You might be thinking: 24 hours in Reykjavík Iceland… surely that’s nowhere near enough? And honestly, no, it’s not if your list of places to see is endless (which I completely understand), because Iceland is one of those countries where you could continue adding new stops to your itinerary.
But 24-hour layovers do exist, which means you can actually have one full day to explore. Besides a layover, you can also decide whether you want to visit Iceland for only one day, as I can confirm it is an expensive destination. So, if you’re wondering how I would personally make the most of those 24 hours in Iceland, keep reading.
In my opinion, you have two completely different options: spend your 24 hours exploring as much of Reykjavík as possible, or head out of the city on a real adventure and use the full day to visit some of Iceland’s main highlights.
Well, of course, I’ll break down both options for you, so you can easily decide which one suits you best and what you’re most interested in.
24 Hours in Iceland: What to Do? My Quick Answers
I spent a couple of weeks in Iceland, so I’ve done enough activities and visited multiple sights myself to give you a realistic idea of how much you can actually see and do in Iceland within just 24 hours.
To be completely honest with you, I think 24 hours is a very short amount of time to explore Iceland, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t see anything. There are still plenty of things to do, places to visit, and local flavors to try.
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That said, good planning is essential here. If you only start deciding what you want to see after arriving at the airport, you’re already losing valuable time in my opinion.
The first option is to stay in Reykjavík and spend time exploring some of the city’s best-known sights. I’d definitely start with Hallgrímskirkja, before wandering down towards Rainbow Street, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager along the waterfront.
You also could mix sightseeing with something interactive: visit Perlan or choose one of Reykjavík’s many museums. Personally, I would go with some of the best-known sights combined with one of the ‘bucket list’ activities, such as whale spotting or visiting the Blue Lagoon.
The second option is to rent a car and spend the day driving the Golden Circle, which I think is a great choice if you want to see some of Iceland’s most famous natural highlights. The route includes stops such as Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and some smaller places you can add along the way, giving you a really varied first taste of the country.
Besides driving the route yourself, you can also book an organized day tour. Just keep in mind that this might not always work with your arrival time, especially if the tour leaves early in the morning.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of both options, including the different ways of how to get around, carefully selected accommodations that suit such a short stay, the main sights and activities, and a realistic overview of what everything is likely to cost, based on my own expenses.
What to Do in Reykjavík in 24 Hours
Transportation
Public transport
Once you’ve arrived at Keflavík Airport and made it through immigration, the next step is getting to Reykjavík. We chose to take the public bus into the city (Strætó Bus 55), as we were only picking up our rental car later in the trip. We paid 2,400 ISK, which is around 17 euros per person.
Keep in mind that this bus generally stops at Keflavík Airport every hour to hour and a half. It also makes several stops along the way before arriving in Reykjavík, so the total journey can take 60 to 90 minutes.
You can also choose a faster, slightly more expensive, alternative: Flybus. Tickets can be booked online and are flexible, with departures generally scheduled around 40 minutes after arriving flights, which makes it a perfect choice if you have limited time.
A one-way ticket costs 3,999 ISK, or approximately 28 euros*.
*based on prices in 2026.
Car rental
Another option is to pick up a rental car straight from the airport, giving you the freedom to drive to Reykjavík at your own pace. Outside the high season, I’d personally budget around 60 euros per day for a rental car, but prices may vary.
Accommodation
Apartments Reykjavík
This small apartment comes with a private bathroom and is a great choice for just a one-night stay. It’s located right in the heart of Reykjavík, making it easy to stroll around the city and stay close to the main sights.
The apartment is bright, practical, and has everything you need for a short visit. Free parking is also included nearby, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with a rental car.
Book Here: Apartments Reykjavík
Refurinn Reykjavik Guesthouse
This highly rated guesthouse is also located right in the heart of Reykjavík, which makes it especially convenient for a short stay. The standard rooms are basic and compact, but they have everything you really need if you’re mainly looking for a comfortable place to sleep.
Several of Reykjavík’s main sights are within walking distance, so you can explore most of the center without relying on transport. Free parking is available, which is useful if you’re arriving by car.
Book Here: Refurinn Reykjavik Guesthouse
Sightseeing
Once you’ve arrived in Reykjavík and dropped off your luggage (depending on your accommodation’s check-in time), you can finally start exploring the city.
First off, start by visiting Hallgrímskirkja. This is Reykjavík’s most famous church and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. I’d definitely head up the tower, because the panoramic view over the colorful rooftops is truly spectacular.
From the church, you can walk downhill towards one of Reykjavík’s most famous and photogenic streets: Rainbow Street. We spent around 10 to 20 minutes here, taking some fun photos and soaking up the energy.
From there, continue to the main street in the city center, where you’ll find some cute cafés and typically Icelandic restaurants for a coffee or a quick brunch break. We had some hot chocolate with a cake, as it was a rainy day, so we needed something to warm up.
From there, continue towards the waterfront and stop at the Sun Voyager. I really liked this part of the walk, as the sculpture sits right by the water with the mountains in the distance.
A little further along, you’ll reach Harpa Concert Hall. Even if you don’t want to go inside, I’d stop here for a couple minutes, because the glass architecture is super impressive and looks different from every angle, especially when the sun is out.
Finish the ‘sights’ of the city at the Old Harbour, which is also where many of Reykjavík’s whale-watching tours depart from.
Activities
If you’re visiting Reykjavík during the right season, I’d absolutely recommend adding a whale-watching tour to your day. Seeing whales in real life was for us such a special experience. The crew made it even better, especially with a marine biologist on board explaining the different animals we spotted along the way.
The boat ride itself was quite comfortable, but I’d definitely wear layers for the conditions rather than the city weather. The heavy wind gusts on the ocean feel much colder, and the weather conditions change quickly as you might know already, so warm layers and a waterproof jacket are a must.
The tour in total will take up to 3 hours and costs are from 90 euros per person.
Quick tip: Whale watching tours from Reykjavík operate year-round, but I would say the most convenient months with the highest chances of spotting whales are from April to October.
After a cold afternoon out on the ocean, it’s time to warm up somewhere. Honestly, what’s a better place than Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon? I think it’s the perfect way to round off a full day of exploring Reykjavík and unwind after being out in the cold.
You can either book a transfer that includes pick-up and drop-off, or drive to the geothermal spa yourself. I’d definitely recommend booking your entrance in advance, as time slots can sell out quickly and getting in on the same day isn’t guaranteed.
The Blue Lagoon is located a 50-minute drive outside of Reykjavík. Ticket prices start from 11,990 ISK or approximately 86 euros.
Current opening hours are*:
June 1–14: 8AM–10PM
June 15–August 20: 7AM–11PM
August 21–January 31: 8AM–10PM
February 1–May 31: 8AM–8PM
*Checked in September 2026.
Explore the Golden Circle in 24 Hours
Want to see the ‘main’ highlights of Iceland, also known as the Golden Circle, in just 24 hours? Well, you’re in luck, because this is certainly doable. The complete loop takes around 3 to 4 hours of driving from Reykjavík, so add another 3 to 4 hours for sightseeing and a few extra stops, and you’ll have a great itinerary for your 24 hours in Iceland.
Driving the Golden Circle will leave you with unforgettable memories, but there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re short on time. Let me explain the exact route we took and the tips I have if you’re planning to do the Golden Circle.
Transportation
There are two major ways to explore the Golden Circle: one is by car, and the other is by joining a group tour. The latter is highly dependent on your arrival time. If you arrive late at night the day before, you could be able to join a group tour. But if you arrive very early, it might be best to go by car. It depends on your travel itinerary, and both have some upsides as well as downsides.
Group tour
Price: from 10,997 ISK or 79 euros
Total time: 7–8.5 hours (pick-up possible)
If you’re able to join early in the morning, a group tour might be perfect for you. You’ll get picked up in the morning, and after that, you’re off to explore the Golden Circle. Along the route, you’ll stop at Hveragerði, Kerið Crater, Gullfoss, Geysir, and lastly, Þingvellir National Park. This means you’ll hit all the hotspots in one day while being able to relax in between. If you’re looking for an easy day, this might be your choice.
Upside: You’ll get from A to B without any hassle, and you don’t have to hire a car.
Downside: You’ll arrive at most places at the same time as other groups, so expect big crowds almost everywhere.
Accommodation
You mainly have two options for accommodation during your 24 hours in Iceland. You’re either going for a short stay to start the Golden Circle while staying in or around Reykjavík, or you’re staying close to the airport to continue your travels easily.
In or around Reykjavík
This might be the best option if you also want to spend a couple of hours in the city and/or if you’re joining a group tour, as most start in the center of Reykjavík. However, if you’re going by car, it’s also a great option, as you’ll have a 30–45 minute head start compared to driving from the airport.
Staying in the city? Definitely check out Design Apartments in the Heart of Reykjavík. It’s a beautiful, centrally located apartment right inside the city center of Reykjavík. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Close to the airport
If you have an early flight, or a late one, this might be the best option. However, this also immediately means that you’ll have to rent a car, as group tours generally don’t start from the airport.
If you end up staying at the airport, I can highly recommend Aurora Hotel at Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport. It’s right outside the airport terminal, so you can just walk inside if needed. It’s also great for car parking, as well as picking up and dropping off rental cars.
Golden Circle Route
Below, you can find the exact route we drove when exploring the Golden Circle. We drove it ‘backwards’ compared to the tours, which resulted in us being everywhere during a less busy time. I can highly recommend doing the same!
The best tip I can give you is to start early, especially when renting a car. If you’re out during sunrise, you’ll beat the massive crowds, and you’ll get to witness a spectacular sky on your way to the first stop.
Stop 1: Þingvellir
Often referred to as ‘The Heart of Iceland’, this was the first stop on our trip, and to be honest, it probably was the best idea to stop here first. This park has a little bit of everything: nature, a small waterfall, and a lovely path to walk down. And that’s what made it so beautiful. It’s located in a rift valley, and the entrance looks so cute because of it.
Stop 2 (optional): Brúarfoss
Officially, Brúarfoss isn’t on the group trip, but if you’re going by yourself, I wouldn’t hesitate to stop here. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why, as Brúarfoss might have the most beautiful water I’ve ever seen. It’s so perfectly blue, and the whole scenery makes it look like it’s out of a movie.
The best part is that it’s only a 10-minute detour from the normal route, so you won’t lose a lot of time on this.
Stop 3: Geysir
Our third stop was at the ‘Great Geyser’, a small geothermal park filled with geysers. It was so cool to see these up close, and we were treated to a lot of thermal action and ‘exploding’ geysers.
Note that you have to pay for the parking lot if you’re visiting by car. You do this online once you’re leaving. Don’t forget, as otherwise you’ll receive a fine later.
Stop 4: Gullfoss Falls
One of the main waterfalls of Iceland is the next stop, and what you’ll witness here is something I’ve never witnessed before. This waterfall is so big, so strong, and has so much spray that you’ll almost literally be blown away by it. You’ll easily spend half an hour here witnessing the greatness of it.
Tip: There’s a great restaurant here, named Gullfoss – Panorama, that offers a good lunch and some snacks.
Stop 5 (optional): Faxafoss
Gullfoss was the halfway point of the trip, and now you’re starting to drive back. Normally, you’d go straight to Kerið Crater, but only 15 to 20 minutes from Gullfoss, you’ll find Faxafoss.
It might not be the most well-known waterfall; however, it’s worth the stop as you’ll pass it anyway. Faxafoss is a beautiful, wide waterfall with amazing scenery.
Optional extra stops between 5 and 6:
If you still have time after Faxafoss and before Kerið Crater, you could opt to visit a couple of extra sights like Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, Secret Lagoon, and Hrunalaug Hot Spring.
All of these are thermal hot springs and a perfect addition to your trip. So don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!
Stop 6: Kerið Crater
The last visit of our trip was Kerið Crater, a volcanic crater lake. If you’re talking about an impressive sight to see, this is it. The lake is filled with this deep green/blue water and looks like something out of this world.
You’ll understand it when you get there, but this certainly is a good way to cap off the day trip!
This officially ends our Golden Circle day trip. For us, this was the perfect day. It took about 9 hours with our additional stops, but it certainly was worth it!
FAQ About How to Spend 24 Hours in Reykjavík
Is 24 hours in Reykjavík enough?
From my perspective, 24 hours in Reykjavík is enough to get a first impression of the city. You can easily see the main sights, stroll around the city center, try Icelandic cuisine, and do an activity or two. If you could stay longer, I would definitely recommend doing that instead.
What are the must-see sights in one day?
For one day in Reykjavík, I’d say go visit Hallgrímskirkja, Rainbow Street, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, and the Old Harbour. You’ll get a great mix of architecture and waterfront views. If you still have time left, I’d add one of the many museums too.
Is it better to rent a car or use public transport?
If you’re only planning to be in Reykjavík itself, I would personally stick to public transport, as the center is easy to explore by foot. Renting a car makes more sense if you want to do the Golden Circle, as it gives you more freedom to explore on your own pace.
What should you do when the weather is bad?
Reykjavík offers many museums that are worth visiting when the weather isn’t on your side. Experiencing a geothermal spa like the Blue Lagoon is a great alternative as well, even when the weather is bad.
Is Iceland worth visiting?
Oh, absolutely! Even if you only have 24 hours, I still wouldn’t turn down the opportunity. 😉 There is so much to see and so many ways to experience the beauty of this country, no matter the season. I’m sure even a short visit will leave you wanting more of Iceland.
My Final Thoughts on 24 Hours in Reykjavík Iceland
Looking back at my own trip to Iceland, I’d say yes, 24 hours in Iceland is short, but it’s still enough time to get a real taste of this beautiful country. Whether you spend the day in Reykjavík or choose to do the Golden Circle, I can confidently say that both are easily possible if you plan ahead.
Personally, I’d choose the Golden Circle if it were my first time in Iceland. The landscapes, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and little stops along the way are the highlights that make this country so special and truly unique.
That said, if you want your 24 hours to be a little more relaxed, exploring Reykjavík is a perfect alternative, especially because you can combine it with activities such as whale watching or spending a relaxing afternoon at the Blue Lagoon.
Hopefully, I’ve helped you with some useful details from my own trip, so you can plan your 24 hours in Iceland as smoothly as possible. Have a safe flight and a wonderful trip!
Check Out My Other Iceland Blogs
The Best Waterfalls in Iceland: Add These Waterfalls to Your Iceland Itinerary
What’s the Best Month to Visit Iceland? My Honest Opinion & Thoughts
Whale Watching Tour in Reykjavík Iceland: My Honest Review
