← All ToursEpic Iceland in 3 Days: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle
3-day self-drive itinerary · all-year
Two people driving this in September, with a 4x4 and guesthouses, would spend roughly 211,000 ISK ($1,724) before flights — price it for your own trip.
Epic Iceland can be experienced in as little as three days! Start your journey in the capital city of Reykjavik before venturing out to explore the famed Golden Circle.
Day 1: Day 1
After landing at Keflavík international airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. Check into your accommodation and spend the day exploring Reykjavík. Visit sights such as the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa concert hall, and the Reykjavík Art Museum. In the evening, enjoy Reykjavík's nightlife by going out for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Day 2
Today you'll venture out of Reykjavík to explore the Golden Circle. This popular tourist route takes you to three of Iceland's most famous natural wonders: Haukadalur, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Start your day at Haukadalur, where you'll see the geothermal area of geysers and hot springs. Then it's on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls. Finally, visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the world's oldest parliament. In the evening, drive back to Reykjavík and check into your accommodation.
Day 3: Day 3
Today is your last day in Iceland. Drive back to Keflavík airport and return your rental car. Catch your flight back home and start planning your next trip to Iceland!
Prefer a guided journey?
Guided audio journeys across Iceland — every stop mapped, narrated and ready to drive.
8 stops
East Iceland and the Eastfjords
Explore Iceland’s quieter east through fjords, small towns, basalt canyons, forests, and mountain-backed coastlines.
Start journey →5 stops
Glacier Lagoons and Southeast Iceland
Experience Iceland’s glacial edge through lagoon ice, black shores, mountain views, and wide-open southeast landscapes.
Start journey →8 stops
Reykjanes: Fire, Steam and Ocean
Discover Iceland’s volcanic gateway through lava fields, geothermal areas, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Start journey →Browse all journeys →