Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Experience the Magic of the Northern Lights on a Reykjavik Bus Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, witnessing the Northern Lights is often at the top of your bucket list. For those who prefer a guided, comfortable outing rather than risking solo adventures in the dark, the Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik offers a practical and engaging way to chase this celestial phenomenon. Priced at around $69 per person and lasting about 4 hours, this tour takes you out of the city and into the countryside, where the chances of seeing the auroras are much higher. Your journey includes pickup from your hotel, WiFi onboard, and the flexibility to reschedule if the skies stay stubbornly clear.

What we love about this tour is how the guides work with the unpredictable Icelandic weather, adjusting the stops to maximize your viewing possibilities. Also, the cozy bus environment, complete with hot chocolate and stories about Icelandic folklore, helps keep the mood fun, even as you wait in chilly conditions. The fact that if the lights don’t appear on your first try, you can come back for free on another night, adds tremendous peace of mind.

One thing to consider is that success isn’t guaranteed, as the auroras are famously elusive—weather and solar activity play significant roles. Also, the tour only visits one or two spots, which might feel limited if you’re hoping for a more extensive exploration of Iceland’s dark skies. Nonetheless, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of comfort, local insight, and a good shot at viewing the auroras without the hassle of independent night driving.

Key Points

• Flexible scheduling: Reschedule for free if no auroras are seen.
• Comfortable experience: Cozy bus with WiFi, hot chocolate, and folklore stories.
• Strategic locations: Stops at scenic spots like Thingvellir National Park based on weather conditions.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides help improve your chances and enrich the experience.
• Unpredictable but rewarding: Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, so patience is key.
• Ideal for: Those seeking a hassle-free, educational, and comfortable way to see the Northern Lights.

Location, Duration, and Price
Starting in Reykjavik, this 4-hour experience costs about $69 per person, making it a reasonably priced option for travelers eager to see the auroras without breaking the bank. The inclusion of hotel pickup and WiFi onboard means you’re not just sitting in a dark bus—you’re comfortably traveling with connectivity and convenience.

Why We Like It
First, the guided approach helps significantly when chasing the Northern Lights, which are famously capricious. The guides’ ability to adjust locations based on weather conditions is key; they aim to find clear skies and the best vantage points, often opting for spots like Thingvellir National Park—a wide-open space away from city lights, essential for viewing the night sky. Second, the rescheduling policy adds peace of mind. If the lights don’t appear, you can simply book again without extra cost—a smart move considering the unpredictability of this natural phenomenon.

What Might Be a Drawback
The main potential downside is the uncertainty of seeing the lights. Aurora borealis is a natural occurrence, and even with expert guides, perfect visibility depends on weather and cosmic activity. Some reviews mention waiting for hours or not seeing much, which can be disappointing if expectations are too high. Also, since the tour only makes one or two stops, there’s limited opportunity to chase different locations in case the weather changes unexpectedly.

Who Would Love This Tour
This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed, guided outing with a good chance to see the auroras, especially if you’re not keen on renting a car or venturing into the dark alone. It’s ideal for those who appreciate local stories, warm beverages, and comfort during long waits in cold weather.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park
The tour typically begins with a drive to Thingvellir, a World Heritage site famous for its geological and historical significance. The expansive, open landscape makes it a prime spot for sky gazing. Our guides will explain the science behind the auroras while sharing Icelandic folklore, making the waiting time both educational and entertaining. Many reviewers, like David D, felt that this stop offered a “fully display” of the Northern Lights, especially when the skies cooperated.

Additional Stops
While the itinerary emphasizes flexibility—meaning the guides might try different locations depending on the weather—you can expect the stops to be carefully chosen to maximize your chances. Some guests, like Harold’s group, saw the lights “multiple times on multiple stops”, which indicates that efforts are made to increase sighting odds.

Expectations During the Wait
On colder nights, you’ll appreciate the hot chocolate offered at the stops (a thoughtful touch) and the comfortable bus environment. Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with mentions like “Harold was a fantastic guide” and “Jessica hosted beautifully.” That personal touch makes the wait more pleasant.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable bus—large enough to hold up to 65 travelers—which balances social interaction with personal space. Some reviews noted that the bus was quite full, so arriving early for seating might help if you prefer a more private experience. The WiFi on board is a bonus, allowing you to share photos or check the forecast.

The Experience of Viewing the Northern Lights

Many travelers, including those who initially doubted their luck, have seen the auroras thanks to the guide’s expertise and location choices. “We saw the lights multiple times,” reports one guest, while others, like Shona C, call it “something I really wanted to see, and wow what a display we got.” However, a few reviews point out that waiting at one spot for hours can be tedious if luck doesn’t turn your way.

Price and Value

At $69, this tour offers a good balance of affordability and quality. The key value lies in the expert guidance, strategic locations, and rescheduling policy—all of which reduce the stress and guesswork of seeing the lights on your own. For many, it’s worth the investment just for the comfort and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re eager to experience the Northern Lights with some expert help and don’t want to navigate the dark roads alone, this tour provides a solid option. The guided stops, hot chocolate, and willingness to reschedule if the lights are shy make it a practical choice. However, keep your expectations realistic—auroras are unpredictable, and even the best guides can’t guarantee a sighting every night.

This tour is especially suitable for first-time visitors who want a hassle-free way to increase their chances of a magical night sky show. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with family or friends and prefer a group experience rather than independent chasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 4 hours, giving you ample time to travel, wait, and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed manner.

Where does the tour go?
It departs from Reykjavik with a focus on scenic countryside spots like Thingvellir National Park, chosen based on weather conditions to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras.

Is there a chance I won’t see the lights?
Yes, since auroras depend on weather and solar activity, there’s no 100% guarantee. That’s why the tour offers free rescheduling if you don’t see the lights on your first attempt.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes hotel pickup, WiFi on board, and hot chocolate at stops. Dinner is not included.

Can I join again if I don’t see the lights?
Absolutely, you can rejoin for free on another night, which greatly improves your chances of a successful sighting.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, in windproof and waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, since you’ll be outside in cold conditions.

How many people typically go on the tour?
The group size can reach up to 65 travelers, which can feel lively but still manageable.

Are children allowed?
Yes, the minimum age is 6 years old, making it suitable for families.

What do I do if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, the Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik offers a practical, guided way to chase one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring sights. With expert guides, a cozy environment, and flexible rescheduling, it’s a solid option for travelers seeking comfort and a good shot at witnessing nature’s light show. While nothing can guarantee perfect visibility, the experience, storytelling, and effort to find clear skies make this tour a worthwhile addition to your Iceland adventure, especially if you value ease and local insight.