Top Reykjavik Day Trips

The best day trips from Reykjavik include excursions to the Blue Lagoon, Kerid Crater, and other sites. Recent travelers highly rated these day tours:

• Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
• Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
• Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik
• South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik

Tour prices range from US$40 to US$60 for hop-on-hop-off bus tours, walking tours, and Northern Lights tours; half-day trips that include Iceland’s Golden Circle are usually US$100, while full-day tours that include stops at the Secret Lagoon are US$130 and up.

The Golden Circle, a famed driving route that includes three of Iceland's most popular natural attractions, takes about 145 miles (233 kilometers), or little over three hours, to complete the shortest route from Reykjavík. The closest is Thingvellir National Park, which takes about 45 minutes to reach, followed by Geysir Hot Springs in another 40 minutes, and Gullfoss Falls, 10 minutes farther.

No public bus service takes you directly from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon. Your best bet for your day trip from Reykjavik is to arrange for a tour from a reputable company that will get you there and back without any extra hassle.

Yes, several trip options include the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. On these northern light safari-style trips, you might visit different locations for the best views. Other tours include additional attractions, like the Blue Lagoon.

Three days is an ideal amount of time to explore Reykjavik. With that amount of time, you can visit the area's highlights, soak in the Blue Lagoon, explore the city, and take a Golden Circle trip, with an optional day trip to the South Coast.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Reykjavik aside from day trips. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Whale Watching

• Horseback Riding

• Bus Tours

• Thermal Spas & Hot Springs

• Port Transfers

Reykjavik day trip prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Iceland's Golden Circle Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

• Puffin Cruise With Expert Tour Guide From Reykjavik

• Northern Lights Bus Tour From Reykjavik

• Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Afternoon Tour From Reykjavik

• Volcano Hike and Grindavik Visit From Reykjavik

In Iceland, regardless of where you are, the weather can change noticeably throughout the day, so always pack layers. Most day trips, from the Golden Circle to the South Coast, last all day, so dress for the day’s changes—and bring plenty of water and snacks, as many don’t include meals.

One of the best tips for enjoying a Reykjavik day trip is to do your research in advance so that you can take advantage of the best views and photo opportunities. For example, if you’re traveling by bus, book a seat on the ocean-facing side. Additionally, always dress in layers (including a waterproof outer layer if you’re going to waterfalls or the coast) and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Each season in Iceland offers great experiences for Reykjavik day trips. In summer (June–August), you’ll get more than 20 hours of daylight and warm temperatures, which allows for longer excursions and access to highland areas like Thorsmork. In the shoulder seasons, you’ll get fewer crowds and, in spring, views of possibly more powerful waterfalls, due to the spring snow melt. In winter, you have opportunities to enjoy activities like ice caving and dogsledding, plus good odds of seeing the northern lights.