Discover Iceland’s vibrant capital at your own pace with the Reykjavik City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. This flexible 24-hour pass gives you unlimited access to explore the world’s northernmost capital, with 17 strategically placed stops covering everything from the stunning Harpa Concert Hall and iconic Hallgrímskirkja church to the panoramic views at Perlan and the charming Old Harbour.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor wanting to get oriented, a cruise passenger with limited port time, or simply prefer independent exploration over guided group tours, this hop-on hop-off service is the perfect solution. The red double-decker buses run a continuous loop through Reykjavik’s most important districts, and you can get off and on as many times as you like within your 24-hour window.
An engaging audio guide in 8 languages brings Reykjavik’s history and culture to life as you travel, from Viking settlements and ancient parliament sites to modern architectural marvels and the city’s thriving arts scene. With free WiFi onboard and buses running every 30-45 minutes, you’ll never wait long to continue your adventure.
🚌 Ready to explore Reykjavik? Purchase your 24-hour pass from the calendar on this page. Use code BOOKNOW for 5% off!
The bus route covers Reykjavik’s essential attractions, neighborhoods, and transport hubs. Each stop offers something unique—from world-class museums and architectural landmarks to shopping streets and natural wonders.
Main departure point. This award-winning architectural masterpiece features a stunning geometric glass façade inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape. Designed by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, Harpa won the 2013 Mies van der Rohe Award for architecture. Home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, it also hosts concerts, conferences, and cultural events. Free to enter and explore.
A gateway to maritime adventures and Reykjavik’s seafaring heritage. This bustling waterfront area features whale watching tour departures, quaint shops, excellent seafood restaurants (try the lobster soup!), and views of Mount Esja across the bay. Also home to the famous Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand.
Located near the harbour, this museum explores Iceland’s fishing heritage through fascinating exhibits featuring historic vessels, fishing gear, and stories of life at sea. Learn how fish shaped Iceland’s economy and culture for centuries.
Two incredible attractions in one location! Whales of Iceland showcases life-sized models of all whale species found in Icelandic waters—walk beneath a 25-meter blue whale! FlyOver Iceland offers an immersive virtual reality flight across Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Both perfect for families.
The only place in the world where you can safely witness molten lava flowing indoors! This unique experience simulates a volcanic eruption, allowing you to feel the intense heat of real flowing lava. Absolutely unforgettable and exclusive to Iceland.
A treasure trove of Icelandic history from Viking settlement to modern times. Discover artifacts spanning over 1,200 years, including Viking weapons, medieval church art, and exhibits on Iceland’s path to independence. Essential for history enthusiasts.
Central Reykjavik location near the main shopping district. The Hard Rock Café offers classic American cuisine in a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere. Great starting point for exploring downtown on foot.
Reykjavik’s main shopping street and the heart of the city’s retail scene. Discover local boutiques, international brands, Icelandic design shops, cozy cafés, and excellent restaurants. The street transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub after dark.
Dedicated to Jóhannes S. Kjarval, one of Iceland’s most influential artists. The museum showcases his colorful interpretations of Icelandic landscapes alongside rotating exhibitions of contemporary Icelandic art. Beautiful location in Klambratún park.
Must-visit! Iceland’s most iconic landmark and Reykjavik’s tallest structure. This striking Lutheran church, designed to resemble basalt columns like those at Svartifoss waterfall, took 41 years to build (1945-1986). Take the elevator to the tower for breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Reykjavik and beyond. The church interior features a massive 5,275-pipe organ.
Reykjavik’s main bus terminal serving as a hub for domestic and international bus travel. Convenient connection point if you’re heading on day tours to the Golden Circle, South Coast, or other destinations. Ticket office and waiting area available.
Must-visit! Perched on Öskjuhlíð hill, Perlan (“The Pearl”) offers 360° panoramic views from its observation deck, a planetarium with Northern Lights shows, and remarkable exhibits including a real indoor ice cave and simulated geysers. The building sits atop former hot water storage tanks and is a masterpiece of Icelandic architecture.
One of Reykjavik’s largest shopping centers with over 150 stores, restaurants, a food court, and entertainment options. Perfect if you need practical shopping, want to escape bad weather, or simply prefer mall-style convenience.
A contemporary hotel that serves as a convenient pickup/drop-off point for guests staying in this area. The hotel is well-located for exploring both downtown and the eastern districts.
Often called “Hot Spring Valley,” this recreational area is packed with family-friendly attractions: the Reykjavik Botanical Garden, Family Park and Zoo, Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool (one of Reykjavik’s best!), and various sports facilities. Perfect for travelers with children.
Cruise passenger stop! This seasonal stop operates during summer and when cruise ships are in port. Located just a brief walk from the cruise terminal, it’s the perfect starting point for cruise passengers wanting to explore Reykjavik independently. Schedules are adjusted to match cruise ship arrivals.
This elegant white house gained international fame as the site of the historic 1986 Reykjavik Summit between US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev—a meeting that helped end the Cold War. A symbol of peace and diplomacy, with beautiful grounds overlooking the bay.
With 17 stops and only so much time, here are our recommendations for must-see attractions depending on your interests:
If you’re arriving in Reykjavik by cruise ship during the summer months, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is one of the most convenient and flexible shore excursion options available.
💡 Tip: If your ship docks at Old Harbour (Miðbakki) instead of Skarfabakki, you’re even closer to downtown—board at Stop 2 (Old Harbour) instead.
| Detail | Summer (June+) | Winter (to May) |
|---|---|---|
| First Bus (from Harpa) | 09:30 | 09:30 |
| Last Bus (from Harpa) | 16:15 | 16:15 |
| Frequency | Every 30 minutes | Every 45 minutes |
| Complete Loop Time | 80-85 minutes | 80-85 minutes |
| Skarfabakki (Cruise Port) | ✅ Operating | ❌ Closed |
* May schedule includes special adjustments to match cruise ship arrivals at Skarfabakki Harbour.
Note: Only debit/credit card payments accepted on the bus—no cash.
🗓️ Book your Reykjavik sightseeing adventure! Select your date from the calendar on this page. Use code BOOKNOW for 5% off!
Simply plug in headphones and select your language on the onboard system.
Important: Only debit/credit card payments accepted on the bus—no cash.
The Hop-On Hop-Off service does not operate on:
These are special celebration days when roads may be closed or the city is focused on festivities.
Use the Hop-On Hop-Off for city exploration on a different day than your countryside tours.
📧 Email: info@iceland-highlights.com
📞 Phone: +354 556 6868
⏰ Response time: We typically respond within a few hours during business hours
Planning a longer visit to Iceland? We can help coordinate your private tours, airport transfers, and multi-day adventures. See our complete What to Pack for Iceland guide for travel preparation tips.
