Reykjavik: Lava Field Buggy Adventure

The appeal here is the change of pace: leave Reykjavik by van, then trade city streets for a buggy ride through Iceland’s lava fields and geothermal country. I like two things in particular: you can share the driving experience side by side with a companion, and the route pairs rough-terrain driving with broad views toward Reykjavik and the Blue Mountains.

One point to weigh is the ride itself. The terrain is off-road, but one participant wanted less gravel and more trail, so don’t book expecting a nonstop technical track. At $305 per person, it makes most sense if you want the buggy driving as much as the scenery.

At a Glance

• Two hours behind the wheel: The guided buggy portion lasts two hours, within a total trip of roughly 3.5 hours with transport.
• A geothermal stop: The route goes to the Hellisheiði area, where steam from the power plant can rise high on clear days.
• A view from above: Sightseeing includes the Blue Mountains and a panoramic view toward Reykjavik from Reykjavik Peak.
• Two seats per buggy: You can ride with a companion, but an odd-numbered party needs to book one person as a single rider.
• Safety gear is supplied: Expect a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and raingear if needed. Bring your own shoes.
• Good guide feedback: Guides including Paula and Marco have been singled out for being helpful, friendly and attentive.

From Reykjavik Pickup to the Buggy Base

The tour begins with pickup from a range of Reykjavik hotels and designated bus stops, as well as the Skarfabakki cruise terminal. Pickup starts 30 minutes before the stated departure time, so a 9:30 start, for example, means pickup begins at 9:00. Check your assigned pickup details rather than assuming the vehicle arrives at the exact tour start time.

The drive out is part of the outing, not just a way to reach the buggies. The tour heads toward the geothermal area at Hellisheiði, with sightseeing over the Blue Mountains along the way. That transition from the city to open country helps make this a useful choice if you want a half-day activity that combines transport, scenery and time on the controls.

At the base, you get a 30-minute safety briefing before setting off. This is a meaningful part of the schedule: the tour includes off-road driving, and you’ll want to understand the buggy and the guide’s instructions before the engine starts. The provider supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask and raingear if needed.

Shoes are not included, so wear comfortable footwear suitable for outdoor use. The tour also advises bringing outdoor clothing. Iceland’s weather can change, and having layers you can adjust is more useful than relying on the supplied protective gear to do everything.

Two Hours on the Lava-Field Route

The driving portion lasts two hours and is led by a professional guide. You follow a guided route rather than setting off independently, which lets the group explore the area while keeping the ride organized. The tour is designed to mix the thrill of handling a buggy with stops and views that give you a reason to look beyond the track.

The lava fields are the visual heart of the outing. Their rough, dark forms show the volcanic character of this part of Iceland, and riding through them gives you a closer encounter than a quick roadside photo stop. The exact feel of the route matters, though: it includes gravel, and the ride may be less trail-heavy than some off-road fans expect.

The geothermal area adds a different kind of spectacle. The route approaches a power plant, where steam can rise impressively on clear days. That sight gives the tour a sharp contrast: ancient volcanic ground under the wheels, with modern geothermal energy at work nearby.

The tour also includes sightseeing over the Blue Mountains and a visit to Reykjavik Peak, where the city opens up below you. It’s a welcome pause from focusing on the track and the buggy. If you’re choosing this for scenery as well as speed, the high viewpoint is an important part of the appeal.

The route and conditions can shape how much you notice from the seat. You’re there to drive, so this is not the same as a quiet sightseeing bus with long stops for photos. Still, the mix of lava, geothermal steam and city views gives the outing more variety than a ride focused only on the vehicle.

Sharing the Buggy, and Choosing a Single Ride

Each buggy fits two people. If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, sharing means you can experience the route together, rather than splitting up into separate vehicles. The supplied details describe the buggy as a shared ride, but there is also a single-rider option for people who want their own vehicle.

Party size needs a little attention when you book. If your group has an odd number of people, such as three or five, one person must be booked as a single rider. That affects the cost and planning, so sort it out before checkout rather than expecting the group to be paired up on arrival.

Drivers must be at least 17 and hold a valid driver’s license. Passengers must be at least six years old, and the stated weight limit is 220 kilograms per person, whether riding alone or sharing a buggy. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

A driver’s license is not an optional detail. Bring it with you, as the tour requires all drivers to have a valid one. If you’re booking for a mixed-age group, make sure the person planning to drive meets the age and license rules, while younger participants ride as passengers.

Guides, Gear and the Feel of the Ride

A good guide can make a driving tour feel less like a convoy and more like an outing with a purpose. The tour has received strong praise for its guides: Paula was described as patient and attentive, while Marco was praised for being helpful. Guide assignments can vary, but the emphasis on a professional guide is reassuring for a route that combines driving and sightseeing.

The equipment also matters to the value. A helmet, gloves, overalls and ski mask are included, with raingear available if needed. You don’t have to bring your own protective kit, but comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing remain your responsibility.

The buggies are described as new and well maintained, with safety features. That doesn’t make the ride gentle: you’re still driving off-road, and the appeal includes the bumps and engine noise. If you want a smooth, quiet way to see the countryside, this is the wrong vehicle for the job.

The tour ends with coffee at basecamp before transport back to Reykjavik. It’s a simple but welcome finish after two hours of driving. Drop-offs are available at the same general set of hotels, bus stops and cruise terminal as pickup, so check that your return point works for your plans.

Is $305 Worth It?

At $305 per person, this is a premium-priced activity, and the value depends on what you want from your day. The fee covers pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, the two-hour buggy outing, protective gear, sightseeing over the Blue Mountains, the geothermal-area drive and coffee at basecamp. You’re paying for both the vehicle time and the logistics of getting out of the city.

For someone eager to drive, the two hours behind the wheel are the main reason to book. The added scenery gives the tour more range than a simple vehicle session, but the price is harder to justify if you mainly want panoramic views. In that case, a less expensive sightseeing option may suit you better.

The value also depends on how you ride. A shared buggy gives two people a way to take part together, while a single-rider booking may be the right choice for an odd-numbered group or someone who wants their own vehicle. Check the single-rider option and total cost before committing.

Coffee and supplied gear are practical inclusions, but food is not included. Plan to eat before or after the tour, especially if you’re fitting it around other activities. The full outing takes about 3.5 hours with transport, though the advertised duration can vary from two to 3.5 hours depending on the schedule.

Who Should Book This Tour?

I’d put this near the top of the list for an active visitor who wants to drive, get out of Reykjavik and see volcanic terrain without planning their own transport. It’s also a good fit for two people who like the idea of sharing a buggy and swapping the experience side by side.

It suits families with an eligible child passenger, since passengers can be as young as six, provided the adult driver is at least 17 and licensed. The minimum age does not make it a ride for every child, though: consider whether your child is comfortable with a bumpy outdoor drive and protective gear.

Skip it if you’re pregnant, use a wheelchair, dislike rough-road driving or mainly want a calm nature tour. And if your idea of off-road driving means narrow, technical trails, keep expectations in check: gravel is part of the ride.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible. Those terms help if plans are still taking shape, but they don’t change the key decision: book for the buggy time, not just for the view.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The total trip takes about 3.5 hours with transportation. The guided buggy driving lasts two hours, and the safety briefing takes 30 minutes.

Where does the tour go?

The route goes to the geothermal area at Hellisheiði and includes lava fields, sightseeing over the Blue Mountains and a view from Reykjavik Peak.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by Safari Quads are included. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the departure time.

What gear is provided?

The tour supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and raingear if needed. Shoes are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive, along with comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing.

How old must a driver be?

Drivers must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Passengers must be at least six years old.

Can two people share a buggy?

Yes. Each buggy fits two people. A single-rider option is available, and an odd-numbered party must book one person as a single rider.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users.

What is included in the $305 price?

The price is $305 per person. It includes pickup and drop-off, a two-hour buggy adventure, a professional guide, protective gear, sightseeing over the Blue Mountains, the drive to the Hellisheiði geothermal area and coffee at basecamp. Food and shoes are not included.

Should You Book?

Book this if you want a substantial dose of off-road driving, plus geothermal scenery and a high view toward Reykjavik. The guides and included gear help make the outing straightforward, while the two-hour ride gives you real time in the buggy. If you’d rather take an easy scenic trip, or want technical trails with very little gravel, spend your money elsewhere.