There is so much to do with a 24 hours Stopover in Iceland, I barely know where to start. Instead of just giving you my own itinerary I'd rather you have options depending on what your thing is. If you want to discover as much of Iceland as possible try to fit in the Golden Circle with the South Coast, and if you want something more off the commercial path you can take a deep dive into Reykjanes Peninsula and the currently active eruption sites, or head over to Snæfellsnes Peninsula. However, if you're looking to spend a full day within the city then have a look at the one day stopover guide.
Let's start with the practical things to know and then dive into your FREE 24 hour stopover itineraries, so you can make the most of your overnight layover in Iceland!
How to get from KEF to Reykjavík
Now, if you only have a 24 hour layover in Iceland the most convenient thing you can do is have a pre-booked Airport Shuttle waiting for you at the airport when you land. This is because you actually land in Keflavík at Keflavík International Airport which is 45 minutes from Reykjavík. If you don't mind waiting times then you can check this overview of KEF to Reykjavík transportation options.
Book Your Airport Shuttle from KEF to Reykjavík
Where to stay during a 24 hour Stopover
There's a plethora of gorgeous hotels in Reykjavík, just waiting to greet you. The best area to stay in, especially during a 24 hour Stopover, is the city center. That way you can easily reach famous downtown sights on foot including Hallgrímskirkja church, the Old Harbour and Harpan Concert Hall. Staying in the city center also guarantees you an easy walk to great restauranst, cafés and bars. And let's not forget Laugavegur shopping street. Have a look at our hotel partners.
Golden Circle Stopover Itinerary
06:00: You'll land at KEF airport and go through the airport; passport control and security, duty-free (not to be skipped) that's conveniently located next to baggage, and then pass through customs. Going through the airport will usually take around 40-50 minutes. Once you're through, you can head to Bakað Café in the arrivals hall and sit back with a well-deserved coffee and baked goods for breakfast.
07:30: Have your pre-booked airport shuttle waiting for you once you're ready to pick-up and head to your hotel in Reykjavík.
08:15: Arrive at your hotel in the city and leave your luggage at the hotel, just makes sure before hand that this is a possibility. Pack a small bag for the day with wind and rainproof clothing and some drinks and snacks if you've got them.
08:30: Get picked up at the hotel or nearest bus stop by Travel Reykjavík
09:00: Start your Stopover tour to the iconic Golden Circle in Iceland with an experienced driver and a local guide who will make your day with all the information, stories and tidbits to give you the most exciting day in Iceland.
09:00-17:00: On the Golden Circle Stopover Tour you'll visit Þingvellir (anglicised as Thingvellir) where you'll see the beautiful pure Silfra where people go diving between the two tectonic plates, and discover the history of Iceland's parliament, Alþingi, that took place annually at Þingvellir from the year 930 until the last session in 1798. You'll find more interesting places including Drekkingarhylur (I'll leave it to your guide to tell you about that one) and Peningagjá. During the day you'll also stop at Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir geothermal area, two of Iceland's most iconic sights.
17:00: Return to your hotel in the city. During this time it' good to book a table for dinner as restaurants quickly book up in the evenings and relying on a walk-in can be a challenge, especially if you're traveling in a group. But before dinner it's a must to visit a swimming pool or a geothermal spa to relax and unwind after a day on the road. You can go to one of the many public pools in Reykjavík, there might be one just a walking distance from your hotel, or opt for something a bit more special, like Sky Lagoon which is always open till 10pm.
18:00: Head to Sky Lagoon and enjoy an hour or two in the pools, where the sea meets the sky. Since it's late in the day, add a Smakk board to your order for some heavenly flavors to snack on at the lagoon. It's an extra oomph to level up your experience.
21:00: Head back to your hotel and go out for dinner and drinks at a downtown restaurant. After dinner take a stroll around town, go see Hallgrímskirkja at night and do some window shopping. Even stop for a last drink and cheer over a magical day in Iceland.
00:00: Off to bed you go.
06:00: Get picked up by a private Airport Shuttle that will take you straight to your early Keflavík flight. Grab a breakfast and coffee at Bakað or if you weren't able to fit a Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur while in Reykjavík, now's you last chance to grab one of those famous hot dogs former president Bill Clinton raved about on his visit.
That concludes your 24 hour Stopover in Iceland with a visit to the Golden Circle.
- Join a Golden Circle Stopover Tour
- Join a Sky Lagoon Stopover Tour
South Shore Stopover Itinerary
06:00: Land at KEF airport and go through customs and passport control. Stop at duty-free for any snacks or beverages, let's not forget Icelandic candy, you might want for the day.
06:45: Meet and greet the driver of your pre-booked airport shuttle and head to your Reykjavík accommodation. The drive to Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes and you drive through moon-like barren landscapes of lava field. It's worth trying to keep your eyes open for the drive.
07:30: Arrive at your hotel in Reykjavík. Upon arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel reception if early check-in isn’t available. If you are staying down town and wish to take in the morning hustle and bustle, I recommend going to a café close to your hotel and sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy some breakfast. A few city center favorites; Reykjavík Roasters, Café Babalú, Kaffibrennslan, Te & Kaffi, and Stofan Café.
08:30: Be ready for your South Shore Stopover Tour, departing from your hotel or the nearest bus stop.
09:00-19:00: Start your adventure packed day of the South Shore! You'll discover Seljalandsfoss, a magical waterfall you can walk behind so don't forget your waterproof gear. Continue to Skógafoss, another famous waterfall of the south often seen with rainbows that form right in front of the falls creating a beautiful photo opp. You'll also get to explore the black sand beaches at Reynisfjara and the mythical Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The unique hexagon basalt columns are another natural phenomenon that makes the beach such an iconic location. You'll even see them form a facade of the Hálsanefshellir Cave, also found at the beach. During the tour you'll also break in Vík, the town next to Reynisfjara. One thing I recommend there is a shopping stop at IceWear, also known as Víkurprjón, a gorgeous knitwear and craft store filled with beautiful items. And if you're not one for shopping (and you have the time) you'll find the town's red-roofed, and famously photogenic church sitting above the town.
19:00: Around dinnertime you'll return from the south shore to your hotel in Reykjavík. Take this time to relax and enjoy the landscape views before you're back in the city.
20:00: Go for a well-deserved dinner at a traditional Icelandic restaurant like Messinn if you feel like fresh seafood or opt for a meaty dish at Grillmarkaðurinn Restaurant.
22:00: End your day with a stroll along Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street. Maybe have a look at Hallgrímskirkja, or Alþingi Parliament House and take a romantic stoll around Tjörnin pond and Hljómskálagarður if the weather is good.
00:00: Time for rest!
06:00: Meet your private Airport Shuttle outside your hotel and head to KEF international airport for your departure. If your hotel doesn't offer early breakfast then you'll have plenty of options at the airport.
And that concludes your 24 hour South Shore Adventure in Iceland. A jam-packed day of beautiful landscapes.
- Join a South Shore Stopover Tour
Reykjanes Peninsula Stopover Itinerary
This itinerary is a bit different compared to the two previous ones. As the Reykjanes tour I recommend here is private you can always adjust the times in the itinerary according to your arrival time and how you wish to structure your day. You're not constrained by a fixed tour timetable, so the day is yours to shape. But here's an example of an adventure packed overnight layover in Iceland, starting with an early arrival.
06:00: Welcome to Iceland! After your plane touches down at Keflavík International Airport you make your way through all the usual airport hurdles. Before you head out into the arrivals hall, a quick stop at duty-free is a must—grab some Icelandic licorice and a drink or two.
06:45: Your private airport shuttle driver meets you in the arrivals hall and helps you settle in for the drive. The best part? You’re headed straight to the Blue Lagoon to unwind and relax after your flight.
07:00–09:00: Okay, now you arrive at the Blue Lagoon that welcomes you with milky blue waters, surrounded by rugged lava fields. A contrast that makes this place so iconic. Once you've showered and are ready to get into the waters, you'll find a swim up bar, and a mud mask station within the lagoon. Don’t miss the silica mud mask—your skin will thank you for it later. And, as if the healing blue waters weren't enough, you can also relax in one of the saunas and steam rooms. The Blue Lagoon also offers in water massages and float therapy sessions to step up your already soothing experience. Just make sure to add any extra services to your booking asap as they fill up quickly.
- Pro tip: Use the provided conditioner generously after your dip to protect your hair from the silica.
9:40: After your Blue Lagoon experience, your shuttle continues to your hotel in Reykjavík. If your room isn’t ready, drop off your luggage and use the time to freshen up or grab a quick snack from a nearby café. Here are just a few local favorites you'll find down town: Brauð & co, Te og Kaffi, and Kaffibrennslan. This is also a great time to take a walk through Laugavegur shopping street and visit Hallgrímskirkja. There's a small admission fee to go all the way up to the tower and enjoy a view of the city.
12:00–18:00: Your private Reykjanes Peninsula tour kicks off with your driver picking you up at your hotel. Since it’s a private tour, you can customize the experience by chatting with customer service in advance. The major highlights on this route include a visit at Krýsuvík geothermal area, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, and Kleifarvatn lake. However, you can, together with the service team, tailor your experience and consider building an itinerary that includes a visit to any of these locations.
- Gunnuhver Hot Springs: Bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents in a geothermally active area. The name comes from a ghost story.
- Bridge Between Continents: A small pedestrian bridge where you can literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Great for photos!
- Fagradalsfjall Volcano: Recent eruptions have created a lava field that looks like it belongs on another planet. Your guide will let you know if a short hike to a viewpoint is possible.
- Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs: Seaside cliffs close to Krýsuvík.
18:00: At the end of your tour, your driver will safely return to your hotel in Reykjavík. This is a good time to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Reykjavík’s dining scene is incredible. I'd recommend booking a table in advance at a top Reykjavík Restaurant like Fish Market or Apotek Kitchen + Bar. Both offer creative takes on Icelandic cuisine—think fresh seafood, lamb, and innovative desserts.
21:00: End your day with an evening stroll around Reykjavík’s Old Harbor or along Laugavegur, the main shopping street. If you’re visiting during the aurora season, you can join a northern lights hunt that whisks you away into the night hunting for the famous green lights.
00:00-02:00: The Northern Lights tours usually end between midnight and early morning, so you can head back to your hotel for a short rest before jumping on a shuttle to the airport. Just make sure your airport shuttle is confirmed for the morning.
06:00: Your private shuttle picks you up for the ride back to Keflavík International Airport. Fuel up with some coffee and breakfast before boarding your flight.
And that's the end of an adventure packed 24 hours in Iceland.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Stopover Itinerary
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in Miniature," is a must-see for those craving an adventurous stopover packed with stunning landscapes and iconic sights. The tour here is the same setup as the previous Reykjanes, however this one is longer, usually 11-12 hours. It allows you to experience the diversity of Iceland all in one day. While the timing and schedule can be adjusted to fit your schedule, here’s how you can make the most of your 24-hour layover in Iceland.
06:00: Welcome to Iceland! After landing at Keflavík International Airport, make your way through customs and baggage claim. Don’t forget to stop by duty-free to stock up on snacks or beverages for the day ahead—perhaps grab some Icelandic chocolate or dried fish for an authentic experience.
07:00: Meet your private guide in the arrivals hall and settle into a comfortable vehicle for the drive north. You’ll head straight to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, skipping Reykjavík for now to make the most of your time. The route will take you through charming towns and breathtaking scenery, so keep your camera handy.
09:30–19:00: Your Snæfellsnes adventure begins! Here are the key stops and highlights you can expect on your private tour. Be sure to communicate with the service team before you book if there are specific places you’re particularly interested in and would like to customize your itinerary.
- Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss: The picture-perfect mountain and its nearby waterfalls are among the most photographed places in Iceland. It’s easy to see why.
- Arnarstapi and Hellnar: Two picturesque fishing villages connected by a scenic coastal trail. This is a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the rugged cliffs and basalt formations. If time allows, stop for coffee or a light snack at a cozy café.
- Djúpalónssandur Beach: A black pebble beach steeped in history. You’ll find remnants of shipwrecks and four lifting stones traditionally used by fishermen to test their strength.
- Snæfellsjökull Glacier: The majestic glacier-volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. If conditions are right, your guide might suggest a short hike or a viewpoint to take in its otherworldly beauty.
- Búðir Church: This iconic black wooden church stands out against the golden sand dunes and surrounding lava fields—a peaceful and photogenic stop.
Throughout the day, your guide (if you've opted for a driver and a guide) will share fascinating stories and geological insights about the peninsula. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos, explore, and soak in the unique atmosphere of each stop.
19:30: Return to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Spend the evening exploring Reykjavík’s vibrant dining scene. Reserve a table at Sjávargrillið or Grillmarkaðurinn, where fresh Icelandic ingredients are turned into unforgettable dishes.
21:30: Wrap up your day with a stroll through downtown Reykjavík or a walk along the Old Harbor. If it’s winter, you might even be able to join a Northern Lights tour for one final, magical experience before heading home.
23:00: Head back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.
06:00: Your private shuttle will be ready to take you to Keflavík International Airport. Fuel up with coffee or breakfast before boarding your flight home.
And that’s a wrap on your Snæfellsnes Peninsula Stopover—an unforgettable overnight layover in Iceland exploring the beauty of Iceland in miniature.
And there you have it. The idea of a stopover in Iceland can seem overwhelming and even scary, I know, but honestly you can make so much happen if you just plan ahead. I do hope you make the most of it, go out of the airport and the city and discover the magic in Iceland's nature.