Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: 24 or 48-Hour City Sightseeing
See Reykjavik at your own pace on a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass. Ride an open-top bus past Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja and the Old Harbour, using multilingual commentary to orient each stop.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start at Harpa
Begin at the Harpa Concert Hall stop to board the first loop and get panoramic harbor views from the upper deck.
Check the timetable
Frequencies vary seasonally—every 30 minutes in summer, every 45 minutes in winter—so time your hops to avoid long waits.
Pack a waterproof layer
Wind and spray from the bay can arrive quickly on the upper deck; a lightweight rain shell makes the open-top experience comfortable.
Use headphones for the audio
Bring earbuds if you prefer clearer audio commentary in your language; buses provide multilingual tracks but sound levels vary.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stroll the Grandi harbor district for small galleries and seasonal food trucks
- •Árbær Open Air Museum for a quick window into 19th–20th century Icelandic town life
Wildlife
- •Harbour seals along the waterfront
- •Atlantic seabirds and seasonal puffins (from coastal vantage points)
Conservation Note
Respect fragile moss and coastal habitats when exploring off the bus; choosing public transport and minimizing idling help reduce tourism’s local impact.
Reykjavik grew from a Viking-age settlement into Iceland’s capital; its urban form reflects both volcanic geology and 20th-century modernization.
What to Bring
Waterproof jacketEssential
Keeps you dry and windproof on the open upper deck in Iceland’s variable weather.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Useful for short walks between stops and uneven city pavements.
Portable phone charger
Ensures you can use maps, translation apps, and digital vouchers all day.
Compact binoculars or zoom lens
Helpful for spotting distant shoreline wildlife or architectural details from the bus.
Common Questions
How do I redeem my ticket?
Mobile vouchers or printed tickets are accepted; you can board at any stop and the first recommended redemption point is the Harpa Concert Hall stop.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes—buses and stops are listed as wheelchair accessible, but contact the operator in advance for specific assistance needs.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour runs year-round with adjusted winter timetables; rides operate in most conditions but check local updates if severe weather is forecast.
Can children ride in strollers?
Yes—infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers and family-friendly stops include parks and the Old Harbour.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–6 hours (self-paced; full loop 80 minutes)
Location
Reykjavik, Capital Region
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal walking fitness required; expect short strolls on cobbles and stairs at attractions
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