Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts where fire meets ice, featuring active volcanoes, massive glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This Nordic island nation offers breathtaking natural wonders from thundering waterfalls to black sand beaches, making it one of the world's most unique travel destinations.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Golden Circle (Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss)
Highlights: Walk between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir · Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 4-8 minutes at Geysir · Marvel at Gullfoss waterfall's thundering double cascade · Optional add-ons: Kerid volcanic crater, Secret Lagoon, Friðheimar greenhouse
South Coast (Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Reynisfjara)
Highlights: Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall · Climb the staircase at Skógafoss for panoramic views · Dramatic black sand and basalt columns at Reynisfjara beach · Village of Vík í Mýrdal with clifftop church
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Highlights: Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano (Jules Verne's portal) · Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall · Búðakirkja black church on lava field · Ytri Tunga beach seals and Arnarstapi basalt arch
Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula
Highlights: Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (book tickets well in advance) · Bridge Between Continents – walk between tectonic plates for free · Reykjanes lighthouse and dramatic sea cliffs · Gunnuhver geothermal area with roaring mud pots · Seltún geothermal field near Kleifarvatn lake
Þórsmörk Nature Reserve
Highlights: Valley between three glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull · Stakkholtsgjá canyon with hidden waterfall (1.5 hour return hike) · Viewpoints over the Markarfljót glacial river valley · End (or start) point of the famous Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised coach tours from Reykjavik cover Golden Circle ($65-80), South Coast ($75-90), Snæfellsnes ($80-95), and Blue Lagoon ($90-130 incl. entry). Pickup from Reykjavik hotels included.
- Private
- Private car hire from $50-100/day (2WD compact) or $100-200/day (4WD SUV). Best flexibility; essential for Þórsmörk and F-roads. Book from Hertz, Avis, Blue Car Rental, or Lagoon Car Rental.
- Public
- Strætó intercity buses serve Selfoss, Hvolsvöllur, and some coastal towns. Reykjavik Excursions and Sterna offer bus passport options valid for multiple day trips. Limited service and timing may not suit day trips efficiently.
- Rental
- Car rental from $50-100/day for 2WD. Fuel costs approximately $2.20/litre ($8.30/gallon). Sharing a rental car between 4 people makes it comparable in cost to a guided tour.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early (7-8 AM) for the Golden Circle and South Coast to beat the coach tours that depart Reykjavik at 9 AM and crowd key stops between 10 AM and 2 PM.
The Golden Circle can be driven anticlockwise (Gullfoss–Geysir–Þingvellir) to encounter crowds at popular sites before tours arrive.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is best done over 2 days with a night in Arnarstapi or Stykkishólmur to avoid the 6-hour round trip driving rush.
Book Blue Lagoon tickets weeks in advance for any specific date – it sells out completely and cannot be entered without a timed booking.