5 Mistakes You Make When You Arrive in Iceland

When you're planning a trip to Iceland it's common to overlook how important the arrival day is. Nailing day 1 and making everything as easy as possible from the minute you step off the plane until you go to bed the first night sets the stage for your trip. My goal is to make that arrival day as easy as possible - that's what we're talking about in this video!
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[@alonsolopez3541]

I landed in Iceland at 5 am got my rental at 6 am and hit the golden circle with my bags in the car when I got back to Reykjavik at around 8pm. It was time to eat shower and check in and slept like a baby…I suggest you do the golden circle the first day coming from America

[@live.travel.]

Your tips were so helpful many years ago on my visit. I got in bright and early, got my car- which I camped in because I was solo and wasn’t spending extra money. Went to the campground later, bonus for groceries and ventured a bit in the city

[@dickginkowski6071]

My tips (8x in Iceland). Inspect and thoroughly photograph your rental car to prevent false damage claims. First stops at Costco and Ikea (which has a breakfast bar). There's a Bonus next to Costco. Great place to stock up on water and soda plus muffins for breakfast. You can also get some lunch sandwiches. Note that Costco gas is cheapest in Iceland. Another stop may be Byko Hardware Store. Your hotel may not have enough outlets and you can get a three-in-one adapter. I prefer guest houses that have kitchen facilities. Lunch will usually be our restaurant meal. Then another trip to the market and we'll cook dinner. And helpful to know where there are public toilet facilities. On the way back to the airport stop at Costco for gas. Not necessary to have a lot of Icelandic money but knowing PIN for your Visa is critical for the gas pump.

[@BillHong19.56]

A possible alternative to the Blue Lagoon for those heading into the City is the Sky Lagoon, on the tip of the Kopavogur peninsula. It's an artificial creation, and smaller than the Blue, but the experience is very enjoyable, with some optional experiences that are invigorating, plus a fantastic ocean view. We also spent our first evening in Reykjavik at a concert in the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall, before heading out on the road the next day to Snaesfellsness. Can also recommend the camper van experience.

[@ericwright6608]

This is honestly my choice over the Blue Lagoon. Sky Lagoon is more expensive last I checked of you want the full package, but Blue Lagoon has the big crowds depending on the time of year you go. Camper van is what I'd do as well. Once everything is done and I have the van, I'd travel to get food at Bonus and Costco on the way into town, then to Sky Lagoon to get the stress and stiffness from flying out. Then just walk around downtown Reykjavik and do some light shopping and sightseeing. And after that drive out to a spot to park the van and relax for the rest of that first day. Nothing too packed.

[@animated000]

​@@ericwright6608yeah last time i was there for 10 days we got a car. hindsight, should have gotten a camper. There's another spa close by that'really nice is Laugarvatn Fontana. it's out the way, not overly crowded and has a cold splash pool...which helps when you've been sitting in 102f degree water

[@ThePinoyAggie]

We started our trip to Iceland with a visit to Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. We arrived at around 9:30 AM in Keflavik, picked up our car, and drove to Sky Lagoon. We ate brunch at the cafe inside Sky Lagoon introducing ourselves to some Icelandic food. We then enjoyed the lagoon doing the seven steps ritual and a couple or more glasses of Gull beer and white wine. Our jet lag was gone and we were ready for the next day's adventure.

[@hoser7706]

We nailed our first day thanks to your vlog and guide. The airport transition from landing to rentail car to Trawire. Then hit the Blue Lagoon at 7am, Grindavik, Fridheimars for lunch, skowly hit Selfoss and then the Golden Circle big sites, dropped the crowds, hit Reyjavik, famous hot dogs and chased it all with a night walk to Reykjadular hot river. Honestly thanks to your guide. ❤

[@JorgeLopez-nq4jj]

Went to Iceland last June. I found a flight IcelandAir JKF to Keflavik arriving 11:00 Pm. Stayed at the Aurora hotel next to the airport, didn’t have to worry getting a rental car on the arrival day. Everything worked perfectly, no jet lag. Next day we stated our 7 day Iceland trip fresh

[@sukalyan_naskar]

Thanks for your comment. This is a nice option to just get in, hit the bed and then wake up fresh and get on with the day.

[@AA_8184_1]

I literally “LOLed” when you mentioned falling asleep standing up @ 4PM. Has happened to me on trips to Iceland and European destination multiple times! :) Great advice as always!

[@adamwenz8761]

Great advice, as always. Thanks for the video! When we came to Iceland in June 2022, we arrived at Keflavik airport at 9:30 am and then eventually made it to Reykjavik at around 12:30 pm. We were able to leave our luggage at our accommodations, and then walked around the city for a few hours. I agree about the later afternoon "wall" that you mentioned. We made it until 6:00 pm and then slept for about 10 hours! We were glad we didn't have any tours planned for that first day! The 24-hour daylight that time of year was something I didn't get used to during our 8 days in the country. Looking forward to the next video!

[@jacquibiggart1578]

We did blue lagoon after we landed, loved it and we could check our suitcases (since we hadn’t checked into our hotel yet). The only downside was we were tired from the red eye (coming from Toronto) then sitting in the warm cozy hot spring. I got sooo sleepy 😂

[@carableu]

I would definitely book an accommodation for the night before. I’ve actually never been able to check in early in Iceland. Well worth having a room ready.

[@josephr9551]

Thanks and I would do exactly as you suggest. That camper van sounds tempting.

[@shimvision]

Great! Very helpful. Had a great time when we visited in 2018

[@fabolous2006]

I live in The Bahamas and ready for a change in scenery and the Nordic countries are looking so welcoming

[@gnarlycat]

Thank you for the video and the arrival guide!

[@IcelandwithaView]

I am happy to help!

[@Justreg86]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@IcelandwithaView]

You're welcome! I am happy to help!

[@micheller4794]

Great tips...thank you!

[@IcelandwithaView]

Glad it was helpful!

[@humboldtfisher8319]

In mid-May, we flew from Seattle WA and arrived at 930AM (which was 230AM our time). Took Fly Bus to Reykjavik = super easy. Had time to check into our lodging at Snorri's Guesthouse and take a nap. Woke up, went into town, walked around for about an hour and then did the Food and Drink Tour, which was BIG fun! After three nights in Reykjavik, we took the Fly Bus back to airport to pick up our rental van from Camp Easy = great company. The only van rental company we heard bad things about was Go Indie. We did a 10-night loop around the Ring Road, went in a counter-clockwise direction. Jeanie's videos were very helpful in planning our trip!

[@garrydelday5816]

Superb advice Jeannie for both visitors from the west and east, landing times are such a big determining factor in what you can do on day one. Planning day one is essential according to where you are coming from, we arrived from Europe and put off hiring a vehicle until the following day (simply wasn’t worth paying for a day where you can’t use it) better to get a taxi to your first nights accommodation, we chose Keflavik for that £15 from the airport, Reykjavik is nearer £100. So for visitors from Europe I would strongly recommend staying in Keflavik for your first night, then pick your rental up from the airport the following morning. The opposite may apply to visitors from North America (get your rental straight away and head for Reykjavik) 😉👍

[@terrancekayton007]

Thanks!

[@MojganSHaji]

Jeannie, been following you for a while and I've been trying to visit Iceland since 10-15 years ago when I had a connecting flight to EU thru Reykjavik....finally my day is coming, Sep 10, 2023. Thank you for all your advice, can't imagine going there without all your great videos and guidance. This will be first of a few more visits there, unless if things go horribly wrong 😂😢 🙏🙏

[@sabrinapeterson7144]

Very helpful information. We will be in Iceland next month for 1 day and have booked 2 excursions. I am sure we will be visiting again for a longer stay.

[@shelleybergen1232]

Your videos help me plan the most amazing trip last year! We absolutely fell in love with Iceland. We loved just wandering around Reykjavik, sitting in quaint little coffee shops, the harbour! Amazing, amazing city and country. The people are so friendly and helpful! I had emailed our hotel to see if we could store out luggage until check-in time and they said sure! When we got to the hotel at around 8:00am to drop off our bags, they told us that our room was already empty and cleaned so we could check in then! It was fantastic! Because of you I knew about the Fly bus so had pre-booked that, I knew about Kronan and Bonus, tours etc. Do thank you for your great and informative videos!!

[@IcelandwithaView]

I am happy to help! I’m so glad you loved your trip! ❤️

[@ovrowner]

Thank you for providing this content. My wife and I recently took a cruise to Iceland and stayed three nights in Reykjavik. Your videos were helpful for things to do while we were there and much appreciated.

[@IcelandwithaView]

Great to hear! I am happy to help ❤️

[@carolynchilders2250]

A few years I flew into Iceland for a 5 days. I stayed at Hotel Berg in Keflavik(recommend highly) They picked me up at airport and stored my luggage as I got there at 0900. I got their rental car and drove to Blue Lagoon and vegged out for day until my room was ready in the afternoon. My cat naps at Lagoon gave me energy for the rest . Had a great arrival day!

[@FloridaStrayDog]

We landed and had our Blue Car Rental before the sun came up, lol. Pretty full day before we made it to Reykjavik in the evening, including The Blue Lagoon and other sights close to the airport.

[@Llum_edits]

Hi Jeanie from Iceland already. Your videos and your guide has help me A LOT!! Thanks for your pieces of advice. For example today we have gone to a public swimming pool. Thanks!!!

[@IcelandwithaView]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@fionasharp595]

This would have been super useful when we visited - obviously we need to come back to try out these tips 😂

[@kylesandstrom853]

Off to Iceland tomorrow, can't wait and almost can't believe we're doing it again a year later! Yeah the arrival time and checking in was an issue last year so I think we'll do Sky Lagoon and found a place that will let us get in quicker so I can crash before dinner. (last year we somehow found the energy to hike a mountain)

[@schattenmefisto]

I discovered your channel today and subscribe. 🤩Plenty useful information. I've plan visit Reykjavik in May 2024 - so I can't wait! 😎Greetings from Copenhagen. ❤

[@IcelandwithaView]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@TheTravelingHatter]

The airport at Keflavik is fairly laid out. The airport did throw me three curves. First, I wanted to drink coffee at the airport after arriving. I was refused service as they will only serve people who are going to fly, not people who have just arrived. Really odd and rude. Second, the passport control was deserted and I had to wave someone down. Lastly, the Flybus taking me to the airport simply drove past the stop and I had to order a $120 taxi to get back to the airport. Iceland was great to visit, but they will not help you so be prepared to be frustrated.

[@jfog06]

Thank you so much for all this content! Just suscribed to your channel Don´t now if you allready made a video of this topic but, what is your recommendations for a solo traveler for his first time in island? Im planning for a trip for next year in a camper van but I havent found anyone to travel with. Big salute from Colombia!

[@chamfly5783]

If you get an air B&B make sure that you get the key-code BEFORE you arrive in Iceland. Unfortunately, we did not get the code and we couldn't contact our air B&B host due to bad cell service. We ended up having to bail on the air B&B and had to search Reykjavik for a hotel on zero sleep. After our accommodations were sorted, we had an amazing time and will go back for sure!!

[@rossleasure5604]

I've always wondered whether there was an advantage to using Gray Line vs. FlyBus for transpo to Reykjavik. We've done both but they seem to be interchangeable. Any thoughts?

[@animated000]

landing up north would be great, KEF/REY is getting crowded. Not to mention you can see the northern part without taking that long 6 hour drive

[@PrinceofMacedonVlogs]

hey there, I love your videos. Great tips. I haven't watched all of them yet as I'm just now exploring video tips about Iceland. I do have a question. I plan to hit up Iceland in Autumn. I planned to land, spend the night in Reykjavik, and then start the Ring Road drive. I should have about 11 or 12 days in Iceland. If I'm making the Ring drive around the country, how many miles do you think I can hit up before needing to grab a hotel along the Ring Road? I want to sleep in a hotel each night if possible.

[@sukalyan_naskar]

Thank you for sharing so much about Iceland and this is one of your many videos I have seen and loved. It just makes planning for Iceland so much easy. The way I see it, I will probably be reaching somewhere around midnight to the airport. I wonder if I will get a car rental at that time and if my accommodation will allow me in during the wee hours of the night or should I just spend the night in the airport.

[@IcelandwithaView]

You would need to check with the car rental company and where you will be staying to see what their protocol is. Here is a link to my free Arrival Guide, may be helpful as well! Have a fabulous trip! icelandwithaview.com/arrival

[@danielleoliver1734]

I’m flying in at midnight after almost 2 days of flights, my first day is sleep and walking around town

[@jdds1165]

We went to the blue lagoon at 830 am it was practically empty. Everyone arrived around 1030-1100 when we were winding down

[@catiewitt2621]

You’ve inspired me to officially book a trip! My flight lands in Iceland at 6:45am. I booked a food tour through Wake Up Reykjavik (bc I watched your video on it!) for 11:30am. Should I be good on time?

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

Yup - arriving in UK at 6 am following 24 hours + travel from New Zealand - totally booked the hotel room the night before. ... but let's not talk about having to find an emergency dentist on day one, on a Sunday... after breaking a tooth eating breakfast at hotel... How much was that taxi Windsor-Reading return again? Lolz. Yay for travel insurance!

[@karaJ]

Will there be busses available from KEF to Blue Lagoon & back or Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik? Plan to do BL before heading the town but no driving, coming from Toronto so thats the early arrivals.. Thanks Jeannie!

[@pjhosang2977]

When I flew from the West Coast, we landed after 10 o’clock at night. I would have loved to have landed in the morning or even afternoon.

[@NinaBailey]

Can you do a video on job hunting In iceland? Did yall have jobs lined up ahead of time? If so, what's the process and what do yall do for work?

[@saraiporretta571]

I would like to know where to eat breakfast affordably at or near Keflavik airport when arriving in the morning? Great video by the way, we are going on Saturday and super excited for our first trip to Iceland! Coming from Canada. Totally plan to take it easy that first day, hitting the Blue Lagoon in the morning and then Reykjavík in the afternoon just walking around. Fully expecting that exhausting jet lag to hit at some point so probably going to bed early!

[@carolynchilders2250]

Take a nap at Blue Lagoon to revive yourself for rest of day. I loved Iceland.

[@boatlover1875]

They do some of both. They have scheduled runs from the airport to the Reykjavik bus terminal and from their there are buses that run a loop with set stops around the city mostly the main downtown area. If you see a map, you might see bus stops, they may have numbers, those are for these buses from my experience. You might take them back to the terminal and get on pre determined tours, we did the great circle with them. We also went direct to Blue Lagoon from the airport and then from there to near our hotel in Reykjavik. The service is not "white glove." You may, or may not, have to load and unload your luggage at certain times. The buses were reasonably comfortable. There are alternatives, cost more, not sure what they are like. We did use them for a night tour to see the Northern Lights, total fiasco. Hundreds of people gathered at bus stop 1 with many different tours picking up people, yelling out names. Flybus finally came, filled up and had to wait for them to send an additional bus, same thing at the bus station. We did get to the viewing site in time, last ones their. The night was a bust, not their fault. We had seen them on an earlier evening by boat so just wanted more.

[@lubystkaolamonola529]

How is the city bus communication in Reykjavik? How much does it cost? Can we have the map? I planning to visit Iceland this year in June. I will be appreciated for some advice.

[@paulorocha6349]

Great tips as always. Your channel helped me a lot in my 2 previous trips to Iceland. Already planning a group travel for next year. If I may suggest one topic for a possible future video: Restrooms (public WC/Toilets or in service stations) that tourists can use across the intire country. We can drive for hours without finding a chance to relieve ourselves. In Iceland it's not possible to do it in the wild ;-). This is specially important when travelling with a group. I was unable to find a map of those facilities available across the country.

[@IcelandwithaView]

I am happy to help! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@jeweloholic]

On the Circle Road there are no bathrooms for MILES!!! I ended up opening two doors of my rental, sat on the edge, relieved myself between the 2 doors. No one noticed. My friend suggests bringing a toddler's pottyseat for emergencies. For guys, bring a can. It's desperate times on that Circle Road.

[@boatlover1875]

Just got back from Iceland. Flybus is okay but pack your patience. Figure out the bus stop numbers on day one, it does kind of make sense when you get it as far as tours. Don't expect any bus to be on time or have enough room for everyone. They always did eventually bring another bus sometimes 30-45 minutes late standing in the cold. We got a second bus from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik on day one, the bus driver dropped us at what we learned was the second best stop for our hotel, gave us poor directions and didn't bother to get off the bus and even open the luggage door. (Russian sounding frizzy hared red head lady if they care) I did enjoy Blue Lagoon. Currently it is not along the way to Reykjavik, rather a 45 minute or so detour each way when it is open do to recent volcanic activity.

[@fa9183]

Is the fly bus just a shuttle bus or it takes you around iceland?

[@UChris1995]

I have been to Iceland twice and have always slept in a tent as accommodation in Iceland can be at least 150€/night. I have to say there are very few things I found more disturbing than hearing Jeannie say "book accomodation for the night before" :D (Why would you need a hotel room in the morning?!?) And by the way: the campsites are truly amazing and imho THE best way to explore Iceland

[@jend.5999]

Is it easy to get a taxi from blue lagoon to Reykjavik?

[@wild_harmony]

If I go with the camper and skip the hotels, are there public showers/restrooms around Iceland? Thank you in advance 🙂

[@Alex-zs4vb2lt5c]

I can't say that the buses are all that convenient for the flights arriving in the afternoon -- if you miss that 1630 bus there aren't many other options, and for four people it looks like a taxi might even be cheaper or at least around the same price but way more convenient and efficient?

[@HanktheFrank]

My biggest mistake when I arrived in Iceland was going through customs. They asked if I had anything to declare, and I said, "War!!". 😜🤣

[@kmichal456]

Is blue lagoon closed these days?

[@kaaytie84]

I'm in Iceland now and one tip I would give is to pack enough food and water while driving around. Also if you find a place to use a bathroom use it so many areas have no places to go. I have seen a place where it looks like people are going outside.

[@IcelandwithaView]

Great tip!

[@kaaytie84]

@@IcelandwithaView after todays high winds I should have worn safety glasses. I had so much dirt and small rocks hit my face. You are so right about the winds. Savage.

[@AusNetFan13]

Greetings Jeannie. Your videos are so fun. I have a question about the Costco store there. You mentioned in a prior video that liquor sales are only for businesses. In the US there are two membership levels, the Gold Star and the Executive. For US members who have the Executive level, could they purchase liquor from Costco? Yep, us from North America are so lucky on our arrival times. Have fun.

[@IcelandwithaView]

Thank you for reaching out! Unfortunately no, you would have to purchase your alcohol at the duty free or Vínbúðin stores.

[@AusNetFan13]

@@IcelandwithaView I see. Just seeing if there was a loophole. For Iceland, for duty-free, is the limit 3 liters?

[@glofacekilluh]

The link isnt working anymore?

[@alonsolopez3541]

Some flights get there at 5 am but the blue lagoon opens at 8 it doesn’t make sense waiting 3 hours

[@Chris.Plunkett]

I purchased your course on Teachable. Why does it say, "This school is offline"?

[@lawrence5371]

Yes happy campers. Then head to Costco!!!!! Get some premade meals.

[@kreepyits-o7761]

Visiting is one thing but what if I decided to live there 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@dominiquedupont2061]

What about taxis?

[@theresehorton-td4dw]

At self checkout, chose your language (country flag) and your experience will be less stressful.

[@nancycara7947]

I keep trying to get the free arrival guide but it never comes over….I have checked spam….

[@apeel2008]

Same here. I get the request to sign up for subscription, but no arrival guide makes it to my inbox, trash, or spam folder. Hopefully Jeannie sees these messages and is able to get the issue resolved.

[@IcelandwithaView]

Thank you for letting me know! ❤️

[@apeel2008]

@@IcelandwithaView Thank you!!!! Seems you have had the issue corrected as I just tried again, and now when I click the link in the email that gets sent to confirm my subscription, my web browser is directed to the page where it opens up the Arrival Guide and I am able to download it as a pdf successfully. Many, many thanks! Also to @nancycara7947, give it another try. Should work this time!

[@addyskarunaratne6543]

Received the free guide. I realized that you have to include only your first name.

[@apeel2008]

@@addyskarunaratne6543 maybe Jeannie needs to make a video called … 5-mistakes to avoid to receive your free guideline to Iceland! 😂😂😂

[@RonieNerbes-mt9ko]

I Love Jonna Napire 🧡💜♥️ APRIL 19, 2024

[@pamrobinson4350]

? People need telling to book the night before after a red eye flight? Oh dear.

[@isabellamarais8494]

Glad I'm not living in Iceland.

[@scottjohnston6768]

stupid common stuff that any traveler knows