Driving the Golden Circle in One Day: Stops and Timing

A practical hour-by-hour guide to Iceland's most popular day drive, with realistic stops, driving times, and where to stay before or after.

Start Early from Reykjavík

Leave Reykjavík by 7:30 AM to stay ahead of the coach tours. From downtown, take Route 1 north through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel (toll about 1,000 ISK) or the longer Route 47 around the fjord; the tunnel saves 45 minutes. Drive time to Þingvellir National Park is roughly 45 minutes. Park at the P1 lot near the visitor centre (parking fee around 750 ISK). Walk the Almannagjá gorge to Öxarárfoss waterfall, a 2.5 km round trip on a maintained path. The site opens at 9 AM; arriving then means fewer people in photos.

If you skip the tunnel, the scenic Route 47 adds an hour but passes waterfalls and less traffic. For most travellers, the tunnel is the better call. Fuel up in Mosfellsbær before leaving the capital area; stations are sparse once you turn onto Route 36. In winter (November–March), check road.is and vedur.is before departing. Studded tyres are not mandatory but rental cars usually come with them. Daylight is short: in December you get about four hours of usable light, so adjust your stops accordingly.

Geysir and Gullfoss: The Middle Stretch

From Þingvellir, continue on Route 36 to Route 35. The drive to Geysir takes about 50 minutes. Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, so no need to wait long. The Geysir Centre has clean toilets and a cafeteria; a bowl of lamb soup costs around 2,500 ISK. Skip the overpriced souvenir shops unless you need a postcard. Plan 45 minutes here. Then it's a 10-minute drive to Gullfoss waterfall. The upper parking lot gives the classic view; the lower path can be icy in winter. Gullfoss has a small café and gift shop. Allow 45 minutes.

This is the busiest section of the Golden Circle, with tour buses arriving from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you started early, you'll hit Geysir around 10:30 AM, just as crowds build. Consider reversing the loop: drive straight to Gullfoss first, then work back to Geysir and Þingvellir. That way you avoid the coach convoy. The weather can change fast; wind and rain are common even in July. Wear a waterproof shell and sturdy shoes. The trail to the lower Gullfoss viewpoint is often slippery; use the handrails.

The Crater and the Tomato Farm

From Gullfoss, head south on Route 35 to Kerið crater, about 30 minutes. Entry is 400 ISK per person; the car park is small, so if it's full, you can skip it. The crater lake is striking but not essential if you're short on time. Continue on Route 35 to Selfoss, then take Route 1 east to Hveragerði. The drive from Kerið to Hveragerði is about 40 minutes. In Hveragerði, the geothermal park behind the town has steaming vents and a warm river; it's a 3 km round-trip hike. Or stop at the tomato farm Friðheimar for lunch—reservations recommended. Their tomato soup and bread is around 2,900 ISK. This is a good break before the final leg.

From Hveragerði back to Reykjavík is a 45-minute drive on Route 1 through Hellisheiði mountain pass. In winter, this pass can close due to weather; check road conditions. If you have time, detour to the Blue Lagoon (20 minutes from Grindavík) but note that pre-booking is required and slots fill fast. Alternatively, skip the Blue Lagoon and visit the Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, which is closer to Reykjavík and often less crowded. Both are pricey; expect 8,000–12,000 ISK depending on package.

Where to Stay Before or After

Most travellers base themselves in Reykjavík, which has the widest range of hotels. For easy Golden Circle access, stay in the 101 downtown area or near the BSÍ bus terminal. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Holt or Fosshotel Reykjavík are comfortable and central. If you want to break up the drive, consider staying in Selfoss, 45 minutes from Reykjavík, with hotels such as Hotel Selfoss. It's a good base for exploring the south coast the next day. In Hveragerði, the Greenhouse Hotel is a modern option with a geothermal pool.

For a splurge, the Ion City Hotel in Reykjavík or the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon offer luxury, but you'll pay for it. Budget travellers can find guesthouses in Laugardalur or near the domestic airport. Book well in advance for June–August; rooms sell out. If you're doing the Golden Circle as a day trip, returning to Reykjavík is fine, but consider a night in Selfoss to avoid the evening drive back. That way you can start the next day fresh for Þórsmörk or the South Coast. Check our site for current availability and deals.

Questions, answered

How long does the Golden Circle take without stops?

The full loop from Reykjavík and back is about 300 km. Without stopping, driving time is around 3.5 to 4 hours. With stops, most people take 6 to 8 hours.

Can I drive the Golden Circle in winter?

Yes, but check road.is and vedur.is for closures. Daylight is limited (4–5 hours in December). A 4x4 is not required but recommended. Studded tyres are common on rentals.

What should I skip on the Golden Circle?

Kerið crater is skippable if you're short on time. The Blue Lagoon requires pre-booking and is out of the way. The tomato farm is nice but not essential. Focus on Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

← Iceland's page