The 9 Best Iceland Bus Tours

1.Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Cocoa

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

Leave Reykjavik by bus for a four-hour Northern Lights hunt with an English-speaking guide such as Barbara, Darren, or Kristi. You’ll chase clear skies, stop at dark viewing points, learn how the aurora forms, take photos, and warm up with hot cocoa. If the lights fail to appear, you can join a free retry tour.

“Amazing! Sharp was a fantastic guide, so knowledgeable on the best spots and times. Would do again!”

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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 after dark and follow the weather to clearer skies around Thingvellir National Park and beyond. Guides such as Darren, Simon, Eva, and Michael explain Icelandic folklore and aurora science while you wait. Round-trip pickup, WiFi, hot chocolate, and one free rebooking night are included, though the bus may carry up to 65 people.

“We initially had a bit of an issue with our pickup location - we had selected bus stop 6 (according to Viatour) but the actual pickup location was different. Make sure to check the confirmation they send on the day to ensure you’re at the right place/double check with the tour company. Luckily, this was quickly remedied and we had the lovely Darren come to pick us up. His knowledge of the island was fantastic, he was so kind and clearly very passionate about what he does. The lights were absolutely breathtaking! Darren took beautiful pictures of us with the lights free of charge, they looked truly professional. We enjoyed…”

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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 Reykjavik Excursions bus tour covers Iceland’s three headline sights: Strokkur’s eruptions, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. You can join at BSÍ Bus Terminal or choose pickup, including from the cruise port. Guides such as Lasma, Gunnar, Dylan, and Steinnun have been praised for clear stories, while the large-group format keeps the price at $88.

“Very informative and beautiful scenery. Would do it again. The bus was clean and comfortable and Iceland is incredible.”

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

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

From Isafjordur’s new cruise dock, ride a comfortable bus through tunnels and coastal scenery to Dynjandi, the Westfjords’ great 100-meter waterfall. An English-speaking guide such as Camilla, Sally, or Annalise adds local stories along the way. You get 90 minutes at the falls, enough for photos and a strenuous climb if conditions suit you.

“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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5.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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

See Reykjavik by City Sightseeing bus with an 80-minute full circuit, audio commentary in eight languages, and stops near Harpa, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, museums, shopping streets, and the harbor. Use a 24 or 48-hour ticket to ride the entire route or hop off where you like. Bring a mobile or paper voucher.

“I liked the way that everything was made easy and clear instructions were given and communicated, where and when to meet. The check in procedure was very organised and efficient. The guide Jessica was superb, she gave clear instructions and gave a clear and articulate explanation about the Northern Lights. it was really good to hear from someone so knowledgeable and passionate. The hot chocolate was lovely and very welcome. Sadly, we didn't see the lights because the sky covered suddenly with clouds and it was my last day, so I won't get the chance again. I was very happy with the tour and I would definitely recommend. The only…”

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6.Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

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

Leave Reykjavik by bus with a local guide who explains the aurora, then head to a viewing site chosen for the night’s weather and forecast. The tour lasts about 3 to 5 hours, includes Wi-Fi and pickup, and may be led by guides such as Sölvi or Nico. Sightings are never guaranteed, but you can usually rebook if conditions fail.

“Great night trip to the Northern Lights. Tour guide was very fun and friendly. Well organised trip with the pick up and drop off points. The northern lights were present on my visit but it’s important to remember that photos may show the lights more than what can be seen with the eye in real life”

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

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

This flexible Reykjavik bus tour links Harpa, the Old Harbour, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, Laugardalur, and other major sights across 16 stops. Ride the full 80-minute loop for orientation, then hop off where you like. Audio commentary comes through headphones in eight languages, though service and bus frequency can vary.

“The audio did t work, so we had no idea what or where we were but the maps were helpful. Add a sign to push the bell when to stop at the next stop. Not everyone knows thiis and it seems to irritate drivers when they miss a stop… even though we said that was the stop. You have to push the button. Need signs.”

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8.Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus

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

Travel from Reykjavik’s BSI Bus Terminal to Raufarhólshellir, a 5,200-year-old lava tube formed by the Leitahraun eruption. A one-hour guided walk takes you past mineral colors, skylights, rock formations, and stretches of total darkness. Guides such as Alex and Dimitri add clear geology, humor, and practical help.

“The tour is short but super fun. I was a volcano-obsessed child, so getting to stand where lava once stood was a wild experience for me. The bus driver was excellent. the tour guide was amazing and super knowledgeable. The tour provides a helmet with a light, crampons, and even walking poles if you need extra support for balance. The cave interior is quite uneven because it is literally rocks, so keep that in mind if you are not steady on your feet. The actual tour lasts an hour, you walk about 500m, and learn a lot from your guide about how the tunnel was formed and why the rocks…”

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9.Reykjavík: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Perlan Museum Entry Ticket

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

Start at Harpa Concert Hall and ride Reykjavík’s hop-on hop-off bus for 24 hours, using stops near the old town, harbor, and Perlan. At Perlan, enter the Wonders of Iceland museum at your booked time to see a real 100-meter ice cave, volcano and earthquake exhibits, Northern Lights displays, and the observation deck.

“We enjoyed our hop on/hop off bus tour and got to learn more about the city. The cost to add the Perlan Museum is reasonable and the museum is a great way to learn more about Iceland.”

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