From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour

Spotting the aurora is the main event. This Reykjavik Northern Lights tour takes you out on a guided coach hunt to multiple dark-sky locations, aiming to catch the Aurora Borealis when conditions line up. I like that the guide isn’t just along for the ride; you get real coaching on what to look for and how to photograph it, plus the tour has a safety net if the lights don’t show the first night.

Two things I especially like. First, you’re not stuck staring out one window in one place; the plan involves trying several locations depending on weather and other factors. Second, the tour is set up with a free redo if you don’t see the aurora on your first go, which matters because Northern Lights are never guaranteed.

The one possible drawback is also the reality of Iceland. You can do everything right and still end up with a sky that stays cloudy or too bright, and the tour can’t promise a sighting.

Key things to know before you go

• Multiple locations based on conditions so you can respond if the sky changes
• Free return if you miss the lights on your first outing
• English-speaking guide with help for what to watch and how to shoot photos
• Wi‑Fi on the bus for maps, reminders, and sharing once you’re back
• Warm clothing is non-negotiable because you’ll likely stand outside for long stretches

How the Aurora Hunt Works From Reykjavik

This is a short, focused Northern Lights tour built around one goal: get you away from Reykjavik’s glow and into better viewing conditions. The total time is about 3–4 hours, and exact timing depends on the departure you choose, so check availability for your start time.

The core idea is simple. The tour searches for the aurora by visiting a few different potential spots. Which ones you’ll see depends on the night’s weather and other factors, so you shouldn’t plan on the same route every time you go.

One of the smartest features here is the free re-book if you don’t see the lights during your first outing. Because aurora hunting is unpredictable, this turns a big unknown into a much smaller bet. It also reduces the pressure to pick the one perfect night, which is helpful when you have limited time in Iceland.

Meeting at BSI Bus Terminal and What the Coach Experience Is Like

You’ll start at the departure side at the BSI bus terminal. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated logistics puzzle late at night.

Pickup is optional. If you’re using pickup, plan to be ready 30 minutes before departure, and note that the bus will be marked Reykjavík Excursions. That small detail helps when you’re dressed for winter and trying to find your group without stress.

Inside the bus, you get local guide service during the trip and free Wi‑Fi. In practice, that means you can keep your phone useful without draining the battery right away, and you can quickly look up camera settings or review notes your guide shares before you step outside.

Group size can be on the larger side for a coach tour. One review described a setup involving many coaches, so don’t expect intimate, one-on-one aurora coaching. Still, guides are actively giving instructions on what to look for and how to capture it, which is what you want when everyone is bundled up and waiting.

Your Aurora Stop Plan: Multiple Locations, Weather Wins

The tour doesn’t lock you into a single observation point. Instead, you travel to a variety of locations, and the guide adapts based on conditions. That’s important because cloud cover, fog, and even local light pollution can change the outcome fast.

When you arrive at an observation area, you’re likely to stand outside for a while. Multiple reviews mention extended waiting time before aurora activity appears, with sightings sometimes starting after a long stretch of cold. This is why comfortable winter gear matters more than fancy gadgets.

The night can feel like two different experiences. Early on, it’s quiet and waiting, and you’ll likely spend time looking up, adjusting your stance, and staying warm. When the aurora does appear, the atmosphere shifts fast. People describe the lights moving and dancing, sometimes for an hour or more when conditions are good.

A couple of useful realities from the reviews: clear skies improve your odds, and the guide’s willingness to keep watching and adjusting can pay off. For example, one guide encouraged the group to wait a bit longer, and that extra time led to a brief but visible aurora moment.

Guides, Camera Tips, and Names You Might Hear On the Bus

This is the part that can make a huge difference between seeing aurora as a vague glow and capturing it as the dramatic sky show it is. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who explains what’s happening and what to look for.

You’ll also get practical photo guidance. Several reviews mention exposure help and camera settings tips, including guidance for both cameras and phones. If you’ve ever taken an aurora photo and wondered why it looked like nothing, this kind of targeted coaching is exactly what you need.

The guide personality can also shape the whole vibe. Reviews call out guides such as Alex, Birta, Thor, Daisy, and Freda for being fun, enthusiastic, and focused on helping people get great results. One review even notes a guide giving extra attention to setting up exposure for better photos, which is the kind of detail that turns waiting into real progress.

If you want a simple strategy for your night, use the bus time wisely. Listen to the guide’s tips, take notes if you’re the type, and then be ready to follow instructions quickly when you’re outside and cold enough that your fingers stop working like normal.

Dress Like It’s Arctic Winter: Clothing, Comfort, and Where Warmth Happens

Bring layers and plan to spend time standing outside. The tour explicitly advises warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and that’s not filler text. Northern Lights nights in Iceland can get brutally cold compared to daytime comfort levels.

A key point from the reviews: temperatures can be far below what you’d guess from Reykjavik alone. One review mentions being around -16 during the tour, and that’s a real reminder that the cold isn’t just background. It’s the main activity you’ll be managing between aurora bursts.

Use this practical packing mindset:

• Dress in multiple layers so you can fine-tune warmth.
• Choose shoes with decent grip and insulation for standing on cold ground.
• Expect to stand still while looking up, which chills you faster than walking around.

Food and drink are not included as a standard part of the tour, but there’s a helpful note for the 9:00 PM departure: freshly baked waffles and hot beverages are available for purchase on-site. That’s a nice pressure release if you’re cold and waiting for the sky to cooperate.

Also, pay attention to comfort cues. One review describes the bus driver leaving the heat on so people could warm up whenever they needed it during the night. Another review mentions a situation where hot chocolate and a bonfire were offered after an unexpected bus issue. Those aren’t guarantees, but they do show the team’s tendency to keep passengers comfortable when conditions get harsh.

Price and Value for $69: What You’re Really Paying For

At $69 per person, this tour sits in the “worth considering” category for a Reykjavik Northern Lights outing. You’re not just paying for transportation; you’re paying for guided decision-making in a situation where the conditions change constantly.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

• You get a local guide and a coach search, which saves you from driving yourself in the dark.
• You receive Wi‑Fi and in-field instruction, which helps with both comfort and photo results.
• Most importantly, you get a free second attempt if you miss the lights the first time.

That free return option is what makes the price feel fair. Aurora nights are random. With no guarantee, the real risk is spending money once and getting nothing. This tour reduces that risk by giving you another shot if the sky doesn’t cooperate.

Is it perfect value for everyone? Not quite. If you hate cold waiting, or if you only want to go once and can’t use the free return, you might feel frustrated if the aurora doesn’t appear on your schedule. But if you’re open to the hunt, $69 is a reasonable price for a guided experience that actively works for better odds.

Who This Northern Lights Tour Suits Best

This tour is a strong fit if you want a guided aurora hunt without DIY stress. If you’re traveling with a group, or you’re comfortable following a plan and standing outside in winter, you’ll likely enjoy the whole night more.

It also suits photographers and curious sky-watchers. The guide-led tips about exposure and camera settings can help you actually get pictures you’ll want to keep, not just blurry dots and disappointed screens.

On the other hand, it may not be ideal if you’re easily uncomfortable in extreme cold. The tour can involve waiting for the aurora to show up, and even when the lights appear, you’ll probably stay outside for bursts of time. Dress for that reality, and you’ll enjoy the experience far more.

If you’re in Reykjavik for only a short window, consider the free re-book as part of your planning. The tour isn’t a one-and-done gamble; it’s more like a two-chance system if you schedule carefully.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour?

I’d book it if you want the most practical approach to aurora viewing from Reykjavik: guided, coach-based, and designed around chasing changing conditions. The standout reason is the free return if you don’t see the lights, because it turns the aurora’s unpredictability into something you can work with.

I’d think twice if you have very limited flexibility and you can’t tolerate the cold waiting involved with aurora hunting. But if you’re prepared to layer up, listen to the guide’s instructions, and treat it like an outdoor night of patience plus payoff, this tour is a solid way to do it.

If your goal is to maximize your odds and your chance of getting photos, pick a departure time that gives you enough dark hours. One review suggests the later 9:00 PM departure may give better results, and that schedule also includes on-site warm food and drinks for purchase.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights tour start from?

The tour departs from the departure side at the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 3–4 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the exact schedule.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The tour depends on weather and aurora activity, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see the lights on the first try?

If you don’t see the Northern Lights during your first outing, you can join the tour again free of charge.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is guided in English.

Is Wi‑Fi included?

Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available on the bus.

Do I need to bring food or refreshments?

Refreshments are not included. For the 9:00 PM departure, freshly baked waffles and hot beverages are available to purchase on-site.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes. You may spend long periods standing outside in very cold conditions.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you’re using pickup, be ready 30 minutes prior to departure. The bus will be marked Reykjavík Excursions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.