Day tripsCountriesIcelandReykjavikReykjavik to the golden circle: Private day trip

Reykjavik to the golden circle: Private day trip

Scenic view of Reykjavik - private day trip from Reykjavik - photo 1
Scenic view of Reykjavik - private day trip from Reykjavik - photo 2
Scenic view of Reykjavik - private day trip from Reykjavik - photo 3
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Private ride with a local driver

7h 15m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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About your trip

Explore one of Iceland’s most popular routes, The Golden Circle, to see three stunning natural features on one seamless day trip. For an unforgettable day, you’ll visit Haukadalur’s Geysir Hot Springs, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon. This trip is especially breathtaking in the icy winter months.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €267
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€801

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Reykjavik whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Meet your private driver at your accommodation in Reykjavik to start your journey along the Golden Circle route. Visit Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, and The Secret Lagoon before enjoying a comfortable return trip.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Geysir, Gullfoss, and Secret Lagoon should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €267
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€801

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Reykjavik
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Geysir
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 hour - admission not included
Itinerary stop at Geysir on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Geysir on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Geysir on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Geysir on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Geysir on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Geysir on private day trip from Reykjavik

Visit the impressive, explosive site that became the namesake for others of its kind worldwide, giving us the term ā€œgeyser.ā€ 

What to see

• Eruptions of the Strokkur Geyser, every few minutes 

• Steaming vents and bubbling pools throughout the geothermal field 

What to do

• Walk along the boardwalk paths up the hill to take in Haukadalur Valley and see the now-dormant Great Geysir

• Explore the on-site museum to learn more about the area’s geothermal history 

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes and extra warm layers

Take note

• For your safety, always stick to the marked boardwalk paths 

• The museum is open from 9:00-17:00 daily

2
Gullfoss
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 hour - admission not included
Itinerary stop at Gullfoss on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Gullfoss on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Gullfoss on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Gullfoss on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Gullfoss on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Gullfoss on private day trip from Reykjavik

Gullfoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, featuring a two-stage plunge into a vast canyon below the Hvita River.

What to see

• Rainbows created by the mist of the falls on a sunny day

• In winter, the massive ice formations that gather along both tiers 

What to do

• Explore both tiers of the misty falls for unique vantage points and unforgettable photos

What to bring

• Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential, especially in the winter months

• Waterproof outerwear can be a good idea on windy days, as the overspray sometimes reaches the platforms

Take note

• The lower viewing platform will close if weather conditions are too icy

3
Secret Lagoon
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Monday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Secret Lagoon on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Secret Lagoon on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Secret Lagoon on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Secret Lagoon on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Secret Lagoon on private day trip from Reykjavik
Itinerary stop at Secret Lagoon on private day trip from Reykjavik

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest public pool, dating back to 1891, and offers a more authentic experience surrounded by natural beauty than the more popular Blue Lagoon.

What to see

• Watch the small geyser near the lagoon erupting every few minutes

• In the winter, admire the snow-blanketed landscape all around

What to do

• Soak in the natural geothermal pool, which stays steamy all year round

• Follow the paths around the pool to admire the landscape and alternate between hot water and frosty air 

• Enjoy refreshments in the main seating area or deck

What to bring

• Swimwear and your own towel if preferred (though rentals are available)

Take note

• Visitors must shower before entering the lagoon

• Hair dryers are available in the changing rooms

Booking & info

• Tickets must be purchased in advance: https://secretlagoon.is/

Back to Reykjavik
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Absolutely. The Golden Circle is designed for day trips, with manageable distances between major attractions. Each stop offers distinct experiences: geothermal activity at Geysir, waterfall grandeur at Gullfoss, and relaxation at Secret Lagoon. Your private driver ensures smooth transitions and flexible timing. Most visitors find the pace comfortable with adequate time at each location.
Yes, you'll need a swimsuit for the Secret Lagoon. Towels can be rented on-site if needed. The pool is outdoors, so you'll transition from changing facilities to the warm water quickly. Consider bringing flip-flops for walking between areas. The experience of soaking in naturally heated water while snow blankets the landscape is uniquely Icelandic and unforgettable.
The Golden Circle route from Reykjavik covers approximately 190 miles round trip. Your day trip includes three major stops: Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Secret Lagoon. Total journey time is about 7 hours and 15 minutes, including exploration and soaking time. This allows you to experience Iceland's most famous natural wonders without rushing.
Strokkur Geyser at Haukadalur Valley erupts approximately every 5-10 minutes, shooting water up to 100 feet in the air. Unlike the Great Geysir which is mostly dormant, Strokkur provides reliable viewing opportunities. Safe boardwalk paths allow you to explore bubbling pools and steam vents throughout the geothermal field. An on-site museum operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Yes, Gullfoss operates year-round, though winter visits require extra caution. The two-stage cascade becomes even more spectacular when ice structures form along the falls. Viewing platforms can become slippery in winter, making shoes with good traction essential. The lower platform may close in severe weather for safety. Sunny days create beautiful rainbows in the waterfall's mist.
The Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest public pool, dating to 1891, offering a more authentic and less commercial experience. The natural geothermal pool maintains temperatures between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. A small geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, adding to the atmosphere. The setting feels more intimate and traditional compared to larger, more developed thermal baths. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Winter transforms the Golden Circle into a magical frozen landscape. Ice formations enhance Gullfoss's beauty, while steam from geothermal areas contrasts dramatically with snow-covered surroundings. The Secret Lagoon becomes especially atmospheric when steam rises into cold air. Shorter daylight hours mean you might catch golden hour lighting at multiple stops. Winter also offers the possibility of Northern Lights after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesIcelandReykjavikReykjavik to the golden circle: Private day trip