About this experience
The Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík takes you to see a spectacular natural phenomenon which happens during the winter months. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole. Northern Lights in Iceland are visible during the winter months, from August to April.
It’s important to stay warm when you’re out in the dark gazing up at the sky, which is why freshly-baked waffles and hot beverages are available for sale on site. Add some heartwarming comfort to an already amazing experience.
Take advantage of our Northern Lights offer: if you don't see the auroras on your first night, you can book an additional night at no extra cost. Enjoy another chance to witness this natural wonder.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr–5 hr
Planning perspective
How I’d plan this experience
A Northern Lights bus tour is a way to search beyond Reykjavík without having to plan the evening’s driving yourself. I’d consider it if you’re comfortable with a late, weather-dependent outing and treat seeing the aurora as a possibility, not a promise. The experience can be memorable, but the setting and conditions are less predictable than the idea of a guided “tour” might suggest.
Who this suits—and what you’re signing up for
The outing lasts roughly three to five hours, with locations varying according to the weather. I’d choose it if you want transport and local guidance while the search is underway, rather than a fixed sightseeing route. The listed minimum age is six, and the experience is described as suitable for all fitness levels.
The main trade-off is that the aurora is a natural phenomenon: sightings aren’t guaranteed, and poor weather can mean cancellation. Even on an operating night, clouds or lack of activity can leave you without a sighting. I’d leave room in your Reykjavík plans for another attempt if seeing the lights is a priority.
Choose your departure with the late start in mind
You can select a meeting-point option at BSÍ Bus Terminal or an option with pickup from designated central Reykjavík locations. I’d favour the terminal if it’s convenient for you and you prefer a clear meeting point; choose pickup if getting to the terminal is the bigger hassle, while allowing for the earlier pickup window.
Departure times vary by season: the listed starts are 22:00 from 25 August to 30 September and 15 March to 15 April, and 21:00 from 1 October to 14 March. The terminal instructions ask you to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure; the pickup option says pickup starts 30 minutes before. Returns can vary, so avoid making a tight early-morning commitment.
Keep expectations flexible about the viewing spot
This isn’t a promise of a scenic stop or a long series of attractions. The locations change, and traveller feedback is mixed: some describe helpful guides and photography tips, while others found the viewing area too close to traffic or felt it was little more than a roadside stop. I’d book for the chance to search for the lights, not for a particular landscape or elaborate tour commentary.
Dress warmly for standing outside in the dark. Food and drinks aren’t included, though waffles and hot beverages are available for sale on site. If the first outing doesn’t produce a sighting, the overview describes an additional night at no extra cost; I’d regard that as another chance, not a guarantee of clear skies or aurora.
Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary and traveller feedback · Updated October 27, 2026
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr–5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 6 years old.
What is included
- Professional Local Guidance
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bus Fare
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Meeting point for the tour.
Locations on this tour vary from day to day depending on weather conditions.
Meeting and pickup information
- BSÍ Bus Terminal is our centrally located hub in Reykjavík, just a short walk from the city center. Please be there at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. It's the main departure point for airport transfers and day tours - making it easy and convenient to start your journey with us.
- • Please be at your designated pickup point at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Our pickup vehicles are well marked with the Reykjavik Excursions. • Each driver has a few stops, so it can take up to 30 minutes to finish picking everyone up, so there is no need to worry if the bus is not there right away.
Languages and tickets
- German — Audio
- fi — Audio
- Korean — Audio
- cmn — Audio
- English — Audio
- English — Guide
- Italian — Audio
- French — Audio
- Dutch — Audio
- Spanish — Audio
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Reykjavik Excursions
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed. The tour may be cancelled on the day if the weather is poor
- Remember to dress warmly
- Indicated return times can vary.
- Minimum age is 6 years old.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
• Each driver has a few stops, so it can take up to 30 minutes to finish picking everyone up, so there is no need to worry if the bus is not there right away.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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