How to Get a Free Layover in Iceland Without Spending More on Airfare
When most people hear the word “layover”, they think “hassle”. But what if a layover could be your ticket to exploring Iceland without paying more for airfare? Well, it’s true. I discovered this when I was booking a trip to Iceland and came across the stopover program on Icelandair. I booked a round-trip ticket to Amsterdam with a 7-day layover in Iceland, all for the same price as a regular round-trip to Amsterdam. Two destinations for the price of one. My plans changed, however, and what was meant to be a 7-day trip to Iceland turned into an 8-hour stopover, but it still gave me the chance to experience a small glimpse of Iceland for free. (One day I’ll still use that 7-day Iceland itinerary, but if you’d like a copy, let me know in the comments!)
Note: This post isn’t sponsored, I’m just sharing a quick travel tip I came across while booking my trip :)
Reykjavik, Iceland: on the road to the Blue Lagoon.
“A layover is just the universe’s way of giving you a preview.”
How to Book a Free Iceland Stopover with Icelandair
If you’re flying between North America and Europe, here’s how to add Iceland into your trip without spending more on airfare:
Search flights on Icelandair.com: Select a route that crosses the Atlantic (ex, New York to Amsterdam).
Look for the “Stopover in Iceland” option: You can add anywhere from 1 to 7 days in Iceland.
Book as you normally would: Your ticket price stays the same as the stopover is built into Icelandair’s network.
Plan your trip: Whether it’s a few hours or a full week, you can explore Reykjavik, soak in the Blue Lagoon, or even take a road trip around the entire island.
How I Maximized an 8-Hour Layover in Iceland by Visiting the Blue Lagoon
On the trip I ended up taking, I had just an 8-hour layover in Reykjavik (KEF). Not wanting to waste time, I decided to make the most of it and pre-booked a Blue Lagoon experience directly through their website. The package included:
Round-trip bus transfer from the airport
Entry to the Blue Lagoon (we chose the Premium package, which included robes, towels, two drinks, and three masks)
Enough time to relax before heading back to catch our flight
We were so enamored with the place that we decided to stay for lunch at their on-site restaurant, Lava (which can also be reserved with your ticket ahead of time). Built right into the lava cliffs, the restaurant is absolutely stunning, and the Nordic cuisine with fresh local ingredients was delicious.
A visit to the Blue Lagoon was a perfect way to turn a layover into something that wasn’t just a relaxing end to a longer trip, but also a memorable experience.
Best Things to Do on an Iceland Stopover
Whether you have a few hours or a few days, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time:
Layovers between 6 and 10 hours: Blue Lagoon or a Reykjavik city walk
1 to 3 days: Stay in Reykjavik and either take a tour or drive the Golden Circle to see three natural wonders (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall)
3 to 7 days: Road-trip the South Coast or the entire island and visit black sand beaches, hike waterfalls, or chase northern lights in winter.
For more inspiration on what to do in Iceland, you can follow one of my favorites, Ása Steinars (@asasteinars), or check out these videos she created in collaboration with Icelandair:
Even though my time in Iceland was shorter than planned, that brief stopover gave me a preview of just how special the country is. I can’t wait to return and finally complete my dream trip around the entire island soon. If you’re planning your own visit, feel free to reach out. I spent a couple of months researching what would’ve been my 7-day trip, and I’d love to share what I found.
✧ For the intentionally curious traveler — pass it on.