
Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik worth booking?
Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik is a 3-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $1,303 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $1,303 per person
Hunt for the northern lights in a private vehicle with your own local driver-guide and no one else on board. Groups of 1-3 travel in a sedan, groups of up to 8 in a van. Your guide meets you at your Reykjavik accommodation with a VAREN name tablet; hot chocolate on board. Your guide checks the cloud and aurora forecasts before and during the tour and drives to where the chance of a sighting is highest that night. While you wait for the sky to light up, you hear what causes the aurora and what to look for. The tour lasts about 4 hours. The start time depends on the weather: we choose it on the day, between 8pm and 10pm, and let you know. No realistic chance of a sighting? We cancel at least 2 hours before the start and you choose a retry or a full refund. One price per vehicle. Our aurora promise: no northern lights on your guide's camera means a free second attempt on a shared northern lights tour, or 50% off a second private hunt. One re-run per booking, valid for two years.
What you get
About this experience
Hunt for the northern lights in a private vehicle with your own local driver-guide and no one else on board. Groups of 1-3 travel in a sedan, groups of up to 8 in a van. Your guide meets you at your Reykjavik accommodation with a VAREN name tablet; hot chocolate on board. Your guide checks the cloud and aurora forecasts before and during the tour and drives to where the chance of a sighting is highest that night. While you wait for the sky to light up, you hear what causes the aurora and what to look for. The tour lasts about 4 hours. The start time depends on the weather: we choose it on the day, between 8pm and 10pm, and let you know. No realistic chance of a sighting? We cancel at least 2 hours before the start and you choose a retry or a full refund. One price per vehicle. Our aurora promise: no northern lights on your guide's camera means a free second attempt on a shared northern lights tour, or 50% off a second private hunt. One re-run per booking, valid for two years.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation
- Free retry or voucher if no northern lights are seen
- All parking fees and local taxes
- Hot chocolate, and bottled water on request
- Private northern lights hunt, only for your group
- Child seats, free of charge
- Friendly English-speaking local driver-guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Meals, we recommend eating before the tour
What you'll see and do
Reykjavik
Your private vehicle picks you up directly from your Reykjavík accommodation at the agreed time. No transfer, no assembly point - the tour starts from your front door. Pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours in advance.
Pass by without stopping
Iceland
There is no fixed route on a private aurora hunt. Your guide checks cloud cover and aurora forecasts through the evening and drives to the darkest sky within reach: the countryside around Þingvellir, the shores of Hvalfjörður, or the coastline south of the city. At each viewpoint you stay exactly as long as your group wants, with camera help from your guide.
Pass by without stopping
Capital Region
Clear nights are cold nights. While you wait for the lights, warm up with hot chocolate served beside the vehicle and review your first aurora photos with your guide.
Pass by without stopping
Your private vehicle drops you back directly at your Reykjavík accommodation. Estimated return time is between 11PM and midnight, depending on aurora activity and your group's pace on the night. Door to door, start to finish.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private Van - 1-8 travellers
Private Van: Private van for up to 8 travellers with room for luggage, only for your group. Pickup included
Private Sedan - 1-3 travellers
Private Sedan: Private sedan for 1-3 travellers with room for luggage, only for your group. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, pl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Varen
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Your driver-guide meets you at your Reykjavik accommodation with a VAREN name tablet
- The start time depends on the weather. We choose it on the day, always between 8pm and 10pm, and let you know
- Northern lights are a natural phenomenon and a sighting cannot be guaranteed. Even a faint but visible aurora counts as a sighting
- If there is no realistic chance of a sighting, we cancel at least 2 hours before the start. You then choose a retry or a full refund
- A retry may run in a different vehicle and may be a small-group tour
- Bring warm, windproof and waterproof clothes, thermal layers, a hat, gloves and boots with good grip
- Questions or changes: +354 781 7244, contact@varen.is
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful lights
My husband and I used Car buddy for our private northern lights tour and it was so good. Comfortable vehicle and knowledgeable staff. We saw the sky light up in greens and pinks and it was amazing! Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for leaving a 5-star review! It’s always a pleasure to know our team has provided the level of service we strive for. We hope to have the opportunity to assist you again on your future travels in Iceland.
via Tripadvisor
Northern Lights
Car Buddy is simply amazing!!! Very nice and professional service. The driver - Paweł, gave us a lot of valuable information and tips - thank you!!! The Car was comfortable and convenient. I highly recommend using the services of this company. Naciśnij i przytrzymaj, aby dodać reakcję
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review and for choosing Car Buddy! We’re honored to be a part of your Iceland experience and are thrilled to hear you enjoyed our service. We hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful service!
While the Northern Lights were a bit shy, we did get to see a little. Our tour guide, Sultan, was simply lovely! He offered us a voucher to use in the next 3 years to come back to see them! He also provided us car service to and from the airport. I highly recommend this if traveling with 3 or more people. Highly recommend!!!!!
Response from the operator: We truly appreciate your wonderful review. Your support inspires us to keep doing our best. Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,303 to $1,878
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Varen, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.4.
See everything Varen runsWhy this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $1,303 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik?
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Included: Pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation; Free retry or voucher if no northern lights are seen; All parking fees and local taxes; Hot chocolate, and bottled water on request; and Private northern lights hunt, only for your group. Not included: Gratuities; and Meals, we recommend eating before the tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 81 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik offered in?
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It is offered in English and Polish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Reykjavik. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Van - 1-8 travellers, Private Sedan - 1-3 travellers. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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