Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide

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Duration24 hours
Daily
Group

Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide

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Overview

This Reykjavik hop-on hop-off ticket gives you 24 hours of open-top style sightseeing on a double-decker city bus, with an audio guide in your language, plus admission to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan, one of the stops on the route. It suits first-time visitors, families and cruise or stopover travellers who want to see the capital at their own pace, hop off where they like and finish with a hilltop museum and panoramic views over the city.

Highlights

24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket: get on and off as often as you like
Audio guide with headphones, available in eight languages
Admission to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan included
Perlan is a stop on the route, so the museum fits naturally into your day
Flexible sightseeing: pick the landmarks you want and skip the rest
Good for short stays, stopovers and families

Full Description

Seeing Reykjavik by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Reykjavik is small enough to see in a day, yet spread out enough that a bus saves time. The city centre holds Hallgrímskirkja, the concrete church whose tower is visible from almost everywhere, the Harpa concert hall with its glass facade on the waterfront, and the Sun Voyager sculpture by the sea, while the Old Harbour is the place to watch fishing and whale-watching boats come and go.

A Reykjavik hop-on hop-off bus tour lets you link these places without checking timetables or walking against the wind. Your audio guide explains what you are passing, and you get off wherever a stop looks interesting. Look at the route map when you board to see which stops are closest to the sights you most want to see.

Perlan and the Wonders of Iceland Exhibition

Perlan stands on the Öskjuhlíð hill above the city, a glass dome perched on top of old hot-water storage tanks. Inside, the Wonders of Iceland exhibition tells the story of the island's nature through immersive displays, including a large man-made ice cave and glacier material that lets you experience a glacier interior without leaving the capital.

Many visitors ask whether Perlan is worth visiting. If you have a wet or windy day, or you are short of time for a glacier trip, it is one of the best indoor things to do in Reykjavik, and the viewing deck normally gives panoramic views across the city, the bay and the mountains. Allow about two hours here and plan to arrive earlier in the day if you want the quietest visit.

How the 24-Hour Ticket and Audio Guide Work

The ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can begin in the morning and continue into the next day if timing suits you. Headphones for the audio guide are included, and the commentary is available in English, Icelandic, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese, Swedish and German. Choose your date on the booking panel to see the available start times.

For the best plan, start at the central stop, ride the full loop once to get your bearings, then go back to the places that interested you. Because buses in high season can be busy, get on early if you are travelling with a group. Wear warm layers at any time of year, as the wind coming off the bay can be sharp.

Itinerary

Start at any stopBegin at your chosen stop when your 24-hour ticket starts, and collect your audio guide headphones.
Ride the city loopOne full circuit takes about an hour, with commentary on the landmarks you pass.
Hop off in the centreExplore Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa or the waterfront at your own pace before rejoining the bus.
Perlan and Wonders of IcelandHop off at Perlan for the exhibition and views; allow about two hours.
Continue sightseeingUse the rest of your 24 hours to revisit favourite spots or add another stop.

What's included

24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket
Headphones for the audio guide
Admission to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan

Not included

Food and drinks

Is this right for you?

Great for

History and culture lovers
First-time visitors who want the highlights

Think twice if

You prefer short outings — this takes 1 days
You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers

Not suitable for

Travellers who want a private or fully guided walking tour with a live guide
Visitors who need a step-free route throughout, as boarding and some stops may be difficult
Anyone hoping to reach places outside the city, as the route covers Reykjavik only

Meeting point

Board at any stop on the route. Your booking confirmation gives the nearest stop and the start details for the day you choose, and you can hop on and off at the stops along the route. Hotel pickup is not included.

Important information

The ticket is valid for 24 hours from the start time you select
Headphones for the audio guide are included; bring your own earphones if you prefer
Admission to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan is included
Dress warmly and bring a waterproof layer, as the weather changes quickly
Food and drinks are not included
Bus frequency and the operating season can change, so check your confirmation for the latest details

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Reykjavik hop-on hop-off ticket cost?

The price depends on the option and the ages of your group. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children, once you choose a date.

Is the Perlan Museum entry included?

Yes. This option includes admission to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition at Perlan along with the 24-hour bus ticket.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You board at any stop on the route, and your confirmation shows the nearest stop and start details.

How long is the bus tour?

One full loop takes about an hour without stops, and the ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can make as many stops as you like.

Is the hop-on hop-off bus suitable for children?

Yes, it is a relaxed way to see the city with children, and Perlan is popular with families. The booking panel shows the child price and age range.

What languages is the audio guide in?

English, Icelandic, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese, Swedish and German.

What should I wear or bring?

Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and your camera. The wind near the bay can be strong even in summer.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Choose your date on the booking panel to see which start times are available, including same-day or next-day options if they exist.

Is Perlan worth visiting?

Yes, particularly in poor weather. The ice cave and glacier exhibits give a good introduction to Iceland's nature and the viewing deck adds panoramic views.

What are the Perlan opening hours?

Opening hours change by season, so check the latest hours before you go. Arriving earlier in the day usually means fewer crowds.