
What I'd recommend: If you're determined to visit the plane wreck, make this your main activity for the morning. I wouldn't attempt to combine it with several other long hikes.
Option 3: Book a Glacier Adventure
If you decided to skip Sólheimajökull yesterday, today could be an opportunity to book a guided glacier excursion. This is a completely different experience from simply walking toward a glacier viewpoint.
Depending on the excursion, you'll be provided with specialized equipment and accompanied by an experienced guide. However, these activities generally require several hours, so make sure you book an appropriate departure time and allow enough time to return to Reykjavík afterward.
If you choose this option, I would skip the other major activities for the day.
Option 4: Relax in a Geothermal Pool
After two extremely busy days exploring Iceland, you may prefer to spend your final day relaxing. If you haven't visited the Blue Lagoon yet, this could be a good opportunity, provided the facility is operating normally, and the timing works with your return journey.
There are also several other geothermal pools worth considering.
The Secret Lagoon, located in Flúðir, is one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools and offers a more traditional geothermal bathing experience. However, visiting it from the South Coast requires a detour, so I would recommend adding it only if you're comfortable with the extra driving.
Another option is Fontana Geothermal Baths in Laugarvatn, particularly if you decide to alter your itinerary and spend additional time around the Golden Circle.
If relaxation is your priority, I would build the rest of the day around whichever geothermal pool you choose rather than trying to add several more attractions afterward.
Can't decide which geothermal pool to visit? Check out my guide to Iceland's hot springs and pools, where I cover some of the country's most popular geothermal experiences, along with a few lesser-known places worth considering.
Finish Your Trip in Reykjavík
Once you've finished your chosen activity, make your way back toward Reykjavík. If you still have some time, spend the afternoon or evening exploring more of the city. This could be a great opportunity to visit somewhere you missed on arrival day, enjoy a nice dinner, or simply walk around Laugavegur. After several days of constant driving and sightseeing, you might also appreciate an evening without any specific plans.
If you're flying home early the following morning, I would consider staying in Keflavík or near the airport instead.
Otherwise, spend your final night in Reykjavík and enjoy one last evening in Iceland.
Day 4: Time to Fly Home!
Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to Iceland. If your flight leaves early, make sure you allow enough time to drive to Keflavík International Airport, return your rental car, and check in. Returning a rental car can take additional time, particularly if your rental company uses a shuttle service to transport passengers back to the terminal.
If you're spending your final night in Reykjavík, allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes for the drive to the airport under normal conditions.
And just like that, you've completed an incredible three-day Iceland road trip!
But what if you don't have three full days?
Only Have Three Calendar Days in Iceland?
If you're arriving on Day 1 and flying home on Day 3, I would recommend a slightly different itinerary. This is where my shorter Iceland road trip comes in.
During one of my own three-day trips to Iceland, I flew in from Dublin, Ireland, and continued onward to New York after exploring the country. A short stopover like that is a great way to experience Iceland without necessarily using a full week of vacation time. However, if you only have three calendar days, I would focus on Reykjavík and the Golden Circle rather than trying to squeeze in the entire South Coast.
Here's how I would organize it.
Shorter Itinerary: Day 1
Arrive in Iceland, Visit the Blue Lagoon, and Explore Reykjavík
After landing at Keflavík and collecting your rental car, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon if your flight schedule allows. From there, continue toward Reykjavík.
Spend some time walking around the city center, visiting Hallgrímskirkja, exploring Laugavegur, and grabbing something to eat. If you arrive early, are well rested, and have plenty of daylight, you could also begin your Golden Circle adventure by visiting Þingvellir National Park. Otherwise, I would save Þingvellir for tomorrow and enjoy a more relaxed first day.
Where to stay: Reykjavík, Laugarvatn, or another location near the Golden Circle, depending on how far you decide to drive.
Shorter Itinerary: Day 2
Explore the Golden Circle
Today is all about Iceland's Golden Circle. If you didn't visit Þingvellir yesterday, make that your first stop.
Continue toward Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss, allowing enough time to explore both attractions without rushing. From there, you can add Faxi Waterfall, stop at Friðheimar for lunch, and visit Kerið Crater on your way back toward Reykjavík. If you're interested in spending more time at Friðheimar, make sure you reserve a table in advance.
For anyone planning to fit all these attractions into one day, I would prioritize Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and your lunch reservation. Faxi and Kerið are optional additions depending on how quickly you're moving.
Where to stay: Reykjavík or Keflavík, especially if you're flying home the following morning.
Shorter Itinerary: Day 3
Enjoy Your Final Morning and Fly Home
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for one final activity. If you haven't visited the Blue Lagoon yet, it could be an option if the facility is operating normally and you can comfortably fit the visit into your departure schedule.
Alternatively, enjoy breakfast in Reykjavík, take one last walk around the city, or stop somewhere you missed on arrival day.
If you have an early flight, skip the sightseeing and head straight to the airport.
The benefit of this shorter itinerary is that you can still experience several of Iceland's major attractions without trying to drive all the way to Vík and back.
Tips for Planning a Short Iceland Road Trip
There are a few things I would keep in mind when organizing a trip like this one.
Don't underestimate the driving. Iceland's scenery is so beautiful that you'll constantly want to stop for photographs. A drive that looks relatively short on Google Maps can take considerably longer once you start exploring.
Book your accommodations early. Popular areas like Reykjavík, Selfoss, and Vík can become expensive during the busy summer months. Booking in advance also gives you more options.
Bring waterproof clothing. Between Iceland's unpredictable weather and the enormous amount of mist you'll encounter around its waterfalls, you're almost guaranteed to get wet at some point.
Keep snacks in the car. Grocery shopping before beginning your road trip is one of the easiest ways to save money, especially if you're trying to stick to a travel budget.
Don't try to see absolutely everything. It's tempting to keep adding attractions when you realize how many incredible places there are in Iceland. However, I'd rather spend extra time enjoying a few amazing locations than rush through every stop just to check them off a list.
Leave room for the unexpected. Some of my favorite travel experiences have come from unplanned stops and discovering somewhere I hadn't originally intended to visit.
Is Three Days in Iceland Worth It?
Absolutely!
Three days may not seem like enough time to experience a country as beautiful and diverse as Iceland, but you can accomplish quite a bit if you're strategic about your itinerary. From exploring the tectonic rifts of Þingvellir and watching Strokkur erupt to photographing enormous waterfalls and walking along Iceland's black sand coastline, this itinerary introduces you to some of the country's most incredible landscapes. And if you're anything like me, you'll probably leave already thinking about your next trip.
Whether you're using Iceland as a stopover on your way to another destination, planning a long weekend, or simply trying to make the most of limited vacation time, don't let a short itinerary discourage you from visiting. You don't need to see everything on your first trip. You just need to get there and start exploring.
Three days in Iceland will give you an incredible introduction to the country, but there's still so much more to discover. If you're already dreaming about your next trip, take a look at my Ultimate Iceland Bucket List for even more places to add to your itinerary.
Happy travels!
Not every trip goes according to plan. From missing a famous viewpoint in Italy to losing an entire collection of Iceland photographs, these are five travel mistakes I've made, what they taught me, and what I'd do differently today.