Wondering how to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport? The good news is that you don't need to hire a car to visit Iceland's famous geothermal spa. There are dedicated coach transfers connecting the Blue Lagoon with both the capital and the international airport, making it surprisingly easy to include in a short Iceland trip.
We visited the Blue Lagoon in November 2026 during our weekend in Iceland, travelling from central Reykjavik by coach before continuing directly to Keflavik Airport for our flight home.
It turned out to be a really practical way to organise our final day, and it meant we didn't need to spend money travelling back into Reykjavik afterwards.
However, there are a few things worth understanding before booking, particularly when it comes to transfer times, hotel pickup locations, luggage and making sure you have enough time before your flight.
In this guide, I'll explain how to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, the transport options available, what our coach journey was like and how I'd recommend planning your visit.
Where Is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland, near the town of Grindavik. Despite being one of Iceland's most famous attractions, it's actually much closer to Keflavik International Airport than Reykjavik city centre.
This is something worth knowing when planning your trip, as many visitors assume the Blue Lagoon is in Reykjavik itself.
In reality, it's approximately 50 minutes from the capital by road and around 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport, depending on traffic, road conditions and the route being used.
Its location makes it particularly convenient for the first or last day of your Iceland holiday.
Instead of arranging a separate excursion from Reykjavik and returning to the city afterwards, you can potentially fit the Blue Lagoon into your journey between the airport and your accommodation.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik
For visitors without a hire car, I think the easiest option is to book one of the dedicated Blue Lagoon coach transfers.
The official transport provider, Destination Blue Lagoon, operates services between Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon and Keflavik Airport.
There are departures from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, along with pickup options from designated stops around the city.
Depending on where you're staying, you may find it much easier to book a nearby pickup stop rather than travelling independently to the main bus terminal.
How Does the Blue Lagoon Bus Pickup Work?
If you book a transfer with hotel-area pickup, you'll normally be given a designated location and a collection time before the main coach departure.
Some hotels are located on streets that larger coaches cannot access, so the pickup point may be a short walk from your accommodation rather than directly outside the hotel.
During our trip, we were staying at CityHub Reykjavik on Hverfisgata, and our nearest pickup point was Bus Stop 6, Safnahusid.
It was approximately four minutes' walk from the hotel, which was particularly convenient because we were travelling with our luggage.
Our scheduled pickup was around 9.30am, so we made sure we were waiting at the stop in plenty of time.
A smaller vehicle arrived to collect passengers before taking us to meet the main coach, which had already collected people from the bus station.
We then continued towards the Blue Lagoon in the larger coach.
This is important to understand because you won't necessarily board the same vehicle that takes you all the way to the attraction. Depending on your pickup location, there may be a change between the smaller collection vehicle and the main coach.
How Long Is the Bus Journey from Reykjavik?
The direct journey from BSÍ Bus Terminal to the Blue Lagoon takes approximately 45 minutes, although the total time from your hotel-area pickup will generally be longer.
During our November 2026 visit, we were picked up at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the Blue Lagoon around 10.45am.
That gave us enough time to walk from the coach to reception and get organised for our 11am admission.
I'd recommend allowing around 75–90 minutes from a central Reykjavik pickup to your arrival at the Blue Lagoon, depending on the transfer arrangements, rather than assuming you'll be there within 45 minutes.
The exact timings will be shown when booking, and I'd always follow the operator's latest instructions.
Where Does the Bus Leave from in Reykjavik?
The main Blue Lagoon coach services leave from BSÍ Bus Terminal, but visitors staying in Reykjavik can often arrange collection from designated hotel-area stops.
Before booking, check the pickup location closest to your accommodation, particularly if you're travelling in winter or carrying luggage.
We found Bus Stop 6 very convenient for our CityHub stay, but other hotels may have a different designated pickup point.
If you haven't booked your accommodation yet, you can read our Where to Stay in Reykjavik guide, where I've compared seven hotels in different parts of the city.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon from Keflavik Airport
Another popular option is to visit the Blue Lagoon immediately after landing in Iceland.
Because the spa is approximately 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport by road, this can be a convenient way to start your trip, particularly if you arrive early in the morning and can't check into your hotel until later.
Dedicated transfers operate from the airport to the Blue Lagoon, although airport departures are more limited than the services from Reykjavik.
That means it's important to check the actual timetable rather than assuming you can simply arrive at the airport and get straight onto a bus.
Why We Didn't Visit Straight from the Airport
When we first planned our November weekend, we seriously considered visiting the Blue Lagoon as soon as we arrived in Iceland.
However, our flight was due to land at around 9am, and the next suitable coach transfer we found departed at 12.30pm.
That would have meant spending several hours waiting around at the airport, when we were really keen to get into Reykjavik and start exploring.
In the end, we decided it would be much more practical to travel straight into the city on our arrival day, spend the afternoon sightseeing and whale watching, and save the Blue Lagoon for the following day.
Looking back, I think we made the right decision for our particular itinerary.
However, if your flight arrives shortly before a convenient airport transfer, visiting the Blue Lagoon first could work really well.
Can You Go from Keflavik Airport to Blue Lagoon and Then Reykjavik?
Yes, this is one of the most useful ways to include the Blue Lagoon in an Iceland itinerary.
You can arrange a transfer from Keflavik Airport to the spa, spend a few hours enjoying the facilities and then continue to Reykjavik afterwards.
It's worth checking whether your chosen booking includes both journeys or whether you need to reserve them separately.
You'll also need to allow enough time for your flight to land, collect any luggage, pass through the airport and reach the coach departure point.
For international flights, I wouldn't book a Blue Lagoon admission time too close to your scheduled landing time, particularly if you're travelling with checked luggage.
How to Get from the Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport
This is the option we chose for our November trip, and it's one I'd definitely recommend considering if you have an evening flight home.
Rather than travelling back into Reykjavik after our Blue Lagoon visit and then making a separate journey out to Keflavik Airport, we booked a direct transfer from the spa to the airport.
It saved us an unnecessary journey and meant we could enjoy our final day in Iceland without constantly travelling backwards and forwards.
Our return transfer was booked for 4pm, which worked well with our evening departure.
We had entered the Blue Lagoon at 11am, giving us several hours to relax, try the different masks, enjoy the sauna and explore the other facilities before getting changed and heading back to the coach.
One thing I'd recommend is allowing plenty of time to shower, dry your hair, collect your belongings and get dressed before the coach departure.
It can take longer than you expect, particularly if you've spent several hours in the lagoon.
How Much Time Should You Allow Before Your Flight?
Although the drive from the Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport normally takes around 20 minutes, I'd leave a generous buffer between your scheduled coach departure and your flight.
You need to allow time for the transfer itself, airport check-in, bag drop if applicable, security and any unexpected delays.
We were travelling with hand luggage only and had an evening flight, so our 4pm departure from the Blue Lagoon suited our plans.
However, I wouldn't recommend copying that timing without checking your own flight departure and airline's check-in requirements.
Airport-bound Blue Lagoon transfers have a limited schedule, and it's sensible to book these journeys in advance.
You can check the latest departures on the Reykjavik Excursions Blue Lagoon timetable before deciding which admission time to reserve.
Our Experience Using the Destination Blue Lagoon Coach
Having used the service myself, I thought the whole journey was straightforward and comfortable.
We booked our coach transfers through GetYourGuide and received booking confirmations with QR codes, which were scanned when we boarded.
We didn't have to print anything or collect physical tickets beforehand.
The main coach had comfortable seating and space underneath for larger bags, which was particularly useful for passengers travelling to or from the airport.
On the outbound journey, the only slightly unexpected part was changing from the smaller pickup vehicle onto the larger coach.
However, this was straightforward, and we arrived with enough time for our booked admission.
Another advantage was being able to use different departure and destination points for each journey.
Our route was Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon, followed by Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport, rather than a traditional return journey.
For anyone visiting Iceland without a hire car, I think this is a particularly practical way to organise a Blue Lagoon visit.
How Much Does the Blue Lagoon Bus Cost?
During our November 2026 trip, we paid approximately £27 per person for each of our coach journeys, although the exact amount varied slightly between bookings.
Our total transfer cost was therefore around £54 per person for both journeys.
We booked the two legs separately because we weren't returning to the same location.
| Our route | Approximate cost per person |
|---|---|
| Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon | £27 |
| Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport | £27 |
| Total | £54 |
These are the approximate amounts we paid in November 2026, not fixed or guaranteed prices for future bookings.
Although £54 per person might initially sound expensive for two relatively short coach journeys, taxis in Iceland can be costly, particularly when travelling longer distances.
For us, the coach was a practical option that allowed us to visit the Blue Lagoon without hiring a car or arranging two private taxi journeys.
I'd recommend comparing prices for your own travel dates before booking, particularly if you're travelling as a larger group, as the cost of several individual coach tickets may change the comparison with a private transfer.
How to Book a Blue Lagoon Coach Transfer
We booked our transfers in advance through GetYourGuide, which was straightforward.
When arranging your journey, the important thing is to make sure you've selected the correct starting point, destination, pickup location and travel date.
You can book transport independently of your Blue Lagoon admission, which is useful if you've already purchased your spa tickets.
Here's how I'd recommend organising everything:
- Choose whether you're visiting from Reykjavik, Keflavik Airport or travelling between the two.
- Check the coach timetable to make sure there's a convenient departure for your plans.
- Book your Blue Lagoon admission for a suitable arrival time.
- Reserve the required coach journey or journeys, checking that the correct departure and destination points are selected.
- Save the booking confirmations and QR codes on your phone so they're ready when boarding.
- Double-check your pickup instructions the day before travelling, particularly if you're being collected from a numbered city-centre stop.
It's worth remembering that a coach transfer booking doesn't automatically include entry to the Blue Lagoon unless you've specifically selected a package that includes admission.
We booked our admission and transport separately, so we had individual confirmations for each part of the day.
You can book Blue Lagoon bus transfers through GetYourGuide and compare Blue Lagoon admission tickets here.
Remember that you can use BUILDABREAK5 for 5% off eligible bookings made through the GetYourGuide app, subject to the offer terms.
Can You Take Luggage to the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, and this is one of the reasons visiting the Blue Lagoon between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport can work so well.
As we were travelling home afterwards, we took our belongings with us rather than leaving them at the hotel.
The coach had room for luggage, and once we arrived at the Blue Lagoon, we took our belongings inside.
We were only travelling with hand luggage, which made everything relatively easy.
Are the Blue Lagoon Lockers Big Enough for Backpacks?
During our visit, I was able to fit my backpack, an additional carrier bag, shoes and a large jacket into the locker provided with our admission.
I was impressed by how much I could fit inside, particularly because I'd been concerned about managing our belongings when visiting immediately before the airport.
The lockers use the electronic wristbands provided at reception, so you don't need to carry a separate key around the spa.
If you're travelling with a larger suitcase, you should check the current arrangements for the Blue Lagoon's separate luggage storage facilities, as you won't necessarily be able to take a large suitcase into the changing room lockers.
I'd also recommend keeping your passport, travel documents and any essential medication organised and secure, especially if you're travelling directly to the airport afterwards.
Can You Drive or Take a Taxi to the Blue Lagoon?
Although we used coach transfers, there are other ways to reach the Blue Lagoon, particularly if you're travelling as a family or exploring Iceland independently.
Driving to the Blue Lagoon
If you have a hire car, you can drive directly to the Blue Lagoon from either Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport.
The attraction has parking facilities for visitors, and the journey is relatively straightforward when the roads are open and conditions are suitable.
However, the Blue Lagoon is situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where volcanic activity has occasionally affected road access.
I'd strongly recommend checking the latest official driving directions before travelling, rather than relying entirely on an older itinerary or sat-nav instructions.
Road access can change, so check the official Blue Lagoon directions page for the correct route on your travel date.
Taking a Taxi to the Blue Lagoon
Taxis are another option, and they may be worth comparing if you're travelling as a larger group or want more flexibility than the scheduled coach services provide.
However, taxis in Iceland can be expensive, particularly for journeys between Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon.
For one or two people, I'd generally compare the dedicated coach transfer first.
If you're travelling with four or more people, a private transfer may be more competitive, depending on the date, luggage and journey required.
I'd recommend getting an actual quote before making a decision rather than assuming one option will always be cheaper.
Is There a Public Bus to the Blue Lagoon?
It's important to distinguish between ordinary public transport in Iceland and the dedicated Blue Lagoon shuttle services.
The easiest bus option for most tourists is the pre-booked Destination Blue Lagoon coach, rather than trying to use local public buses to reach the attraction.
Public transport routes around the Reykjanes Peninsula aren't designed specifically around Blue Lagoon admissions, and you may find that you'd need additional transport or a walk that isn't particularly practical.
For a short trip, especially if you're travelling in winter or have luggage, I'd personally choose a dedicated coach transfer.
We found it easy to organise, and it removed the uncertainty of trying to connect different public transport services.
Should You Visit the Blue Lagoon on Arrival or Departure Day?
This is probably one of the most useful decisions to make before booking your Iceland itinerary.
We considered both options, and I think either can work depending on your flight times.
Option 1: Visit the Blue Lagoon After Landing
Visiting on your arrival day can be a great option if you land early and don't want to spend hours waiting for your hotel check-in.
You could travel from Keflavik Airport to the Blue Lagoon, enjoy a few hours in the water and then continue into Reykjavik afterwards.
The main consideration is making sure the airport coach timetable actually works with your arrival.
For us, it didn't. We would have been waiting several hours after landing before the next suitable transfer, which didn't seem like the best use of our limited time in Iceland.
Option 2: Visit Before Your Flight Home
This is the option we chose, and it worked particularly well for our two-day trip.
We spent our first day exploring Reykjavik and whale watching, stayed overnight at CityHub and then travelled to the Blue Lagoon the following morning.
After spending most of the day enjoying the facilities, we collected our luggage and continued directly to Keflavik Airport for our evening flight.
It felt like a really efficient way to organise the journey because we avoided having to return to Reykjavik unnecessarily.
However, I would only recommend this option if the coach departures leave sufficient time before your flight.
Option 3: Visit as a Separate Day Trip from Reykjavik
If you're staying in Iceland for several days, another option is to book a standard return journey from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon.
This removes the need to travel with your luggage and means you don't have the same concerns about getting to the airport afterwards.
It's a good option if you want a more relaxed spa day without having to plan everything around your flight departure.
However, for a short weekend, I think it's definitely worth considering whether you can combine the visit with one of your airport transfers.
How Long Should You Spend at the Blue Lagoon?
I'd recommend allowing at least two to three hours at the Blue Lagoon itself, plus time for changing, showering and getting organised before leaving.
We spent several hours there during our November visit, and I certainly didn't feel we'd stayed too long.
We had the Premium package, so we wanted to make the most of the additional face masks, drinks, sauna and other facilities.
The lagoon itself is much larger than I'd expected, with plenty of different areas to explore and places to sit and relax.
If you're visiting before your flight, remember that you'll also need to dry your hair, get dressed and collect your belongings before returning to the coach.
For more information on the changing rooms, facilities, Premium package and what we actually thought of the experience, read our Blue Lagoon Iceland Review.
Blue Lagoon Transfer Tips Based on Our Experience
Having now visited the Blue Lagoon without a hire car, there are a few things I'd particularly recommend doing before your trip.
- Check the timetable before booking admission: There's no point reserving an early spa session if your coach won't arrive until much later.
- Allow time for hotel pickup: A pickup from a numbered stop may be earlier than the main coach departure from BSÍ.
- Check the correct bus stop: Don't assume the coach will collect you directly from your hotel entrance.
- Book airport transfers in advance: There are fewer departures to Keflavik Airport, so availability and timing matter.
- Keep your QR codes accessible: We were able to show our GetYourGuide bookings on our phones when boarding.
- Allow time to get changed: Don't leave the lagoon with only a few minutes to spare before your coach departs.
- Plan for luggage: Check the luggage storage arrangements if you're travelling with large suitcases.
- Monitor travel updates: Road access can change around the Reykjanes Peninsula, particularly if volcanic activity affects the area.
Blue Lagoon Transport Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik?
The Blue Lagoon is approximately 50 minutes from Reykjavik by road. Dedicated coach journeys from BSÍ typically take around 45 minutes, although hotel-area pickup adds extra time.
How far is the Blue Lagoon from Keflavik Airport?
The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport by road, making it a convenient place to visit on arrival or departure day.
Can you visit the Blue Lagoon without a car?
Yes. We visited without hiring a car and used Destination Blue Lagoon coach transfers. We travelled from central Reykjavik to the spa and then directly to Keflavik Airport afterwards.
Does the Blue Lagoon bus pick up from hotels?
Hotel-area pickup is available for some coach bookings, often using designated numbered stops rather than collecting passengers directly outside the accommodation. Check your booking confirmation for the correct location.
How much is the bus from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon?
We paid approximately £27 per person for our Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon journey in November 2026. Current prices vary, so check the rate for your own travel date.
Can you go from the Blue Lagoon directly to Keflavik Airport?
Yes. We booked a direct coach transfer from the Blue Lagoon to Keflavik Airport after our visit. Airport-bound departures are limited, so it's important to book ahead and allow sufficient time for your flight.
Does the Blue Lagoon transfer include admission?
Not always. Some bookings are for transport only, while others combine Blue Lagoon admission with transfers. Check the inclusions carefully before paying.
Can you take suitcases on the Blue Lagoon coach?
Coach transfers accommodate luggage, but you should check the operator's luggage allowance. The Blue Lagoon also has luggage storage arrangements for visitors carrying bags that won't fit into the changing room lockers.
Can you visit the Blue Lagoon during an Iceland stopover?
Potentially, yes, although you'll need enough time between flights, suitable coach departure times and a confirmed Blue Lagoon booking. Don't rely on the short driving distance alone when calculating whether a stopover visit is practical.
Is it better to visit the Blue Lagoon before or after Reykjavik?
It depends on your flight times. We found that visiting on the way back to Keflavik Airport worked really well, but visiting immediately after landing could be equally convenient if the airport coach timetable suits your arrival.
Our Verdict: What's the Best Way to Get to the Blue Lagoon?
For anyone visiting Iceland without a hire car, I'd recommend looking at the dedicated Blue Lagoon coach transfers first.
We found the service straightforward to book, comfortable and convenient, particularly because we could travel from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and then continue directly to Keflavik Airport afterwards.
Having a pickup point just a few minutes from our hotel made everything easier, and I liked that we didn't need to arrange separate taxis or worry about driving in Icelandic weather.
The biggest thing I'd recommend is checking the timetable before booking your Blue Lagoon admission, especially if you're planning to visit on your way to or from the airport.
Although the Blue Lagoon is relatively close to Keflavik, the available coach departures may determine whether the visit fits comfortably into your travel plans.
For our two-day trip, visiting on the final day was definitely the right decision. We had time to explore Reykjavik and go whale watching on the first day, enjoy the Blue Lagoon the following morning and then head straight to the airport.
I'd happily organise another Iceland weekend in the same way.
More Iceland Travel Guides
If you're planning an Iceland city break or extreme day trip, you might also find these Build a Break guides useful.
Our Blue Lagoon Iceland Review covers our full Premium experience, including admission costs, changing rooms, masks, food, drink prices and whether I thought it was worth the money.
For accommodation, read our CityHub Reykjavik Review, where we share what it was like staying in a Twin Hub with access to shared bathrooms and a rooftop hot tub.
You can also explore our Where to Stay in Reykjavik guide for seven hotel recommendations and advice on choosing an area without a hire car.
If you're considering an even shorter visit, our Iceland Extreme Day Trip guide covers how to plan a visit with limited time.
