The 15 Best Bus Tours in Iceland

1.Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Cocoa

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 13,947 reviews · 4 hours · from $74Our pick

Leave Reykjavík for a four-hour Northern Lights hunt by bus, guided by aurora watchers such as Barbara, Darren, Kristi, and Pierre. You’ll chase clear skies, stop at dark viewing sites, learn how the aurora forms, and get a free retry if the lights stay hidden.

“As soon as we went out we saw the lights. The guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great time. Hot cocoa was a plus. Would definitely recommend.”

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2.Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,782 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $76

Leave Reykjavik by bus and follow the clearest skies toward Thingvellir National Park and other viewing spots. Guides such as Darren, Simon, Eva, and Barbara have entertained guests with Icelandic folklore while waiting. The four-hour trip includes WiFi, hot chocolate, and one free rebooking if no aurora appears.

“The trip was well organised and the tour guide and driver did their very best to find the Northern Lights on a night with intermittent cloud but solar activity was low so the lights did not put in an appearance which was apparently the case nearly all week. We were lucky to catch a glimpse on the way back from another tour. But the trip was well organised and they tried their best and we learned a lot about the Northen Lights and the KP index. The trip would have been very good had the Northern Lights put in an appearance.”

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3.The Golden Circle Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,726 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

This 6.5-hour bus tour takes you from Reykjavik to Strokkur, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. Expect a large coach, free Wi-Fi, app-based audio in several languages, and a local guide such as Lasma, Gunnar, Dylan, or Steinnun, depending on the departure.

“Great itinerary. Friendly guide and driver. Cannot go wrong with this kind of sceneries from a magnificently beautiful country like Iceland. We enjoyed very much. And recommend the tour to all.”

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4.Golden Circle, Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,583 reviews · 11 hours · from $252

See Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Strokkur, and Kerið on a guided minibus trip from Reykjavík, then spend two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The $252 tour includes admission, towel, silica mask, one drink, transport, WiFi, and selected hotel or bus-stop pickup.

“Roman was excellent guide. He shared a lot of interesting information during the tour. He answered all our questions and helped with directions. I would stay a little bit more in Thingvellir National park and a bit less near Crater (at least in winter). Otherwise, tour, guide, ride - everything was great! Thank you!”

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5.From Isafjordur: Dynjandi Waterfall Guided Day Trip by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,484 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $82

Travel from Isafjordur to Dynjandi on a comfortable English-language bus tour. You get 90 minutes at the 100-meter waterfall and its five lower falls, with local commentary from guides such as Camilla, Sally, or Annalise. The path is rocky, and the upper climb takes effort.

“The scenery on the journeys to and from the waterfall was outstanding. The waterfall itself was spectacular but the access path was very uneven and difficult to negotiate”

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6.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 1,283 reviews · 1 day · from $47Best value

See Reykjavik from a heated sightseeing bus with an audio guide in eight languages. Ride the full 80-minute loop, then hop off at Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, the National Museum, Laugavegur, Harpa, or the harbor. A useful choice when cold, wind, or limited time makes walking less appealing.

“I booked 3 days in all during my 8 day Reykjavik stay. The entire route is about 80-90mins and does run very close to schedule even during heavy traffic times. I was able to scan the QR code on the sign at each stop to see how far away the next bus was, this was very useful as it meant I didn’t have to stand for long periods in the cold.”

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7.Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,183 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $73

Ride from central Reykjavik into darker countryside while a local guide explains the aurora. The 3 to 5 hour trip uses weather and aurora forecasts to choose a viewing site. Wi-Fi, pickup, and free rebooking after a missed sighting are included, but the large bus and uncertain conditions matter.

“After two nights of cancellations due to weather, the tour went out. You drive about an hour to a parking lot near the airport where there are many buses. Our tour guide spent most of the drive out managing our exceptions (hence the title of my review). You stand outside in freezing weather with lots of people looking at the sky. There was a full moon (not good) and passing clouds. After about 45 minutes we saw some whiteish streaks. With a camera you could see the green lights. So nothing really with the naked eye. I've heard that if you go to the lighthouse near Reykjavik you have a…”

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8.City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: 24 or 48-Hour

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 839 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Ride Reykjavik’s double-decker City Sightseeing bus for an 80-minute loop with 16 stops, multilingual audio, Wi-Fi, and unlimited boarding for 24 or 48 hours. Use it for a quick city orientation, or hop off at Harpa, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, museums, and Laugardalur.

“As with most things in Iceland it’s the cost of things to do. However it’s a good way of seeing the city and the in house information is very useful. The bus visit all the sites and helps with deciding where to go in the future. If you haven’t done any research where to go this bus is useful”

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9.Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 827 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $205Top rated

Spend a full day on Iceland’s South Coast with Troll Expeditions, stopping at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara before a guided hike on Sólheimajökull. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles the route, while glacier guides such as Philip, Malek, and Maria provide safety instruction and crampon support.

“AMAZING tour!!!!!!!! First Sige( not sure of the spelling. But he is our driver. Loveeee his energy and enthusiasm!!! He’s efficient and drove us safely to our destinations.our guide is Edgar. He is top notched!!!! Love his personality and his knowledge of the glacier. He kept us safe. Please book this excursion, you won’t regret it!!!!!!”

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10.Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 793 reviews · 3 hours · from $129

Ride from Reykjavik to Raufarhólshellir, about 30 minutes away, then walk roughly 500 meters through a lava tube formed 5,200 years ago. A guide such as Alex or Dimitri explains the colors, formations, and geology. Expect uneven rock, cold air, metal walkways, and a brief plunge into complete darkness.

“It was a great little hike into the cave! A bit pricey including the transport but overall a good trip and worth a visit!”

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11.Snaefellsnes & Mt. Kirkjufell Guided Minibus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 757 reviews · 11 hours · from $159

Travel from Reykjavik around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a climate-controlled minibus. Your English-speaking guide may be Gummi, Siggi, Tony, or another local host. Expect lava fields, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, Búðakirkja, Kirkjufell, and a chance to spot seals at Ytri Tunga.

“I really loved this excursion, Addi was really very nice, he explained a lot of things to us in detail and it was really cool, he gave us time each time and he was funny. We feel his kindness and his kindness. THANK YOU ADDI for this beautiful unforgettable moment”

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12.Golden Circle, Bruarfoss & Kerid Crater by Minibus from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 720 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $114

Ride from Reykjavik in a minibus with up to 19 people, stopping at Thingvellir, blue Bruarfoss, Gullfoss, and Kerid Crater. Guides such as Bjorn, Max, Isabella, and Margret have earned praise for their stories and care, though the guide’s style can vary.

“Great tour guide / driver and experience. Incredible views everywhere we went, especially the waterfalls!”

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13.Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Perlan Museum Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 719 reviews · 1 day · from $88

Start at Harpa Concert Hall and use the 24-hour bus to reach Reykjavík sights, including Perlan at stop 11. Your timed Perlan ticket covers the Wonders of Iceland museum, a real 100-meter ice cave, volcano and earthquake displays, Northern Lights exhibits, and the observation deck.

“The Perlan is amazing, the hop on/off bus is a good way to see the city but if you are going straight to Perlan and nothing else, a taxi would be cheaper.”

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14.8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 634 reviews · 8 days (approx.) · from $2,777

Travel Iceland’s Ring Road in a minibus for eight days with an English-speaking guide, seven hotel nights, breakfast, whale watching, a glacier hike, and an ice-cave visit. Guides such as Thor, Erla, Gylfi, and Pauli are praised for safety, humor, local stories, and quick changes when weather shifts.

“Iceland is amazing and this 8 day tour gives a great introduction to the sights. We had a super funny and chill guide, Palli. He made sure we had plenty of food and batbrkkn breaks. Loved his stories. Luckily we also had a fun and punctual group of travelers. Loved the ice cave, vok baths, and whale watching. We got to see the northern lights as well! The hotels were good except for the one in Akureyri (Hótel Norðurland) which had dirty/stinky rooms and one of our rooms with non-functional heating (yikes, brrr).”

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15.Northern Lights Tour w/Pro Photos – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 400 reviews · 4 hours · from $148

Join Aurora Viking for a four-hour northern lights hunt from Reykjavík, led by guides such as Emil, Kolbeinn, Tomas, or Kobe. Travel in a minibus for up to 18 people, stop under dark skies, pose in Viking gear, and receive professional aurora photos. Hot chocolate and gingerbread keep the wait comfortable.

“It was fantastic! Tomas was a really, really great guide. He looked for the best viewing place to stop, took great pictures of everyone, pointed things out...was a safe driver, didn't scare us once.... I'd give extra stars if available.”

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