Next time you fly across the Atlantic, why not stop off in Iceland for a time? A Reykjavik layover tour, even a short one, offers an irresistible opportunity to experience somewhere new. You won’t see everything, of course, but a stopover gives you a valuable taster of what to expect should you wish to plan a follow-up visit – and we’re confident you will once you dip a toe in.

In this practical article, we’ll offer some suggestions about the kinds of tours and activities that are ideal for anyone hoping to explore Reykjavik or its surroundings during a brief stay. We’ll showcase some of Reykjavik Excursions’ most attractive express, half-day or transfer-friendly tours that are ideal for anyone who’s time poor yet eager to experience Iceland’s unique landscapes and culture.

Why should you choose excursions and activities to fill a Reykjavik layover?

Excursions and activities help tourists gain a more in-depth insight into the places in which they travel. The guides who lead such tours are able to provide engaging and informative commentary. Through this, you’ll gain valuable context which helps develop your understanding of a place far more than if you simply rented a car and drove yourself.

When time is at a premium, as it would be if you were in Iceland on a layover, it’s even more important to have the opportunity to ask questions and listen to explanations that go beyond the obvious. While you could go solo, there’s much to be gained from booking a tour instead.

Planning flights

Keflavik Airport is a modern airport that typically runs smoothly, although like anywhere, delays can sometimes be unavoidable. If you’re hoping to arrive on a morning flight and depart in the late afternoon or evening, you’ll need to allow sufficient time when returning to the airport to pass through security and clear passport control. Typically, for international flights the recommended time for this is around three hours though some travellers cut this to two.

It’s a little less straightforward to estimate the time you’d be able to leave the airport. Inbound flights take off late, particularly if they originate from busy hubs. Inclement weather can also cause delays, especially in winter. Once at Keflavík, passport control can be over in a matter of minutes, but if multiple flights arrive at the same time, you could find yourself in a queue for significantly longer.

It’s wise to allow yourself a buffer if you plan to leave the airport in between flights in case any unforeseen holdups eat into your activity time. We’d recommend that if you intend to combine some independent sightseeing with ticketed activities, push the latter back. That way, you won’t miss out if you end up getting into the city a bit later than you originally hoped.

How many hours do you need for a meaningful Reykjavik layover?

What you can achieve on a layover in Reykjavik depends a lot on how long you are stopping. Let’s take a look and see what difference a few extra hours can make.

Four to five hours

Reykjavik’s an easy 45 minute drive from Keflavik Airport, so it makes sense to focus your attention on the capital and its immediate surroundings when looking into things to do and see. The Flybus gets you straight into the heart of the Icelandic capital; within an hour of stepping out of the arrivals hall you could be staring up at iconic Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s most famous church. A few minutes later, having ridden Hallgrímskirkja’s elevator, you could be taking in the city’s extraordinary setting.

To make the cost of the return transfer worthwhile, you’re likely to want at least four or five hours in Reykjavik. But the compact nature of the Icelandic capital makes it easy to explore on foot. For instance, you could take a stroll down to the Old Harbour and grab a ticket for the unique and compelling Lava Show or FlyOver Iceland with its breathtaking overview of Iceland’s dramatic scenery. Each of these takes about an hour and they are conveniently located in the same part of the city if you couldn’t choose between the two.

If you can’t quite pin down your choice of Iceland layover ideas, then keep your options open with a ticket for the Hop On, Hop Off sightseeing bus. Though Reykjavik has an excellent city bus network with routes that link up the main sights and attractions, using a dedicated service that stops right outside is even more helpful for those tight on time, especially as there’s free WiFi and included audio commentary too. Buses run from early morning to late afternoon year-round; the full circuit takes about 90 minutes if you choose to remain onboard.

Soaking in a geothermal lagoon is about as Icelandic a pastime as you can imagine, and on a layover there’s almost certainly enough time to take a dip. There are numerous baths and spas from which to choose but easily the most convenient for Keflavik Airport is the Blue Lagoon. Located just 20 minutes from the airport, this iconic destination is the perfect place to indulge in a little pampering in luxurious surroundings. Our tours include transfers.

Six to ten hours

If you’re likely to have more than six hours in Reykjavik, you might choose to travel beyond its city limits. Thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies and in fact anyone who fancies a change from simply sitting in a seat as they’ve been doing on the plane are spoiled for choice. Among the many active pursuits you could choose between flights are ATV adventures, buggy excursions and zipline rides in Hveragerði. You might even practise your tölt astride an Icelandic horse on a guided ride. Be sure to check if transfers are included and allow plenty of time to get there and back.

Another option, if you can accommodate the fixed departure times, is to consider booking a whale watching trip. In winter, these depart Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 1pm; as the days lengthen there’s also a 9am departure. As you chug out into Faxaflói Bay, you might catch sight of cetaceans such as minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. You’ll need to allow about four hours in total for this activity and understand that sailings can be cancelled if conditions aren’t suitable.

Land lubbers might prefer instead to book a place on a walking tour. There are themed tours that tap into particular interests, such as the quirky Reykjavik Cat-Walk and the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour, which we think is the ideal chance to get acquainted with some of Iceland’s most tasty dishes. Walks such as these are easy to slot in between other stops such as museums and visitor attractions.

With more time on your hands, other geothermal lagoons become a possibility, among them the popular Sky Lagoon. This luxurious geothermal bath has a resort-like feel and fabulous ocean views from the infinity edge pool. If rustic chic is more your vibe, consider booking a tour to Hvammsvik Hot Springs; it’s further from the city on the edge of Hvalfjörður, but this stunning setting is worth the extra effort to reach. Transfers are included from Reykjavik in both cases.

Ten to twelve hours

If you can spare a whole day then perhaps the most obvious excursion is our Golden Circle Direct tour, which leaves the BSI at 10am and has you back in the city six and a half marvellous hours later. This sightseeing loop represents Iceland in a nutshell, comprising three stellar stops: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. As layovers go, it’s hard to imagine anything that could beat this for the sheer variety and drama of the landscapes you’ll see.

Tips for pulling off a successful Reykjavik layover

Search half-day tours Reykjavík on our website

In this article we’ve only touched on the possibilities. If you visit our website, you can use the search filters to show our picks for popular half-day tours and activities and see what most closely matches your interests. Whether you’re keen to experience the great Icelandic outdoors or spend time on cultural pursuits, there’s sure to be something that will excite you.

Have a plan for your luggage

Ideally, if you are in Iceland for a brief stopover in Reykjavik, you’ll have checked your bags through to your final destination. If you can’t do this, then make use of the luggage lockers outside the airport. With rates starting at 2490 ISK for 24 hours, this is an attractive option for anyone with a short layover. Of course, make sure that you take valuable items with you, particularly your passport, phone and money.

Keep a close eye on the time

Reykjavik’s a charming place and it’s easy to get distracted and forget the time. If you’re here on a brief layover, that could spell disaster. Make a point of checking the time at frequent intervals; if necessary, set an alarm on your phone to remind you. Be sure to allow sufficient time at the end of your layover to return to the BSI Bus Terminal in order to catch the Flybus back to Keflavik or you might need to resort to an expensive taxi.

Remember to factor in time to eat and drink

It’s easy to become dehydrated when you fly, and changing time zones can play havoc with your body clock when it comes to mealtimes. During your layover tour of Reykjavik, be sure to build in time to eat and drink. With time at a premium, you might prefer to prioritise activities over refuelling. Nevertheless, you can still do so while on the go, grabbing an Icelandic hot dog from a popular stand or enjoying a quick coffee while waiting for a tour to depart.

Iceland’s the ideal place for a layover and we hope reading this article has given you plenty of ideas for the many and varied tours and activities you can do with even a few hours at your disposal. Whether you choose to focus your time on Reykjavik or can spare the time to travel a little further afield, you’ll find our Reykjavik layover excursions and activities are far more rewarding than kicking your heels at the airport.