Hop-On Bus, Audio Guide

Reykjavik: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★ 4.0 1,536 reviews

24 or 48 hours, free cancellation.

from $53 per person

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Duration: 24 or 48 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This is a classic hop-on hop-off loop around Reykjavik, run by City Sightseeing Europe, with a 24 or 48-hour ticket. You board at any of the stops along the route, plug in the provided headphones, and listen to recorded commentary in eight languages while the city rolls past. When something catches your eye, you get off, look around, and catch a later bus.

The route strings together the stops most visitors actually want: Harpa Concert Hall at the start, the Old Harbour, the Maritime Museum, Whales of Iceland, the National Museum, Laugavegur shopping street, Hallgrimskirkja, the BSI terminal, Perlan, Kringlan, the Hilton Nordica, Laugardalur Valley, Hofdi House, and Skarfabakki Harbour in summer. A full loop without hopping off takes 80 minutes, so the tour works both as transport and as a sightseeing circuit.

It suits travellers who want a quick overview on their first day, cruise passengers docking near a stop, and anyone whose legs are done after days of walking, which is exactly how one reviewer used it. It suits you less if you want a live guide, since the commentary is pre-recorded, or if you dislike waiting for the next bus.

What's Included

Included

24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Audio commentary in 8 languages + headphones
Stops near all the major sights

Not Included

Entry to attractions
Food and drink

Itinerary

Board at HarpaThe route starts at Harpa Concert Hall, Kalkofnsvegur, and a mobile or paper voucher can be redeemed at any stop along the route.
Old Harbour and museumsOptional stops at the Old Harbour, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum and Whales of Iceland.
City centre stopsOptional stops at the National Museum, Laekjargata, Laugavegur shopping street and Kjarvalsstadir art museum.
Hallgrimskirkja and BSIOptional stops at Hallgrimskirkja church and the BSI Bus Terminal.
Perlan and east sideOptional stops at Perlan, Kringlan Shopping Centre, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica and Laugardalur Valley with its thermal pools and spa.
Skarfabakki and HofdiSkarfabakki Harbour is served in summer only; Hofdi House is the final optional stop.
Finish at HarpaThe route loops back to Harpa. A full circuit without hopping off takes 80 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before you book, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report back.

Voucher. Bring either a mobile or paper voucher, as one must be shown to board. One reviewer found the QR code on the map handy for tracking the nearest bus. The voucher also allows flexible travel for up to 12 months from the date selected at checkout.
Timetable. In winter the first bus leaves Stop 1 at 9:30am and the last at 4:15pm, running every 45 minutes. In summer it starts at 8:30am, the last departure is 5:30pm, and buses come every 30 minutes.
Pace and fitness. There is no walking requirement beyond what you choose to do at each stop. One reviewer specifically used it on a day when walking was no longer an option, and others praised it as easy transportation around town.
Food and drink. Food and drink are not included, so plan meals around your hopping. One reviewer noted there was enough time at stops to visit restaurants.
Entry fees. Entry to attractions is not included, so budget separately for places like Perlan, the museums and the thermal pools at Laugardalur. One reviewer paired the bus with a visit to the Perlan museum.
Cruise passengers. The stop near the cruise ship terminal is a real plus, according to a reviewer arriving by sea. Skarfabakki Harbour is a summer-only stop, so check the seasonal route.

Common issues. The main complaint in reviews is that buses could run more frequently, which can mean long waits if you just miss one, especially in winter when the gap is 45 minutes. The operator states the tour can be disrupted in adverse weather. No pets, smoking, or luggage and large bags are allowed on board. One reviewer mentioned a driver who drove too fast, though most praised the drivers. Pickup from hotels is not part of this tour; you make your own way to a stop.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. There is no pickup with this tour, so you make your own way to any stop along the route. Harpa Concert Hall is the first stop. You can board and redeem your voucher at any stop.

What Is Included In The Ticket?

The ticket covers a 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, audio commentary in eight languages with headphones, and stops near the major sights. Entry to attractions, food and drink are not included.

How Long Does A Full Loop Take?

A complete circuit without hopping off takes 80 minutes. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, so you can hop on and off as many times as you like within that window.

How Often Do The Buses Run?

Every 30 minutes in summer, between 8:30am and 5:30pm from Stop 1. In winter the frequency is every 45 minutes, from 9:30am to 4:15pm.

Can I Cancel?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The voucher is also flexible, allowing travel for up to 12 months from the date selected at checkout.

Can I Bring Luggage Or A Pet On The Bus?

No. Luggage and large bags, pets and smoking are all not allowed on the tour. Travel with a small day bag only.