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Hop On Hop Off Reykjavik Iceland - Bus Tours

Discover the capital of Iceland at your own pace and leisure during a hop on hop off Reykjavik bus tour. Avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation in a new city and discover every attraction that interests you. Visit the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Harpa Concert Hall during your sightseeing tour. Or you can hop off the bus to enjoy a soak in an outdoor geothermal pool during your Golden Circle Bus Tour. It’s what to do on a Reykjavik day trip when you’re trying to stay warm!

Reykjavik Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Top Customer Reviews

Sharon broscious.

Purchase was Worth the money

Andrew Digby

Buses were punctual. Commentary was interesting and informative. Drivers were very polite.

Karl Coulter

Trip was as described, voucher sent straight to my email and was easy to use. Reasonable price, very informative and fun. Great way to see the city and places you wouldn't thunk of visiting.

Experience Reykjavik in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Located in southwest Iceland, Reykjavik represents the cultural, economic, and governmental heart of the country. With a latitude of about 64 degrees North, Reykjavik also serves as the northernmost national capital in the world. However, the weather can be quite dicey and change in no time, so make sure to carry warm clothes with you even if you are heading out on a sunny day.

If you want to explore Reykjavik on a budget, you can visit it in the winter months. It may be biting cold but it is a different kind of beautiful. Plus, you can score some really amazing deals on airfare and accommodation.

The Reykjavik hop-on hop-off bus tours will excite your senses by offering a unique vantage point to observe the city. Choose your own adventure during your vacation by climbing aboard one of our comfortable sightseeing bus tours or go for a combo ticket. You can combine your bus tour with a visit to the Perlan museum, The Golden Circle Tour, and more. Take your pick!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a reykjavik hop-on hop-off tour.

July to August are the summer months in Reykjavik and the most popular time for sightseeing around the city. You can enjoy long days of sunshine (think around 20 hours) and balmy weather which is ideal for exploration in the surrounding areas as well.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the hop-on hop-off Reykjavik tour?

The Reykjavik bus tour covers all major attractions of the city including Harpa Laekjartorg, Reykjavik City Hall, The Old Harbour, Whales of Iceland, National Museum, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, Kringlan Shopping Centre, Laugardalur Valley, Skarfabakki Harbour, and so on. The stops are subject to change, so it is recommended to check them at the time of booking.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Reykjavik hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.

Q: Is Reykjavik hop-on hop-off worth it?

Reykjavik hop-on hop-off bus tour covers all major attractions of the city with strategically placed stops. Add to that, you can also combine your sightseeing bus tour with the tour of Perlan Museum, The Golden Circle and entry to the Whales of Iceland. These tours also include free guided walking tours, dining options, and immersive audio commentary. You can enjoy live commentary in several languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Russian to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
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THE 10 BEST Reykjavik Bus Tours

Bus tours in reykjavik.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater

2. Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

3. Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Tour

4. Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus

5. Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Hot Cocoa & Free Photos

6. Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik

7. Golden Circle Private Tour by Luxury Van

8. Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

9. Golden Circle Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus

10. Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik

11. South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik

12. Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

13. Private South Coast Tour of Iceland Including 6+ Main Attractions

14. Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Trip from Reykjavik

15. Northern Lights Midnight Adventure from Reykjavík

16. Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik

17. South Coast Fire and Ice Tour: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Lava Show

18. Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls Tour From Reykjavík

19. Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik

20. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full Day Tour from Reykjavik

21. South Coast Adventure with Glacier Hike Day Tour from Reykjavik

22. South Iceland, Glacier and Black Sand Beach Small Group Tour

23. Katla Volcano Ice Cave Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

24. The Ultimate Northern Lights Tour with All Inclusive

25. Golden Circle Tales, Tomato Farm & Kerid! Small Group Adventure

26. Golden Circle Small-Group Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik

27. Golden Circle and Kerid Crater Tour with Geothermal Lagoon Visit

28. South Coast, Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon Day Tour

29. Lava Tunnel Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik

30. The Golden Circle Direct Guided Bus Tour from Reykjavik

What travellers are saying.

• Robby P 2 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beste tour guide Baldvin D. 3 time in one trip we saw auroras. Thanks to the patient guide Baldvin. He takes the time to make 30.000 pictures and they look great!!! Read more Review of: Northern Lights Enchanting: Small Group, Hot Cocoa & free Photos Written 2 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos
• Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
• Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
• Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus
• Glaciers and Waterfalls
• Back to Iceland travel
• Holiday Tours
• Your Day Tours
• BusTravel Iceland
• Reykjavik Sightseeing
• Iceland Horizon
• Gray Line Iceland
• Icelandx.com
• Iceland Advice
• Feast in the Wild

• Getting around

Reykjavik Tourist Bus

Discover the prices, timetables and route of the Reykjavik Tourist Bus , the most convenient way to see the sights of the Icelandic capital.

Discover the most important places of interest in Reykjavik  in a comfortable and convenient way . Enjoy panoramic views from the double decker tourist bus, hop on and off at any of the stops to explore at your own pace, and learn about the monuments and landmarks thanks to an English-language audioguide .

Routes & stops

The City Sightseeing bus route has a single route which makes 15 stops at the main tourist attractions in Reykjavik. The full circuit takes 60 minutes, but you can  hop on and hop off at any of the stops along the way to tailor your tour.

Discover the main landmarks in the historic centre like the  National Museum of Iceland ,  Tjörnin Lake  and the  Old Harbour , as well as attractions located further away like the  Perlan Museum . 

See the different bus routes and stops and plan your trip via the following link:

• Reykjavik City Sightseeing Bus Routes & Stops

The 24-hour bus ticket costs € 34 ( US$ 36.60) for adults and € 17 ( US$ 18.30) for young people between 12 and 15 years old. The 48-hour ticket, on the other hand, costs € 41 ( US$ 44.20) for adults and € 20 ( US$ 21.50) for young people. Children under 12 years old can travel on the Reykjavik tourist bus free of charge.

Timetable & frequency

As is the case across the country, the timetable and frequency of the Reykjavik tourist bus depends on the weather  and the season.

During the winter months from October to April , the bus operates between 9:30 am and 4:15 pm, with departures every 45 minutes. From May to September , departures are every 30 minutes between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm.

The buses run daily, except for the 17 June (Icelandic National Day, a major holiday ), 6 and 20 August, when the service does not operate.

Buy your ticket online

Make the most of your time in the Icelandic capital and book your ticket for the Reykjavik Tourist Bus online in advance.

You may also be interested in

Although most of Iceland is accessible by road, either by car or bus, ferries are also a good way to cover large distances and save time.

Where to stay

Find out where are the best places to stay on your trip to Iceland and how to book hotels, apartments and other accommodation at the best price.

Reykjavik City Buses | The Ultimate Guide

• When can I get the bus in Reykjavík?
• Where can I get the bus in Reykjavík?
• How do I pay for the bus in Reykjavík?
• How do I use the Straeto app?
• Can I use public transport late at night in Reykjavik?
• Reykjavik Bus Etiquette

Using public transport in an unfamiliar city can be tricky. What are the ways to pay? Can you get around late at night using public transport? How can you find out which bus gets you where you need to go? Read on to discover all this and more about public transport in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik.

Photo from  Denys Nevozhai

• Riding the bus is a great way to do Sightseeing in Reykjavik
• Read this to discover Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Reykjavik
• Traveling on a budget? Here are the 9 Best Cheap Things to do in Reykjavik
• Prefer to drive yourself? Here is The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Iceland

All buses in Reykjavik are operated by Straeto BS, a bus company run by Reykjavik City and neighboring municipalities. Straeto BS network consists of 27 bus routes in the capital city and 18 routes outside of the city. There are no other public transport networks in the city, making Straeti the only way to get around Reykjavik without a car or a bicycle.

The name of the company ‘Straeto’ is short for ‘Strætisvagn’ which directly translates to ‘Street Car’. The word straeto is so embedded in the Icelandic language that Icelanders call public buses everywhere in the world stræto. The city buses in Reykjavik are easily recognizable due to their cheerful yellow color.

Top Reykjavik Tours

Inside the volcano thrihnukagigur tour with transfer from reykjavik, small group tour of snaefellsnes national park with transfer from reykjavik, 2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Below you can find all the practical information you need about how, when and where to catch the bus in Reykjavík.

When can I get the bus in Reykjavík?            

The buses in Reykjavik start running around 6:30 on weekdays, 7:30 on Saturdays, and 9:30 on Sundays and public holidays. Most routes stop running shortly before or just after midnight, with the exception of the night bus routes which run on Fridays and Saturdays, more information on the night buses can be found later in this article.

To find out which bus you need to catch you can use the Straeto website’s handy route planner , which is also available in the app, or the timetables for each bus route.

To use the route planner you simply have to input the location you’ll be departing from, your destination and if you want, your preferred time of departure or arrival. The route planner will then show you several journeys to your destination.

The timetables show what time of day the buses stop at specific locations. Detailed information on individual schedules can be seen at each bus stop and searched on the website bus.is .

Most routes have buses running at least every half-hour. Journeys are more frequent during peak hours, which are between 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM on weekdays, with buses departing every 15 minutes.

Routes 1 and 6 have more journeys than other routes, on a normal weekday those buses depart every 10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes the rest of the day and every half hour in the evening.

The following days of the year have unusual operating hours; On January 1st and December 25th the buses which drive from Reykjavík to other regions don’t run. On December 24th and December 31st the buses stop running at 3 PM. On other public holidays, the buses operate on a Sunday schedule.

Top Cheap Bus Tours in Iceland

Where can i get the bus in reykjavík                            .

Straeto bus stops are easy to identify, they are all marked with the Straeto BS logo, a red and yellow S. Some bus stops are only a pole with the logo on top and timetables attached, others have a shelter for you to wait for the bus in.

To find out where the nearest bus stop is you can search on the website or check the live map in the Straeto app, which also allows you to track the location of all buses.

It’s not guaranteed that one bus will get you where you need to go, you might have to transfer between buses. There are several bus stops in the capital region that are specifically designed to connect routes from across the bus network for easy transfer.

These stops are Fjordur, Asgardur, Hamraborg, Mjodd and Artun. The journeys are strategically planned so that buses arrive simultaneously to make switching buses easy for commuters.

The bus stops Hlemmur , Spongin and Haholt are also connection stops but waiting times might be longer there since their timetables aren’t specifically designed to make transfers smoother.

The stop which connects the city buses and the buses heading outside the capital region is Mjodd, in the Breidholt neighborhood in Reykjavik.

Visiting Iceland? Here's inspiration for  What to do and Where to Go

How do I pay for the bus in Reykjavík?                       

There are three ways to pay for the bus in Reykjavík: Cash, bus card, or on the KLAPP App .

Children under the age of 6 and legally blind people don’t have to pay to ride the bus.

You can pay the bus fare in cash, each bus has a fare collecting box next to the driver. At the time this is written (Fall 2022) the fare for an adult is 490 ISK. For pensioners, disabled people and children aged 6-17 the fare is 245 ISK. Please note that the drivers cannot give you change, you must either have the exact amount or overpay.

To check the current price of fares, go to the Straeto website .

A paper card can be purchased online and picked up (and bought) at various vendors throughout the city such as swimming pools, 10-11 stores and Straeto information desks. The full list of locations where you can buy bus tickets is available here . 

See also:  The Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavik

One bus ticket equals one fare within the city limits. You can pay the fare with a KLAPP ten card which is a bus pass with 10 tickets, perhaps the best choice for visitors to the city. They are available at some of the aforementioned designated retail locations, further information is found here .

You can also use a bus smart card to ride the bus, this is the best option for those staying in Reykjavík for a longer stretch of time. These can also be purchased on the website . When it comes to the smart cards, you can either buy a card that lasts for one month or one that lasts for a whole year. These are plastic cards that can be scanned when you enter the bus. When you buy a ticket on the app, likewise your phone can be scanned when entering the bus to verify the ticket.

How do I use the Straeto app?                       

The Straeto app is available in the App Store for Apple devices and on Google Play for Android devices, the app does not work on Windows Phones. It can be set to either Icelandic or English.

The Straeto app is a heaven-send for anyone who’s trying to use public transport in Iceland. The app allows you to buy tickets, plan routes, view real-time updates of your bus’ location and even listen to podcasts.

To use the app you simply download it, register with your phone number and card details (the app does not accept American Express) and you can start riding the bus.

When you buy a ticket it isn’t automatically activated so you can buy tickets and save them for later. They will continue to be available under the ‘My Tickets’ section of the app. Once activated, a single-fare ticket is valid for 75 minutes.

You need an internet connection to buy tickets from the app. Most buses in Reykjavík have free wifi, but it’s better to purchase tickets beforehand and not rely on the bus wifi.

The app also has the option of buying group tickets for up to 20 people.

The app offers a Live Map where you can track your bus in real-time, as well as service updates, which takes all the guesswork out of riding the bus. Information on where your bus is and when it will arrive and your ticket are all in one place, so you can relax and enjoy listening to one of the podcasts available in the app.  

Can I use public transport late at night in Reykjavik?            

Strarto runs a night bus service late at night on Fridays and Saturdays when Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife is at its height.

See also: Nightlife in Reykjavik

There are six routes 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, and 107 each does three journeys a night between 01:20-03:50. They all depart from either Reykjavik City Hall or Hlemmur , in downtown Reykjavik, and drive away from the city center, no buses run towards the city center after midnight.

You can catch the night bus from other locations than where they depart from but there is no set time table for when the bus arrives at those stops. We recommend tracking their whereabouts through the app. You can check the night bus schedule on the website .

The fare for a night bus ride is the same when using the smart card, app or KLAPP ten card. However, the cost is 1000 ISK if using cash or credit card.

Reykjavik Bus Etiquette                                       

You can only get on and off the bus at designated stops. The bus might not stop unless you clearly indicate your intention to board, for example by sticking your hand out to flag down the bus. If a bus displays the text 'Er ekki á leið' it means the bus is not in service.

Unless you have a bicycle, baby carriage or any other reason to enter at the middle of the bus, you should enter through the front doors. You should have your payment ready before boarding the bus.

You are not allowed to exit at the front of the bus, instead use one of the two rear doors. Iceland can be very slippery so take care when stepping off the bus.

You are allowed to bring bicycles and suitcases on the bus, however, wheelchairs and baby prams have priority in the designated area at the middle of the bus.

See also:   What to do With Young Kids in Reykjavik

There is space for one wheelchair on each bus. The wheelchair user must be able to get on and off the bus by themselves or have someone with them to assist.

Please note that although many do, drivers are not required to speak English and might not be able to provide you with information in any other language than Icelandic. Make sure you have all the information you need before your journey.

Scooters, rollerblades and skateboards must be carried if you bring them on the bus, they cannot be used during the ride.

Pets are allowed on city buses under the following conditions. Pets have to get on the bus through the back sets of doors and stay at the back while they ride the bus. The pet’s caretaker must be over 18 years of age to be allowed to bring the pet on the bus and each person is only allowed to bring one pet. Dogs must be on a lead, other pets must be secured in a cage.

Pets are not allowed on the bus at the busiest times of day, 7:00-9:00 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM on weekdays. Guide dogs are exempt from these rules.

Be mindful of other passengers, there are priority seats for those less-able to stand, if you sit in one of those, be ready to offer it to someone who needs it more. Please note that Icelanders are usually quiet on the bus (unless you happen to encounter a group of pre-school children on a field trip). Do not disturb the peace by playing music on the bus. If you're having a phone call on the bus, do not use the speakers on your phone.

You are not allowed to eat or smoke on the bus in Reykjavik.

Find more articles in our  Reykjavik Guide   series

We hope this article answered your questions about Reykjavík public transport. Enjoy whizzing around the city of Reykjavik in a beautiful yellow Straeto!

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Highland Bus - Landmannalaugar Adventure Summer 2024

Tour Highlights

• A scenic bus ride
• Numerous hiking trails
• Unique landscapes
• Geothermal hot springs
• Incomparable views

Need to know

• One way and return tickets are available.
• See the Highland Bus Schedule - Summer 2024

Children 3 or 4 years and older (over 18 kg) can use the normal seat belts on our buses. Children 0-3 years of age must use an appropriate child's car seats. Please note that Reykjavík Excursions does not provide child seats on the Highland Bus.

We offer the transfer of bikes to and from the highlands for a small fee. This has to be reserved beforehand, as a limited number of bikes are accepted per bus. Please feel free to send us an email or call us to get it done.  The price is 4.500 ISK per bike. It can be packed in a box or assembled. The bike will be stored in the luggage compartment. The payment will be processed on-site at the BSI bus terminal or with your bus driver if you depart from Hvolsvöllur, Hella, or any other location on our route.  Please note that you might be asked to remove tires or pedals if needed. Reykjavík excursions takes no responsibility for damage that may occur when transporting bicycles.

We offer baggage transfer to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar.

For baggage transfer to Landmannalaugar you need send email to [email protected] if you are not picking up the baggage on the same day or the day after shipping. The baggage will be stored at the Mountain Mall in Landmannalaugar and a storage fee needs to be paid when picking up the baggage. The price per item is 2000 ISK.

You can choose between three different areas within Þórsmörk: Húsadalur (Volcano Huts), Langidalur or Básar. The price per item is 2000 ISK. The payment will be processed on-site at the BSI bus terminal or with your bus driver if you depart from Hvolsvöllur, Hella, or any other location on our route.  The baggage transfer is limited to a backpack, box, or a cabin size bag plus a sleeping bag (Maximum luggage size excluding the sleeping bag: 55x40x20 cm, maximum weight: 10 kg). Please make sure that items are in a waterproof bag and are properly labeled. Please note that depending on the delivery location the baggage might be placed in an unattended room or a trailer until picked up. Reykjavik Excursions assumes no responsibility for baggage after it is dropped off, but in the Icelandic highlands, this shouldn’t really be a problem. You do not need to book and pay for baggage transfer for the bags that you bring with on the hike, only if you are sending bags to a different location than you are travelling to.

Yes, if there are seats available. However we recommend booking online to guarantee a seat and for the best price available. Payments with cash are not accepted on the bus only payments with debit or credit cards

Landmannalaugar Adventure Bus Schedule

Road and weather conditions determine when highland roads are accessible.

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Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

Supported by

By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

• March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Book These 10 Best Iceland Tours To Uncover The Wonders Of The Land Of Fire And Ice

I celand is a magical destination that can be life-changing. From the incredible colors of the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, there is no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy here. The Land of Fire and Ice is full of natural wonders that can be discovered as part of a guided tour. Whether travelers are driving the Icelandic Ring Road or basing themselves in cozy hostels in Reykjavík for day trips, these are some of the top sights and tours to experience.

South Coast Full Day Tour

Go beyond the capital city of Iceland with this full-day tour of Iceland’s south coast from the capital, Reykjavík . Top attractions that the tour visits include the famous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Sólheimajökull glacier. Travelers can also spot puffins and glimpse Eyjafjallajökull Volcano during the excursion. Transportation is included, but travelers should bring cash for buying lunch and snacks throughout the day since meals are not part of the ticket price for this tour.

• Tour: South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $112.00
• Duration: 10 hours
• What’s Included: Wi-Fi on the bus, hotel pick up and drop off, and an Icelandic treat.

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Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavík

The Golden Circle is a must-do day trip from Reykjavík when visiting Iceland. The tour encompasses three natural wonders of Iceland which are the Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur at Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. The full-day tour includes bus transportation from a hotel in Reykjavík and allows travelers time at each stop to appreciate the incredible scenery, take photos, and ask the tour guide questions. Meals are not included in this full-day tour, so budget cash accordingly for lunch and snacks at stops along the way.

• Tour: Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $79.30
• Duration: 7 hours
• What’s Included: Professional tour guide, bus transfer, Wi-Fi on board

Related: Midnight Sun And Hot Springs: 10 Best Places To Relax In Iceland

Snorkeling Between Continents

Iceland offers the unique opportunity to swim between two continents at the Silfra Fissure. This waterway occurs where the North American and European tectonic plates meet and is located inside beautiful Thingvellir National Park. Travelers can show up ready for an adventure with no prep work on their part. All necessary gear is provided to stay warm and dry while swimming and snorkeling in this cold waterway. The views of the clear blue water from below are exceptional and are captured through GoPro photos during the tour. There is no additional fee to receive these photos.

• Tour: Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included
• Cost: From $168.79
• Duration: 3 hours
• What’s Included: Professional English-speaking Guide, snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure, GoPro photos from the tour, help from a Certified PADI dive / Dive-master, drysuit, snorkeling equipment, hot drinks, and cookies

Local Foodie Adventure

Enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to learn about a destination, so why not take a food tour while in Reykjavík? This tour allows travelers to sample food from a variety of eateries and food trucks in the city, tasting an array of traditional Icelandic foods. Guests will try Icelandic street food, homemade ice cream, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs. The small group tour is limited to 12 people to ensure a personalized experience that allows travelers to ask questions.

• Tour: Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
• Cost: $119.00
• What’s Included: Tour guide, 4–5 stops, 8+ dishes to try

Related: Discovering The Unusual: Top 10 Weird Foods To Eat In Iceland

Blue Lagoon Ticket And Transport

The Blue Lagoon is a staple for travelers visiting Iceland. The hot, inviting mineral water is an otherworldly shade of blue, and the in-water bar is a fun feature of the experience. Relaxing here for a full day is worthwhile, especially for the tour price. Book in advance to avoid disappointment since this attraction is so popular among tourists. The package allows travelers to book the Comfort or Premium ticket for the Blue Lagoon and add a bus transfer if necessary. The Comfort ticket includes a towel, one beverage, and a silica face mask, while the Premium ticket also includes a bathrobe and algae face mask.

• Tour: Blue Lagoon Ticket with Optional Transportation
• Cost: From $169.43
• What’s Included: Bus transfer, Premium or Comfort Entrance Ticket

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Travelers who find themselves in northern Iceland in Akureyri have a whole new set of attractions to explore in this part of the country. The half-day tour includes a chance to soak in the Myvatn hot springs and view the incredible cascades of Godafoss waterfall. The tour also stops at the craters of Skútustaðir and the lave fields of Dimmuborgir. The tour ticket price also includes a packed lunch. This is a great opportunity to explore the northern highlights of Iceland in a single day.

• Tour: Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri
• Cost: From $154.00
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Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavík

Whale watching is a top thing to do in Iceland, so travelers can embark on this exciting adventure to look for majestic creatures off the coast of Reykjavík. The peak season for whale watching is from June to August. While companies can never guarantee that travelers will spot whales while on the tour, the success rates for this tour is extremely high, with 95% success during the summer months and 80% success in the winter. Guests are provided with the necessary gear to remain warm and comfortable on board the ship in every season.

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• Cost: From $87.00
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Icelandic Horse Back Riding Tour

The Icelandic Horse is a unique creature that is the only horse breed in Iceland. Among their many interesting and unique traits is the ability to perform one or two additional gaits: Tolt and, sometimes, pace. Riding through the Icelandic countryside on horseback is a magical experience that will stay with travelers for a lifetime. Before getting on the horse, guests of the tour are fitted with helmets for safety and briefed on how to ride. The tour is suitable for all levels of experience.

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Hike Inside A Volcano

See the inside of Iceland’s dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano on this small group tour that is limited to a maximum of 18 guests. The tour is led by an expert travel guide and takes guests to the Blue Mountains of Iceland where they will journey inside the volcano to see the geological remnants of an eruption that took place 4,000 years ago. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included as part of the package price.

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Northern Lights Sightseeing Tour

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a bucket-list activity and travelers can do their best to have this experience by booking a guided tour. There is never a guarantee of seeing the lights, but they are best seen from November to March when skies are dark and days are short. The tour takes travelers outside the city, away from light pollution, to improve the chances of spotting the phenomena. Guests also enjoy delicious homemade hot chocolate made from real Icelandic chocolate to help keep warm.

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).