Extreme Day Trip to Iceland: Reykjavik & Sky Lagoon in 1 Day

Thinking about an 'Extreme Day Trip' to Iceland? It might sound crazy, but we did it – and it was absolutely worth it!

Is a One Day Trip to Iceland Really Possible? Here’s How to Turn It Into an Extreme Day Trip

My 15 year old daughter wanted a spa day as part of her 16^th birthday present, so we took things to the next level with a Extreme Day Trip to Iceland.

If you’re short on time but want to experience Iceland’s magic, here’s exactly how we did a one day trip to Reykjavik and the incredible Sky Lagoon.

We break down our timings, costs, and handy tips to make your own adventure as smooth as possible.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!

Is it possible to do an Extreme Day Trip to Iceland? Can you visit Iceland in just one day from the UK?

Our Iceland Extreme Day Trip Timings

Flight: Manchester 7:10 AM → Keflavik 9:55 AM (EasyJet)

Transfers: Flybus 10:50 AM → Reykjavik center

Reykjavik highlights: Hallgrimskirkja, Rainbow Street & street murals

Sky Lagoon: 2pm slot with 7-step ritual

Left the Sky Lagoon: 4:30pm

Bus back to the airport: 6:00pm

Return flight: Keflavik 9:05pm → Manchester 11:30pm

Total cost per person: Approx £250

Flights from Manchester to Iceland

We flew out of Manchester Airport with easyJet at 7:10am and landed earlier than expected at 9:55am at Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland.

With no checked baggage (just a backpack each), we were quickly through security with zero queues and were outside the airport within minutes.

Tips:

Pack light to skip luggage queues
Book early for cheapest fares (~£58 return from Manchester)
See more extreme day trips from Manchester

Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

We had pre-booked the Flybus with Get Your Guide, which offered:

Free cancellation
Payment just 2 days before
No need to queue at the airport

All we had to do was show the driver our voucher, and it meant we didn't need to queue in arrivals to purchase a ticket. Tickets are valid for any departure from the airport.

We got on the bus at 10.20am and it departed at 10.50am, taking 40 minutes to then reach the centre of Reykjavik.

Q: Where to find the Flybus:

A: Just outside arrivals at Keflavik Airport.

Q: How long does The Flybus take?

A: Around 40 minutes to Reykjavik.

Q: Do you need to book the Flybus in advance?

A: Not necessarily – tickets can be bought at the airport and are valid for any departure time on your selected day.

Click Here for FlyBus Tickets we bought.

Important Tip for Solo Parents

If you’re travelling solo with a child, Icelandic immigration officials may ask for a letter of authority from the other parent- they did with us, and many other parents from our flight. We didn’t have one but got through – however, it’s better to be prepared!

Exploring Reykjavik

We had a few hours before our Sky Lagoon slot, so we explored the city.

Hallgrimskirkja – Reykjavik’s Iconic Church

A 10-minute walk (800m) from BSI Bus Terminal took us to Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s iconic church.

Its stunning modernist design and towering height make it the city’s most famous landmark.

You can go to the top for breathtaking views (we skipped this due to time), which costs ISK 1000 for adults and ISK 100 for children ages 7-16 years.

Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street & Street Art

From Hallgrimskirkja, we walked 4 more minutes to the famous Rainbow Street Skólavörðustígur. The street is lined with cafés, boutiques, and street art – perfect for a quick wander and photo stop. We got some lunch here and also a few souvenirs.

After soaking up the sights, we grabbed lunch before heading back to BSI Bus Terminal.

Keep an eye out for Reykjavik’s quirky houses and street murals – they’re dotted everywhere and make the city feel like an open-air art gallery.

Getting to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik

We pre-booked the Sky Lagoon- including transfers via Get Your Guide. We went for the package which included our own private changing room, unlimited amounts of towels, shampoo and conditioner, a private shower and hairdryer too. This was the most expensive package, but saved us taking lots of things on our trip.

You can also chose a cheaper package which includes transfers, but with shared changing facilities.

Tickets without transfers are also available for those who've hired a car here.

We booked this back in December as it does sell out, however, with Get Your Guide, we didn't need to pay for it until 2 days before the visit.

The bus left BSI Bus Terminal at 2pm and took us straight to Sky Lagoon – a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The journey to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik takes around 20 minutes (although more like 30 mins on the way back as it drops off at hotels).

Buses leave on the hour from BSI terminal and return on the half hour- you don't need to specify a return time and you can stay at the Sky Lagoon as long as you wish.

Tip: Book early – slots sell out fast. We recommend 1 PM instead of 2 PM for more time.

Sky Lagoon Experience

Sky Lagoon was honestly incredible. Floating in the steaming geothermal waters while looking out at the Atlantic was pure magic.

The 7-step ritual includes:

Sauna
Steam room
Cold plunge
Body scrub
Refreshing Icelandic drink
Mist room
Relax in infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic

We originally booked for 2pm, but in hindsight, we’d go for 1pm to allow more time.

At 4:30pm, we reluctantly left and caught the return bus back to BSI Bus Terminal, arriving just before 5pm.

Why it’s unforgettable: Floating in geothermal waters while looking at the ocean is magical.

Tip: Allow 2–2.5 hours for the full experience.

Return to Keflavik Airport

Before heading back to the airport, we grabbed food at BSI Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is small, so really easy to find your bus. Plus, there's an information counter with staff that speak English. They can advise on any queries over logistics and other tours you may find of interest.

Inside the bus terminal, you'll also find clean toilets (around £1.15pp to access) and a café. We got a huge pizza slice for around £6 each.

At 6pm, we took our pre-booked FlyBus back to Keflavik Airport, arriving with plenty of time to check in.

Keflavik Airport Prices & The Northern Lights from the Plane!

Keflavik Airport has plenty of food options, and surprisingly, prices weren’t as bad as expected, despite Iceland's expensive reputation. We got two of the famous Icelandic Hot Dogs for around £5 each. We also got 2 bottled soft drinks and 2 bars of chocolate for £6 in total, which I actually think is cheaper than Manchester Airport!

Our 9:05 PM flight home departed on time, but the real highlight?

We saw the Northern Lights from the plane!

The display lasted a full two hours – an unforgettable end to our Icelandic adventure.

Top Tip: Book seats on the left-hand side for the best chance of seeing them.

We landed back in Manchester at 11:30 PM, absolutely exhausted but buzzing from an incredible day.

Cost Breakdown of Our One Day Trip to Iceland

For less than £250 each, we experienced Iceland’s capital, its famous landmarks, a luxury spa, and even the Northern Lights – all in one day!

Return Flights from Manchester to Iceland: £58
Return Airport transfers £32.09pp (for 1 ad & 1 teen ticket)
Sky Lagoon tickets with transfers £122.54pp

Was it Worth Doing an Extreme Day Trip to Iceland?

✅ YES! It was a whirlwind, but every moment was incredible. If you’re up for an extreme day trip, Reykjavik is surprisingly doable from Manchester.

Would we do it again?

Absolutely – but next time, we’d:

Book Sky Lagoon earlier (1pm instead of 2pm).

Stay overnight to see more of Iceland.

Next time, if we did another Extreme Day Trip to Iceland, we would probably try the Blue Lagoon instead. This is nearer to the airport than the Sky Lagoon. If you're debating going, and not sure which to pick, read our guide on Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon Guide, where we weigh up the advantages (and disadvantages) of each spa.

If spa's aren't your thing but you're still looking to try a one day trip to Iceland, check out our 10 budget-friendly things to do in Iceland guide

If you’re tempted to try this yourself, go for it – it’s one epic travel story you’ll never forget!

Watch the Video of our Extreme Day Trip to Iceland

Iceland: Our Top 10 Budget-Friendly Things to Do

Iceland is known for its incredible landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and unique geothermal activity, but it’s also infamous for being one of the most expensive travel destinations.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to experience its magic! If you’re looking for affordable ways to explore the Land of Fire and Ice, here are ten budget-friendly activities to do in Iceland.

At Build a Break, we're all about exploring bucket list destinations for less, and sharing money saving tips with our readers.

Yes, Iceland is very expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't explore everything it has to offer- you just need to be clever about it and plan in advance.

We'll take you through our top 10 tips for exploring Iceland on a Budget.

Cheap Things to do in Iceland

1. Spot the Northern Lights for Free in Iceland

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience, and the best part? It’s completely free! The key is to visit between September and April when the nights are longest. Get away from city lights for the best view- popular spots near Reykjavik include Grótta Lighthouse or Thingvellir National Park. Check the aurora forecast and hope for clear skies!

We have written a guide for our top tips on spotting northern lights in Finland, and many of our tips for the best apps to use and guidance are the same for Iceland. You can read our guide here

2. Hire a Car!

Iceland’s public transport is limited, and taxis are notoriously expensive. Even the bus from the airport costs around £40 return per person.

Instead, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while saving money on tours such a northern lights or Golden Circle excursions.

Car hire starts around £50 for a 2 day hire- Search here

Find the Cheapest Car Hire in Iceland

3. Relax in Budget-Friendly Geothermal Spas

The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are stunning, but at €70+ per person, it’s not budget-friendly.

Thankfully, Iceland has plenty of cheaper geothermal pools! Try a more affordable experience like Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik, which costs under €10 and still offers warm, mineral-rich waters.

For an even more budget-friendly soak, check out hot springs in nature, like Reykjadalur’s hot river- completely free!

4. Visit Free Waterfalls

Iceland is home to countless waterfalls, and many of the most famous ones are free to visit. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are along the south coast and easily accessible.

For a hidden gem, check out Kvernufoss, a stunning waterfall with far fewer tourists. If you’re exploring the north, don’t miss Goðafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.”

5. Go Hiking in Iceland’s Incredible Landscapes

Hiking in Iceland doesn’t cost a thing, and the views are priceless! Glymur Waterfall is a fantastic hike with breathtaking scenery, and Mount Esja near Reykjavik is perfect for a day hike.

If you’re heading to Landmannalaugar, you’ll find some of Iceland’s most colourful landscapes- just remember to check road conditions if travelling in winter.

6. Explore Reykjavik on Foot

Reykjavik is a compact and walkable city, so you don’t need to spend on transport. Stroll along the colourful streets, visit the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church (you can admire it for free, but there’s a small fee to go up the tower), and check out Harpa Concert Hall with its striking glass architecture.

Don’t miss the Sun Voyager sculpture for a perfect photo spot!

7. See Iceland’s Unique Wildlife for Free

Puffins, seals, and even whales can be spotted in Iceland without expensive tours!

Visit the harbour in Reykjavik for a chance to see seals or head to Dyrhólaey (May to August) for a great puffin-watching spot.

If you’re lucky, you might even see whales from the shore at places like Hvalfjörður.

8. Visit Free Museums on Certain Days

Reykjavik has several museums that offer free entry on specific days. For example, the National Museum of Iceland sometimes has free admission days, and the Reykjavik Art Museum occasionally offers free entry.

Always check the museum websites before your trip to plan around their free or discount days!

9. Discover Iceland’s Volcanic Beaches

Black sand beaches are one of Iceland’s most unique attractions and visiting them costs nothing. Reynisfjara Beach near Vik is the most famous, with its striking basalt columns.

For a quieter experience, check out Diamond Beach, where glistening ice chunks wash up onto the shore, creating a magical scene.

10. Go Supermarket Shopping Instead of Eating Out

Eating out in Iceland is expensive, with even a simple meal costing €20 or more. Instead, save money by shopping at budget supermarkets like Bonus or Kronan. Many accommodations have kitchen facilities, so you can cook simple meals instead of dining out.

If you do want to try Icelandic food on a budget, grab a famous hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur- it’s one of the cheapest meals in Reykjavik!

Final Tips for Budget Travellers in Iceland

Bring a refillable water bottle – Iceland’s tap water is some of the cleanest in the world!
Book accommodation with kitchen facilities to save on meals.
Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for cheaper flights and accommodations.
Consider camping in summer – Iceland has great campsites, and it’s much cheaper than hotels.
If travelling from Europe, budget airlines like easyJet tend to fly from October to March. Our return flight was under £60pp!

For deals that include flights, hotel, luggage and a northern lights tour, Jet2 have departures from many UK airports that start from £600! click here to search

Join Our Mailing List

Iceland Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon- Which is Better?

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, chances are you’ve heard of the famous Blue Lagoon- one of the country’s most iconic attractions.

But in recent years, a new contender has entered the scene: Sky Lagoon, a luxurious geothermal spa with an incredible oceanside infinity pool.

Having recently visited Sky Lagoon as part of an extreme day trip to Iceland for my daughter’s 16^th birthday, I can confidently say both experiences offer something special. But which one should you choose? Here’s a deep dive into Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon, comparing location, packages, pricing, and, of course, which is the most Instagram-worthy!

Location & Accessibility

Both lagoons are easily accessible from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and Reykjavik, making them ideal for a layover or part of a city break.

Blue Lagoon: Located about 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavik, this makes it a popular first or last stop when arriving in Iceland.

Sky Lagoon: Found just 10 minutes from Reykjavik but 50 minutes from the airport, Sky Lagoon is much closer for those staying in the city.

How to Get There

Blue Lagoon offers a dedicated shuttle service from both Reykjavik and the airport, making it very convenient for travellers.

Sky Lagoon is easy to reach by taxi, rental car, or by shuttle bus from Reykjavik, but there’s no direct airport transfer option.

Winner: Blue Lagoon (for airport access), Sky Lagoon (for city convenience).

Packages & Pricing

Both lagoons offer different packages depending on your budget and the level of luxury you want.

Blue Lagoon Packages

1. Comfort – From 9900 ISK (£57)

Entry, silica mud mask, towel, first drink.

2. Premium – From 12,990 ISK (£75)

Comfort package + two additional masks and two drinks included.

3. Signature- From 16,490 ISK (£95)

Premium package + use of bathrobe with skin care products to take home.

4. The Retreat Spa Package – From 79,000 ISK (£455) for two people

Private changing suites, access to the Retreat Lagoon, unlimited masks, a drink of your choice and a 5-hour experience with access to 8 areas.

5. A Full Day Retreat Spa Experience 159,000 ISK (£915) for two people

As above, but for a full day.

6. The Jet Lag Package 144,600 ISK (£831) for two people

5 hour admission to the retreat spa, retreat lagoon and blue lagoon. First drink of your choice, Blue Lagoon ritual, breakfast or light lunch for two and 2 In-water massages.

Sky Lagoon Packages

1. Shared Access – From 12,990 ISK (£75)

Includes the 7-step Ritual (cold plunge, sauna, steam, body scrub), towel and access to the lagoon.

2. Sky Pass – From 15,900 ISK (£92)

Private changing rooms with amenities + 7-step Ritual.

Winner: Blue Lagoon for affordability, value and range of packages Sky Lagoon for private changing facilities.

The Spa Experience

Blue Lagoon:

Famous for its milky silica-rich blue waters, which give it that ethereal look.

The water is known to be great for your skin but terrible for your hair, as silica can make it stiff and dry.

It’s expansive, with lots of areas to explore, including a waterfall, in-water bar, and face mask stations.

Sky Lagoon:

Features an infinity-edge pool overlooking the North Atlantic, giving it a more natural and immersive feel.

The water doesn’t contain silica, so it won’t damage your hair.

Includes the 7-Step Ritual (cold plunge, sauna, steam room, scrub, and more), making it a full spa experience rather than just a soak.

Winner: Sky Lagoon for a true spa experience. Blue Lagoon for iconic milky-blue waters.

Which is More Instagrammable?

This is a tough one!

Blue Lagoon is instantly recognisable with its dreamy blue waters, black lava rocks, and steamy atmosphere.

Sky Lagoon, however, offers infinity-pool aesthetics with dramatic ocean views, making for incredible sunset and moody sky photos.

If you’re after that classic “I’ve been to Iceland” shot, Blue Lagoon wins. But for a luxury, natural aesthetic, Sky Lagoon takes the prize.

Winner: Tie! Blue Lagoon for unique colour; Sky Lagoon for dramatic ocean views.

Can Children Visit the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?

Yes! However, both Lagoons have a minimum age policy.

For the Blue Lagoon, children need to be 12 years and over.

For the Sky Lagoon, children need to be 15 years and over.

Winner: Blue Lagoon for allowing younger children to enter.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose? Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

Pick Blue Lagoon if:

You want the classic Icelandic spa experience.

You don’t mind crowds.

You want airport convenience.

You’re after those iconic blue water photos.

Pick Sky Lagoon if:

You want a peaceful, more luxurious feel.

You’re staying in Reykjavik.

You want to try the 7-Step Ritual.

You don’t want to ruin your hair with silica.