Dancing lights make winter Reykjavik feel unreal. This Northern Lights tour is a guided Aurora Borealis search that sends you out from the BSI bus terminal to multiple viewing areas, depending on conditions. I like that you’re not just standing in one place with no plan, and I also love the free rebooking option if you do not see the lights on your first attempt.

The main drawback is the same one every Aurora tour has: sightings are never guaranteed. You should also be ready for cold, long waits outside, because seeing the sky depends on clear darkness and your willingness to bundle up and stay put.

Key Things I’d Pay Attention To

• BSI departure point: The tour starts at the departure side of the BSI bus terminal, with buses marked Reykjavík Excursions.
• 3 to 4 hours on the move: Plan for winter timing and cold stretches, not just a quick stop.
• Multiple locations: The guide chooses where to look based on weather and what’s working that night.
• Free return if you miss the Aurora: You can go again at no extra charge if the lights don’t show.
• English-speaking guides: You may be led by guides such as Alex, Birta, Thor, Freda, or Daisy, and they tend to bring both energy and practical info.
• Photo tips on the spot: Several guides help with camera and exposure settings so you can actually capture what you see.

Why Reykjavik’s Aurora Hunt Starts at BSI

Reykjavik is compact, but the aurora needs darker skies than you get right in town. That’s why this tour begins at the BSI bus terminal, on the departure side, and why they use a proper coach setup rather than a quick walk-and-hope plan.

If you’re trying to be stress-free, the meeting point matters. When the bus is marked Reykjavík Excursions and you’re told to show up 30 minutes early (pickup is optional), you can build a calm buffer before the cold air hits. You’ll also have free Wi‑Fi on the bus, which is handy for syncing maps, reading sky tips, or simply passing the time while you wait.

What the 3–4 Hour Northern Lights Search Really Feels Like

This is a short-but-intense winter outing: roughly 3 to 4 hours, led by an English-speaking guide. You’re moving from Reykjavik to places where the sky has a better chance, and then you’re waiting outside long enough to see whether the Aurora Borealis kicks in.

Here’s the mindset shift that makes the tour better: you’re not buying a guaranteed light show. You’re buying a guided process—someone is watching conditions and trying different spots so your odds improve.

The tour runs when the Aurora is most likely to be visible, and you’ll want to treat it as a real night activity. Reviews and on-the-ground reality both point to one key truth: many of the best aurora moments happen after a period of waiting, not instantly on arrival. So if you arrive thinking you’ll see green ribbons within minutes, you might get impatient. If you arrive ready to wait, you’re much more likely to catch the show when it arrives.

The Viewing Spots: How Your Guide Tries for Clearer, Darker Sky

The route isn’t fixed. Instead, you visit a variety of locations depending on the day’s weather and other factors. That flexibility is not just a marketing line—it’s exactly what you need for aurora hunting.

Auroras react to conditions like cloud cover and wind, and even if activity exists, clouds can erase the view. A good guide is essentially running a moving problem-solving session: finding a dark direction, getting you away from light pollution, then staying patient long enough for the lights to build and dance.

One reason this tour gets strong feedback is the way guides communicate in a friendly, practical way. Names that have come up include Alex, Birta, Thor, Freda, and Daisy—and the common thread is helping you know what to look for. That matters, because the aurora can look subtle at first. If you know what to watch, you’re more likely to notice it before it intensifies into visible motion across the sky.

Staying Warm: Comfort Is the Whole Strategy

This tour is built for winter reality, which means you need to dress like you plan to be outside for long stretches. The tour information is clear: bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

In practice, you’ll feel the cold in two ways:

• Cold toes and feet from standing outside.
• Cold hands and face when you keep looking up for long periods.

So think layers, not one heroic parka. Wear something warm under your outer layer, and choose shoes with thick soles so you’re not feeling the ground through your footwear.

Also, plan for the fact that the bus is your warm refuge between viewing spots. The tour experience improves a lot when you treat it like a rhythm: warm up on the bus, step out to look, warm back up again, repeat.

If you’re the type who hates being cold, this might be tough. But if you can tolerate discomfort for a few hours, the reward can be big.

Photography Tips You’ll Actually Use

Seeing the aurora is one thing. Capturing it is another. The best part of this tour for camera-minded people is that guides help with camera and exposure settings, including tips for phones.

That’s not a small detail. Many people point cameras at the sky and get dark images, even when the aurora is clearly visible to their eyes. When your guide tells you how to adjust exposure, you stop guessing and start getting keepers.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a photographer, the photo guidance helps you in a second way: it trains your eyes to notice aurora color and movement sooner. When a guide walks you through what’s happening visually and how to set your gear, you’re more likely to feel like you’re in control, not just waiting.

Value and Timing: Is $69 Good for an Aurora Tour?

At $69 per person, this tour sits in the value sweet spot for what’s included: an English-speaking local guide, bus transportation, free Wi‑Fi, and a genuine shot at the Aurora Borealis. The key is that you’re also buying flexibility through the reroute-and-reposition approach, since the tour chooses different locations based on conditions.

What you should keep in mind is what’s not included: refreshments. That means you may want snacks, water, or at least a plan for hunger during the wait.

One special detail for timing: on the 9:00 PM departure, waffles and hot beverages are available to purchase on-site. That’s a nice bonus because it turns the waiting portion into something a little more bearable, especially if you’re out there when temperatures drop hard.

In short: $69 is a fair price when you want the guide-led process and you’re willing to be cold for a while. It’s less of a bargain if you want a warm, easy evening indoors, because this tour is an outdoor sky hunt.

The Built-In Second Chance: Free Rebooking If You Miss

This is a big deal, and it’s also the part you should anchor your decision on. If you do not see the lights on the first try, you can join the tour again free of charge.

Practically, this changes how you plan your trip. Instead of treating the aurora night as a make-or-break gamble, you can use the first outing as your baseline. If the sky behaves and the aurora shows, great. If it doesn’t, you get another attempt.

It also reduces the pressure to pick the single perfect night. Aurora schedules don’t exist in a human-friendly way, so the ability to rebook makes this tour feel more like an odds-improving strategy than a single lottery ticket.

Weather Updates and Expectations That Keep You Sane

This tour depends on weather, and sightings are not guaranteed. Before you go, check your email for updates. That matters because conditions can change quickly in Iceland, and what looks good at 6 PM might not be ideal at 9 PM.

Here’s how to set expectations in a way that actually helps: aim for a great night even if the aurora is faint or delayed. The guide experience, the dark-sky travel, the star-filled viewing time, and the chance to spot activity all count. When the lights do show up strongly, it can feel like your patience finally paid off.

Also, consider what you bring psychologically. If you expect a lights-on arrival moment, you may feel disappointed during the waiting. If you expect a slow build, you’re more likely to see the show when it arrives.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Smaller Group)

I think this tour works especially well for you if:

• You want an English-speaking guide to help you understand what you’re looking at.
• You’re okay with a group setting and prefer a simple, organized plan.
• You want a built-in safety net through free rebooking.
• You’re willing to dress warm and wait outside.

I’d think twice if you’re extremely sensitive to crowds. The bus format can mean a larger group experience. If you value quieter viewing or a more personal pace, you might find a smaller-group option more comfortable. That doesn’t make this tour bad—it just changes how you’ll feel during the waits.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour?

Yes, if you want a guided aurora hunt that focuses on improving your odds with multiple locations, clear communication, and a second chance if the sky stays dark. The free rebooking is the standout value driver, and the guide support—especially the help with camera exposure and what to watch for—can turn a cold night into a memorable one.

Book it if you can commit to dressing for real winter and giving the sky time. Pass on it if you want guaranteed lights, very warm comfort, or a short stop that avoids standing outside. Aurora tours are never perfect, but this one is built to give you more than one shot at the moment you came for.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights tour depart from?

The tour departs from the departure side at the BSI bus terminal.

What bus company or sign should I look for?

The bus will be marked Reykjavík Excursions.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours. Exact start times vary, so check availability.

Is the tour guided, and what language is offered?

Yes. It has a live tour guide in English.

Can the Aurora Borealis be guaranteed?

No. The tour cannot guarantee sightings because the Northern Lights are unpredictable and depend on weather.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights the first time?

If you do not see the lights on the first tour, you can join the tour again free of charge.

Is Wi‑Fi available?

Yes, there is free Wi‑Fi on the bus.

Are refreshments included?

No. Refreshments are not included, though hot beverages and waffles are available for purchase on-site on the 9:00 PM departure.

Do I need to bring my own clothing for the cold?

Yes. Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and plan for long periods outside in winter conditions.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.