If you’re flying through Iceland and have a day to spare, lucky you! A one-day stopover in Iceland can feel like stepping into a whole other world—geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and those famous hot springs are all waiting for you. Let me break down how you can make the most of your time, no matter if you’ve got just a few hours or a full 12 to play with.
What Can I Do with One Day Stopover in Iceland?
This all depends on how long you have and what vibe you’re going for. If you’re all about nature, iconic sights like the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle are fantastic options. You can even hop on board a whale watching tour from the harbor downtown. For city-lovers, Reykjavík is full of cozy cafes, quirky shops, and interesting museums. The key is to plan wisely and stick to a schedule.
5-6 Hour Stopover in Iceland - Blue Lagoon
This itinerary works perfectly for a 5-6 hour stopover in Iceland as the Blue Lagoon is conveniently located 15-20 minute drive from the airport.
07:00: Land at Keflavík International Airport and go through passport control and customs. Hold off the duty-free until after you're back at the airport to avoid carrying around a load of Icelandic treats.
07:45: Meet your pre-booked private transfer and head straight to the Blue Lagoon. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes, so sit back and enjoy the lava field views.
08:15–10:15: Relax and rejuvenate in the Blue Lagoon’s milky blue waters. Don’t forget to try the silica mud mask and use plenty of conditioner after your dip. Your hair will thank you.
10:15: Head back to Keflavík Airport with your private transfer, ensuring plenty of time before your next flight at 12:30.
- Book here: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer
7–8 Hour Stopover in Iceland
The Reykjavík City tour and Flyover Iceland Experience departs every Friday at 10:00, starting with a pick-up at 09:30. If you have a stopover that doesn't work around the city tour schedule you can also book a private city tour that starts and ends at Keflavík Airport, so there's no need to book additional transportation.
07:45: Land at Keflavík International Airport and make your way through passport control. Grab some snacks at duty-free if needed.
08:30: Take a private transfer to Reykjavík, a 45-minute drive through the iconic moon-like lava fields.
09:15–10:00: When you arrive in Reykjavík have your driver drop you off at a local café in the city center to start your day with a much-needed cup of coffee and a quick breakfast. A few favorites include Brauð & Co and Kaffibrennslan. Make sure you choose your café of choice or a nearby bus stop as your pick-up spot for your city tour.
10:00–14:00: Start your Reykjavík City Tour with entry to the Flyover Iceland Experience. Visit iconic landmarks and sights in Reykjavík, including Hallgrímskirkja, the Old Harbour, and Harpa Concert Hall, while learning about the city's history and culture. The tour ends with a visit to Flyover Iceland, a 5D experience where you fly over the gorgeous landscapes of Iceland.
14:00: Meet your private airport shuttle driver in downtown Reykjavík and head back to the airport with plenty of duty-free time before your 16:00 departure.
- Book here:Private City Tour
9 Hour Stopover in Iceland
08:45: You've touched down at Keflavík International Airport. It's a small airport and usually takes no longer than 45 minutes to pass through customs and into the arrivals hall.
09:30: Once through the airport meet the driver of your private airport shuttle in the arrivals hall. Head straight to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak.
09:45–11:45: Arrive at the Blue Lagoon and take your time enjoying the geothermal waters and spa facilities. With the standard entrance to the Blue Lagoon, you’re set for a great start to your day. It includes a towel (yay for not needing to carry a damp one around later), a complimentary drink from the swim-up bar, and a rejuvenating mud mask at the mask bar. The Blue Café is also open, offering a chance to enjoy breakfast with stunning views of the lagoon—an experience that’s as relaxing as it is picturesque.
Take your time soaking in the geothermal waters, or unwind in the steam rooms and saunas that make the lagoon so iconic. For an extra dose of luxury, consider booking an in-water massage—it’s a spa experience like no other and the perfect way to elevate your visit.
11:45: At around 11:45am you should be ready to continue your journey. Your driver awaits you outside the Blue Lagoon and continues the drive to Iceland’s capital in about 40 minutes.
12:30: Arrive in Reykjavík and have your driver drop you off at the old harbor where the whale watching tour departs from.
13:00: Start your afternoon of Whale watching!
13:00–15:00: Go on a Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavík’s harbor. Spot whales, dolphins, and puffins during your two-hour journey.
15:00: Your private Airport Shuttle picks you up at the harbor and drives you straight to Keflavík International Airport with plenty of time to catch your flight departing around 18:00.
15.45: While at the airport take your time to shop at the duty-free store. Get great deals on award winning Icelandic skincare products, dried fish, Icelandic candy and enjoy discounts of long-lasting wool products and the timeless 66°North outerwear.
- Book here: Whale Watching Tour
10 Hour Stopover in Iceland - A Spa Day
07:00: Land at Keflavík International Airport. Hold off purchasing your duty-free spa packages and Icelandic skin care until after your day out. That way you have more time outside the airport, and you might get to test some of the products at the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon to help make up your mind.
07:45: Meet your private airport shuttle driver in the arrivals hall. He'll greet you with a sign. Head to the Blue Lagoon, about 15-20 minute drive, and start your day with a rejuvenating soak in the blue waters.
08:00-10:00: For a standard entrance you'll get a towel, perfect to not have to lug around a damp one for a whole day, a complementary drink at the swim-up bar, and a mud mask at the mask bar. Blue Café is open and you can enjoy your breakfast with views of the lagoon.
Enjoy the steam rooms, saunas, and iconic geothermal waters and book an in-water massage to step up your spa game. At 10am head to Reykjavík, about a 40-minute drive from the Blue Lagoon.
10:40-11.40: Arrive in Reykjavík and have your driver drop you off at Hallgrímskirkja. There is a small fee to take the elevator to the top of the church for some city views. After your visit walk down Skólavörðustígur, the rainbow street, and Bankastræti shopping street. Once at Lækjargata head to Bus Stop 3, where you'll be picked up for your Sky Lagoon tour.
12:00: Head to Sky Lagoon and enjoy a light lunch at their restaurant before going into the pool. Make sure to pre-book a reservation at the restaurant and your access to the lagoon to avoid any surprises. Once you're in the waters go through the seven step ritual of warm and cold waters, nurturing body scrubs, steams and much more. Don't forget to take a moment to breath and just enjoy the ocean views.
14:30: Have your pre-booked Airport Shuttle waiting outside Sky Lagoon ready to drive you back to the airport.
15:15: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport with an hour and 45-minutes to spare, before your five o'clock departure flight.
- Private airport shuttle with 2h stop at the Blue Lagoon
- Book here: Sky Lagoon Tour
12+ Hour Stopover in Iceland
If you're looking for an out-of-the-city adventure and have at least 12 hours (be careful to have enough time) to spare you might want to see the most iconic sights in Iceland, on the famous Golden Circle. Now, if you want to be safe on time you can always opt for a more luxurious experience with a Private Golden Circle Tour, starting and ending at Keflavík Airport.
07:00: Touch down at Keflavík International Airport. After going through passport control and customs, grab a quick bite and coffee from duty-free or the arrivals hall if you’re feeling puckish.
07:45: Meet your driver in the arrivals hall and begin your journey to Reykjavik city center. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through rugged lava fields.
08:30: Arrive in Reykjavík and have your driver drop you off at BSÍ bus terminal, where you'll be picked up between 08:30-09:00 for your Golden Circle stopover tour.
09:00–17:00: Start your 8-hour Golden Circle tour. Your journey begins at Þingvellir National Park, where you’ll witness the incredible tectonic plate boundary and learn about Iceland’s history. Continue to Geysir geothermal area to see Strokkur erupt and feel the energy of Iceland’s geothermal landscape. Next, visit Gullfoss, an iconic powerful waterfall where the roaring cascade is a sight to behold.
17:00: After completing your Golden Circle tour, you'll be picked up by your private airport driver at BSÍ bus terminal for a ride back to Keflavík Airport.
18:00-19:00: Arrive at KEF airport finish your duty-free shopping and relax before your evening flight.
- Book here:Golden Circle Tour
What to Do with a Late-Night Stopover in Iceland?
The Northern Lights Hunt starts at 21:00 or 22:00 depending on the season, to increase chances of sighting. If you want to opt-for a more luxurious experience you can always set up a private Northern Lights hunt that starts and ends at Keflavík Airport.
19:00: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and pass through passport control. In about 45-minutes you're out of the airport and greeted by your driver in the arrivals halls.
20:30: Arrive in Reykjavík at BSÍ, just in time to get picked up and join your Northern Lights Hunt.
21:00-01:00: Head out on a Northern Lights Hunt. This tour takes you far from city lights for the best chance to see the auroras. Where the tour takes you and where you go depends on the northern lights forecast and which area outside the city is the most optimal area for a viewing.
01:00: Return to Keflavík Airport with your private airport shuttle and prepare for your early morning flight.
- Book here: Northern Lights Tour
And there you have it! Whether you’re here for five hours or 12, you have a ready-made stopover itinerary to discover Iceland’s beauty and charm during a one day stopover in Iceland.
Enjoy your stopover!