Getting from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon

Visiting Reykjavik and skipping the Blue Lagoon is a bit like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. Some people do it, but the lagoon is the biggest attraction for visitors to Reykjavik, even though it isn't actually in Reykjavik.

It's on the Reykjanes peninsula near Grindavík, less than an hour's drive from the city and about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport. Because it's so close to the airport, a lot of people go just before or after their flight, which is easy with a rental car or a transfer bus. Many people recommend going right before you fly home, to relax. I recommend going as soon as you arrive. There's no better introduction to Iceland than a soak in that milky-blue water.

Before you go: two things that have changed

You have to book ahead

The Blue Lagoon says pre-booking is essential, so don't just turn up. There are three admission levels. As listed on 16 September 2026:

• Comfort, from 11,990 ISK: entry, sauna, steam bath, the colder lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel, a locker and one non-alcoholic drink.
• Premium, from 14,990 ISK: adds a bathrobe, a drink of your choice at the in-water bar and extra masks.
• Signature, from 18,490 ISK: adds a second drink and skincare products to take home.

These are "from" prices, so check the price for your date and time.

The area is volcanically active

The lagoon sits in the Svartsengi area, next to the Sundhnúkur crater row, which erupted nine times between December 2023 and August 2025. The most recent eruption ran from 16 July to 5 August 2025, the 12th on the peninsula since 2021. The lagoon has closed and evacuated guests during several of these events, and in November 2024 lava covered its car park and access road.

It isn't over. On 15 September 2026, the Icelandic Met Office reported that the ground at Svartsengi has risen about 5 cm in three months and that the most likely outcome is another magma intrusion into the crater row, which could lead to an eruption with little warning. Safetravel's latest update says nearby Grindavík is open, but it still calls the area hazardous, warns of crevasses, and notes that evacuation sirens will sound if the threat level rises.

Before you go:

• Check safetravel.is and the Icelandic Met Office for the current situation.
• Check your booking confirmation and the lagoon's site on the day, in case it has closed.
• Never walk on new lava, even if it looks solid.

The lagoon is also in the middle of building work that runs from autumn 2025 through 2027: a new walkway from the parking lot, updates to the lagoon systems and changes in the main building. As of September 2026 the walkway is being built and there are screens and scaffolding near the quiet and treatment areas. The changing rooms, a new sauna and steam room, and the colder lagoon are already finished.

By car

From Reykjavik: take Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) southwest out of the city toward Keflavík. Turn left onto Route 43 (Grindavíkurvegur) toward Grindavík, and follow the signs to the Blue Lagoon.

From Keflavík: take Route 41 east toward Reykjavik, turn right onto Route 43 and head south toward Grindavík. The drive takes about 20 minutes.

The lagoon says Route 43 is its main access road, and warns that some navigation apps show outdated routes. Roads here have been changed by the eruptions, so trust the road signs over your phone, and check road conditions before you set off.

By bus

If you don't have a car, the lagoon's official transport partner is Destination Blue Lagoon. It runs buses from its Reykjavik terminal at Skógarhlíð 10, from hotels and guesthouses, and from Keflavík Airport, all year. You can book a package with entry and the transfer together, or transport only if you already have a lagoon booking.

The transfer schedule follows the lagoon's seasons. As of September 2026:

• Reykjavik to the lagoon: every hour from 07:00 to 18:00 between 21 August and 31 January, and every hour from 07:00 to 19:00 between 15 June and 20 August. Spring has fewer buses (every two hours from 08:00 to 16:00 in April and May).
• Lagoon to Reykjavik: every hour from 12:15 to 22:15 between 21 August and 31 January.
• Keflavík Airport to the lagoon: 07:30, 09:30, 12:30 and 16:30, all year.
• Lagoon to Keflavík Airport: 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00, all year.

There's no public Strætó bus to the lagoon. If you're connecting to or from a flight, give yourself plenty of margin, and read getting from Reykjavik to Keflavík for the other airport options.

By taxi

You can take a taxi, but it's expensive unless you're splitting the fare. Hreyfill runs private transfers between Keflavík Airport and the lagoon, aimed at people with a few hours between flights. Ask for a quote when you book, and note that prices go up 35% on some holidays, including 24, 25 and 31 December.

Opening hours

The Blue Lagoon is open every day of the year:

• 1 to 14 June: 08:00 to 22:00
• 15 June to 20 August: 07:00 to 23:00
• 21 August to 31 January: 08:00 to 22:00
• 1 February to 31 May: 08:00 to 20:00
• Christmas Eve: 08:00 to 16:00; New Year's Eve: 08:00 to 18:00

You're asked to leave the water 30 minutes before closing.

If the lagoon isn't for you

Iceland has plenty of other places to soak. Reykjavik's city pools are cheap and full of locals, and the hot springs page covers more options. In the north, the Mývatn Nature Baths are a good alternative. If you want to stay near the lagoon, see hotels near the Blue Lagoon, and for background on the eruptions, our volcano page.

FAQ

Can I go to the Blue Lagoon straight from the airport?

Yes. Destination Blue Lagoon runs buses from Keflavík Airport to the lagoon and on to Reykjavik, so you can soak on your way into town. Book the lagoon and the transfer ahead.

Is the Blue Lagoon safe to visit with the eruptions?

The lagoon has closed when the risk went up, and evacuation sirens cover the Svartsengi and Grindavík area. Check safetravel.is and the Icelandic Met Office before you go and follow any evacuation instructions.

How long should I plan for a visit?

With transfers from Reykjavik, I'd plan on at least half a day, so you aren't watching the clock while you soak.

Photo by chrissy575