Iceland Travel Guide

Straight answers for your trip to Iceland

Practical, up-to-date answers on airport transfers, private tours, the Northern Lights and driving in Iceland — written by local drivers and guides, with real prices and times.

Airport transfers & getting around

How do you get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík?

Keflavík Airport (KEF) is about 50 km from Reykjavík — a 45–50 minute drive. Your three main options are the shared airport bus (Flybus, from about 4,500 ISK per person), a metered taxi (roughly 20,000–25,000 ISK), or a private door-to-door transfer such as HófyVIP (from 21,500 ISK for the whole vehicle, up to 4 passengers).

How much does a taxi from Keflavík Airport cost?

A metered taxi from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík typically costs 20,000–25,000 ISK for the roughly 50 km trip. A fixed-price private transfer is usually cheaper and more predictable — HófyVIP charges from 21,500 ISK per vehicle for 1–4 passengers and 27,500 ISK for 5–8, the same price day or night.

Can you visit the Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport?

Yes — the Blue Lagoon is only about 20 minutes (23 km) from Keflavík Airport and directly on the way to Reykjavík, which makes it a popular first or last stop. A private transfer can take you from KEF to the Blue Lagoon, wait or continue, then drop you in Reykjavík; just pre-book your Blue Lagoon entry slot, as it often sells out.

How do you get from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is about 50 km — a 45–50 minute drive — southwest of Reykjavík, roughly halfway to Keflavík Airport. You can take a shared shuttle bus, drive a rental car, or book a private transfer; a private round trip from Reykjavík with HófyVIP gives you door-to-door pickup and a driver who waits or returns for you while you soak.

Private tours

Is a private Golden Circle tour worth it?

For most visitors, yes — a private Golden Circle tour gives you your own driver-guide, your own schedule and no crowded coach or fixed departure time. A private tour with HófyVIP starts at 90,000 ISK for the whole vehicle (up to 8 people), so for a family or small group it often costs little more per person than a seat on a large bus, while giving you far more flexibility.

How long does the Golden Circle take?

The Golden Circle takes about 6 hours as a private day tour from Reykjavík, covering roughly 230–250 km round trip. That includes stops at Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall; with extra stops such as a crater or the Secret Lagoon it can run 7–8 hours.

Is the South Coast tour worth it?

Yes — Iceland's South Coast is one of the country's most spectacular day trips, packing waterfalls, black-sand beaches and glacier views into a single route. A private South Coast tour from Reykjavík runs about 10–12 hours and covers Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the black beach at Reynisfjara and the village of Vík, with a private driver-guide setting the pace.

Northern Lights

What is the best way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best way to see the Northern Lights is to travel between late September and early April, on a clear, dark night, away from city light, and to follow the aurora forecast. A private Northern Lights tour maximises your chances because your guide can drive to wherever the sky is clearest that night — something fixed-route coach tours cannot do.

What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland from about late September to early April, when the nights are dark enough. The best months are October, November, February and March — long dark nights combined with more settled weather than midwinter — and on any given night you still need a clear sky and some solar activity.

Practical tips

Do you need a car in Iceland, or is a private driver better?

You don't need to rent a car in Iceland if you'd rather not drive — a private driver handles the roads, weather and navigation while you enjoy the scenery. Self-driving gives you freedom and can be cheaper on long multi-day trips, but a private driver is safer and less stressful in winter, for airport transfers, and for day tours like the Golden Circle.

What should I wear on an Iceland tour?

Dress in warm layers with a waterproof, windproof outer jacket and sturdy waterproof shoes — Iceland's weather changes fast in every season. Summer day tours are usually 10–15°C and winter tours around 0°C or below, and it's often windy and wet near waterfalls, so a hat, gloves and a warm base layer are worth packing year-round.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see: June to August has the warmest weather (about 10–15°C), near-endless daylight and every road open, while late September to March is the season for the Northern Lights. For fewer crowds with still-good conditions, May and September are the sweet spot.

How much does a trip to Iceland cost?

Iceland is one of Europe's more expensive destinations. As a rough guide, budget travellers spend around €100–150 per person per day, mid-range €200–350, and luxury travellers €500+ once accommodation, food and tours are included. For reference, a private airport transfer starts at 21,500 ISK per vehicle and a private Golden Circle day tour from 90,000 ISK per vehicle for up to 8 people.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

For a first visit, plan on 5–7 days to comfortably see the highlights of the south and west — the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík. With 3–4 days you can still do the Golden Circle and one or two day tours; to drive the full Ring Road around the island, allow 8–10 days.

Is Iceland expensive?

Yes — Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, especially for food, alcohol and accommodation. A restaurant main course often costs 3,000–5,000 ISK and a beer 1,200–1,800 ISK, but tap water is excellent and free, most natural sights cost nothing, and sharing a private vehicle keeps transport reasonable for groups.

Do you tip in Iceland?

Tipping is not expected in Iceland — service and taxes are already included in the price at restaurants, bars, taxis and tours, and no one will be offended if you don't tip. If a driver or guide has genuinely gone above and beyond, a small tip is appreciated but entirely optional.