Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate
Reykjavik, Iceland
+5
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The northern lights draw hopeful travelers from across the world to Iceland, but knowing how to boost your chances of the best sightings requires skill, practice, and a bit of luck. On this northern lights bus tour, enjoy round-trip travel from your Reykjavik hotel and head out into the Icelandic countryside with your experienced guide.
- Hit the best viewing spots according to weather conditions on the day
- Sip hot chocolate as the northern lights dazzle in the skies above—weather permitting
- Enjoy round-trip transfers from Reykjavik
- Test your luck with seeing one of the world's greatest phenomenons
What's Included
- WiFi on board
- Hot Chocolate
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Dinner
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
1
Thingvellir National Park
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum age is 6 years old
- Dress in warm, wind and waterproof clothing and footwear.
- If you don´t see the northern lights during the tour, you can join again for free on one other night.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 65 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 2,051 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
This tour was incredible! Jessica was our guide, and she shared a lot of knowledge about the Northern Lights in Iceland. The hot chocolate they served was delicious, too!
They took us out of Reykjavik to a dark spot with better viewing conditions. I was immediately blown away by the stars alone, there were so many! After a while of waiting, we started photographing a faint green glow in the sky, and then the lights came to life! It looked like a green ribbon dancing across the sky. It was incredible, and I felt so lucky to see the lights on my first night in Iceland.
I highly recommend this tour, especially because they offer a free rejoin if you don't see the lights. I loved it and I'm so happy I got to see them. A bucket list item officially checked off! 😀
We went in a HUGE bus, probably 70 people. So too big for me. We did get some nice sightings on a beautiful night and the leader, a young man Davi? was fantastic. Very articulate, knowledgeable, professional and helpful. Gave good info on the science of the Northern Lights as well as some interesting facts about how family names are created in Iceland. If I went again I’d go in a smaller bus or van. Also, difficult getting on and off the bus due to so many people and very dark. But there were a lot of those big buses at our spots so it is common for this obviously popular event.
Everything was on time. The tour guide was very good, we saw lots of Northern Lights last night. It was a magical experience.
Total waste of money, they don’t check forecasts before and they just tried 2 locations, none showed northern lights
Response from Host, Oct 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights were not visible during your tour. We would like to clarify that weather, cloud cover, and aurora forecasts are checked before departure and used to select the most promising areas. Conditions can change quickly during the evening, and unfortunately, even visiting multiple locations cannot guarantee a sighting.
Tour felt predetermined and we didn’t see the lights. Didn’t seem to be a plan specific to the night we were going out to optimize our chances. We were warned about tours that just gather as many people as possible and drive to one location to, hopefully, see the lights. This is one of those tours.
If you are doing this tour, do it at the beginning of your trip. If you don’t see the light they say they will take you back out. We made the mistake of booking this the last full day in Iceland.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights were not visible during your tour. We would like to clarify that our viewing locations are selected each evening using the latest weather, cloud-cover and aurora forecasts; the route is not simply predetermined regardless of conditions.
Sometimes the best available forecast leads the guide to remain at one location rather than continue driving, as moving does not necessarily improve the chances of a sighting.
As you mentioned, when the lights are not seen we offer one complimentary retry. We recommend booking earlier in a stay where possible so there is more flexibility to use that second attempt.
We were lucky to be able to see the Northern Lights at our last stop which made the experience phenomenal. Our navigator was very knowledgeable and worked diligently with the aurora forecast. We weren’t fans of the cinnamon hot chocolate that was provided so we weren’t disappointed that is was only a 3 ounce portion.
The guides were great to be patient and trying to find the best place to see the lights it was cloudy but did have some clear skies that we found The second place showed us the Northern lights just as we were about to give up ! Be patient with the weather !
*it rained all day and cloudy at night so we expected to have a cancellation but none came. It was a go?!
*Would like to speak with someone about this but I'll explain here as best as I can
*a 4 hour search for northern lights went like this
*met 8;30 for our bus, was waiting until 9:10 for late mini bus with other guests
*rode 45 minutes for a stop to look for them and use rest rooms *Giuseppe ( who was quite difficult to understand) couldn't get us into restrooms cause locked and no key?
*Now almost 10 pm rode another 15 minutes got out to check for lights for 10 minutes then told to go back to bus for hot chocolate. *We sat in bus until 11:45 then (with no sign of Giuseppe) until he showed up to let us we were now going back to Reykjavik and would be back by midnight.
Obviously we saw nothing. Its tough to spot the Northern lights from the inside of a bus.
I believe we are owed a refund. I believe we are owed an apology as well for wasting our precious time on our trip to Iceland.
Please seriously consider both. We use Viator for all of our trips and this trip has definitely tarnished your reputation.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights did not appear for your group, but we would like to clarify several points. Conditions were considered promising enough to operate, and some of our other vehicles did successfully see the aurora that evening.
Your tour travelled first to Drengur and then to Þingvellir, where the group spent over an hour attempting to view the lights. Unfortunately, the restrooms at the first location were closed at that hour.
The tour finished at approximately 00:30 and operated for the advertised four-hour duration. Northern Lights conditions can change very quickly, and although we do everything possible to find suitable viewing conditions, sightings can never be guaranteed. When no lights are seen, our policy provides a complimentary retry rather than a refund for a completed tour.
It's a northern lights hunt, so there's no guarantee of seeing the lights. The tour guide stopped at about 5 different locations but the cloud coverage was too thick to see any of the northern lights.
There is a good faith effort by the company of giving you one free rebook to try to find the northern lights for a second chance, but on the second try a few days later we didn't see it either.
You can get a discount in further bookings, but you don't get a third free booking, which is understandable because they'd be losing money with unlimited rebookings.
If you have a rental car, I'd skip the tour bus and use some aurora tracking apps in conjunction with weather and cloud coverage apps to find where you could drive to and do that instead.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your fair and detailed feedback. We’re sorry the Northern Lights did not appear on either of your attempts, despite the guide trying several locations.
As you mentioned, sightings can never be guaranteed, and we provide one complimentary retry when the lights are not seen. We appreciate your understanding of the policy and hope you have another opportunity to see the aurora in the future.
We didn’t see the lights. Totally accept there are no guarantees for natural phenomena. However, I don’t think there was any chance on our night so I feel the operator should be honest cancel in these circumstances. The guide had no real hope and so neither did we.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights did not appear during your tour. These tours only operate when the available forecasts and conditions give us a reasonable chance of a sighting, but cloud cover and aurora activity can change quickly during the evening.
Even on nights when conditions initially appear promising, the final outcome is entirely controlled by nature and can never be guaranteed. When the Northern Lights are not seen, we offer one complimentary retry, subject to availability.
So fun and our female guide was so knowledgeable on the northern lights! Dress warm!! We had the BEST time and saw some AMAZING lights!
Cancelled because of the weather and rebooked but we were taken to one area that was cloudy, didn't see a thinkg and they were than desperate to drop us off back at Reykjavík, if the weather is bad, cloudy, raining and windy don't bother booking a northern lights tour as you won't see a thing.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights were not visible during your rebooked tour.
Northern Lights tours are highly dependent on changing weather and cloud conditions. A night can look promising when the decision to operate is made, but conditions can change quickly after departure. Our guides choose viewing areas based on the best available forecasts and conditions at the time, but unfortunately a clear sighting can never be guaranteed.
The tour is a “search” for the elusive Northern Lights and seeing them is a not a guarantee. The guide, Dennis, and the bus service were great. The hot chocolate was tasty (with cinnamon) and had a couple more servings for everybody. Our guide Dennis was personable and knowledgeable. We did not see any lights on our tour though due to the cloudy and windy weather at time of the hunt. As Dennis said at the start, the hunters should also be lucky!!!
We were so excited to see the northern lights. It was one of the main reasons why I booked the trip.I understand the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed, but I was disappointed with this experience. We spent the evening driving around but never saw the Northern Lights. If the conditions made the chances especially low, I feel guests should have been given the option to reschedule or receive a partial refund or not go at all. (Yes I requested a partial refund but was declined, which was disappointing) Overall, the experience did not feel worth the price BUT I will say they had delicious, hot chocolate and the tour guide tried his best to be optimistic despite our luck (or lack thereof ?)
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights did not appear during your tour. As you mentioned, they are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, even when conditions are suitable enough for us to operate.
When guests join the tour but do not see the Northern Lights, our policy is to offer a complimentary retry/reschedule or an applicable voucher option, rather than a partial refund for the operated tour. We’re glad you enjoyed the hot chocolate and appreciated your guide’s efforts despite the conditions.
Excellent guide, bad conditions. He found us cozy spots and at least our cameras got a tiny glimpse.
After a long day of touring, we booked this experience so we could see the lights and relax. I tried to recline my chair and the man behind me started shaking it and touching my shoulder to make me move my chair. The tour guide (a Russian woman. I don’t remember her name) did nothing. She immediately took his side and ignored the fact that this man put his hands on me. She even told me that if I didn’t move my chair I’ll have to leave the bus. Anyway, the vibes were off and we didn’t see the lights because it was cloudy. The hot chocolate is the only reason I’m ok with giving the one star.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the interaction with another passenger made you uncomfortable. Our guides are expected to manage disagreements between guests fairly and maintain a respectful environment onboard, and we take concerns about unwanted physical contact seriously.
We will review the situation with the guide involved. Regarding the Northern Lights, unfortunately cloud cover prevented a sighting that evening, which is outside our control. We’re glad you at least enjoyed the hot chocolate.
Great experience! It was a cloudy night, so we were a little discouraged with the first stop, but our guide took us to one more stop. It turned out to be the winner. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the lights. Although we couldn’t see the lights very clearly with the naked eye, they were extremely visible with our phone cameras. You could feel everyone’s excitement as more people were seeing them. The hot chocolate was a yummy touch.
I had a fantastic time! The guide went out of his way to make sure we saw the Aurora and gave us plenty of time. It was a late night, but so worth it.
Great experience!
Our guide Michael and driver Simon were both great!
We had the chance of watching a beautiful show of the nothern lights near Keflavík airport.
We did not really see any northern lights, just a hint of green, but the guide did a fantastic job hunting them for us despite overcast skies. Fantastic hot chocolate.
The tour was cancelled, we rebooked for the following night and that was also cancelled die to weather
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the weather prevented both departures from operating. Northern Lights tours are completely dependent on suitable weather and viewing conditions, which unfortunately cannot be controlled. If you never joined, you are entitled to a full refund.
Understand that the tour is a “search” for the elusive Northern Lights not a guarantee you will see them. The bus service was great. The hot chocolate was tasty but it is served in a tiny shot cup. Our guide was personable and knowledgeable. We did not see any light on our tour but, because of that, we have the option of trying again another time free of charge.
Worst experience dealing with Viator. My wife and I were supposed to be picked on Sep.17 at 8:30 PM from my hotel FOSSHOTEL Baron in Reykjavik for Northen Lights. We were waiting front of the hotel since 8:20 PM. Bus did not show up. At 8:40 a Viator bus came with other passengers. I was trying to approach it. It did not stop. The bus came from Skulagata side and turned right on Baronstigur not even slowing down. It passed right by me and my wife and kept going till it was out of my sight. I had no number of Viator to call. I talked to the hotel reception. They could not help me. I had one more day in Iceland which is already scheduled with tours. So I decided to hire a taxi to try to see Northern Lights. We tried without success. I paid taxi driver for the efforts. I want Viator to refund the money I paid and I want an apology for its failure to provide the service.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry to hear about your experience. However, the tour and pickup described in this review were not operated by BusTravel Iceland. Viator is a booking platform that works with multiple local operators, and the vehicle referenced was not one of ours. We recommend contacting Viator directly regarding the operator assigned to your booking and the requested refund.
Patience is a virtue, which is a requirement for this tour to give you the best chance of seeing the NL.
I’m sure this is cool when it works out, but it was so silly. Our first night was cancelled so we rebooked the next night. Our guide was enthusiastic, and I get there’s not much he could do, but we just wandered around waiting for lights to appear that never did. So cold and dark. Spiced hot chocolate was good. We aren’t able to rebook a third time plus the late night was challenging.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re sorry the Northern Lights did not appear during your rescheduled tour. Unfortunately, aurora sightings can never be guaranteed, even when conditions are suitable enough for the tour to operate. We’re glad you enjoyed the guide’s enthusiasm and the hot chocolate, and we understand that another late-night attempt may not have fit your travel plans.
Wonderful experience. And the tour guide was great. We were able to see the northern lights at three different stops.
The drivers are extremely careful and mindful for tourists safety. Juliana made sure we had the best experience.
It’s a gamble! We did see some beautiful constellations with very clear skies, but no northern lights.
Waste of money. You can only see northern lights using a special camera, not with your eyes. Long drive for nothing but a few ounces of not so good chocolate
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We are sorry the display was not as strong as you hoped. Northern Lights can be seen with the naked eye, although weaker aurora often appears pale or grey rather than bright green. Ordinary phones and cameras can capture stronger colours because their sensors collect more light; no special camera is required. We have also noted your feedback about the hot chocolate.
We got lucky and saw a great Corona at the first stop - so magical. Very grateful to have seen this in my life.
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