From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour

The best part of this Reykjavik Northern Lights tour is the search itself. You leave the city lights behind, follow the weather, and wait under a dark Icelandic sky for the Aurora Borealis to appear. Guides such as Alex, Birta, Freda, Daisy, and Thor have made the ride lively with stories, camera advice, and plenty of excitement when the sky finally moves.

I like two things in particular: you can rebook free of charge if the first outing produces nothing, and the guides do more than point at the sky. They explain what to watch for and help with phone or camera settings. The bus has Wi-Fi and keeps its heat running, which matters when temperatures drop well below freezing.

The catch is simple: no one can promise the lights. You may spend three or four hours driving and standing outside beneath stars, clouds, or a very faint glow. This is a large bus outing rather than a small-group chase, and the price of $69 reflects that basic, practical format.

Key points to know before you go

• The route changes with the weather: Your guide chooses observation spots based on cloud cover and the best chance of clear skies.
• The free second attempt matters: If you see no Northern Lights, you may join the tour again without paying another tour fee.
• BSI is the main meeting point: Depart from the departure side of Reykjavik’s BSI bus terminal, with optional pickup available.
• Expect serious cold: You may stand outside for long periods, so several warm layers and thick-soled shoes are essential.
• Guides help with photos: Tips on exposure and camera settings can make the difference between a black sky and a useful Aurora picture.
• The 9:00 PM departure has extras for sale: Fresh waffles and hot drinks are available on-site, but refreshments are not included.

Leaving Reykjavik from BSI after dark

The outing begins at the departure side of the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. If you use the optional pickup, be ready 30 minutes before the stated departure time. Look for a bus marked Reykjavík Excursions.

BSI is a practical departure point, though it is not the most intimate start to an evening in Iceland. This is a bus-based trip, and several coaches may leave around the same time. You will not be setting off with a tiny band of photographers and a private guide. You are joining a straightforward, organized search with a larger group.

That arrangement keeps the price down. At $69 per person, the tour costs far less than many private Northern Lights outings. You give up some quiet and personal attention, but you get transport out of Reykjavik, an English-speaking guide, and the chance to try again free if the first night fails.

The bus has Wi-Fi, which is a small but useful touch. You can check messages during the drive, though I would save your attention for the guide and the changing sky. The ride may take about an hour before reaching a suitable stopping place, depending on the night’s plan and road conditions.

Chasing clear skies beyond the city

There is no fixed sightseeing route here. The tour visits different locations according to weather, cloud cover, and other conditions. One night may lead to a field or a national park area, while another may use a different dark spot outside Reykjavik.

That flexibility is the point. The Aurora is not scheduled to appear over one particular viewpoint. A fixed route would look tidy on paper but could send you straight into cloud. Your guide and driver adjust the plan to find a darker, clearer part of the countryside.

You might spend much of the drive hearing about the Northern Lights, solar activity, local stories, and what to look for. Guides have included Alex, Birta, Freda, Daisy, and Thor, though your guide will depend on the departure. The strongest reports describe guides who kept the mood cheerful and explained the science without making the ride feel like a classroom.

The changing location also means you should not expect a named attraction at every stop. The reward is the sky, not a monument or museum. In places far from Reykjavik, the stars can be striking even if the Aurora stays hidden. A full moon rising behind a mountain, or a clear sky packed with stars, can become part of the evening.

Waiting outside for the Aurora

Once the bus reaches an observation point, the tour becomes less about movement and more about patience. You step into the cold, look upward, and wait. The lights may appear quickly, or you may see nothing for a long stretch before a pale patch begins to form.

This is where your clothing matters most. Wear several layers, not just one heavy coat. Add a hat, gloves, warm socks, and comfortable shoes with thick soles. The supplied advice to dress for very cold winter conditions is not a polite formality. One outing reached about minus 16 degrees Celsius, much colder than Reykjavik, and standing still makes the cold bite faster.

The bus keeps its heat on, so you can return inside to warm up. Still, going back and forth can mean missing a short burst of activity. Your guide may encourage you to wait a little longer if conditions look promising. On one particularly fortunate outing, the guide asked the group to stay, then the Aurora appeared after other buses had already left.

That patience can pay off. The lights may last for only a few minutes, or they may ripple across the sky for half an hour or more. Some nights bring an hour-long display. Other nights produce a brief, weak glow that is easier for a camera to capture than for your eyes to see.

What the Aurora may look like

The Northern Lights do not always arrive as a bright green curtain. You might first notice a faint gray or green streak that seems almost like cloud. As activity increases, the shape can sharpen, move, and spread across the sky.

When conditions are right, the display can dance for over an hour. The lights may shift rapidly, curl across the stars, or fade and return. Strong nights have included long periods of movement and color, while less fortunate outings have ended without a clear sighting.

This is why I would treat the tour as a chance, not a promise. Weather and solar activity control the main event. A charming guide cannot create clear skies, and a perfect forecast still does not guarantee an impressive display.

The free repeat trip softens that risk. If you do not see the lights on your first outing, you can join again free of charge. That is one of the strongest reasons to book this tour early in your Reykjavik stay. You leave time for a second attempt instead of placing all your hopes on your final night.

Check your email before leaving for updates. A departure can be affected by weather, and cancellation notices may land in a junk folder. One outing was cancelled because of conditions, and the booking was moved to the next night. The lesson is practical: check your inbox and spam folder before heading to BSI.

Guides, stories, and help with your camera

The guide can make a long wait feel worthwhile. English is the tour language, and guides explain the Aurora while you travel. Some use local stories about elves and the Northern Lights alongside information about solar activity. That mix gives the evening a sense of place without pretending the natural event can be controlled.

Good guides also keep an eye on the group. Freda has been praised for being funny and excited about the show. Daisy has helped with camera setup and explained what to watch for. Other guides, including Alex, Birta, Thor, Kelli, and JP, have been singled out for warmth, humor, or extra effort during unusual delays.

A camera lesson is especially useful. Night photography often requires a longer exposure and steady handling, and phone cameras may need a night mode or specific settings. Your guide can offer help with exposure and framing. Bring your camera or phone fully charged, but do not assume the guide will be able to operate every model.

The bus ride can also become part of the experience. Guides have shared Icelandic songs, stories, and explanations of the lights. In one difficult outing, a bus problem led to a replacement vehicle, yet the staff kept people comfortable with a bonfire, hot chocolate, and songs while the Aurora appeared. That kind of response cannot be guaranteed, but it shows why the human side of the tour matters.

Large coach comfort and its limits

The coach keeps you out of the worst weather during the drive and gives you a warm base while you wait. Wi-Fi is included, and some drivers have provided unexpected help by dropping people near their hotels on the way back.

The official end point is the original meeting point at BSI. A hotel drop-off may happen, but you should not plan on it. Treat it as a possible courtesy, not part of the promised service.

A large coach also means a larger group at the viewing site. You may need to walk away from the bus to find a clear view, and several groups can gather at the same dark location. If you want a quiet night with a photographer focused only on your party, a small-group or private tour may suit you better.

There are a few signs of scale. Multiple coaches may operate on the same evening, and the return journey can include several drop-offs. That can make the ride home longer, but it may also save you a walk back to your accommodation.

Food, timing, and the 9:00 PM departure

Refreshments are not included. If you choose the 9:00 PM departure, freshly baked waffles and hot drinks are available to buy on-site. That is welcome after standing in winter air, but bring your own water and a snack if you do not want to depend on what is available.

The tour lasts about three to four hours. The exact start time depends on availability, and the outing can feel longer if the group waits for a promising opening in the clouds. The later departure may give you more darkness and a better chance to watch the sky, but the supplied information does not guarantee that one departure will produce better conditions.

Plan your evening carefully. You may return later than expected if the guide decides to wait for possible activity, or if the bus makes several drop-offs. Avoid booking a tight dinner reservation or an early morning commitment immediately afterward.

Is $69 good value?

For $69, I see this as a sensible first attempt rather than a premium Aurora expedition. The price covers the bus, English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, and the chance to travel beyond Reykjavik’s city lights. The free repeat outing makes the deal stronger, since one cloudy night does not automatically turn into a lost expense.

The value depends on your expectations. If you want transport and a guided search without paying for a private vehicle, this is a fair choice. If you want a small group, quiet photography time, or a guide dedicated to your party, the large-coach setup may feel basic.

You are also paying for the chance to see a natural event. That means the best possible outcome is remarkable, but the worst possible outcome is several cold hours without the main attraction. The repeat policy is the tour’s most important protection against that risk.

Who should book this Northern Lights outing?

I would choose this for a first visit to Reykjavik, especially if you have at least two nights available for a second attempt. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who want a reasonably priced way to get away from city lights without arranging a rental car.

It is also a good fit if you want practical help with photography. The guides can explain exposure and phone settings, and you will have a warm bus nearby while you wait.

I would think twice if you dislike standing in the cold, need a short and tightly timed evening, or want a calm small-group setting. The Aurora may take patience, and the coach can carry many people. You should book this only if you accept that the weather has the final say.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an affordable, organized Aurora search with a strong free rebooking policy. Reserve it early in your stay, check your email before departure, and bring far more warm clothing than you think you need.

Skip it if you require a guaranteed sighting or a private experience. For most visitors who can accept uncertainty, the combination of flexible locations, helpful English-speaking guides, warm transport, and a second chance makes this a sensible Reykjavik option.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights tour depart from?

The tour departs from the departure side of Reykjavik’s BSI bus terminal. Optional pickup is available, and you should be ready 30 minutes before departure if you use it.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is three to four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed?

No. The Aurora depends on weather and natural conditions, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I join again if I do not see the lights?

Yes. If you do not see the Northern Lights on your first outing, you can join the tour again free of charge.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing in multiple layers and comfortable shoes. You may stand outside for long periods 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.