Most reviewed
From Reykjavik
Full day by coach, with Kerið
For a first trip: the most reviewed tour here by far, with the three main stops and Kerið.
Golden Circle itinerary
The stops in order, how long to stay at each, and what to expect on the road.
- From
- €70
- Duration
- 6 to 11 h
- The loop
- About 250 km
- Tours compared
- 28
How many days do you need for the Golden Circle?
One day is enough; the tourist board gives 1 to 3.
Without stopping, the drive takes about three hours. Most travellers take 5 to 6 hours for the three main stops. With Kerið and time to eat, plan for about 8 hours.
A second day only makes sense if you want a bath, a long walk at Þingvellir or a snorkel at Silfra: a full visit to Þingvellir alone can take 3 hours.
What is a good one-day itinerary for the Golden Circle?
Start at Þingvellir, end at Kerið, and be back by evening.
Our own suggestion, built from the visit times below and the transfer times tours publish. Leave earlier in winter.
09:00 Leave Reykjavik
About 45 minutes to Þingvellir.
09:45 Þingvellir
About 90 minutes: the Almannagjá gorge and the Öxarárfoss waterfall. Pay for parking once, and it covers the main car parks all day.
12:15 Geysir
About an hour by road, then about an hour here: wait for Strokkur from the upwind side, and eat.
13:25 Gullfoss
About 10 minutes by road, then about an hour. Bring a raincoat.
15:15 Kerið
About 50 minutes by road, then about 30 minutes for the crater. Entry is 700 ISK. Entry, stairs and tours.
17:00 Back in Reykjavik
About 1 h 15 by road.
What not to miss on the Golden Circle?
The gorge, the geyser and the lower path at the falls.
Almannagjá
The crack you can walk through at Þingvellir, where the plates drift apart.
Strokkur
It erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, so you won't wait long.
The paths at Gullfoss
The lower platforms bring you close, but they can close in winter.
How long is the Golden Circle?
230 to 300 km, depending on the source and on what you add.
| Three stops | With Kerið | With detours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | About 230 km | About 242 km | Up to about 300 km |
| Time | 5 to 6 hours | About 8 hours | A full day |
| Fees | Parking at Þingvellir | Plus 700 ISK at Kerið | Depends on what you add |
Can I drive the Golden Circle myself?
Yes, in an ordinary car, but check the road in winter.
The road
The main routes are paved. They are regularly serviced in winter too, though Route 35 can be icy: check road.is first.
The speed
90 km/h at most on highways.
What you pay
1,000 ISK to park a car at Þingvellir, and 700 ISK at Kerið. Gullfoss and Geysir are free.
If you would rather not
A tour takes 6 h 30 to 7 h from €70. See the tours.
Would you rather not drive?
These follow the same order, with a guide.
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Late start
From Reykjavik
Afternoon by coach, with Kerið
For a free morning: the same four stops, from the afternoon.
Small group
Pickup in Reykjavik
Full day in a small group, with Kerið
For a full day in a group of 19 at most, with pickup included.
Compare in detail
Prices and ratings are read from GetYourGuide. Prices are rounded up. Last checked on 4 Nov.
Every tour here is free to cancel up to 24 hours before it starts.
| Tour | Duration | Starts | Min. age | Rating | From | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Most reviewedFull day by coach, with KeriðBusTravel IcelandGroup size: Up to 65 peopleStops and time there: Kerið 20 min, Gullfoss 45 min, Geysir 80 min, Þingvellir 45 minKeep in mind: Departures at noon or later skip Kerið. Allow 7 to 8.5 hours, and it can carry up to 65 people. What's includedIncluded
Not included
| 7 h | Bus Stop 12, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | 2 years | €83 | See dates: Full day by coach, with Kerið | |
Afternoon by coach, with KeriðBusTravel IcelandGroup size: Up to 65 peopleStops and time there: Þingvellir 40 min, Geysir 70 min, Gullfoss 40 min, Kerið 30 minKeep in mind: Allow 7 to 8.5 hours, and it can carry up to 65 people. What's includedIncluded
| 7 h | Bus Stop 12, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | 2 years | €75 | See dates: Afternoon by coach, with Kerið | |
Full day in a small group, with KeriðNicetravelGroup size: Up to 19 peopleKeep in mind: Lunch is not included. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 8 h | Pickup in Reykjavik | 5 years | €109 | See dates: Full day in a small group, with Kerið |
How long does it take to drive the whole Golden Circle?
About three hours at the wheel, without stops.
Where does the Golden Circle start and end?
In Reykjavik: the loop is counted from and back to the city. Þingvellir is usually the first stop.
How long should you spend at each stop?
About 90 minutes at Þingvellir for a short visit, 45 to 60 minutes at Geysir and 45 to 90 minutes at Gullfoss.
Is it better to go clockwise?
We found no source that settles it. Tours run both ways, and Þingvellir is usually first.
Can you see the Golden Circle in one day without a car?
Yes, on a tour: the shortest we compare lasts 6 h.
The toursReady for the road?
See it on the map, or pick a tour.