A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Connemara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Connemara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Connemara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Connemara?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Connemara

The Connemara Region is located on a peninsula on the west coast of Ireland with stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The area is known for its rolling meadows, beautiful beaches, and sumptuous green mountains, which have attracted adventure enthusiasts, writers, and even film makers over the years. The majority of residents here speak both English and Irish, with many road signs and buildings being labeled in both English and Irish.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Connemara is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Akureyri and Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Connemara $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Connemara $114
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Connemara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Akureyri


Hotels in Connemara


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Connemara $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
  • Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
  • From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara and Akureyri change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Akureyri $35
    Connemara $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Connemara $28

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $47
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $80
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $80
  • Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
  • Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
  • Zipline Tour: $90
  • Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
  • The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $93
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Connemara $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

  • Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Connemara, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Connemara Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Akureyri or Connemara?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Akureyri or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Connemara. Furthermore, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Akureyri is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Akureyri usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Connemara. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Connemara. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Connemara because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Connemara. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Connemara. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Akureyri

Akureyri Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)