Blue Lagoon Tours in Iceland
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Best Blue Lagoon Tours in Iceland
Iceland Travel Guide is locally owned and based in Iceland. Every tour we featured is operated by trusted certified guides.
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About the Blue Lagoon & Blue Lagoon Tours in Iceland
For me, the Blue Lagoon isn’t just a famous spa. It is one of those places that truly captures the feeling of Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is located in the middle of a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is only 20 minutes from t he airport and about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavík, making it an ideal location for a visit on your trip to Iceland. The warm and blue water fells really good, and the minerals in the Blue Lagoon – especially the silica – are great for your skin.
We’re a local travel company based here in Iceland, and we’ve been helping travelers visit the Blue Lagoon for years. Most of our guides grew up in the area, so we’ve picked up plenty of small, useful tips that can make your visit much smoother (and save you a little money too).
Why it is worth it to visit the Blue Lagoon
It’s easy to see why the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most visited places. The setting is stunning – with the blue water in contrast with the black lava rocks and rising steam. The lagoon is warm all year round, which in my opinion makes it even better to visit during the winter. There is nothing better than dipping in to a warm hot spring after a day of exploring out in the cold Icelandic weather. However it is also magical to visit the Blue Lagoon on a bright and sunny summer day and even experience the midnight sun here.
Inside the Blue Lagoon, everything is very well organized and beautiful for the eye. There are changing rooms, showers (also private showers), saunas, a bar right in the water that you can swim up to, and a silica mast station to name a few. After you arrive at the Blue Lagoon you should just relax, enjoy the surroundings, and take it all in.
Local tip: Because the lagoon is so close to the airport, it is perfect as your fist stop in Iceland – especially if you are flying in from North America. Most flights land early in the morning, long before hotel check-in time (which is usually at 3pm) so we often suggest this arrival day plan:
Arrive early → Blue Lagoon → have lunch → check in → explore the city → northern lights tour (in winter).
You’ll start your trip feeling refreshed instead of jet-lagged.
Private Blue Lagoon Tours & Transfers
If you prefer a bit more comfort, we also offer private Blue Lagoon tours. A local guide can meet you at the airport or at your hotel, take care of the timing and entry, and even wait for you while you’re in the lagoon. That way, you can leave your luggage safely in the vehicle instead of paying for storage.
Private tours are ideal if you are traveling with kids, a partner, or simply want to take things at your own pace.
Minimum age at the Blue Lagoon is 2 years.
Private guides are also allowed to drive a little closer to the lagoon entrance, which saves you a longer walk from the public parking lot — a small but very nice perk.
Our local private guides / drivers will also know all the best tips and tricks. For example, the best places to go for a lunch after the Blue Lagoon without breaking the bank.
Local Updates About the Blue Lagoon
During the recent volcanic eruption, lava actually flowed over the old parking lot, and a new one had to be built a bit farther away. That means the walk from the parking lot to the lagoon is now a little longer than it used to be — but it’s also really beautiful. You’ll walk through a path surrounded by lava rocks and steaming vents, and there’s a stunning spot along the way that’s perfect for a photo.
Food & Dining Tips
Local tip: Many people get hungry after spending time in the hot water. The only food options between the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík are on the highway — there are no cafés or restaurants until you reach the city, which takes about 45 minutes. It’s a good idea to grab a bite at the Blue Lagoon café or restaurant before you leave, even if it’s a little pricey.
If you’d rather wait to eat, we recommend stopping in Hafnarfjörður on your way to Reykjavík. It’s a lovely seaside town that most visitors drive straight past. Brikk Bakery, right by the harbor, is a local favorite for breakfast or lunch — fresh bread, pastries, and beautiful ocean views.
Avoid the Morning Traffic
Local tip: Another reason to go to the Blue Lagoon right after your flight is to avoid Reykjavík’s morning rush hour. If you drive from the airport to the city between 7–9am, you’ll hit the commuter traffic coming from Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, and Kópavogur. A drive that normally takes 10 minutes can easily stretch to an hour. Spending your morning relaxing in the lagoon instead is much better.
Grocery Stop on the Way
If you want to stock up on snacks or groceries on your first day in Iceland, stop at Krónan in Hafnarfjörður. It’s one of the largest grocery stores in the area, opens at 8am, and is conveniently located on your route from the airport or the Blue Lagoon to the city. Also, this is where the locals go for grocery shopping – we would never go to the small stores in downtown Reykjavik.
Combining the Blue Lagoon with Other Attractions
Many people like to combine the Blue Lagoon with some sightseeing and I think it is a great idea. That way you can make the most of your day in Iceland with both seeing the magnificent natural attractions in Iceland, but also relax and one of the best spas in the country.
The Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon tour is one of the most popular day trips in Iceland. The tour includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss before ending with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon. The perfect day if you ask me.
You can also pair it with a Reykjanes Peninsula tour, which often overlooked but full of fascinating geothermal areas, cliffs, and craters. It’s a great option for travelers who want to see something a little bit different. Some small-group tours even offer a pick up or drop off at the airport afterwards – making it the ideal tour for your first or last day in Iceland.
If you are up for an adventure – my favorite tour is the Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour. It is so unique to be able to hike where the recent eruptions have been and see all the new lava that was created in the eruptions. There might also be an erupting volcano when you visit and then you will go explore the live erupting volcano!
How to Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, so it’s easy to include at the beginning or end of your trip. Most tours include transportation and pre-booked entry, which is a good idea since the lagoon often sells out.
If you’re driving yourself, there’s plenty of parking, but since the eruption, the old parking lot was covered by lava, and a new one has been built slightly farther away. That means the walk from the parking area to the lagoon is now a bit longer — but honestly, it’s beautiful.
You’ll follow a smooth path through dark lava fields, with steam rising around you and that light blue water peeking through the rocks.
Local tip: Bring your phone or camera for this short walk — the path from the parking lot to the Blue Lagoon is one of the most photogenic spots on the property. The contrast between the black lava and the pastel blue water is stunning, especially in the early morning or around sunset.
Private guides and drivers can often drop you off a little closer to the entrance if you prefer a shorter walk.
What to Bring to the Blue Lagoon
Here’s what we recommend:
Swimsuit (rentals available)
Towel and robe (included with premium tickets or can be rented)
Flip-flops (the floor can be slippery)
Reusable water bottle
Waterproof phone case for photos
Hair conditioner (use plenty before and after your dip)
⚠️ Local tip: Don’t let your hair soak in the lagoon. The silica can make it stiff and dry for days — it’s one of the most common mistakes visitors make!
The Geothermal Magic Behind the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon’s waters are naturally heated by Iceland’s geothermal activity, part of the country’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The lagoon itself was formed as a byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Over the years, the mineral-rich runoff water collected in a man-made lagoon, creating the stunning turquoise pools we see today.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the warm waters while surrounded by rugged lava landscapes, steam vents, and black volcanic rocks — a surreal combination of natural beauty and relaxation. The high silica content gives the water its signature milky-blue color and forms a soft mud that visitors can apply as a natural facial mask, known for its cleansing and rejuvenating properties.
When to Visit
The Blue Lagoon is open all year and looks different in every season:
Summer: Endless daylight and soft moss around the lava.
Winter: Steaming water surrounded by snow — truly magical.
Spring/Autumn: Softer light and fewer crowds.
Local Tips Before Visiting the Blue Lagoon
- Book in Advance: Tickets sell out, especially in summer and during holidays. Booking a tour ensures guaranteed entry and transportation.
- Bring Essentials: Swimwear, flip-flops, and a towel (rentable on-site). Waterproof phone cases are handy for photos.
- Apply Silica Mask Properly: Clean your skin first for the mask to work best. Avoid heavy sunscreen or makeup.
- Stay Hydrated: Warm water can be dehydrating — drink plenty of water before and after your visit.
- Plan Your Time: Spend at least 2–3 hours in the lagoon to fully enjoy the experience. Private tours can be customized for longer stays.
- Photography: The lagoon is extremely photogenic, but respect other visitors’ privacy when taking photos.
Why Book With Us
We’re a small, family-run travel company based in Iceland. We operate many of our tours ourselves and also work closely with trusted local guides across the country. That means when you book a Blue Lagoon tour with us, you’re getting real local knowledge, personal service, and authentic Icelandic experiences.
We love sharing the small details that make your trip better — like the quiet photo spots, the best bakery on your route, and how to avoid Reykjavík’s morning traffic.
When you travel with us, you’re not just visiting Iceland — you’re experiencing it the way locals do.
Silica Mud Mask vs. Algae Mask
The Silica Mud Mask is included with all Blue Lagoon tickets and is the classic white mask everyone talks about. It deep-cleans your skin, tightens pores, and leaves your face feeling fresh and smooth — perfect after a long flight.
The Algae Mask, part of the Premium and Retreat Spa packages, is more hydrating and nourishing. It’s made from the lagoon’s natural microalgae and gives your skin a soft, healthy glow.
Local tip: Try both if you can — start with the silica mask to cleanse, then follow with the algae mask for extra moisture. It’s the perfect combo!
📍 Map & Location
The Blue Lagoon is located in Grindavík, on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It sits roughly 45 minutes from Reykjavík and 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport, making it an ideal stop either on arrival or before departure.
You can easily find it using Google Maps:
Address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland
Most tours include round-trip transportation, but self-drivers can park directly at the Blue Lagoon.
Frequently asked questions
about the Blue Lagoon
Yes — the Blue Lagoon is only about 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík. It’s perfectly located for your first or last stop in Iceland. In fact, most locals recommend visiting right after you land, especially if your flight arrives early in the morning. You can relax in the warm water before heading to the city once check-in time opens.
Most flights from North America arrive very early, around 6–7 AM, and hotels in Reykjavík usually don’t allow check-in until 3 PM. Instead of driving straight to Reykjavík and getting stuck in morning traffic (between 7–9 AM, traffic from Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, and Kópavogur can add up to an hour to your drive), it’s much nicer to go to the Blue Lagoon first. You’ll arrive relaxed, refreshed, and ready to explore.
Yes — there’s luggage storage available at the Blue Lagoon. If you’re traveling on a private tour or transfer, your driver can also keep your luggage safely in the vehicle while you enjoy the lagoon.
Yes, there’s plenty of parking on site. However, after the recent volcanic eruption, lava covered the old parking area, and a new lot was built a little farther away. The walk to the lagoon is slightly longer now — but it’s beautiful.
📸 Local tip: The path from the new parking lot to the lagoon winds through lava fields and milky-blue pools. It’s a great spot for photos, especially in the early morning or around sunset.
If you’re on a private tour, your guide can often drop you off closer to the entrance to shorten the walk.
There’s a café and restaurant inside the Blue Lagoon, but they’re quite expensive. Still, we highly recommend grabbing something to eat before you leave — you’ll likely be hungry after soaking in the warm water, and there are no cafés or restaurants between the lagoon and Reykjavík. The drive is about 45 minutes, mostly highway.
Local tip: If you want to eat afterward, stop in Hafnarfjörður on your way to the city. It’s a charming harbor town and a local favorite. Brikk Bakery by the harbor is perfect for breakfast or lunch — great coffee, fresh pastries, and lovely views.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and a reusable water bottle. A waterproof phone case is handy for photos, and you’ll want to use plenty of hair conditioner before and after bathing (the lagoon provides it).
⚠️ Important local advice: Don’t let your hair soak in the water — the silica makes it stiff and dry for days. Trust us, it’s not worth the trouble!
Definitely! One of the most popular options is the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Tour, which includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall before ending with a relaxing soak. You can also explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is full of volcanic craters, cliffs, and geothermal areas — all just a short drive away.
The Blue Lagoon is open year-round.
Summer: Endless daylight and lush moss around the lava fields.
Winter: Snowy surroundings and warm steam rising from the blue water — absolutely magical.
Spring & Autumn: Fewer crowds and softer light for photos.
There’s really no bad time to visit; it just depends on the atmosphere you prefer.
If you want to stock up on snacks or essentials after your visit, we recommend Krónan in Hafnarfjörður. It’s one of Iceland’s largest grocery stores, opens at 8 AM, and is conveniently located on your way from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík.
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at the lagoon, but you can easily stay longer if you’d like to relax, get a massage, or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Private tours can be customized if you want extra time.