Northern lights nights can flip fast. I like the weather-first route and the help from an aurora-hunter guide who explains what you are seeing while you wait for the sky to cooperate. With the tour’s weather dependent approach, you are not guaranteed a show, so you need backup patience for clouds.

You start at BSÍ Bus Terminal at 9:30 pm, and the company offers pickup with clearly marked vehicles, so you do not need to sort out rides in the dark. I also appreciate WiFi on board and a carbon neutral commitment with Vaxa Technologies, which adds a bit of good sense to a long night.

Key takeaways before you chase the lights

• Weather moves the plan: locations vary day to day based on cloud cover and aurora chances.
• 9:30 pm starts: you leave after dark, when aurora activity is more likely to be visible.
• Up to 19 people: small group cap aims to keep viewing and photo stops more manageable.
• Guides named Sol and Kalli are praised for clear explanations, patience with photos, and extra stop decisions.
• Expect time outside: you may wait for a clearer patch and step out multiple times.
• No food and drinks included: you will want to plan for the cold and your own snacks.

Weather-first planning in Reykjavik, and why it matters

This is not a one-and-done photo stop. The big idea is that the route can change, because the tour goes to the place most likely to show Northern Lights at the time. That matters in Iceland, where clouds can move faster than your excitement.

The tour runs for about 3 hours, starting at 9:30 pm. In real life, that usually means a mix of driving, scanning the sky, and getting out when conditions look promising. If you go in expecting a fixed viewpoint and a guaranteed show, you will be disappointed. If you go in expecting a smart attempt, you will be more relaxed when nature does what nature does.

One review experience highlights the reality of weather uncertainty: there can be nights where the lights do not appear, and you still spend time out and about. That is the trade. The tour is designed to improve your odds, not to promise results.

BSÍ pickup, marked vans, and what “small group” feels like

The departure point is BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík (Vatnsmýrarvegur 10). Start time is 9:30 pm, and if you are using pickup, you should be ready at your pickup point about 30 minutes early. The pickup vehicles are marked with a Reykjavik Excursions logo, which is a small comfort when everything looks the same at night.

The tour lists a maximum of 19 travelers, which is the number you want on paper if you care about space for photos and less crowding during viewing stops. That said, some feedback calls out that multiple vans can end up at the same small parking area. If you are very photo-focused, that potential crowding is worth considering.

Practically, this means you should be prepared to share the viewing spot with other groups even when your own vehicle is small. The upside is that you still have a guide directing your attention and helping you decide when to step out and when to keep scanning.

On-board WiFi, comfort, and how to keep the night moving

A small but useful inclusion is WiFi on board. When you are waiting for aurora activity, it is handy for checking weather apps, reading the guide’s tips if they share them via chat, or keeping your camera settings plan organized. It also helps if you want to share a quick clip with friends back home while you are still at the viewing area.

In terms of comfort, you are riding in a bus for part of the experience, plus you may spend extended time outside. One comment mentions waiting on a cold bus when the aurora did not show. That is not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reason to dress for real waiting, not just for “when the lights appear.”

The best strategy is to treat this like a night out in the elements. Layer up, keep your cold-weather gear accessible, and plan to move quickly from bus to outside when the sky looks promising.

The guide factor: Sol, Kalli, and what great aurora coaching looks like

This tour is led by a professional local guide, and that is where a lot of the value is. Seeing the Northern Lights can be half luck, half guidance. A good guide tells you where to look, what to watch for, and when to be ready to photograph.

Some of the strongest praise in feedback centers on named guides like Sol and Kalli. Sol is described as knowledgeable and helpful, including making two stops to improve the chance of viewing. Kalli gets credit for patient guidance and for giving extra time for photos, including taking the group to a more remote section where the parking situation felt quieter.

There is also a thread about explanation quality. One review talks about learning physical connections behind what you are seeing, not just spotting a glow. That can make the whole night feel more meaningful, even if you have limited aurora experience.

One caution from the other side: not every guide handles equipment support the same way. A complaint notes that a guide did not bring a camera, which mattered for people without the right phone setup. If you care about photos and you do not want to rely only on your own phone, bring a tripod and plan your settings in advance.

How the tour’s stops work when the sky changes

The itinerary is flexible because the locations vary from day to day depending on weather conditions. That means you should not anchor your expectations to one scenic spot or one famous viewpoint. Instead, expect the guide to make decisions as the sky evolves.

In practice, the viewing experience usually looks like this:

• You drive out from Reykjavík.
• The guide scans for openings in cloud cover and signs of aurora activity.
• You get out to watch when conditions are best.
• If the sky shifts again, you move.

The best nights include time to actually watch and photograph, not just a quick peek. Feedback praising the tour mentions being given plenty of time to get out and view the aurora across the sky. Another highlight mentions the guide taking the group to a remote area where they were the only bus, which improved the viewing experience and the ability to take pictures without constant blocking.

The tougher nights can feel like waiting. One review complains about not seeing the lights even after hoping for them, and then spending time on the bus when the aurora was not going to show. That is the risk you accept with any Northern Lights tour.

If your goal is maximum odds, go into the experience knowing your reward may come from persistence and quick decisions, not from a fixed plan.

Photo tips I’d use again, based on real feedback

Aurora photography is not automatic. One review gives very practical advice: research how to maximize picture quality beforehand, because there is a specific setting you will need to adjust to get the results you want. That matches what most people run into, even when the lights are visible to the eye.

The other big tip is equipment. A guide is praised for supporting still images and timelapse work, and the same feedback recommends bringing a tripod if you have one. A tripod helps when you want steady shots, and it reduces the frustration of trying to hold a phone still while standing outside in the cold.

If you are hoping to capture something special, treat this as a small planning project:

• Decide what device you will shoot with (phone or camera).
• Research the key setting your device needs for low-light capture.
• Bring a tripod if you want timelapse or sharper stills.

Also, have realistic expectations about what you can see. The Northern Lights can look strong to the camera one night and subtle the next. A guide who explains what to look for can help you avoid missing the faint glow.

Price and value: what $120 includes, and what it does not

At $120 per person for about 3 hours, this sits in the “you are paying for odds and expertise” category. What you get for that price is more than transportation. Included items are bus fare, a professional local tour guide, and WiFi on board. The tour also includes a carbon neutral element in cooperation with Vaxa Technologies, which is a nice bonus if sustainability is part of how you plan.

What you do not get is food and drinks. That matters because you are out at night, and you might be waiting outside or returning to the bus between viewing attempts. Plan to eat beforehand or bring your own snacks if that fits your comfort level.

Value comes from two places:

1. You are not doing the logistics yourself in the dark, and you get pickup options.
2. You are using guide judgment to chase the best aurora window.

If you would rather drive yourself and experiment with routes, you might feel this is pricier than it needs to be. If you want help and structure, it can feel fair, especially on a first Iceland night when you are trying to hit a bucket-list goal.

When things go wrong, and how to protect your night

Northern Lights tours live and die on timing and communication. Some feedback includes complaints about late pickup, including a 45 plus minute delay with no communication, and one comment that the experience was not as small as expected due to multiple vans using the same parking lot. Another complaint describes a last-minute cancellation after people were already at the departure point, which cost them money for a taxi.

None of that means you should skip the tour. It does means you should protect yourself:

• Build a time buffer when you are waiting for pickup.
• Keep your phone charged in the cold.
• Plan your night so you are not relying on one single service for everything.

Also note that cancellations can happen if conditions are poor. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is a fair safety net because the sky does not follow schedules.

Who this tour suits best

This one is a good fit if you:

• Want pickup convenience and a guide to handle where you go.
• Are comfortable with a weather-dependent plan and a bit of waiting.
• Care about aurora explanations, not just a quick look.
• Prefer a smaller group, with the cap listed at 19.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a strict, low-crowd experience with no chance of shared lots with other operators.
• Have limited patience for delays or unclear communication.
• Are booking with the expectation of guaranteed lights on the first try.

For many people, the best approach is to treat it as one strong night in your Reykjavík aurora plan, not the only night. If you are flexible, you will feel better when the sky changes its mind.

Should you book this Northern Lights small-group tour from Reykjavik?

I would book this if you value a weather-first strategy, a guided explanation, and the convenience of pickup. The inclusion of WiFi and the carbon neutral partnership with Vaxa Technologies are small extras that make the experience feel smoother.

I would hesitate only if you are very sensitive to crowds, timing issues, or uncertainty. There are real concerns raised about pickup delays, communication, and how small the group felt when multiple vans used the same viewing area. If those are deal-breakers for you, you might want to compare alternatives carefully before committing.

Bottom line: this tour is built to maximize your chances, not to eliminate the gamble. If you go in prepared for weather and waiting, you are in the right mindset for one of Iceland’s most memorable nights.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik?

The tour duration is listed as approximately 3 hours.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 9:30 pm.

Where do you meet for the tour?

The meeting point is BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered. If you use pickup, you should be ready at your designated pickup point 30 minutes before departure, and the pickup vehicles are well marked with the Reykjavik Excursions logo.

What is the group size?

This tour lists a maximum of 19 travelers.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.