If you thought travelling to Iceland was a straight choice between driving yourself through the countryside and remaining in Reykjavik for a city-based stay, then think again. The Icelandic capital is the ideal base for visitors keen to enjoy the benefits of staying somewhere lively with a diverse array of excursions beyond the ‘burbs. Using Reykjavik Excursions’ guided day trips, you can have the best of both worlds – and with considerably less effort. Convenient, safe and broad in scope, our tours and activities are a hassle-free alternative to a self-drive holiday.

The Best Tours in Iceland Without a Car

Broadly speaking, there are some must-do sightseeing circuits which we’ll cover here in more detail. When you’re working these into your itinerary, we’d recommend that you intersperse such tours with quintessentially Icelandic activities that immerse you in the country’s unique landscapes for an adventure you won’t forget.

Easy sightseeing from Reykjavik

· The Golden Circle

If you’re looking for Iceland in a nutshell, then a Golden Circle tour should be a cornerstone of your itinerary. This scenic driving loop is best known for three standout attractions: Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss waterfall and of course Þingvellir National Park. The region is known for a wealth of other attractions, from Kerið crater to the ice cream at Efstidalur farm.

If you don’t have much time to spare, then consider the Golden Circle Direct tour; take the circuit at a more leisurely pace adding in Friðheimar tomato farm which showcases the benefits of geothermal energy. Numerous activities can be added to the base tour, including glacier snowmobiling, horse riding, geothermal baths and Northern Lights hunts.

· The South Coast

Along with the Golden Circle, this is considered one of the best excursions from Reykjavik, and with good reason. The scenery is characterised by towering glaciers and tall cliffs, in front of which a flat coastal plain is littered with black sand beaches, including notorious Reynisfjara and iceberg-strewn Fellsfjara (better known as Diamond Beach). Throw in a couple of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls – Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss – and of course the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón and it’s not hard to see why people rave about this part of the country. Tours include straightforward out and back tours that go as far as Vik or to Jökulsárlón, and combos that package up some south coast sightseeing with activities such as glacier hikes, ice cave adventures and lagoon kayaking.

· Reykjanes

Reykjanes has become more and more popular since intermittent volcanic activity recommenced in 2021 at Fagradalsfjall and the Sundhnúkur area. There’s been a lasting impact on the people of Grindavík, a busy port town on the peninsula’s south coast, and it’s now safe enough to tour the area and see the damage nature wrought.

If you can’t spare the time for the Fagradalsfjall hike or are concerned about the physical effort required, opt instead for the meet on location Volcano Shuttle. You’ll ride a super jeep up to the viewing point instead, where you can survey the vast black expanse of the cooling lava field and get a feel for the scale of the eruptions.

· The Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Silver Circle

Visiting West Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes can be achieved in a day and taking a tour rather than driving yourself means it’s a whole lot less tiring. Our Wonders of Snæfellsnes small group tour is ideal if you want an overview of what this delightful peninsula has to offer. You can extend it to a two-day tour to delve a little deeper; adding on Krauma spa is also possible. Inland, travellers are rapidly learning that this part of Iceland offers some standout scenery. Check it out with our Silver Circle tour which showcases some of the region’s most spectacular natural attractions such as Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring and Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. The Settlement Center at Borgarnes is an interesting cultural stop.

· The Highlands

Iceland’s mountainous interior is easiest and cheapest to visit in summer. It’s possible to drive yourself along the Highland F-roads, but unless you’re used to driving over extremely rough gravel roads and fording sizeable rivers, this is one you might choose to leave to a local expert as it’s quite a daunting prospect. From June through to mid-September, the Highland bus leaves from the BSÍ Bus Terminal in downtown Reykjavik; you can easily differentiate it from regular coaches as it has been modified to give it that all-important extra clearance. You have a choice of three routes: to Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk and Skógar. Schedules facilitate both day and overnight stays.

Perfect Additional Activities

· Geothermal lagoons

It would be a real shame to come to Iceland and not experience at least one of its famous geothermal lagoons. These warm pools are fed by natural hot springs which keeps the water at a toasty temperature. Some are luxurious, spa-like facilities with a range of treatment packages and fancy restaurants; others are more rustic. We offer admission with transfers to a number of geothermal lagoons within easy reach of Reykjavik. You might choose to soak in the iconic surroundings of Blue Lagoon in Reykjanes; pair it with some volcano-themed sightseeing. Alternatively, indulge: enjoy the view from the infinity edge pool at upscale Sky Lagoon. Meanwhile, the black sand beach and pools at Hvammsvik Hot Springs, to the north of the city, are carefully positioned to look out over delightful Hvalfjörður.

· Whale watching

One of the best Iceland tours without a car doesn’t need wheels at all. Iceland’s one of the best countries in the world for whale watching; more than 20 species of cetaceans are found in Icelandic waters, whether as a permanent resident or seasonal migrant. Conveniently, tours depart from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, a short stroll from downtown landmarks like Harpa concert hall.

Whale watching trips depart year-round, though there are more departures in summer and less chance of inclement weather forcing a postponement. During the summer months, you can also take a boat trip to spot puffins. These funny little birds with their brightly coloured beaks arrive in spring to nest here and raise their chicks before flying back to open water in August.

· Horse riding

Icelandic horses are as unique as the environment in which you encounter them. First brought over by the Norsemen more than a thousand years ago, these sturdy horses have adapted well to the climate and landscape of their adopted home. Today, regulations concerning breeding are strictly controlled so this remains a pure breed.

Visitors can opt for a range of tours, from a beginner-friendly one hour starter activity to multi-day riding holidays. We also offer horse riding as an add-on to our Golden Circle tour. Ride out into the beautiful countryside and try your hand at the tölt, the fifth gait that only Icelandic horses have mastered.

· Glacier adventures

Iceland’s nickname is – contradictorily – the Land of Fire and Ice, so it’s fitting that you spend at least some time upon or under a glacier. For guests based in the city there is a choice of Iceland day trips by coach from Reykjavik that focus on getting close to the ice in the company of an experienced guide. For instance, you might choose to hike over the surface of Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet of the larger Mýrdalsjökull. Alternatively, combine snowmobiling on Langjökull – Iceland’s second largest glacier – with sightseeing along the Golden Circle. For something a little different, kayaking across a tranquil glacial lagoon is ideal for those keen to appreciate the scale of Iceland’s glaciers.

· Long-distance hiking

Of course, if you forgo a car, you don’t have to swap it for a coach, minibus or super jeep. It’s possible to explore some of the country’s most dramatic and off the beaten track landscapes on foot, for instance on one of Reykjavik Excursions’ multi-day hikes in Fjallabak Nature Reserve. You’ll need to be reasonably fit, but these guided tours are irresistible to anyone with a sense of adventure. For example, the 55km Laugavegur Trail – not to be confused with the shopping street in Reykjavik – is a beautiful route that leads to the green oasis of Þórsmörk. To cover the ground, you’ll need to allow four days, and can add a day for the final push south to Skógar and the south coast. Stay overnight in mountain huts and experience Iceland at its most wild. The Highland bus will get you to and from the start and end of the route.

Comfortable airport transfers without a car

Keflavik Airport is situated about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Whether you book a taxi, drive yourself in your rental or hop on the Flybus, you’ll follow the same route. Buying a ticket for the Flybus is easy to do online and you don’t have to worry about what happens if your flight is delayed as you simply board the first bus that’s available after you exit the arrivals hall. This comfortable coach takes you into the city; enjoy your first glimpse of the striking Reykjanes scenery or browse tours using the onboard WiFi. The bus pulls in to the convenient BSI bus terminal, a ten minute walk from Hallgrimskirkja. You also have the option of switching to a smaller minibus to reach the bus stop that’s closest to where you’re staying; transfers are efficient and quick so you shouldn’t expect to hang around for long.

Further advantages of booking one of our tours

● In summer, lock in your preferred dates for popular routes as soon as you are able. Tour bookings can typically be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure without penalty; check the terms and conditions for the tour you’re interested in before making your selection. If a tour has to be cancelled – for example because of operational reasons or bad weather – we’ll notify you in good time.

● Many of our most popular tours run year-round, many as guided day trips from Reykjavik. This takes the worry out of driving yourself, particularly if there’s a chance of stronger winds, snow or ice. You can leave the driving to a local who knows the route and the roads, and simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

● Iceland’s environments can be challenging, so if you’re concerned about accessibility, we publish a full description for each of our Reykjavik Excursions tours which indicates the level of physical fitness required – so there are no unpleasant surprises. Email us if you have specific needs and you’d like to know more.

● Car-free Iceland tours don’t have to be inconvenient. Feeder buses pick up and drop off near to major hotels; some areas of downtown are off-limits to coaches but we’ll get you as close as possible. At the time of booking simply add on your transfer from the stop that’s most convenient to where you’re staying.

● Tours can be combined so that you can schedule multiple activities in one day. Sometimes, this means you’ll stay on one bus. When that’s not the case, we’ll make sure you’re safely back at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik in good time where it’s necessary to change to a different vehicle. Private tours are also available, offering maximum flexibility. As we’ve demonstrated, you don’t have to sacrifice choice or experience by choosing not to have a car during your stay in Iceland. The many different tours offered by Reykjavik Excursions suit everyone: from adventurous thrill seekers to laidback sightseers. Why not take a look at our website to browse the best tours in Iceland without a car and make a start on your itinerary in earnest? Reykjavik day tours with no self-drive? No problem!