Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
- Duration4 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This evening bus tour takes you out of Reykjavik to hunt for the Aurora Borealis in dark countryside, far from city lights. The guide follows the latest cloud and aurora forecasts to choose the best area that night, explains the science behind the lights and helps with photo tips at each stop. Hot chocolate is served, and if the lights do not appear you can join another tour at no extra charge. The default option includes pickup from selected Reykjavik stops. It suits couples, families and photographers.
Highlights
- An evening hunt for the Northern Lights away from Reykjavik's light pollution
- A guide who chooses the location each night based on cloud and aurora forecasts
- Stops for photos, with tips on camera settings
- Hot chocolate to warm up under the night sky
- A free retry tour if the aurora is not seen
- Pickup from selected Reykjavik stops on the default option
Full Description
The Aurora Borealis over Iceland
The Northern Lights appear when charged particles from the sun, carried by the solar wind, collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, around 100 kilometres above the ground. Oxygen glows green and sometimes red, while nitrogen can add purple and pink edges. Iceland sits just below the auroral oval, the ring around the magnetic pole where the lights are most frequent.
That makes a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik one of the easiest ways in the world to see them, because the city is small and darkness is close. Activity is often measured on the Kp scale, but even a modest level can bring a beautiful display if the sky is clear. Clear skies matter more than anything else.
Dark-Sky Areas outside Reykjavik
There is no fixed route on this tour. Each evening your guide studies the Icelandic Met Office cloud maps and aurora forecasts and heads where the sky looks clearest, which could be the lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula, the countryside towards Þingvellir or the quiet shores of the fjords west of the city.
The aim is simple: to get far enough from street lights that your eyes adjust and faint lights become visible. Stops last long enough for you to step outside, look up and take photos, and you can warm up on the bus between sightings. How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland without driving on icy roads yourself? This is the easiest way.
Photographing the Northern Lights
Capturing the aurora needs a little preparation. With a camera, use a tripod, a wide lens, manual focus set to infinity and an exposure of several seconds; with a phone, switch on night mode and rest it on something steady. Turn off the flash, as it will not light the sky and bothers others.
Your guide shares tips at each stop and can help you adjust your settings. The lights often look paler to the eye than in photos, since cameras collect more light; do not be disappointed if the first glow seems grey, because a strong display can suddenly ripple across the sky in bright green curtains within minutes.
When Is the Northern Lights Season in Iceland?
The aurora is active all year, but in summer Iceland's nights are too bright to see it. The Northern Lights season in Iceland runs roughly from September to April, when the nights are long and dark. The months around the equinoxes, September and March, are often very active, while December and January give the most hours of darkness.
Because sightings are never guaranteed, it is wise to book early in your stay; if the tour runs but the lights stay hidden, you can use the free retry on another night. The best time to see the Northern Lights is usually between about 21:00 and 02:00, on a clear, cold night with little moonlight.
Itinerary
- Evening pickup in ReykjavikOn the default option, pickup from a selected stop in Reykjavik; other options meet at Bus Stop 12 or Bus Stop 5 (Harpa).
- Drive to dark skiesHead out of the city towards the area with the best forecast that night, while the guide explains how the aurora forms.
- Aurora watching and photo stopsStep outside at one or more dark locations to watch the sky and take photos, with hot chocolate served.
- Return to ReykjavikDrive back to the city, about 4 hours after departure; late nights are possible when the lights are active.
What's included
- Evening Northern Lights tour by bus
- Professional guide in English
- Photo stops
- Hot chocolate
- Free retry tour if the lights are not seen
Not included
- Hotel pickup
- Food
- Warm clothing (dress in layers)
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–11
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- A half-day plan — about 4 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under 6 years
- Travellers who cannot stand outside in cold weather for long periods
Meeting point
On the default option, pickup is from designated stops in Reykjavik; your stop and pickup time are shown on your booking confirmation. Other options meet at Bus Stop 12, Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, or at Bus Stop 5 by Harpa concert hall, Sculpture and Shore Walk, 101 Reykjavík. Please be ready 15 minutes before the stated time, and dress warmly before you leave.
Important information
- Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed, even when the tour runs; they are a natural phenomenon.
- If you do not see the aurora, you can join another Northern Lights bus tour free of charge; there are no refunds for tours that ran without sightings.
- Tours are weather-dependent and may be cancelled on the day if conditions are poor; you will be informed.
- Dress in several warm layers, with a hat, gloves, thick socks and warm, comfortable shoes; you may stand outside for a long time.
- Pickup is included only in the option with pickup; the other options start at Bus Stop 12 or Bus Stop 5.
- Bring a tripod or a phone with a night mode for photos.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Northern Lights bus tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and on the ticket type for adults, youth and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
The default option includes pickup from selected stops in Reykjavik. The other options start from Bus Stop 12 or Bus Stop 5 at Harpa.
How long is the Northern Lights tour?
About 4 hours, though it can run a little longer when the lights are active.
Is the Northern Lights tour suitable for children?
Children aged 6 and over can join, with separate child and youth tickets. Late hours and cold weather mean it suits children who can stay up and dress warmly.
What if we do not see the Northern Lights?
You can join another Northern Lights bus tour free of charge on a later night. If you leave Iceland before that, the retry ticket can be used on a future visit.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, thick socks and warm shoes. It is colder outside the city than in Reykjavik.
What is the difference between the options?
The tour is the same; only the starting point differs: pickup from selected Reykjavik stops, or meeting at Bus Stop 12 or Bus Stop 5 by Harpa.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
From about September to April, on clear, dark nights, usually between late evening and the early hours.
Can I book for tonight or tomorrow?
Usually yes, if seats are free and the tour runs. The booking panel shows available dates, and it is wise to book early in your stay.
Can I take photos of the aurora with my phone?
Yes, many modern phones capture the lights well in night mode. Keep the phone still and your guide can help with settings.
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