From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour

The sky is the star of this outing. This 3 to 4-hour bus trip takes you from Reykjavik into darker countryside with an English-speaking guide who tracks weather and cloud conditions, then chooses a viewing area for that night. I like the free second chance if the aurora does not appear, and I like having a guide who can explain the lights and help you set up a phone or camera.

The main catch is simple: no one can promise an aurora. You may spend a long time outside in bitter cold and see only stars, clouds, or a faint glow. The tour earns a 3.7 rating from 761 reviews, which reflects the unavoidable gamble as much as the service itself.

This is a large bus outing from the BSI bus terminal, not a quiet private expedition. Still, the low $69 price, free Wi-Fi, flexible cancellation, and repeat booking make it a sensible first attempt for many people visiting Reykjavik.

Five things to know before you go

• Your destination changes with the weather: The guide chooses among different locations instead of following one fixed route.
• The free rebooking policy matters: If you see no Northern Lights, you can join again without paying another tour fee.
• BSI is the main departure point: Go to the departure side of the BSI bus terminal, and look for a bus marked Reykjavík Excursions.
• Cold is part of the deal: You may stand outside for a long time, sometimes in temperatures far below freezing.
• The guides add real value: Guides such as Alex, Birta, Frida, Daisy, and Thor have helped with aurora facts, camera settings, stories, and patience during long waits.
• The 9:00 PM departure has extras: Fresh waffles and hot drinks are available for purchase on-site on that departure.

Why this $69 tour can be good value

At $69 per person, this is priced as an accessible introduction to aurora hunting rather than a premium small-group trip. You are paying for transport out of Reykjavik, a driver, a live English-speaking guide, and the chance to try again if conditions do not cooperate.

That last point changes the value. A failed aurora search can feel expensive when it ends with an empty sky. Here, you can rebook free of charge, giving you another opportunity during your stay. You still need enough time in Iceland to use that benefit, though. If this is your final night, the policy cannot create a second evening out of thin air.

The bus also keeps the cost down. You are likely sharing the outing with a large group, and one report described around ten coaches operating together. That makes the tour less personal than a small van trip. On the other hand, the bus offers warmth, Wi-Fi, and a dependable way back to Reykjavik.

I would choose this option if you want a reasonably priced first attempt and do not want to drive unfamiliar Icelandic roads at night. I would look elsewhere if you want a private guide, a very small group, or a carefully planned photography session.

Leaving BSI and heading into the dark

The tour starts at the departure side of the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. If you use the optional pickup, be ready 30 minutes before departure and look for the Reykjavík Excursions bus. Check your email before leaving, since weather cancellations or changes may be sent there, and one cancellation notice was found in a junk folder.

The drive is part of the experience, but it is mainly a transfer to darker skies. Reykjavik has city lights, so the guide takes you away from the capital region when conditions suggest a better chance. The exact route and stopping point depend on cloud cover, weather, and the aurora forecast.

You may hear an explanation of how the Northern Lights form during the drive. Guides have also shared Icelandic stories, folklore about elves, and practical advice about what to watch for in the sky. Alex, for example, was praised for singing an Icelandic song, while Frida was described as funny and highly engaged with the group.

The quality of the evening depends heavily on the guide. A quiet sky can make three hours feel long, but a lively guide gives the wait some purpose. Daisy has helped people with camera exposure and explained what faint aurora activity looks like. Thor has mixed information with humor. These small touches matter when you are sitting on a bus or standing in the cold with no guarantee of a show.

The changing viewing locations

There is no fixed list of stops because the operator moves according to the night’s conditions. You might be taken to a field or a national park, with the goal of finding darker skies and clearer views. The point is not sightseeing at a famous landmark. It is finding a practical place where the sky has the best chance of opening.

One evening included a national park setting, where the stars and full moon became part of the experience even before the aurora appeared. The bus driver kept the heat running so people could warm up. That is important: you are not expected to remain outside every minute, although you should be prepared for extended periods outdoors.

Some evenings bring a quick glimpse. On another, the lights stayed visible for more than an hour. A successful display can begin as a pale streak, then strengthen and move across the sky. You may see green tones, with other colors possible when the activity is strong. Cameras often show more color than your eyes can see, especially when the aurora is faint.

The best guides do not rush the group back to the bus at the first weak sign. One guide encouraged everyone to wait a little longer, and a clearer display appeared after other tours had already left. That kind of judgment can make the difference between a brief sighting and a memorable show.

What happens when the lights appear

When the aurora comes out, the mood changes quickly. People spread out, point upward, and try to capture the moment before the glow fades. You may watch the lights ripple, stretch, or seem to dance across the northern sky. Sometimes the show lasts only minutes. On a lucky night, it continues for half an hour, an hour, or longer.

You will need realistic expectations about color. The human eye may see a soft gray-green or pale band at first, while a phone camera records stronger greens. A guide can help you adjust exposure and camera settings, which is a useful service for anyone carrying a smartphone or basic camera.

Bring patience. One outing described 45 minutes of wind and waiting before a small patch appeared, followed by about an hour of strong aurora activity. Another group saw only a couple of brief flashes near the end. Neither result means the guide failed. The Northern Lights are an atmospheric event, not a scheduled performance.

If you do see a strong display, the tour can become the highlight of your Reykjavik visit. Several people described the lights as moving for an hour or more, while one successful evening became the setting for a marriage proposal. That is the best-case scenario, but it is worth remembering that the emotional impact comes from nature, timing, and luck as much as from the operator.

Cold-weather planning is not optional

Dress for the viewing site, not for Reykjavik’s streets. The city may feel manageable, but the countryside can be much colder. One outing reached minus 16 degrees Celsius, and another reported temperatures near minus 10 degrees at a national park.

Wear multiple layers, a warm outer coat, gloves, a hat, and shoes with good insulation. Thick soles help keep the cold from rising through your feet while you stand still. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, but comfort alone is not enough in serious winter weather.

You may spend long periods outside with little movement. That is why the bus, with its heat left on, becomes part of the practical comfort of the tour. Use it to warm up when needed rather than treating a return inside as a failure to enjoy the experience.

For the 9:00 PM departure, waffles and hot drinks are available to buy on-site. These are not included in the price, so bring money if that sounds useful. Refreshments are otherwise not part of the tour.

A large bus, with useful comforts

This is a bus tour, and the group size can be substantial. That brings clear advantages: the ride is affordable, the bus is generally warm, and you do not need to concentrate on driving. Free Wi-Fi is included, though the practical value of Wi-Fi may vary once you are far from the city.

The tradeoff is space and atmosphere. A large group can feel organized but crowded, especially when everyone gets off at the same viewing area. You may have less freedom to choose your own photographic position, and the guide’s attention will be shared among many people.

The bus has also proved flexible when problems occur. One outing had a vehicle accident and required another bus to collect the group. The guides arranged a bonfire and hot chocolate while everyone waited, and the evening continued with songs and aurora viewing. That is not something you should expect on every trip, but it shows the staff can respond calmly when plans go wrong.

The return is officially to the meeting point. Some drivers have also dropped people near their hotels on the way back, but you should not count on that as a guaranteed service. Plan to return to BSI unless your guide or driver tells you otherwise.

The guides make the waiting easier

The strongest part of this tour is often the human side. A good guide gives you useful information without pretending to control the sky. You may hear about aurora activity, sunspots, light pollution, camera exposure, local stories, and the signs of a possible display.

Alex, Birta, Frida, Daisy, and Thor were all praised for different reasons, including humor, warmth, excitement, and practical help. One guide was described as almost more excited than the group when the lights appeared. That enthusiasm can lift the mood on a cold, uncertain night.

Drivers also matter. Several were described as friendly and helpful, and some offered convenient drop-offs. Still, service can vary from one departure to another, as it does on any large operation. The core strength is the organized system and the second-chance policy, not a guaranteed personal connection with one particular guide.

Who should book this Reykjavik aurora outing?

This tour suits you if:

• You have limited experience with Northern Lights hunting.
• You want an affordable option from central Reykjavik.
• You prefer not to drive at night in winter.
• You can keep another evening free in case you need to rebook.
• You value a guide who can explain the sky and help with photos.
• You are comfortable joining a large bus group.

It may not suit you if you want a private setting or a quiet photography tour. It is also a poor choice for anyone who dislikes cold, standing outside, or uncertain results. The free rebooking helps, but it does not remove the need for time, patience, and luck.

Book early enough in your stay to allow a second attempt. Keep the next possible evening open, monitor your email for cancellation notices, and check your junk folder. A flexible schedule gives this tour a fair chance to work for you.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour costs $69 per person and lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking. The live guide speaks English, and the activity returns to the meeting point.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting. Pickup is optional, but if you use it, be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

The tour depends on weather and aurora sightings. If the lights do not appear, contact the operator and use the free rebooking option. The repeat visit is the central practical benefit of this outing.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a low-cost, straightforward attempt at seeing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik. The guides can make the waiting worthwhile, the bus keeps transport simple, and free rebooking gives you a second chance when the sky stays stubbornly dark.

I would choose a smaller tour only if privacy, photography, or a quieter setting matters more than price. For most first-time visitors, this is a fair-value gamble, provided you dress seriously for the cold and leave enough time in your schedule to try again.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights tour start?

The tour starts at the departure side of the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the departure options.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you use it, be ready 30 minutes before the tour departure time and look for the bus marked Reykjavík Excursions.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Weather and aurora sightings are unpredictable, so the tour cannot guarantee that you will see the lights.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

You can join the tour again free of charge if you do not see the Northern Lights on your first attempt.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, several layers, and comfortable shoes. You may spend a long time outside in very cold winter conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Refreshments are not included. On the 9:00 PM departure, freshly baked waffles and hot beverages are available to purchase on-site.