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 map
The loop from Reykjavik on one map, with the distance to each stop and how long to stay.
- From
- €70
- Duration
- 6 to 11 h
- The loop
- About 250 km
- Tours compared
- 28
Where are the Golden Circle stops on a map?
On a loop east of Reykjavik, with Gullfoss the furthest point at about 116 km.
Most tours run the loop one way or the other, so the order of the stops can change.
Reykjavik
The start of the loop.
Þingvellir
About 45 minutes from Reykjavik. No entrance fee; a car pays 1,000 ISK to park.
Geysir
About 107 km from Reykjavik, roughly 90 minutes directly. Free.
Gullfoss
About 116 km from Reykjavik. Free at all hours.
Kerið
About 75 km from Reykjavik, 1 h 15 directly. Entry 700 ISK. More on Kerið.
What is the Golden Circle route?
Reykjavik to Þingvellir, on to Geysir and Gullfoss, and back past Kerið.
Sources count the loop differently: about 230 km without detours, about 242 km past Kerið, about 250 km for Iceland's tourist board and about 300 km on Wikipedia.
The line on this map runs Reykjavik, Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerið and back to Reykjavik. Geysir and Gullfoss are close: tour itineraries give about 10 minutes between them. Þingvellir to Geysir takes them about an hour, and Gullfoss to Kerið about 50 minutes.
Route 35 is the road to Gullfoss, and in winter it can be icy. No 4x4 is needed.
What else is on the way?
A few baths and a greenhouse, the small dots on the map.
Secret Lagoon
An old pool near Flúðir, from 1891, at 38 to 40 °C. Price, hours and how to get there.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Baths on a lake, where rye bread is baked in the hot ground.
Friðheimar
Tomatoes grown in greenhouses all year, and a horse show.
Blue Lagoon
Not on the loop: it is near Keflavík Airport, on the far side of Reykjavik. Some tours end there. See which lagoon fits.
Which tours follow this route?
Most stop at all four; a few leave out Kerið.
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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.
Three stops
From Reykjavik
Three main stops by coach
For the three main stops and nothing else, back in about 6.5 hours.
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 | |
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 | |
Three main stops by coachGray Line IcelandStops and time there: Þingvellir 45 min, Geysir 1 h, Gullfoss 1 hKeep in mind: No stop at Kerið. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 6 h 30 | BSÍ bus terminal, Reykjavik, or pickup as an option | €72 | See dates: Three main stops by coach |
What sights do you see on the Golden Circle?
A rift valley, hot springs and a waterfall, plus a crater if you take the longer way.
How long does it take to drive the Golden Circle?
About three hours without stopping, and 5 to 6 hours or more with the three main stops.
The itineraryDoes the Golden Circle start in Reykjavik?
Yes: the tourist board counts the loop from and back to Reykjavik. Þingvellir is usually the first stop.
How far is Gullfoss from Reykjavik?
About 116 km, or 1 h 45 to 2 hours by the direct road.
Can I use this map to navigate?
No. It shows the shape of the route, not every junction. Use a navigation app on the road, and check conditions in winter.
What next?
Drive it, or leave the driving to a guide.