The Northern Lights (or aurora) are perhaps one of the most popular things that tourists come to Iceland to visit. This stunning light display occurs high in the upper atmosphere of the earth as a result of solar winds colliding with the magnetic field of our planet.
Our Northern Lights team works hard throughout the day, checking on weather data in order to best predict a location where the lights should be clearly visible. The locations visited are different from day to day we head in the direction with the most chances of seeing the Northern Lights. As this tour is weather dependent and sightings are not guaranteed, you are welcome to join another Northern Lights Coach tour free of charge.
Tour Options
Pickup at designated locations
You can select a designated pickup location in central Reykjavik to be picked up from.
Ticket to Aurora Center: Must be used on the day of the tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
120 min
Reykjavik has high level of light pollution, making it difficult for good viewings of the aurora. To overcome this issue we go out into the darker countryside to hunt for the lights. You will be joined by one of our experienced northern lights guide who will have loads of information to share with you.
With a little bit of luck you will find an amazing spot to view the Aurora borealis.
When you reach the location that your guide has selected as being the best point for a sighting then you will have some time to get out of the bus to see the lights. You will have plenty of time to take some photographs, If you are struggling then your guide should be able to help you setup your camera.
Highlights
WiFi on board
Pickup and drop from one of many approved central locations
Hot Chocolate
Air-conditioned vehicle
One free retry tour if you don´t see the lights on your first go. The retry will be on a big bus
All Fees and Taxes
What's included
Included
WiFi on board
Pickup and drop from one of many approved central locations
Hot Chocolate
Air-conditioned vehicle
One free retry tour if you don´t see the lights on your first go. The retry will be on a big bus
All Fees and Taxes
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be ready at your designated pick up location at the time your tour is scheduled to start. Pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.
Traveller Ratings
4.5
305 reviews
5
238
4
26
3
13
2
9
1
19
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $99 per person for this Reykjavik experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please be ready at your designated pick up location at the time your tour is scheduled to start. Pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.
Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyMALbX/aYR5o8av1CMjkrmM=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 28 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 305 verified reviews; it is run by BusTravel Iceland. Most-mentioned highlights: WiFi on board; Pickup and drop from one of many approved central locations; Hot Chocolate.
Reviews(305)
S
S_O
September 8, 2026
Small group tour is a must
Michael was determined to find us the best spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Because we were in a van (vs a large bus), he could take us on smaller roads with less traffic and light pollution. We were lucky and saw the full display of lights. There were winds of 50 mph so dress warmly and bring a tripod because you need to keep your camera still to take the best pictures.
C
Carrie_L
September 8, 2026
Amazing, magical, and beautiful!
Be prepared for any kind of weather. We were lucky because we say the Northern lights right away and at all stops. Our tour guide JP was amazing with facts and helped everyone with taking the best pictures of the experience.
F
France_D
September 5, 2026
Northern lights with Daniel
Well worth it! The knowledge and experience that our guide Daniel had paid off. We got to enjoy a sighting of lights and chocolate.
J
Jennifer_G
September 1, 2026
Not worth it
I booked this tour because of the positive reviews saying how the guides ensure you get the best possible view and if you don’t see lights you can rebook. I wasn’t happy with the little to no light we saw that night. My guide claimed it as valid and that I couldn’t rebook again.We also stayed that night waiting for less than a hour and in one spot. My guide made no effort to move to “chase the northern light”.
Operator response
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry the Northern Lights were weaker than you had hoped.
We would like to clarify that our Northern Lights policy includes one complimentary retry when eligible; it is not an unlimited number of free attempts. Once that retry has been used, an additional complimentary rebooking is not available.
Regarding the search, “chasing” the Northern Lights does not always mean driving continuously between different locations. Our guides assess the forecast, cloud cover, and conditions and may remain in one place when they believe it offers the best chance of a sighting.
Unfortunately, the strength and visibility of the aurora are entirely natural and can vary greatly from one evening to another. We understand the disappointment when the display is faint.
L
Louie_L
August 30, 2026
We are so glad to see the...
We are so glad to see the northern light in one of the clear sky of the week in late August. It was pretty faint but at least we get to catch the moment in person. Downside is driver didn’t even offer us a cup of hot chocolate when people were freezing returned to the van….
G
Gill_B
April 22, 2026
A super host!
Jonas was a super host - he is passionate about his work and couldn’t have done more to make this enjoyable. The Northern Lights weren’t quite as obliging, but we did get a few glimpses-
A
Ada_P
April 20, 2026
Even though we didn’t see...
Even though we didn’t see the Northern Lights (bummer, but nature does its thing), this was still a great experience. Our guide, JP, was fantastic—super knowledgeable about the Northern Lights and shared lots of interesting facts throughout the tour.
He was a great driver, easy to talk to, and the hot chocolate and treats were such a nice touch. He really made the whole experience enjoyable and worth it, even without the lights.
I’d definitely recommend this tour!
J
Janet_S
April 19, 2026
our driver Kuba was...
our driver Kuba was excellent , patience , courteous, helpful and was knowledgeable about his job. it was exciting for me bec it was my dream to come to iceland to see the northern lights i was blessed to see it and we have the perfect driver and guide his customer service is excellent and i would definitely recommend this company a to my relatives and friends when i go back to the US i had a wonderful experienced. If you see him please tell him thank you very much and he is a wonderful person. God bless .
E
esti_cl
April 12, 2026
Unforgettable night
I did this tour with Svetlanna, who was in communication with other people in order to get the best spots for us to see the Northern Lights. We were a group of about 20 people in a minibus. She took us to three different locations, one of which had hot beverages inside. The lights gave us a magnificent show that night, we could clearly see them with our bare eyes! Svetlanna gave us some information along the way and drove carefully through the night in Thingvellir National Park.
K
kirsten477
April 12, 2026
Amazing
We were surprised and delighted. The expert knowledge and experience of our driver gave us the best chance to see the Northern Lights. The small tour allowed us to get on and off quickly and have space safely near the bus in the dark night to take photos.
I wish I had worn more layers. Standing in the icy wind waiting for the Aurora to appear was tough.
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Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco