Two buses, one very full Iceland day. This combo strings together Golden Circle sights plus entrance tickets at Kerið and Secret Lagoon, then finishes with a separate Northern Lights hunt outside Reykjavik.

I love how it removes the biggest stress: you sit back while the driver and guides handle routing, timing, and spot-choices. The day also has real variety, from volcanic walking at Kerið to a geothermal soak at Gamla Laugin, and then back out into the dark for aurora-chasing.

One thing to consider: it’s long, and pickup can be chaotic at the main stop, especially if several buses arrive at once.

Key things to know before you go

• Kerið and Secret Lagoon tickets included so you’re not juggling add-ons mid-trip
• Golden Circle routing covers Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir without a rental car
• Two different buses: daytime Golden Circle/lagoon and a separate evening Northern Lights hunt
• Group size stays capped at 60, so expect a big-bus vibe (not intimate)
• Northern Lights depend on weather, and the hunt may move locations to improve odds

Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon: why this combo hits the sweet spot

If you’re short on time in Iceland, this is the type of day that makes sense. You get a classic “best-of” route in the morning and early afternoon, then a thermal reset at Secret Lagoon before heading out again for the aurora. It’s not a slow, scenic drive with endless stops. It’s a focused circuit built to maximize variety while keeping you moving.

I also like the value logic here. At $185, you’re paying for transportation plus guided stops, and you’re not separately buying entry at Kerið or the Secret Lagoon. That matters because in Iceland, tickets add up fast, and your day can balloon when you’re stacking sights.

The other big plus is comfort. Even when the schedule is full, you’re not navigating icy roads or hunting parking. You’re just showing up at stops, doing the walking, and getting back on the bus when it’s time to go.

Reykjavik pickup and the big-bus reality at Bus Stop #12

This tour starts at Bus Stop #12, HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, with pickup beginning around 8:00 am. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so build buffer time into your morning. For the evening portion, Northern Lights pickup starts at 20:30 and uses the same stop.

Here’s the practical part: it’s the main city pickup point, so it can feel busy. More than one bus may be there, and people tend to cluster while names get called. If you don’t handle crowds well, you’ll want to arrive early and keep your phone handy for confirmation details.

Once you’re on board, the vibe is usually smooth. Guides like Anna and Heidi (names I saw repeatedly) tend to set expectations early and keep the day moving with clear explanations. Drivers such as Szymon and Tomas are often described as steady and safe, which matters when you’re rattling along Iceland roads for hours.

Golden Circle day stops: Kerið, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir

The daytime portion is built around Iceland’s iconic trio—Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir—then rounds out with Kerið and ends with Secret Lagoon. The total duration for the day portion stretches long, but the schedule breaks the drive time into digestible chunks with walking windows.

Stop 1: Golden Circle route

You’ll kick off with the Golden Circle portion, which is the big “must-see” route from Reykjavik. In plain terms, this is where the geology and drama of Iceland become obvious fast: fault lines, roaring meltwater, and geothermal power. The time on this part is about an hour, so treat it like a launchpad before you dive deeper at specific sites later.

What makes this portion valuable is pacing. Instead of trying to hit everything independently, you’re guided to the right places in the right order, and the stops you get are built around short hikes and viewpoints.

Stop 2: Kerið crater walk (the volcanic mouth moment)

Kerið is a volcanic crater lake with walking trails that let you explore the rim and, if you want, descend toward the lake inside the caldera. This stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes total, with roughly 25 minutes on location (based on the timing breakdown) and a drive time around 65 minutes from the prior point.

Why Kerið works: it’s small enough to feel doable even in winter, but it still feels like a discovery. The paths give you different angles quickly, including that classic winding route down toward the crater basin.

One consideration: it’s walkable, but it’s also still outdoors on uneven ground. Wear grippy boots and keep your pace slow on any icy sections.

Stop 3: Geysir geothermal area and Strokkur eruptions

At Geysir, your focus is the active geothermal action—especially Strokkur, which shoots steam and hot water high in the air at intervals of around every 10 minutes. This stop runs about 1 hour 35 minutes, with a longer on-site window (about 75 minutes) that’s perfect for waiting calmly rather than constantly repositioning.

I like that this stop is built around something predictable. You can hang near the steaming pools and streams, and if you time it right you’ll likely catch multiple eruptions. Strokkur can reach impressive heights, and the ground around it feels otherworldly underfoot.

A heads-up: it can get cold while you wait, so keep layers on until you’ve got your eruption fix.

Stop 4: Gullfoss waterfall from multiple viewpoints

Gullfoss is powerful in a way photos can’t fully capture. You’ve got several viewing platforms, and you can also walk trails where the spray hits your face—up close enough that you feel the force rather than just seeing it.

This stop is about 55 minutes total, with roughly 40 minutes on location and a short drive time. That’s enough time to do two viewpoint rounds and still get a bit of breathing space away from the densest crowds.

In harsh winters, Gullfoss can freeze in places, but the experience is still dramatic. If you’re visiting in a colder season, expect misty air and plan for wet conditions near the best viewpoints. Bring a jacket you trust, and don’t plan to stay in one spot for ages without warming up.

Stop 5: Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO geology plus the Alþingi story)

Þingvellir is where geology and national history meet. You’re in a UNESCO heritage site, and the reason it matters is twofold: the historical Alþingi parliamentary meeting place (starting in the late 10th century) and the unique setting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates can be seen on land.

This stop is 2 hours 25 minutes total, with a note of driving time included in the day flow and about 45 minutes drive to the next segment after the stop. Translation for you: there’s enough time to listen, then explore on your own.

What I like here is that it’s not only “look at rocks.” The guide points out why the place is historically central and why it’s geologically rare. When guides like Daniel or Anna handle this, you get context fast enough to make the walking meaningful instead of just scenic.

Secret Lagoon at Gamla Laugin: your geothermal reset between day and night

After the main Golden Circle circuit, you shift gears into soaking time. Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool, and this is scheduled as a longer break: about 2 hours 35 minutes total.

Entrance is included. The big practical detail: bring a swimsuit and towel, or plan to rent them on-site for an extra fee. Also, the lagoon experience includes showers before you enter the water. One thing to know ahead of time is that showers are communal and the requirement is nudity; there isn’t much private enclosure. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, pick a different type of pool.

In the water, you’ll get real warmth, and it can feel like an escape from wind and cold. I also like that the facility is managed well, with lockers and amenities. People mention things like shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and hair dryers being available.

Do expect natural-pool reality. The water isn’t always perfectly clear like polished commercial spas, and algae can be present since this is geothermal water in a natural setting.

How long is the break between the day and Northern Lights?

You’re not heading directly from the lagoon into darkness. There’s typically a break in the schedule—one review described it as about two hours—so you can grab a snack and regroup before the evening bus departs.

Northern Lights chase: how the hunt works and what you’re actually buying

The Northern Lights portion runs about 3 hours, using a different bus from the daytime tour. Pickup is again at the same Bus Stop #12 area, starting around 20:30.

The guides take you out into the countryside and then move to improve conditions. If skies are clear in one place, great. If not, they’ll go to several locations until they find a better patch.

This is important: you’re not guaranteed aurora on any specific night. Weather matters, and the tour is built to search. That’s why the hunt has flexibility built in.

What the guide does matters for photos

One reason people rave here is photo support. Guides like JP, Darren, Rose, Roman, and Thlear (names that came up with the lights hunt) are described as helping everyone capture something usable—offering device tips and moving you to better angles.

Hot drinks also show up. Several people mention hot chocolate being served during the hunt, which is a small thing that makes the cold stop hurting.

And sometimes the lights appear quickly. Other times, they don’t show at all that night, which can lead to rescheduling. In other words, this portion is an attempt, not a magic switch.

Price and value: what $185 covers (and what it doesn’t)

At $185 per person, you’re paying for a full-day circuit plus a separate night hunt. Here’s what makes it feel like value instead of just “one more bus tour”:

Included:

• Round-trip transportation from central Reykjavik
• Entrance tickets for Kerið and Secret Lagoon
• Experienced guides for the daytime circuit and the evening aurora hunt
• WiFi on board

Not included:

• Lunch

Where the value gets real is the entrance tickets. If you were to self-plan, you’d still need transportation to spread-out sites and would likely pay tickets along the way anyway. This tour bundles the logistics, keeps you out of a navigation headache, and gives you guidance while you’re at each stop.

My practical advice: since lunch isn’t included, bring snacks or plan to buy something during the day. Some schedules include a fuel-stop break where you can use clean toilets and grab pastries, and having backup snacks can save your mood when the day runs long.

Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)

This combo is strongest for people who want the big sights without driving.

It’s a good fit if:

• You’re visiting Iceland for the first time and want the classic Golden Circle route
• You care about seeing multiple top stops in one day
• You’re okay with a big-bus format and group timing
• You want a geothermal soak that’s built into the itinerary, not an optional detour

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate crowded pickup scenes and name-calling chaos
• You’re hoping for a quiet, intimate tour with minimal waiting
• You need guaranteed Northern Lights every night (weather decides that part)
• You strongly prefer smaller-group access at geothermal sites and viewpoints

If you’re traveling as a family and your top priority is sitting together for the entire trip, keep expectations flexible. Big-bus seating isn’t pre-selected in the way some private tours are.

Tips I recommend so you enjoy every stop

This day includes walking, waiting, cold air, and a wet pool experience. A few habits make it much better:

1) Dress like the wind is your enemy

Even when temperatures are “not that bad,” wind can cut. Use layers, and keep a warm outer layer for the Northern Lights portion.

2) Bring a swimsuit plan even if it’s cold

Secret Lagoon is the centerpiece reset. If you forget swim gear, you’ll still be able to handle it, but you’ll lose time and energy.

3) Pack for wet and spray

Gullfoss can spray. Don’t wear your only warm layer as something that must stay dry.

4) Use the guide help for photos

When you’re in the aurora hunt, listen closely. The guide’s tips can help you get something worth keeping, and they’ll help with device-specific approaches.

5) Expect a long day, then make your own comfort choices

Toilets and comfort matter. If you know you’ll need snacks or breaks, plan on them so you’re not relying on hunger to keep your mood steady.

Should you book this Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, and Northern Lights tour?

Book it if you want a high-hit itinerary that covers Iceland’s biggest daytime icons and then gives you a real aurora chase with guidance. The included tickets at Kerið and Secret Lagoon are a smart value boost, and the day-to-night structure keeps you from spending your limited time on planning.

Skip it or rethink it if your priority is comfort from the first minute—because pickup can get hectic and the format is designed for efficient group movement. Also, be honest about the Northern Lights: it’s a search, not a guarantee.

If your goal is one memorable “Iceland in a day” package and you’re ready for cold-weather pacing, this is a solid choice from BusTravel Iceland. It’s long, yes. But it also hits the right mix of geology, geothermal calm, and that late-night sky-chasing feeling that people talk about long after they’re home.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Northern Lights tour?

The tour runs for about 13 hours 30 minutes total, with a day circuit and a separate evening Northern Lights hunt.

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavik?

You meet at Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What time does the morning pickup start?

Morning pickup starts at 8:00 am, and pickup can take up to 30 minutes.

Does the tour include tickets for Kerið and the Secret Lagoon?

Yes. Entrance tickets to Kerið and the Secret Lagoon are included in the tour price.

Is WiFi available on the bus?

Yes. WiFi is offered on board.

Is lunch included in the $185 price?

No. Lunch is not included.

What time is the Northern Lights pickup?

Northern Lights pickup begins at 20:30 and uses the same pickup location.

Is the Northern Lights hunt guaranteed to succeed?

No. The experience requires good weather, and the hunt is designed to search for clearer skies.

Is the tour in English?

Yes. It is offered in English, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.