Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Imagine gazing up at a swirling sky lit with green, pink, and purple ribbons of light — that’s what many travelers hope for when they book this popular Icelandic experience. For $66 per person, you’ll spend approximately 3 to 5 hours on a bus journey heading out from Reykjavik to prime viewing spots, guided by knowledgeable locals who can explain the science and history of the Aurora borealis. The tour offers pickup from central Reykjavik and Wi-Fi onboard, making it easy to share your experience or catch up on travel plans while en route.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the convenience of leaving the driving to someone else — especially in icy winter conditions — and the educational commentary about the northern lights that enhances the whole experience. Plus, if the skies don’t cooperate, you can rebook for free on another night, which is a reassuring policy for a natural phenomenon that’s famously unpredictable.

However, a key consideration is that sightings are not guaranteed. Weather conditions and aurora activity can be fickle, and some reviewers have expressed disappointment when the lights remain elusive despite the effort. If your main goal is to see the Northern Lights, it’s worth booking early in your trip, just in case you need to try again on another evening.

This tour best suits travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience with a good chance to learn about the science behind the lights while enjoying scenic, potentially remote locations. It’s perfect for those who prefer not to drive in winter or who want the reassurance of a professional guide navigating the search for this elusive spectacle.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi, leaving the driving and logistics to the experts.
• Expert guides provide informative commentary on the Aurora borealis and Icelandic landscape.
• Flexible rescheduling policy allows free rebooking if the lights are missed due to weather or other factors.
• Weather-dependent experience — sightings are not guaranteed, and cancellations can happen.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, educational, and social way to witness the Northern Lights.
• Limited food options — food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Northern Lights Bus Tour

What is Included and What to Expect

This tour combines a scenic drive outside Reykjavik with stops at locations deemed most promising for aurora sightings, based on weather, forecast, and local advice. The tour costs $66, which appears quite reasonable given the transportation, guidance, and Wi-Fi amenities. Compare that to the cost of private trips or self-drive options, and this guided bus offers solid value, especially considering the expert commentary you’ll receive along the way.

Included in the package are bus fare, professional local guidance, and free Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi is a nice touch, allowing you to share photos or read about the science behind the aurora while en route. Food and drinks are extra, so it’s wise to bring some snacks or a thermos of hot chocolate.

Starting Point and Duration

Meet at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, a central and accessible spot. The tour lasts about 3 to 5 hours, giving enough time for a couple of stops if conditions warrant. The flexible duration means that if the lights are playing hard to get, the guide might extend the search, or if the skies are clear early, the tour might wrap up sooner.

The Itinerary: Scenic Drives and Prime Viewing Spots

The tour begins with a pickup in central Reykjavik, with the bus heading out of the city’s bright lights. As the skyline recedes, your guide will start explaining the natural phenomenon and the importance of location for spotting the Aurora.

Locations visited vary depending on weather and aurora forecasts — but typically, you’ll be taken on a short drive to dark, open areas away from city lights. Some reviews mention heading near the airport or national parks, where the darkness enhances visibility. One reviewer described the drive as about an hour, with the guide managing expectations along the way, which is key since the Aurora is unpredictable.

The Search and Sightings

When the tour stops, you’ll step outside in warm clothing, binoculars or cameras at the ready. Some travelers have been fortunate and caught spectacular displays — “We were so lucky to see them,” said one — while others have had a less active night. Several reviews highlight the challenge of visibility:

“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,” one guide cautioned.

The unpredictability of the Aurora borealis is part of what makes this experience both exciting and frustrating. Some reviewers have expressed disappointment when the lights didn’t show, despite a good forecast. Still, the opportunity to see shooting stars or enjoy the starry sky in a remote Icelandic location compensates for nights when the lights are shy.

The Reviewers’ Perspective: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Many travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One review mentions Nico as a “great guide,” appreciating the helpful attitude and local insights. The comfort of the bus, combined with the ability to stay warm, is another plus, especially since some reviews note how cold it can get outside in winter.

However, some reviews paint a different picture. The most common criticism is the elusive nature of the northern lights and the fact that tours can be canceled or rescheduled due to weather. A few travelers felt the experience was “mass-produced” or overcrowded, with some stating that a large bus can detract from the intimacy and enjoyment, especially when trying to fully take in the spectacle.

Others expressed frustration over poor communication or disorganization, like being driven to a truck stop or feeling that the guide wasn’t very interactive. One particularly disappointed traveler described the experience as “a nightmare” with no clear guidance or fun, highlighting that this tour may not suit those seeking a more personalized or lively experience.

What Do the Reviews Tell Us?

From the collected reviews, it’s clear that success depends heavily on weather and aurora activity. While some were lucky enough to witness multiple nights of spectacular lights, others left disappointed after hours of cold waiting. Several reviewers also pointed out the importance of dressing warmly and having a good camera setup to capture the fleeting lights.

The tour’s policy of free rebooking is a big plus, providing reassurance that if the lights don’t show up, you can try again. Still, it’s essential to approach this outing with realistic expectations — seeing the Aurora is never guaranteed.

The Value of the Experience

For $66, you’re paying for transportation, expert guidance, and the hope of a celestial show. Compared to private or more exclusive options, this tour offers good value, especially considering the convenience and safety of being driven to dark sites in winter. But if your main goal is guaranteed sightings, be prepared for some luck and patience, or perhaps consider combining this with other activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This guided bus trip fits travelers who prefer a relaxed, informative experience over rugged adventure. If you enjoy learning about natural phenomena and appreciate comfort in cold weather, you’ll find the tour’s commentary and amenities appealing. It’s also suited for those who don’t want to drive in icy conditions but still want a chance to see the Aurora in a dark, open setting.

Conversely, if you’re highly particular about having a small group or expect pristine, private sightings, this might not be the ideal choice. The reviews indicate that large group sizes and unpredictable weather can sometimes diminish the joy.

Finally, this tour is best booked early in your trip — especially if weather conditions are poor — so you have multiple chances to catch the Lights on a subsequent night.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes bus fare from Reykjavik with pickup at the BSÍ Bus Terminal.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
You can rebook for free on another night if conditions aren’t favorable during your scheduled tour.

How long is the tour?
Expect about 3 to 5 hours, depending on conditions and how long the guide chooses to stay out searching.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the package. It’s recommended to bring snacks or hot beverages.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, as you’ll be outside for periods of time in winter weather.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves standing outside in cold conditions and walking to viewing sites, so consider your mobility before booking.

Where do I meet the tour?
At the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, a central location accessible by public transport.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather, aurora activity, and luck. The tour’s policy allows for free rebooking if the lights aren’t visible.

What’s the best time of year to go?
Between September and April, with December to February offering the darkest nights and highest chances of sightings.

Can I see other stars or celestial phenomena?
Yes, some reviews mention seeing shooting stars and a spectacular starry sky, especially if the Aurora remains elusive.

In brief, this Northern Lights bus tour offers a comfortable, educational way to chase the auroras in Iceland. It’s best suited for travelers who want the security of guided expertise and don’t mind some uncertainty due to weather. Be sure to pack warm, be patient, and keep your expectations realistic — but with a little luck, you just might witness one of nature’s most beautiful light shows.