Iceland in October and November falls perfectly in the transitional period between autumn and winter. The probability of the aurora borealis increases, blue ice caves begin to appear, there are fewer people than in the height of summer, and prices are much more reasonable than during the Christmas peak season. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so you can't be greedy with your itinerary or compromise on your budget. This article focuses on the actual costs and practical itinerary for an average person, without going into details.
💰 Budget Reference (per person, 6 days 5 nights, excluding shopping)
Round-trip airfare is the biggest expense. In October, there's still a bit of the off-season left, with connecting flights costing around 5,000-7,000 RMB including taxes; once the aurora season begins in November, prices will rise, with 7,000-10,000 RMB being normal. To save money, avoid transiting through the UK and keep an eye on tickets two to three months in advance.
Visa + Insurance: Schengen visa fees, service fees, and miscellaneous documents. If you apply yourself without an agency, prepare around 800-1000 RMB for a more conservative estimate. Icelandic visa processing time is not fast; allow three to four weeks between appointment for fingerprinting and receiving the result. Don't submit your application on your departure date.
Car Rental: In October, the South Coast and Golden Circle will be on paved roads, so a two-wheel drive is sufficient, but be sure to purchase comprehensive insurance, including coverage for glass, undercarriage, and gravel. In November, roads start to icy, so four-wheel drive is more stable, and rental prices will increase accordingly. A 6-day car rental, fuel, and parking cost, split between two people, will cost approximately 2,000-3,000 RMB per person.
Accommodation: In Reykjavik city, a bed in a standard guesthouse or hostel costs 250-400 RMB per person per night. Accommodation in towns around Vik and Hepburn on the South Coast is tight; book in advance, and the same level of accommodation will cost 350-500 RMB per person per night. For 5 nights, an economy option will cost 1,500-2,000 RMB, and a comfortable option 2,500-3,000 RMB.
Food: A meal at a restaurant in Iceland easily costs 150-250 RMB per person. Eating out every meal will easily cost over 2,000 RMB for 6 days. Supermarket self-catering plus one proper restaurant meal per day can keep food costs down to 1,000-1,500 RMB. Bónus supermarket is key to saving money; restock whenever it's available.
Activities: Choose either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Spa, 400-600 RMB per person; glacier hiking or a day tour to the Blue Ice Caves, around 1,000 RMB; chasing the Northern Lights yourself is free, otherwise a tour is extra. Allocating 1,000-2,000 RMB for activities is more manageable.
Overall: An economical trip costs 15,000-18,000 RMB per person; a comfortable trip costs 20,000-25,000 RMB. Going below this cost doesn't mean you can't go, but you'll have to cut back heavily on accommodation and food; going above this cost likely involves adding major activities like helicopter tours or glass igloos.
🛂 Visa Information
Iceland is a Schengen country, so apply for a Schengen tourist visa. The core documents are: passport, photo, itinerary, flight booking confirmation, proof of accommodation for the entire trip, proof of employment, and bank statements. Self-application is perfectly feasible; no agency fees are required. After fingerprinting, results typically appear in 7-15 business days, but appointment waiting times are extra; preparing for about a month is the safest approach.
🚗 Transportation:
You can travel without a car. Golden Circle day tours and South Coast two-day tours departing from Reykjavik are well-established. However, in October and November, if you want to chase the Northern Lights or stop for photos along the way, self-driving offers significantly more flexibility than a tour.
Picking up your car at Keflavik Airport is the most convenient. Once you have the car, check the tires, windows, and undercarriage, and confirm your full insurance policy. Gas stations in Iceland are mostly self-service; a credit card with a chip is the most reliable. Confirm your four-digit PIN with your bank beforehand, as entering the wrong PIN can lock your card. Gas stations (N1) are located along Route 1 and in towns; don't wait until your tank is empty to look for one.
In October, there are 9-11 hours of daylight, which decreases to 5-8 hours in November. Don't overschedule your itinerary. Limit your actual road time to 4-5 hours per day, returning to your accommodation before dark. Before departure and every morning, check road.is and safetravel.is for road closures, strong winds, and blizzard warnings; don't drive based on gut feeling.
🗺️ 6-Day Itinerary (South Coast + Golden Circle, not a rigid island loop)
Day 1|Land in Reykjavik
Pick up your rental car and drop off your luggage in town. Afternoon: Visit Hallgrímska Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Port. Evening: Supermarket shopping, get some sleep to adjust to the time difference.
Day 2|Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park → Geysir Geyser → Gullfoss. Three points on one route, road conditions are good. Overnight in Reykjavik or Selfoss; if the weather is clear, go out to see the Northern Lights.
Day 3|South Coast Waterfall Route
Seljalandsfoss (you can walk behind the falls, wear waterproof clothing) → Skógafoss → Plane Wreck (can skip if you don't want to walk too long) → Overnight in Vik. The black sand beach near Vik is a bit dangerous; be careful of the waves, the sneaker wave is no joke.
Day 4 | Vik → Glacier Lagoon
Black Sand Beach → Feather Canyon → Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon + Diamond Beach. Glacier Lagoon boat tours may still be available in October, but in November it depends on luck. Blue Ice Caves gradually open from October onwards, but require a professional guide; don't try to find them yourself. Check prices and locations in advance, as they often sell out.
Day 5 | South Shore Return → Blue Lagoon or Sky Hot Springs
Drive back from the Glacier Lagoon direction, stopping for any missed trips along the way. Go to the hot springs in the evening, then stay near the airport for a comfortable flight the next day.
Day 6 | Return the car, fly away.
This route avoids the eastern fjords and the north, resulting in less daily travel, reaching accommodation before dark, and having room to adjust for bad weather. In October and November, less is more.
🍜 Food Picks
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog Stand, near Reykjavik's Old Port. Cheap, fast, and popular with locals. Just order "eina með öllu".
Svarta Kaffið Bread Bowl Soup. The soup is served in a bread bowl; eat the soup and then the bowl. Located on Laugavegur on the main street, a comforting bowl in winter.
Íslenski Barinn A family-run pub offering lamb soup, hot dogs, and creative Icelandic dishes. Much more relaxed than a Michelin-starred establishment, perfect for your first proper meal.
Lobster Bisque. Almost any place around Hepburn on the South Shore will be decent. Pakkhus or Kaffi Hornið are both good options; Hepburn's lobster is their signature dish.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm, along the Golden Circle. Tomato soup and tomato bread. In an indoor heated tent, the experience is great, but reservations are necessary; it's not a walk-in option.
The key to saving money is this: get breakfast and lunch from Bónus supermarket, leaving your budget for a hot dinner. Bread, cheese, ham, fruit, and instant soup are readily available in the car.
⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls (numbered below)
1️⃣ Don't skimp on full rental car insurance. Icelandic winds can damage car doors, and gravel can shatter headlights. The deductible for standard insurance is enough to buy another plane ticket. Get super comprehensive insurance and take a video of yourself driving around the car when you pick it up.
2️⃣ Don't leave the road. What looks like snow on the side of the road might be a steep slope or a moss reserve below. Roadside assistance for getting stuck is incredibly expensive, and driving into the wilderness is illegal.
3️⃣ Check road conditions and weather every day before you leave. Use road.is for road information and safetravel.is for warnings. Icelandic weather changes every ten minutes, and warnings are not advice, they are orders.
4️⃣ Confirm your four-digit credit card PIN for gas in advance. Self-service machines don't recognize six-digit PINs, and making a phone call while standing in the wind after entering the wrong PIN is a painful experience. Bring a chip SIM card and a spare physical SIM card.
5️⃣ Black sand beaches are far from the waves. Icelandic waves are called "sneaker waves"—they look far, but they're at your feet in seconds. Taking photos is fine, but don't face away from the sea.
6️⃣ Don't try to drive on F Road in November. F Road in the highlands is closed in winter; insurance won't cover two-wheel-drive vehicles entering, and fines will apply separately. The main road on the south coast is enough; trying to drive on it can easily lead to getting stuck.
7️⃣ Don't push your aurora viewing too hard. The probability increases in October and November, but it's not every day. Allocate one or two nights in areas with less light pollution (near Vik and König Lagoon). If the clouds are thick, switch to daytime activities; don't spend the whole night there.
8️⃣ Remember to pay parking fees. Not paying in paid areas will result in fines dozens of times higher than the parking fee, plus additional handling fees from the rental company.
✍️ Conclusion
Iceland isn't cheap, but it's not as "unaffordable for the average person" as some people say. Going in October or November, abandoning ambitions to circle the entire island, and focusing on the South Coast and Golden Circle, with a budget around 20,000 RMB is entirely feasible. The real key isn't saving money, but rather monitoring the weather, allowing for flexibility, and avoiding overly ambitious itineraries. Seeing the Northern Lights involves luck, but if you choose the right route, Iceland's waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacial lagoons, and a bowl of hot soup will all reward you.
October and November in Iceland fall perfectly in the transition from autumn to winter. The probability of seeing the Northern Lights increases, blue ice caves begin to appear, there are fewer people than in the height of summer, and prices are much more reasonable than during the Christmas peak season. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so you can't be greedy with your itinerary or compromise on your budget. This article focuses on the actual costs and practical itinerary for an average person's trip, without beating around the bush.
💰 Budget Reference (per person, 6 days 5 nights, excluding shopping)
Round-trip airfare is the biggest expense. October still has a bit of the off-season left, with round-trip flights including taxes around 5,000-7,000 RMB. Once November arrives during the aurora season, prices will rise, with 7,000-10,000 RMB being normal. To save money, avoid transiting through the UK and keep an eye on tickets two to three months in advance.
Visa + Insurance: For a Schengen visa, the visa fee, service fee, and miscellaneous documents should be around 800-1000 RMB if you apply yourself without an agent. Icelandic visa processing times are not fast; allow three to four weeks between appointment for fingerprinting and receiving the results, and don't submit your application on the departure date.
Car Rental: In October, the South Coast and Golden Circle will be on paved roads, so a two-wheel drive is sufficient, but you must purchase comprehensive supplemental insurance, including coverage for glass, undercarriage, and gravel. In November, roads start to icy, so four-wheel drive is more stable, and rental prices will increase accordingly. A 6-day car rental plus fuel and parking, split between two people, will cost approximately 2,000-3,000 RMB per person.
Accommodation: In Reykjavik city center, a bed in a typical guesthouse or hostel costs 250-400 RMB per person per night. Accommodation in towns around Vik and Hepburn on the south coast is tight; book in advance, and the same level of accommodation costs 350-500 RMB per person per night. For 5 nights, budget options cost 1.5k-2k RMB, and comfortable options cost 2.5k-3k RMB.
Food: A proper meal at a restaurant in Iceland easily costs 150-250 RMB per person. Eating out every day can easily cost over 2k RMB for 6 days. Supermarket meals combined with one decent restaurant meal per day can keep food costs down to 1k-1.5k RMB. Bónus supermarket is key to saving money; restock whenever it's available.
Activities: Choose either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Spa, costing 400-600 RMB per person; glacier hiking or a day tour to the Blue Ice Caves costs around 1k RMB; chasing the Northern Lights yourself is free if you drive yourself, otherwise, it's extra. Allocating 1k-2k RMB for activities is more flexible.
Overall, the budget is roughly 15,000-18,000 RMB per person for an economical trip, and 20,000-25,000 RMB for a comfortable trip. Going below this amount doesn't mean you can't go, but you'll have to cut back heavily on accommodation and food; going above this amount likely means you've added major attractions like helicopter tours or glass igloos.
🛂 Visa Information
Iceland is a Schengen country, so you need a Schengen tourist visa. The core documents are: passport, photo, itinerary, flight booking confirmation, proof of accommodation for the entire trip, proof of employment, and bank statements. You can apply for the visa yourself; there's no need to pay any agency fees. After fingerprinting, results are usually available in 7-15 business days, but appointment waiting times are extra. It's best to prepare for about a month.
🚗 Transportation Options
You can travel without a car. Golden Circle day tours and South Coast two-day tours departing from Reykjavik are well-established. However, in October and November, if you want to chase the Northern Lights or stop for photos along the way, self-driving offers significantly more flexibility than a group tour.
Picking up your car at Keflavik Airport is the easiest. Once you have the car, check the tires, windows, and undercarriage, and confirm your full insurance policy. Gas stations in Iceland are mostly self-service; credit cards with chips are the most reliable. Confirm your four-digit PIN with your bank beforehand, as entering the wrong PIN can lock your card and cause problems. Gas stations (N1) are located along Route 1 and in towns; don't wait until your tank is empty to look for one.
In October, there are still 9-11 hours of daylight, but in November it shrinks to 5-8 hours, so don't overschedule your itinerary. Limit your actual driving time to 4-5 hours per day, returning to your accommodation before dark. Check road.is and safetravel.is before departure and every morning for road closures, high winds, and blizzard warnings; don't drive based on guesswork.
🗺️ 6-Day Itinerary (South Coast + Golden Circle, not a rigid island loop)
Day 1|Land in Reykjavik
Pick up your car and drop off your luggage in town. In the afternoon, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Harbour. Shopping at the supermarket in the evening, then getting some sleep to adjust to the time difference.
Day 2 | Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park → Geyser Basin → Gullfoss. Three points on one route, road conditions are good. Stay overnight in Reykjavik or Selfoss; if the weather is clear, go out to see the Northern Lights.
Day 3 | South Shore Falls Route: Seljalandsfoss Falls (you can walk behind the falls, wear waterproof clothing) → Skógafoss Falls → Plane Wreck (can skip if you don't have to walk too much) → Stay overnight in Vik. The black sand beach near Vik is a bit dangerous; be careful of the waves, the sneaker wave is no joke.
Day 4 | Vik → Glacier Lagoon: Black sand beach → Feather Canyon → Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon + Diamond Beach. Glacier Lagoon boat tours may still be running in October, but in November it depends on luck. Blue ice caves gradually open from October onwards, but you need a professional guide; don't try to find the caves yourself. Check prices and locations in advance, as they often sell out.
Day 5 | South Shore Return Trip → Blue Lagoon or Sky Spa
Drive back from the Glacier Lagoon direction, stopping for any roadside repairs. Go to the hot springs in the evening, then stay near the airport for a comfortable overnight stay before your flight the next day.
Day 6 | Return the car, fly away.
This route avoids the eastern fjords and the north, resulting in less travel each day, reaching your accommodation before dark, and having room to adjust for bad weather. In October and November, less is more.
🍜 Food Recommendations
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, near Reykjavik's Old Port. Cheap, fast, and popular with locals. Just order "eina með öllu".
Svarta Kaffið bread bowl soup. The soup is served in a bread bowl; eat the soup and then the bowl. Located on Laugavegur on the main street. A comforting bowl in winter.
Íslenski Barinn is a family-run pub offering lamb soup, hot dogs, and creative Icelandic dishes. It's much more relaxed than a Michelin-starred restaurant, perfect for your first proper meal.
Lobster soup: You can find decent options anywhere around Hepburn on the South Coast, like Pakkhus or Kaffi Hornið. Hepburn's lobster soup is their signature dish.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm: Located along the Golden Circle, this tomato soup and tomato bread is served in an indoor greenhouse, offering a great experience. However, reservations are necessary; it's not a walk-in spot.
The key to saving money is simple: grab breakfast and lunch from Bónus supermarket and save your budget for a hot dinner. Bread, cheese, ham, fruit, and quick soup are readily available in the car.
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls (numbered):
1️⃣ Don't skimp on full car insurance. Icelandic winds can damage car doors, and gravel can shatter headlights. The deductible for standard insurance is enough to buy another plane ticket. 1. Purchase comprehensive insurance and take a video of yourself driving around the area when picking up your car.
2. Do not leave the highway. What looks like snow on the side of the road may be a steep slope or a moss reserve below. Roadside assistance for getting stuck is exorbitantly expensive, and driving into the wilderness is illegal.
3. Check road conditions and weather every day before you leave. Use road.is for road information and safetravel.is for warnings. Icelandic weather changes every ten minutes, and warnings are not advice, but orders.
4. Confirm your four-digit credit card PIN before refueling. Self-service machines do not accept six-digit PINs, and making a phone call while locked in the wind after entering the wrong PIN is extremely painful. Bring a smart card and a spare physical card.
5. Black sand beaches are far from the waves. Icelandic waves are called "sneaker waves"—they look far, but they reach your feet in seconds. Taking photos is fine, but not with your back to the sea.
6. Do not drive on F Road in November. F Road in the highlands is closed in winter. Two-wheel drive vehicles entering will not be covered by insurance, and fines will apply. The main road on the south coast is enough to explore; trying to get too far can easily lead to getting stuck on the road.
7️⃣ Don't tie up your entire itinerary for the Northern Lights. The probability increases in October and November, but it's not a daily occurrence. Allocate one or two nights in areas with less light pollution (near Vik and Kjeldahl-Iceberg). If the clouds are thick, switch to daytime activities; don't spend the whole night there.
8️⃣ Remember to pay parking fees. Not paying in paid areas will result in fines dozens of times higher than the parking fee, plus additional handling fees from the rental company.
✍️ Conclusion
Iceland isn't cheap, but it's not as "unaffordable for the average person" as some people say. Going in October or November, abandoning ambitions to circle the entire island, focusing on the south coast and the Golden Circle, and keeping your budget around 20,000 RMB is entirely feasible. The real key isn't saving money, but rather monitoring the weather, allowing for flexibility, and avoiding over-exploiting the area. Whether you see the aurora borealis or not depends on luck, but if you take the right route, Iceland's waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacial lagoons, and a bowl of hot soup will all reward you.
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