The best ways to get from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Iceland

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The Blue Lagoon Reykjavik trip is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon hot springs of Iceland may be the country’s most well-known attraction, and certainly, it is the most polarizing attraction in Iceland among travellers. Most visitors head from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon by tour, bus or car.

No visit to Iceland is complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon is located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavik.

But do you know how to get from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon? This article has all the Blue Lagoon Reykjavik options to make your day trip smooth and easy.

Getting from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon is easy
Reykjavik, Iceland to the Blue Lagoon is a must

Is the Blue Lagoon Iceland worth a visit?

Blue Lagoon in Iceland reviews range from an unforgettable experience to an overpriced tourist trap. Iceland is expensive no matter what you do.

What surprises people is that the Blue Lagoon is not even a natural geothermal pool. The lagoon is a man-made lagoon with warm water supplied by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant.

Some Blue Lagoon history

The history of the Blue Lagoon started in 1976. A pool formed on the current site from the wastewater of the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant that had been recently built and started operation.

In the ensuing years, people bathed in the waters and claimed the minerals near the Svartsengi power plant helped with numerous skin problems.

Church in Reykjavik
Take in the sights as you leave Reykjavik for the Blue Lagoon

At the start of the 1990s, construction was started on a facility on the site and the Blue Lagoon was opened to the public in 1992. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (99–102 °F) thanks to the geothermal power plant.

Today, the public can still enjoy the warm waters, but the business has also turned the location into the Blue Lagoon Spa Resort.

The Blue Lagoon resort. You can easily get from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon in many ways
Blue Lagoon Iceland tickets can easily be bought online in this article

The Blue Lagoon offers premium packages, including spa experience, saunas, massage, face mask slippers, bathrobe, steam room, waterfalls, relaxation areas, the Moss Restaurant and Lava Restaurant.

The site is open year-round, and the dining options and spa experience look fantastic if you have the money. I could imagine staying onsite in a hotel room, drinking sparkling wine and relaxing before and after a spa experience,

Most of us haven’t experienced The Blue Lagoon Spa Resort, just a day visit for a swim in the warm waters. Our family gives the Blue Lagoon in Iceland a big thumbs up and recommends everyone visit when travelling in Iceland.

We visited the Blue Lagoon early in the morning when it was still dark. It was the best time to watch the sunrise from the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon.

The sun slowly rises over the Martian-looking landscape of the lava fields in the Blue Lagoon area. The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Many people think the Blue Lagoon is near Reykjavik, but the truth be told, getting to the Blue Lagoon will take you at least 45 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about Blue Lagoon transportation and more

Before we get into more comprehensive details about how to get to the Blue Lagoon, we have a short summary that answers some of the most popular questions on Google about the Blue Lagoon Iceland from Reykjavik.

How much do tickets to the Blue Lagoon cost?

  • Comfort prices cost between $72.00 -$104.00 depending on entry times.
  • Premium entry tickets cost between $93.00 – $126.00, depending on entry times.
  • Retreat Spa tickets cost between $ 639 -$711, depending on entry times
  • All prices quoted are in the United States Dollars and are typical of costs for January 2024. You can compare packages here <

Let’s explore ways to get you from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon thermal pools!

There are so many ways to get from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon that it can all be overwhelming. Let us help you pick the best transport from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon for your Blue Lagoon transfer.

steam rising from the Blue Lagoon Iceland
You can take a tour of the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík

Blue Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik

A tour from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon should also be considered. Many tours are running from Reykjavik daily. Many Blue Lagoon tours will include another attraction, such as the Northern Lights or a visit to the Reykjanes Peninsula. Some of the positives of going on an organized tour can be:

  • You don’t have to get to a bus pick-up point
  • You don’t have to hire a car
  • You can usually organize a pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation.
  • Entrance tickets to the sights are usually included
  • One price for everything
  • If you have children, you may be able to take some extras for them and then have somewhere to keep the extra bags so you don’t have to carry them around.

We have a great article to help plan your visit to the Blue Lagoon. Tips and advice to make your visit memorable. Read our article today.


From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers

When you visit the Blue Lagoon, you will be immersed in a world of warmth, well-being, and wonder in the heart of a volcanic field. Experience the healing powers of the Blue Lagoon’s waters and explore the exquisite beauty of the moss-covered landscape.

Highlights of this tour include:

  • Shared transfer from Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon with return bus transfer included
  •  A unique experience in geothermally heated baths with Silica-Mud mask
  •  In-water bar for enjoying a drink of your choice
  • Scenic views of Iceland during the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik tour
  • Flexible/open return ticket for all departures from Blue Lagoon

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Day Tour

This is a highlight at every turn tour. Visit Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Kerið volcanic crater lake. Finish your day in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters.

attraction on the Golden Circle Iceland
Tickets to the Blue Lagoon can be incorporated with other Iceland attractions

Highlights of this tour include:

  • Explore Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • View the enthralling geyser eruptions
  • Relax in the waters of the fantastic Blue Lagoon
  • Admire the impressive Gullfoss waterfall
  • Duration 12 hours

This fantastic tour rates 4.7 out of 5 from guests.

Active volcano hike and Blue Lagoon day tour from Reykjavík

A volcano and the world’s most famous geothermal pools in one day. This fantastic day tour is where you will see spectacular views from Lake Kleifarvatn, hike to the active Fagradalsfjall volcano, and relax in the geothermal waters when you visit the Blue Lagoon.

Highlights of the tour include

  • Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission Ticket and Check-in.
  • Profession guide
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • WiFi
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon by car

The best way to get to the Blue Lagoon by road is on Iceland Route 1 or the Ring Road highway, which runs nationwide. Driving in Iceland is subject to some extreme conditions at times.

A couple relaxing after getting to the blue lagoon from Reykjavík
The price of the Blue Lagoon experience is high but worth it

Snow and rain are coming vertically at you, fog and sunshine. Allow extra time in the winter to arrive if driving to the Blue Lagoon just in case of bad weather. Most of the way to the Blue Lagoon is a single-lane highway once you leave Reykjavik.

Opening time varies from different seasons. In the winter, you can get in the warm water from 8 am, while in the summer, if you visit the Blue Lagoon, it will be a 9 am opening.

The roads are in excellent condition, especially the road to the Blue Lagoon, which is the same road to the Reykjavik International Airport. You can stay close to the Blue Lagoon at the Silica Hotel.

  • Distance from Reykjavik is 47 kilometres.
  • Travel time by car is estimated at 50 Minutes
  • GPS coordinates for the Blue Lagoon are 63.8804° N, 22.4495° W
  • Turn at the sign marked ‘Blue Lagoon.’
  • The Blue Lagoon is 10km down the road after turning off the highway
  • Turn right on 426 bláa lónið (bláa lónið is Icelandic for the Blue lagoon)
  • Car Parking is available onsite and included in your Blue Lagoon Iceland tickets.

Getting the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik tip:

Reykjavik transport to Blue Lagoon by taxi is possible, but it’s certainly not recommended as the price would be exorbitant.  The price of a Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik taxi is around 16,000 ISK or upwards of $100 plus U.S. dollars.

Lava fields that surround the Blue Lagoon
A Blue Lagoon ticket is included in the tours

Bus to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik

There is no direct public transport from Reykjavik. The bus from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon offers convenient transport for tourists visiting Iceland.

buses wating the bus terminal in Reykjavik to take people to the blie lagoon
How to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik.

Frequent and reliable bus transfers from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon start at Reykjavik’s centrally-located BSI Bus Terminal. The distance from Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport is approximately 23 kilometres.

There are two options for this, Buses from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik Airport to Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon transfer by bus runs from Reykjavik according to a set timetable.

• From Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon – 9:00 AM; 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM; 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM; 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM

• From Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík – 1:15 PM; 2:15 PM; 4:15 PM; 6:15 PM; 8:15 PM

• From Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport – 2:30 PM only

Another popular way to visit the Blue Lagoon is to plan it as a part of your departure from Iceland. The site also offers a Blue Lagoon airport transfer to and from Keflavik International Airport. The Keflavik International Airport is only 20 kilometres away from the Blue Lagoon.

If you have a late flight, why not head to the Blue Lagoon on your way home, relax, unwind, and enjoy your last few hours in Iceland? This could be the best way to finish off your Iceland vacation. Search for your Blue Lagoon transfer to Keflavik Airport.

Blue Lagoon entrance tickets are not included and need to be booked online. You must bring your towels, swimsuits, and sunscreen, which can be left in the locker room. Book your Blue Lagoon transfer! Book your Blue Lagoon tickets!

Bonus information about visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland:

  • A bathing suit must be worn
  • Kids under eight must wear floatation devices.
  • You must have a reservation or be on a tour to enter the Blue Lagoon
  • Being so close to Reykjavik International Airport, the Blue Lagoon hot springs are popular for visitors arriving and departing Iceland.
  • The popular Blue Lagoon shuttle can get you there and back.
  • The Blue Lagoon has luggage storage for your bags and suitcases.
  • It’s 23 km from Keflavik Airport to Blue Lagoon and around 20 minutes. Reykjavik Excursions and run a return bus from the Keflavik airport or via the Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavik.
  • Travelling by taxi from Keflavik to the Blue Lagoon takes 20 minutes and will cost you between 90-120$.
  • Hotels near the Blue Lagoon in Iceland may be convenient for people staying at hotels near the Blue Lagoon.
  • Staying in the hotels near the Blue Lagoon gives you amazing access to the geothermal spa.
  • What a great way to start or finish your holiday in Iceland.

We hope this provides you with all the Blue Lagoon information you need to visit this amazing Iceland attraction. Please find some additional Iceland information below

Know before you go! Our top Reykjavik travel tips

Travelling to Iceland requires a lot of planning. Not only is Iceland one of the most expensive countries to visit it is fantastic.

Downtown Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

Once you are travelling in Iceland, you feel like you have to do it all while there. Below are the best things to have prepared before you leave for your vacation to Reykjavik.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Reykjavik. In Reykjavik, you find a range of hotel rooms, apartments and hostels.

You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Trip Advisor and Hotellook to find the best prices in Reykjavik.

  • CenterHotel Thingholt:
    • Situated in the heart of Reykjavik, Centre Hotel Thingholt is a stylish and modern hotel known for its central location, comfortable rooms, and proximity to popular attractions like Hallgrímskirkja and the National Gallery of Iceland.
  • ION City Hotel:
    • A chic and contemporary hotel, ION City Hotel is known for its design aesthetics and excellent service. It’s in downtown Reykjavik, offering convenient access to restaurants, shops, and cultural sites.
  • Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre:
    • A part of the Hilton brand, Canopy is a trendy and comfortable hotel in the city centre. It provides a great base for exploring Reykjavik’s vibrant neighbourhoods, museums, and landmarks.
  • Fosshotel Reykjavik:
    • Fosshotel Reykjavik is a well-regarded hotel with a modern design and many amenities. Situated close to the city centre, it offers comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of attractions like Harpa Concert Hall.

Reykjavik apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation in Reykjavik, then an apartment is the best choice for your vacation to Iceland.

There are many options for singles, families and budget-friendly options when visiting Reykjavik. Check out the map below to find the perfect Reykjavik apartment for your vacation in Reykjavik.  Browse available Reykjavik apartments today.

How to get to Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Reykjavik is located in South Iceland. Travel to Iceland is via Keflavik International Airport. The Keflavík Airport is 50 kilometres from Reykjavik. 6.8 million people travelled through Keflavik airport in 2016. Search your flights to Iceland with Kiwi.com
  • Smyril Line car ferry M/S Norröna sails between Seyðisfjörður in Iceland, Hirtshals in Denmark and Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands once a week. This allows you to bring your car and drive to Reykjavik.
  • You can reserve a rental car and have it waiting for you at Keflavik International Airport

How to get around Reykjavik

  • The city buses in Reykjavík are yellow. The Icelandic word for them is strætó, short for strætisvagn (streetcar). These buses are the only public transport in the city.
  • The Reykjavik Hop on hop bus is another excellent option for seeing the city's sites and surrounding area. Check the current prices HERE.
  • The Reykjavik City Card entitles you to entry to some of Reykjavik’s major attractions and free public transport on the buses. More information is available here.

Reykjavik City Card

The Reykjavik City Card helps visitors save money on Reykjavik attractions around the city. Sightseeing in Reykjavik and Iceland is pricey and adds up quickly.

The city card helps keep the costs down with free entries and discounts to top Reykjavik attractions, free transportation and deals at restaurants.

You can get a Reykjavik City Card for 24-, 48- and 72-hour duration. Buy your city card for your Reykjavik trip today.

Iceland for international visitors

International travel to Reykjavik requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance in Iceland. Medical care is not cheap; if you want good quality care, it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about on a vacation with teens.

  • For International travellers, travel insurance is a must. Get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a massive bill for medical expenses.
  • Do you need a visa to visit Iceland? The country of Iceland may require you to have a visa or an ETA ( Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
  • Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Icelandic Króna dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees.
  • Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
  • A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.

We hope this article from Wyld Family Travel inspires you to decide on your best options for the Blue Lagoon. There are so many things to do in Iceland, a country of the midnight sun, that are free, but you need to watch your money if you are on a budget holiday in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon offers an unforgettable experience.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Iceland, click our Iceland Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.


More travel inspiration for your trip to Iceland


5 thoughts on “The best ways to get from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Iceland”

  1. The Blue Lagoon makes me want to put all of my other projects on pause and study their marketing team! Seriously, I’ve looked into grants for this, but sadly I thought of it after I finished my masters thesis. How they turned excess water from a geothermal plant into one of the world’s top tourist destinations blows my mind.

    It is gorgeous, though! Everyone I know who’s been has raved about it.

    If you drive out there, I highly recommend taking a detour to Grindavik. Hopsnesviti is a great spot to explore an abandoned fishery, interact with some (not so friendly) rams and some (friendly) horses, and check out some shipwrecks that have washed ashore.

  2. I really loved my time in Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon too. We took the bus, which was a cheap option, for Iceland at least. Also, I liked the blue lagoon, but yes it’s expensive. Still, when there, I think it’s worth doing, and would probably go back again!

  3. I bet going to the lagoon in the dark was amazing! I can just imagine being under the stars! We visited on a Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle tour but if we had more time I would definitely consider the whole day there. I would also love to get a spa treatment there although this would be far more difficult with my son in tow. I bought some mineral rich moisturising cream from the shop there so I could take a little of the lagoon home with me, although expensive, it feels ultra nice on my sensitive skin.

  4. Iceland is at the very top of my travel list. What an amazing country! I have always dreamt of visiting the Blue Lagoon, your photos of it are incredible! xxx

  5. One thing I noticed about Iceland was that it wasn’t as cold as I expected. Places I went to in Eastern Europe were colder. I really enjoyed this article and I’ve shared a couple articles on my Flipboard.

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