Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavík – 4-Hour Hunt

Every winter, travellers arrive in Iceland from across the globe with one goal: to witness the Northern Lights. This 4-hour evening bus tour from Reykjavík gives you a genuine chance to see nature's most spectacular light show, guided by an experienced and enthusiastic local expert.

The aurora borealis begins as solar wind colliding with Earth's magnetic field — a collision that paints the sky in ribbons of white, green, and sometimes vivid red and purple. The display can range from a quiet shimmer on the horizon to a breathtaking full-sky performance. No two sightings are ever the same, and every one is unforgettable.

Throughout the evening your guide will share the science, mythology, and Icelandic folklore that surround the aurora borealis, turning the hunt itself into a rich and memorable experience. A special recipe of hot chocolate and refreshments is served on board to keep you warm as you search the dark countryside for the lights.

On nights when cloud cover or weather prevents a sighting, you will still enjoy a stunning star-filled sky — and a complimentary retry tour is included so you can try your luck again on another evening during your stay.

Your evening begins at Bus Stop #12 (opposite Storm Hotel, Þórunnartún 6, Reykjavík), where the bus departs for the countryside in search of clear, dark skies away from city light pollution.

On board, your guide will explain the atmospheric science behind the aurora and weave in Icelandic legends and stories about the lights. As the bus travels through the night landscape, keep your eyes on the horizon — the lights can appear at any moment.

• Duration: approximately 3–4 hours
• Guide: professional, English-speaking
• Refreshments: hot chocolate and snacks served on board
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi available throughout the journey
• Weather policy: you will receive an email in the late afternoon confirming whether the tour operates that evening

If the aurora does not appear, your one free retry tour allows you to join another departure during your stay at no extra cost.

BusTravel Iceland's Northern Lights tour combines genuine expertise with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The guides are passionate about the aurora and skilled at finding the best viewing conditions each evening — adjusting the route in real time based on cloud cover and solar activity forecasts.

Inclusions such as hot chocolate, on-board Wi-Fi, and a complimentary retry tour add real value and peace of mind. The tour is accessible to a wide range of travellers, with child and youth pricing available and a minimum age of 8 years. Meeting at a central Reykjavík bus stop makes joining straightforward, with no complicated logistics required.