From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour

The best part of this tour is the chase. Rather than waiting under Reykjavík’s city lights, you ride into darker country with a guide who watches the weather and shifts the route as conditions change. On a good night, the aurora may flicker at first, then sweep across the sky for an hour or more.

I like the free second attempt if the sky stays empty, and I like the guides’ practical help with cameras and phone settings. Guides such as Alex, Birta, Freda, Thor, and Daisy have made the ride lively as well as useful. The catch is simple: nothing can guarantee the lights, and you may spend several cold hours outside without seeing them.

• A weather-led route: The exact viewing place changes with cloud, darkness, and conditions.
• A three-hour bus outing: The trip usually lasts three to four hours and returns to Reykjavík.
• A free retry: If the aurora does not appear, you can join again without paying for another tour.
• Camera help on the road: Guides can explain exposure and camera settings before the lights show.
• A large coach experience: The BSI departure is easy to find, but the bus may carry many people.
• Serious cold is part of the deal: Bring layers and sturdy, warm shoes, especially for late departures.

Chasing the aurora beyond Reykjavík

The Northern Lights Tour begins at the departure side of Reykjavík’s BSI bus terminal. If you choose optional pickup, be ready 30 minutes before departure, and look for a bus marked Reykjavík Excursions.

Once aboard, you meet an English-speaking guide and leave the city in search of a darker sky. The ride itself is part of the experience. Guides explain what causes the aurora, discuss solar activity, and point out the conditions that can help or hurt your chances.

The route is not fixed. A cloudy patch, changing forecast, or city light pollution can send the bus in a different direction. You might end up in an open field, a rural viewing area, or near a national park. That flexibility is important because the best viewing point on one night may be useless the next.

Do not expect a sightseeing circuit with a set list of attractions. This is a focused evening hunt. The destination matters less than finding a place with clearer skies and less artificial light.

What the three to four hours feel like

The advertised duration is three to four hours, though the timing can depend on driving conditions and how long the guide decides to wait. You leave Reykjavík, travel into darker country, stop at a viewing point, and return to the capital.

Some of the most useful time comes before you even step off the bus. Guides can explain how to photograph the aurora, including exposure settings and ways to improve your chances with a camera or phone. That advice matters because the lights can look faint to your eyes but much stronger in a long-exposure photograph.

At the viewing area, you may spend a long stretch standing outside. The bus generally remains available as a warm refuge, and one outing included a driver leaving the heat on so people could warm up. Still, do not treat this as a quick photo stop. You may wait 45 minutes or longer before anything appears.

That waiting is part of the bargain. The sky can look empty, then produce a sudden pale arc. A small glow may fade before returning as curtains or rippling bands. On especially good nights, the display can last for 30 minutes, an hour, or more.

Why the changing route matters

Aurora tours need dark skies, but darkness alone is not enough. Clouds can block the show completely, and conditions can shift during the evening. The guide and driver therefore use different locations rather than taking every group to one permanent viewpoint.

This makes the tour more useful than simply walking outside your hotel and hoping. Reykjavík is a convenient base, but city lights reduce contrast. Driving away from the capital gives you a better chance of seeing a faint display, especially when the aurora is weak.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. The tour can improve your odds, not control the sky. The company clearly states that sightings are not guaranteed, and the 3.7 rating from 761 reviews reflects the mixed nature of an activity built around weather and solar conditions. Some nights produce an unforgettable show. Other nights produce only stars, cold air, and a quiet ride back.

That is not necessarily a failure of the guide. It is the basic risk of booking any aurora outing.

The people who shape the evening

A good guide makes a big difference during the waiting periods. The strongest guides on this route have included Alex, Birta, Freda, Thor, and Daisy, with Kelli and JP also praised for caring for their group during an unexpected bus problem.

Alex has been described as warm and entertaining, even singing an Icelandic song during the ride. Birta helped create a festive mood on a night when the lights appeared strongly. Freda combined humor with clear explanations, while Thor kept the group laughing and explained the science behind the aurora.

Daisy’s camera advice is especially useful if you want more than a dark photo with a green smudge. Guides can help you adjust exposure and tell you what to watch for in the sky. If you bring a camera, learn how to change settings before the tour, but still ask for help once you are outside.

The exact guide is not guaranteed, so book this for the structure and retry policy rather than for one particular person. Even so, the human side of the trip can turn a long wait into an enjoyable evening.

A large bus, with real tradeoffs

This is a bus tour from a major operator, not a private aurora chase. One outing used about ten coaches, and the BSI terminal can feel busy at departure time. The coach is comfortable and has free Wi-Fi, but you should expect a shared experience with many other people.

The large bus has clear advantages. It keeps the price down, gives you a warm place to sit, and makes the departure simple. At $69 per person, the cost is reasonable for transportation, a guide, and the chance to try again free if the first outing fails.

The drawback is personal space. A big group can mean more people at the viewing point and a less flexible pace. If you want a quieter night with a guide adjusting every stop around your preferences, a smaller group tour may suit you better. Some people who enjoyed this experience still said they would choose a small-group option next time.

The bus can also make extra hotel drop-offs on the return, depending on the route and driver. This has happened even though the listed end point is the BSI terminal. Do not count on a specific hotel stop, but it is worth asking the driver at the end.

The cold is stronger outside the city

Reykjavík can feel cold, but open country at night is another matter. Temperatures have reached around -10 to -16 degrees Celsius during outings, and wind can make the wait feel harsher.

Wear several layers, not just one heavy coat. Add a hat, gloves, warm socks, and shoes with thick soles. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, but for this activity, warmth matters more than style. You may stand on frozen or uneven ground while looking up, so thin city sneakers are a poor choice.

Bring your own water and snacks if you need them. Refreshments are not included. On the 9:00 PM departure, freshly baked waffles and hot drinks are available to buy on-site, which can be welcome after time outdoors. Those items are an extra purchase, not part of the tour price.

The cold can affect your photographs, too. Batteries drain faster, fingers become clumsy, and it is harder to adjust a camera while wearing thick gloves. Keep spare batteries warm if possible and prepare your settings before leaving the bus.

The free retry changes the value

The free rebooking policy is the tour’s strongest practical feature. If you do not see the Northern Lights on the first attempt, you can join again without paying for another ticket.

That matters because one night is a weak test of your luck. A cloud bank can cover the sky at the exact time of maximum activity, while the next evening may be clear. The chance to return turns a risky single evening into a better two-night strategy.

To make the most of it, book early enough in your Reykjavík stay to leave room for a second outing. If you schedule the tour on your final night, the free retry may not help. A first or second evening gives you more flexibility.

The policy applies when you are unable to witness the lights, and the tour still depends on availability and conditions. Check your email before departure for cancellations or weather updates. One outing was canceled because of conditions, and the notice went into a junk folder, so check there too.

What happens when the sky finally opens

The first sighting can be subtle. You may see a pale streak that looks like cloud until it shifts against the stars. A guide can help you tell the difference and may ask everyone to wait a little longer before returning to the bus.

When the aurora strengthens, the experience changes quickly. Green bands can stretch across the sky, move, fade, and return. At its best, the display dances for more than an hour and gives you time to watch without feeling rushed.

The sky itself can be part of the reward. On a clear night, you may see a remarkable spread of stars and a full moon rising behind a mountain. Even a modest aurora can feel special when the city is far away and the only sounds are the group and the wind.

A fortunate outing included a bonfire, hot chocolate, and songs after a bus accident required a replacement coach. That was an unusual situation, not a promised feature, but it shows how much the guide’s attitude can shape an evening when plans go wrong.

Who should book this tour

This outing suits you if you are staying in Reykjavík, want a straightforward way to search outside the city, and prefer a moderate price over a private vehicle. It is also a good choice if you have only basic photography skills and would like help with camera settings.

Families can make it work, though children must be ready for a late night and long periods outdoors. The bus ride is easier than driving in winter, but the cold at the stop can be serious. Bring more clothing than you think you need.

The tour also fits a flexible itinerary. The free retry is valuable for anyone staying several nights. If you have only one night in Reykjavík, understand that you are buying a chance, not a result.

You may prefer another option if you dislike large groups, need a fixed schedule, or want a quieter experience. A coach with many passengers can feel less personal, and the guide cannot promise a specific location or viewing time.

Booking details worth knowing

The listed price is $69 per person. It includes the local English-speaking guide, bus transportation, free Wi-Fi, and the chance to search for the aurora. Food and drinks are extra.

The tour leaves from the departure side of BSI bus terminal and returns to the meeting point. Optional pickup may be available, but you should be ready 30 minutes before the departure time if using it.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later if that option appears during booking. Check your email before leaving for weather changes, cancellations, or route updates.

The tour runs for about three to four hours, with starting times shown by date. The 9:00 PM departure has waffles and hot drinks available for purchase, which may be useful if you expect a longer wait.

Should you book this northern lights tour?

I would book it if you want a good-value first attempt from Reykjavík and can leave room for a second night. The $69 price, free Wi-Fi, English-speaking guide, camera advice, and free rebooking make it a sensible choice for most visitors.

I would not book it expecting a guaranteed show or a small, quiet outing. You may ride with a large group, stand in severe cold, and return without seeing anything. For the best odds, schedule it early in your stay, watch your email, wear serious winter clothing, and keep the next evening open.

If the aurora appears, the payoff can be extraordinary. If it does not, the free retry gives this tour more value than a one-shot excursion.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Tour depart from?

The tour departs from the departure side of the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavík. The bus is marked Reykjavík Excursions.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about three to four hours. Check the available dates for the exact departure time.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The aurora depends on weather and viewing conditions, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I join the tour again if I see no lights?

Yes. If you are unable to see the Northern Lights on your first outing, you can join again free of charge.

What should I wear?

Wear several warm layers and comfortable, sturdy shoes. You may stand outside for a long time 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 drinks are available to purchase on-site.