Find Cheap Flights to Iceland: How to Book the Best Tickets

Winter is the low season, making it a great time to find cheap flights to Iceland. You have the highest chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and ice cave tours are available. However, the weather is cold and daylight hours are short.

Spring is when the winter chill subsides and the Midnight Sun begins. There are fewer tourists, which is advantageous for comparing Iceland flight prices, and you can spot wildlife like puffins.

Summer is the peak season in Iceland, with the Midnight Sun allowing activities all night long. Round-trip flight prices to Iceland are highest, but the weather is mild and all roads are open.

Autumn marks the end of the peak season, and Iceland flight prices begin to drop. It is a balanced time to enjoy the Northern Lights again, along with fall foliage and crisp air.

South Korean citizens can stay in Iceland, a Schengen Area country, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure. For long-term stays or visits for other purposes, a separate visa may be required, so be sure to check the latest information with the Icelandic embassy or relevant authorities before departure.

A rental car is the most flexible way to travel in Iceland. A vehicle is essential, especially to explore major tourist attractions like the Golden Circle or the South Coast. Driving along the Ring Road is pleasant in the summer, but due to severe weather changes in winter, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Public transportation includes Reykjavik city buses (Strætó) and long-distance bus routes, but accessibility is low in remote areas. You can take the Flybus or a taxi from the airport to Reykjavik. Be careful when driving, as many roads in Iceland are unpaved gravel roads (F-roads).

Accommodation in Iceland is divided into hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik, and cottages or farm stays in rural areas. Especially during the peak season (June-August), competition for accommodation is fierce, so it is best to book at least 3–6 months in advance, simultaneously with your flight reservation. If you want to see the Northern Lights, choose accommodation in remote areas without city light pollution. Accommodation is expensive, so consider Airbnb or hostels to save budget. It is important to carefully check cancellation policies and whether breakfast is included when booking accommodation.

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, but the risks posed by the natural environment are greater. Since the weather changes very quickly, you must check road conditions and weather forecasts before traveling. Do not stray from designated paths when hiking. Local scams are rare, but the possibility of pickpocketing in downtown Reykjavik should always be kept in mind. Also, credit card use is common in Iceland, so you do not need to carry a lot of cash. In case of emergency, dial 112 to connect with police, fire, and ambulance services.

Icelanders are generally friendly and open, but they value their privacy. It is best to avoid speaking loudly or drawing unnecessary attention in public places. There is a culture where you must shower before using hot springs or swimming pools; this is an essential procedure for hygiene. Tipping is not mandatory; it is given optionally only if the service was satisfactory. Iceland's nature is highly valued, so be mindful of environmental protection and always take your trash with you.

Icelandic cuisine focuses on lamb, seafood, and dairy products. Must-try foods include lamb soup (Kjötsúpa), fermented shark (Hákarl), and a unique yogurt called Skyr. The hot dog stand in Reykjavik (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur) is also famous. Restaurant prices are high, so to save budget, it is better to buy ingredients from the supermarket or use lunch specials. Tap water is safe to drink, clean, and tastes good. However, note that it may have a sulfur smell from the geothermal water.

An itinerary of at least 5 to 10 days is suitable for Iceland. For a short trip, focus on the Golden Circle and downtown Reykjavik, and for a longer trip, we recommend driving around the entire country along the Ring Road. In winter, you can enjoy Northern Lights viewing and glacier cave tours, and in summer, hiking and the midnight sun. Since the weather is highly variable, it is wise to keep one day as a spare day. Allow plenty of travel time between major tourist attractions when planning your trip.

In Iceland, you must be prepared for cold and wind all year round. Waterproof and windproof outerwear and warm layered clothing are essential. Especially in winter, prepare a highly insulating hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof shoes with anti-slip features. Sunglasses are also necessary as sunlight changes rapidly in Iceland. The voltage is similar to South Korea at 230V, but the outlet shape is different, so you need to bring a European adapter (Type C or F). Also, a tripod for Northern Lights photography and extra batteries are important. After booking your Iceland flight, double-check the airline's baggage regulations.