| Format | Best for | Good to know | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group | Better views, fewer people | 4 hours, pick-up included, 4.4 (3,243 reviews), from US$107 | See |
| Large bus with hot cocoa | Tight budget | 4 hours, 4.2 (15,461 reviews), from €64; the guide scores 4.6, value for money 4.2 | See |
| Boat from the old harbour | Getting away from city lights | Cancelled in rough seas; dress very warmly | |
| Rental car | Independent travellers | Night driving and ice: see Iceland car rental |
Prices and ratings: GetYourGuide listings of 6 November 2026; they change with the date.
Choosing your tour
- Season: the lights show roughly from September to mid-April, when nights are dark enough. In summer the sky stays bright, so there are no tours. See best time to visit Iceland.
- Small group or bus? Both run about 4 hours with an English-speaking guide and stop where the forecast looks best that night, so photo stops change every day. The small group rates higher (4.4 against 4.2); the bus is cheaper and has more people at each stop.
- Free retry: both listings offer another tour free of charge if you see nothing on the first one, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Book the first night early in your stay to keep spare nights.
- Forecasts: check cloud and aurora forecasts on vedur.is and road conditions on road.is.
Before you book
- Pick-up: the small group includes it; for the bus, check the pick-up options for your hotel when you choose a date.
- Dress for several hours outside in the cold, whatever the month.
- Do not book the last night of your trip: a cloudy first evening needs a second try.
FAQ
Do I need a tour to see the northern lights in Iceland?
No, but without a car it is the simplest option: the guide follows cloud and activity forecasts and drives to the clearest sky.
When can you see the northern lights in Iceland?
Roughly September to mid-April, at night. Check the Icelandic Met Office forecast.
Are the lights guaranteed?
No. Both offers above include a free second tour if the lights do not appear on the first night.
How much does a tour cost?
From €64 for the bus and from US$107 for the small group in the 6 November 2026 listings; the price changes with the date.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
