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 2,031 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
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.
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.
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.
While it is not a guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights, the event team does everything it can to increase your chances. Everyone was super-nice, and pick up and drop off were very well-coordinated with clear, easy to follow directions. We saw the lights — amazing!
We got to see the lights but you aren’t that far out of the city so in the background were lights of buildings or a town which took away from the actual aurora borealis.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you were able to see the Northern Lights. Viewing locations are selected based on cloud cover, road conditions and the best available chance of a sighting that evening. We understand that nearby artificial light can affect the experience and appreciate your comments.
It's important to be patient the light show up in there own time.but they are worth the wait. Hot chocolate was lovely
Did not see Northern Lights despite packed bus, terrible watered down “hot chocolate”
Recommend calling the day before to ask for probability of Northern Lights in lieu of wasting time on this tour
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We are sorry the aurora was not as strong or colourful as you hoped. However, the Northern Lights were visible during your tour, although they appeared faint rather than bright green. Aurora intensity and colour vary naturally, and cameras can often capture stronger colours than the naked eye. We have also noted your feedback about the hot chocolate.
Bus with dark tinted windows with I terror lighting g, lack of explanation as to what faint norther lights look like, and a final destination that was also filled with light pollution left a less than stellar experience. And our hot chocolate drove away on another bus.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We are sorry the experience did not meet your expectations. Faint or grey Northern Lights are still aurora and can look much less vivid to the naked eye than in photos. Viewing locations are selected based on conditions that evening. We have also noted your comments about the bus lighting and the missing hot chocolate.
I was so excited to see the Northern Lights, but unfortunately, this tour was a huge disappointment. The bus arrived more than 24 minutes late, and it was a very large bus with a lot of people. The first stop wasn’t very far outside the city, so there were still a lot of city lights, making it a poor location for viewing the Northern Lights. We eventually moved to another spot, which was a little better, but with so many people, the experience felt very chaotic. There were cameras going off everywhere, making it difficult to enjoy the experience. The hot chocolate was also disappointing—a tiny, shot-sized cup that felt more like a sample than a proper serving. I would definitely not recommend this tour. If you’re booking a Northern Lights excursion, look specifically for one that advertises a small group and has a clearly stated maximum number of guests. Avoid the large coach tours with 50+ people if you want a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your feedback. This booking was for our standard large-coach Northern Lights tour, rather than our small-group experience. Pickup operates within a 30-minute window, so the vehicle is not considered late if it arrives within that period. Hot chocolate is served in smaller cups, but guests are welcome to refill. We’re sorry the overall atmosphere was not what you expected.
The first night we weren’t able to see the northern lights due to cloud coverage, but we were able to rebook for a different night and have much more success!
Absolutely amazing Northern Lights tour! The experience was very well organized, guides were knowledgeable, and seeing the lights was truly amazing. Highly recommended!
Great experience, was able to see the northern lights, guide was very helpful. Wear a winter coat, it was cold.
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per personWas $84.00(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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