Explore the best of Iceland with these hand-picked bus tours. From short day trips to multi-day Ring Road journeys.
Are you looking to explore the best of Iceland’s incredible natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes but finding that car rentals are either fully booked out or far too expensive?
Don’t worry, there is a wide selection of epic Iceland bus tours departing from Reykjavik that’ll get you out exploring the country’s glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanoes in no time.
After spending a great deal of time exploring this incredible country, I’ve hand-picked the top bus tours based on the top reviews, the latest travel deals, and the tours that I believe include the must-have stops.

Things to Know About Planning Bus Tours in Iceland
When it comes to traveling around Iceland, hopping on a bus tour is one of the easiest ways to see the country. If you're staying in Reykjavik, you'll be happy to know that there is an array of bus tours to choose from.
Tip: Make sure you book in advance as the best trips are limited to small groups and often sell out during the peak seasons.

Epic Bus Day Excursions Departing from Reykjavik
1. Golden Circle Classic Day Trip
Are you planning a trip to Reykjavik but have found that all car rentals are fully booked? Why not join this Golden Circle day bus tour from Reykjavik?
As one of the most unique experiences from Reykjavik, this tour can't be missed! On this day trip, you'll experience three of the most popular attractions in the Golden Circle.
The first stop of the day is Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. Watch and be blown away as the powerful water plunges 32 m into the canyon. Standing near the waterfall, you understand why it's so popular!
Your second stop of the day is to see the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir Geothermal Area. Here, you'll see one of the most famous geysers in the world!
The third and final stop of the day on this Reykjavik bus tour is Thingvellir National Park. Here you'll see where two tectonic plates meet and move, the North American plate and the Eurasian plate.

2. Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Explore the inner workings of a volcanic eruption on a Reykjavik bus tour to the Raufarhólshellir lava tube.
On this guided tour, you'll walk in the path of the lava flow that was created from the eruption of Leitahraun 5,200 years ago. Venture into the cave with a helmet and flashlight to discover the remnants of the volcanic eruption.
As you wander through the cave you'll observe the beautiful colors within the tunnel caused by different types of minerals in the rock. It'll also be a sensory journey, as you hear the ice caves talk and feel the forces of nature like never before.
After a day of exploration, you'll be taken back to the capital city of Reykjavik.

3. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
If you're staying in Reykjavik and want to explore the city in a different way, why not join a hop-on hop-off Iceland bus tour?
When it comes to city sightseeing tours in Reykjavik, this is the best option as you're taken to the most famous sights in the city.
Some of the places you'll stop at along the way include
- Harpa Concert Hall
- The Old Harbor
- Viking Maritime Museum
- Whales of Iceland
- National Museum
- Laekjargata
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Reykjavik Art Museum
- Hallgrimskirkja
Book: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4. Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
If you're staying in Reykjavik and want to join a small group tour to see the Golden Circle, this is one of the best bus excursions.
After being picked up in the city center, the first stop of the day is the Kerið Volcanic Crater. Here, you can walk along the crater top and descend into the crater to reach the beautiful lake at its center.
Your next stop is the Secret Lagoon. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon is more of a hidden gem and much cheaper to visit. During this day trip, you'll get 90 minutes of free time to unwind in the hot spring area and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Then, you'll continue on to the active hot spring of Strokkur in the Geysir Geothermal Area and watch it spout steaming water 30 m into the air every eight minutes. Afterward, you'll head to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most famous natural wonders in the country. Here, you'll feel the spray of the glacial Hvítá River as it cascades down into the 32 m deep canyon.
Your final stop of the day will take you to Thingvellir National Park, where you can see the European tectonic plates meet.
If you want to see the best of the Golden Circle on a day tour that won't break the bank, Iceland bus travel is the way to go!

5. South Coast Day Tour by Minibus
If you plan on visiting the south coast of Iceland to see the black-sand beaches, the best way is to join a Reykjavik bus tour.
Hop on a luxury minibus from Reykjavik and spend the day exploring the volcanic landscape across the south coast of the country.
On this tour, one of the best bus tours in Iceland, you'll see some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country. From the magnificent waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to the black sand beaches and towering mountains of Reynisfjara, you'll be blown away by all the sights.
Along the way, you may even spot puffins and get a glimpse of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, which erupted in 2010.
After an eventful day of exploring, your local guide will take you back to your hotel in Reykjavik.

6. Northern Lights Bus Tour
No trip to Iceland would be complete without seeing the Northern Lights. However, it's not that easy to see them, as you need to how and where to find them.
That's why hopping on one of the bus tours from Reykjavik in the winter months to see the Aurora Borealis is a great idea!
This Northern Lights bus tour from Reykjavik will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Icelandic countryside with your tour guide.
Depending on the weather conditions, your professional guide will take you to the best spots for the clearest visibility of the dancing lights. Once you've found the perfect spot, sip on hot chocolate as the Aurora lights up the night sky.
If the conditions aren't great, you can have peace of mind knowing you can reschedule for free!

7. Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full-Day Tour
In Iceland, bus travel is one of the most popular ways to see the famous attractions around the country.
If you want to explore the Golden Circle but would prefer not to drive, why not join one of the most popular tours?
This small group tour takes you to some of the top landmarks within the Golden Circle route. On this day trip, you'll see the
- Gullfoss glacial 32 m cascade
- European tectonic plates meet at Thingvellir National Park
- Warm hot springs of the Secret Lagoon where you can soak and relax after an eventful day!
Once the day tour has finished, your shuttle bus will drop you back at your hotel in Reykjavik.

Best Multi-Day Bus Tours in Iceland
8. South Coast Iceland: 2-Day Blue Ice Cave & Jokulsarlon Tour
Do you want to explore the south shores of Iceland but don't want to rush to see them all in one day? Why not join a multi-day bus tour?
As one of the most popular Iceland tours, your adventure begins when you're picked up in Reykjavik.
Your first stop of the trip will be the spectacular Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Don't forget a raincoat as you'll be able to walk behind the falls! Afterward, you'll head to Skógafoss Waterfall, which is tucked into a little gorge, cascading down a 60 m cliff.
You will then reach a blue ice cave, which is what Iceland is renowned for. Here, you'll have the opportunity to hike through it and then move on to an outlet glacier.
At the end of the day, you'll arrive at your hotel for the night. If the sky is clear, your guide will take you to a great spot to watch the Northern Lights.
Day two of this guided tour will begin with a visit to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This 200 m glacial lagoon is fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Europe's largest glacier. Here you will witness icebergs floating from the lagoon out into the Atlantic Ocean where they are thrown back to shore by the tide.
The black sand beach is full of smaller ice rocks, sparkling like diamonds under the sun. The glacial lagoon and black sand beach are two places at the top of many peoples' bucket lists!
After you visit the beach, you will then be taken back to Reykjavik.

9. 8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland in Minibus
If you aren't a fan of planning trips, why not leave it to the experts and join this 8-day Icelandic adventure tour?
In Iceland, bus tours are a great way for first-time travelers to see the country without having to plan a thing! This 8-day tour will take you to the most popular attractions around the country, and a few hidden gems!
The places you'll see on this once-in-a-lifetime trip include
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Thingvellir National Park
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
- Eastfjords
- Lake Mývatn
- Dimmuborgir lava pillars
- Akureyri
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
On this winter tour, your accommodation and breakfast are all included.
It's one of my personal top picks if you're looking for a comprehensive tour that covers all the highlights like beaches, waterfalls, geothermic areas, lakes, glaciers, and even spotting unique Icelandic wildlife.
Book: 8-Day Small Group Tour

10. 3-Day Golden Circle Tour
Lastly, one of the best Iceland bus tours is this 3-day tour that takes you along the Golden Circle.
If you want to see Iceland's Ring Road and Golden Circle but are overwhelmed with what to see and do, this tour is perfect for you.
Departing from Reykjavik, this un-rushed tour takes you to popular attractions, such as
- Thingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls
- Geysir
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
This 3-day tour with accommodation and breakfast included allows you to take your time exploring the best Iceland attractions.
At each of the different locations, your guide will explain the geology and history in detail. And during the trip, you can keep your family and friends up to date using the free wifi on the minibus.
Book: 3-Day Golden Circle Tour

FAQs About Traveling Iceland by Bus
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Iceland?
Yes, there is one in Reykjavik and it's one of the best ways to explore the city!
How many days in Iceland is enough?
Staying in Iceland for 8-12 days is the perfect amount of time to discover the best of what the country has to offer.
What tours are worth doing in Iceland?
Due to their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and inclusions, bus tours are worth doing in Iceland, especially if you aren't much of a planner!
I hope this Iceland bus tour roundup and travel guide has helped you find the best Reykjavik day excursion or multi-day trip for your adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Before you shoot off, make sure to check out some of my other adventure travel guides below.
- Coolest Places to Stay in Iceland - my favorite unique cabins, lodges, and hotels in Iceland
- How to Travel Iceland on a Budget - learn how I traveled the Ring Road for less than $50 per day
- 4 Epic Glacier Boat Tours - these are the best zodiac tours and glacier lagoon trips
- 10 Top Iceland Bus Tours - the best day trips from Reykjavik and multi-day journeys across Iceland
- Golden Circle Tours - find the best Golden Circle Trips from Reykjavik
- Where to Stay in Reykjavik - the best hotels and accommodation picks for Iceland's capital
