Golden Circle with Kerið Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik — Large Group Bus
A full-day Golden Circle bus tour from Reykjavik covering Iceland’s four most iconic geological sites — Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO, tectonic plates), Strokkur geyser (erupts every 7–10 min), Gullfoss waterfall (32-metre drop), and Kerið Volcanic Crater (3,000-year-old caldera). Run by BusTravel Iceland. Hotel pickup included. 4.7/5 across 3,155 reviews. Special offer: from $75.65 per person (was $89). Free cancellation.
About This Activity
Up to 24h, full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Full day, back by approximately 7:00 PM
Up to 65 travelers — structured, well-organized
Goes beyond the standard 3-stop Golden Circle
From selected bus stops in central Reykjavik
BusTravel Iceland’s Golden Circle — How This Tour Differs from the Small-Group Options
This is the large-coach version of the Golden Circle from BusTravel Iceland — up to 65 travelers, a structured schedule, and coverage of the same four stops as the small-group tours at a significantly lower price ($75.65 vs $119 for the Nicetravel small-group version). The trade-off is scale: larger group, less flexibility, more structured timing at each stop.
At 3,155 reviews and 4.7/5, it’s one of the most-reviewed Iceland day tours on Viator — and the volume means honest patterns emerge. The vast majority of reviews are 5 stars; the guide is consistently the determining factor in experience quality. Guides like Darren, Andrea, Barbara, Sara, Petra, Pep, and Sam each have multiple enthusiastic mentions. The occasional 3-star reviews highlight variable vehicle quality and timing that some guests find rushed.
Jonathan S. (February 2026) wrote the most memorable review: “Our Golden Circle adventure with Bus Travel Iceland was unforgettable — largely thanks to the hilarious and insightful Andrea. From standing between continents at Þingvellir National Park, to dodging geyser fake-outs at Geysir and Strokkur, every stop felt epic. Gullfoss soaked us in mist and drama, while Kerið stunned with volcanic reds and blues. Andrea’s storytelling, humour, and Icelandic music turned geology into theatre. Educational, chaotic, magical. Five stars. Would stand between tectonic plates again.”
One important note: Kerið Crater is NOT included if you book the 12:00 or later departure — those tours are 7 hours and skip Kerið. Book the morning departure to get all four stops.
The Four Stops — In Viator’s Order
Reykjavik — Pickup and Drive
30 min · Free
After hotel pickup from selected central Reykjavik bus stops, you board the coach and set off on Iceland’s Golden Circle route. The guide begins covering Iceland’s geography and geological context — the country sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This drives all of Iceland’s volcanic activity, geothermal energy, and the dramatic landscape you’ll spend the day in.
Golden Circle Route — Drive Through Spectacular Landscape
1 hour · Free
The Golden Circle is a 300km circuit through Iceland’s southern uplands. The route passes through lava fields, past geothermal areas with steam rising from the ground, and through the Icelandic highland terrain that most visitors only see from a distance. The guide provides running commentary on the geology, history, and culture visible from the coach windows.
Strokkur Geyser — Geysir Geothermal Area
1 hr 30 min · Admission included · Food available
The Geysir geothermal area is where the English word ‘geyser’ comes from — named after the original Geysir hot spring, which erupted historically but is now dormant. Strokkur, its neighbor, erupts every 7–10 minutes, shooting water 15–30 metres into the air. The surrounding area is covered with bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and mineral-colored pools. Juliet W. (April 2026): “loads of time to do whatever we wanted.” Food and souvenirs are available at the visitor centre here — this is the main lunch opportunity of the day.
Gullfoss Falls
40 min · Free admission
Gullfoss — the Golden Waterfall — is a two-tier waterfall of 11 and 21 metres dropping 32 metres total into a canyon of the Hvítá river. Over 100 cubic metres of water pass through every second. In winter it partially freezes; in any season the mist creates rainbows on sunny days. Bren R. (March 2026): “Still beautiful sights especially the waterfalls — highly recommend.” Waterproof clothing is strongly advised at this stop.
Thingvellir National Park
40 min · Admission included · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thingvellir is the most historically and geologically significant site on the Golden Circle. It was the location of the Alþingi — Iceland’s parliament — from 930 AD until 1798, making it the world’s oldest parliamentary site. Geologically, it’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly diverge — you can walk through the Almannagjá rift valley and physically stand between two continental plates. UNESCO listed it in 2004 for both dimensions. Jonathan S.’s review describes it as “standing between continents.”
Kerið Volcanic Crater
20 min · Admission included · Only on morning departures
A 3,000-year-old volcanic caldera, 55 metres deep, with a vivid teal-green lake at the bottom surrounded by deep red volcanic soil and black lava rock. The color contrast here — particularly in good light — is one of the most visually distinctive stops in Iceland. Juliet W. (April 2026): “I think longer at the Kerið crater and the national park would have been preferred and less time at geyser.” A common sentiment — 20 minutes here is the most frequent suggestion for additional time. Not included on 12:00 or later departures.
Reykjavik — Return Drive
1 hr 10 min · Free
Return drive to Reykjavik with drop-off at the meeting point. Some guides add bonus stops on the return — Icelandic horses, a bonus waterfall, or farm ice cream — when timing allows. Staying promptly at each stop’s return time tends to earn extra experiences.
What’s Included
- Professional guide — the determining factor in experience quality according to reviews
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected central Reykjavik bus stops
- Kerið Crater admission — on morning departures only
- Thingvellir National Park admission
- Strokkur admission — the geothermal area is free; food is available to purchase
Not included: Food and drinks — available at the Geysir area restaurant/café (the main lunch stop). Gratuities. Important: Kerið Crater is NOT included on 12:00 or later departures. Those tours are 7 hours rather than 8.5. Book a morning departure for the full four-stop route. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How the Day Unfolds
| Season | Upsides | Downsides | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun–Aug (Summer) | Longest days, all sites at peak accessibility | Busiest season — largest crowds at all stops | 4–6 weeks |
| Sept–Oct (Autumn) | Dramatic skies, possible early northern lights, fall colors at Thingvellir | Days shortening | 2–3 weeks |
| Nov–Feb (Winter) | Snow transforms Thingvellir and Gullfoss dramatically, northern lights possible | Cold at outdoor stops — dress in serious layers | 1–3 weeks |
| Mar–May (Spring) | Good light, waterfalls at high flow, early green | Unpredictable weather — waterproofs essential | 2–4 weeks |
Important Information
Kerið Crater is not included on 12:00 or later departures. Book a morning departure for the full route.
Pickup takes up to 30 minutes — be ready from the time written on your ticket. Lana B.’s review (May 2026) describes arriving at 9:00 AM for a 9:00 AM tour and waiting until 9:31. This is standard for large coach pickup logistics — be at your stop from the time on your ticket.
Tell BusTravel your accommodation when booking. Use the ‘Special Requirements’ box at checkout or email after booking via ‘Manage My Booking.’ They assign the most convenient pickup stop for your hotel.
Maximum 65 travelers. This is a coach tour — the experience varies from small-group options in pace, intimacy, and flexibility. The guide quality is the main differentiator.
Waterproof clothing and hiking boots are essential. Gullfoss mist, Thingvellir terrain, and Iceland’s weather in general all require waterproof outer layers.
Cruise ship passengers: provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking.
Know Before You Go
Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers — multiple reviewers specifically call these out. Hiking boots for Thingvellir terrain. The Geysir area is the main food stop — plan to eat here or bring snacks for the morning. Staying on time at each stop tends to earn bonus stops on the return. If you have a strong preference for a specific guide (Darren and Andrea are frequently requested), you can note this at booking though assignments aren’t guaranteed.
What Travelers Said
⭐ 4.7/5 based on 3,155 reviews, recommended by 95% of travelers — Read all reviews on Viator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jonathan S, United Kingdom — February 2026
Our Golden Circle adventure with Bus Travel Iceland was unforgettable — largely thanks to the hilarious and insightful Andrea. From standing between continents at Þingvellir National Park, to dodging geyser fake-outs at Geysir and Strokkur, every stop felt epic. Gullfoss soaked us in mist and drama, while Kerið stunned with volcanic reds and blues. Andrea’s storytelling, humour, and Icelandic music turned geology into theatre. Educational, chaotic, magical. Five stars. Would stand between tectonic plates again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lesley M, United Kingdom — March 2026
Scenery was stunning especially as we had snow for our trip. The waterfall and crater were impressive and there is plenty of time allowed at all stops. We had a fantastic guide who was informative, with a good sense of humour. He was able to let us know in detail of filming locations as we drove through the landscape. Brilliant trip and a must do.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Juliet W, United Kingdom — April 2026
This was an amazing day even when the coach broke down — it was handled so well and smoothly that it didn’t affect the day at all. The guide and driver Gary and Eugene were amazing, really looked after us. All the stops were fantastic — loads of time to do whatever we wanted. I would prefer longer at the Kerið crater and national park, but it was truly amazing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ada P, United States — April 2026
I had a wonderful experience on the Golden Circle tour. Our guide Sara was amazing — she shared great historical insights and fun facts throughout the day and kept everything organized with clear timing and meeting points. The driver was also excellent and I felt safe the entire time. Highly recommend this tour!
⭐⭐⭐ Adam C, United Kingdom — March 2026
We saw all the sights we wanted to see and the tour guide was nice. Let down by the windscreen on the bus having multiple cracks — staff had to keep using tissues to dry the inside where water was leaking in. The guide herself was lovely and very informative. We used this company for the south coast tour and got a brand new bus and lovely driver — maybe just unlucky here. (Operator response: crack was assessed as structurally safe; leaking roof is being addressed.)
⭐⭐ Lana B, United States — May 2026
There was not enough time at most stops. They told us to be at pickup at 9am and then picked us up at 9:31am. We were waiting in the freezing cold all that time. If a professional company says 9, they should be there before 9. Worth knowing: be at your stop from the time on your ticket, not the tour time — large coach logistics take up to 30 minutes.
Book the Golden Circle with Kerið Crater Bus Tour
Four stops, 8.5 hours, all Iceland’s signature Golden Circle sites plus Kerið Crater. From $75.65 per person (special offer, was $89). Free cancellation. Book a morning departure for the full route including Kerið.
Looking for more Iceland experiences? Browse all tours on Iceland Volcano Tour or check out the small-group Golden Circle options, the South Coast full day tour, and the Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep tour.