Is the Blue Lagoon Worth It? My Honest Take

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it? It’s the question I get most about Iceland. It’s the most famous spot in the country, it’s not cheap, and plenty of people online call it a tourist trap. Here’s my honest take, from someone who went in August 2023 with my friends David and Gabby on Guide to Iceland’s 5-day summer package, plus the practical stuff I’d want to know before booking.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, including Guide to Iceland. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to things I’d book myself.

The short answer

For me, yes, especially on the day you land. It’s touristy and it isn’t cheap, but soaking in milky blue water in the middle of a lava field is a great way to start an Iceland trip. If you’re on a tight budget or want something more local, there are good alternatives, which I cover below.

My visit

The Blue Lagoon was our Day 1 on the package. We landed in the morning, took the bus to our hotel in Laugardalur, rested a bit, and in the afternoon took a bus out to the lagoon. It sits in a lava field near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about halfway between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík.

We spent a couple of hours soaking, putting on the silica mud mask and taking in the volcanic landscape around us. It was a truly relaxing way to shake off the flight. Afterwards we took the bus back to Reykjavík for dinner. You can read how the rest of the week went in my 5-day Iceland itinerary.

Blue Lagoon ticket tiers (approximate prices)

Prices below are approximate starting prices for 2026, per adult. The Blue Lagoon uses dynamic pricing, so your date and time slot may cost more. Always check current prices before you book.

• Comfort (from about ISK 11,990, roughly $85–$100): entry, sauna, steam bath and the colder lagoon, a silica mud mask, towel, locker, shower products and one non-alcoholic drink. This is the one most people need.
• Premium (from about ISK 14,990, roughly $110–$125): everything in Comfort plus a drink of your choice (alcoholic or not) at the in-water bar, two extra masks, a bathrobe and a small silica mask to take home.
• Signature (from about ISK 18,490, roughly $135–$150): Premium plus a second drink and a bigger take-home skincare set.

Transfers are extra unless you book a ticket that bundles them. The Retreat Spa is a separate, much pricier experience, not just a higher tier.

Book it: Blue Lagoon Comfort tickets with transfer options on Guide to Iceland

Booking ahead and timing

• Book ahead. You need a timed entry slot, and popular afternoon and summer slots sell out. Don’t plan on just showing up.
• Arrival or departure day. The lagoon is roughly 20 minutes from Keflavík airport (KEF) and about 45–50 minutes from Reykjavík, so it fits neatly on the day you land or the day you fly out. Transfer buses run between the airport, the lagoon and Reykjavík, and there’s luggage storage on site. Leave a good buffer before your flight.
• Time of day. Early morning and later evening slots are usually quieter and sometimes cheaper than midday.
• Check the status. The Reykjanes Peninsula has had repeated volcanic eruptions near Grindavík since late 2023, and the Blue Lagoon has closed temporarily several times. Check the lagoon’s website for the latest before you go.

Pros and cons

Pros

• The setting is genuinely unique: bright milky blue water surrounded by black lava.
• It’s easy logistically, right between the airport and the city.
• The silica mud mask and in-water bar make it feel like a treat.
• It’s a low-effort, relaxing start or end to a trip after a long flight.

Cons

• It’s expensive, especially once you add transfers and upgrades.
• It’s busy, and it doesn’t feel like a hidden local spot.
• You need to book a set time, so it’s less spontaneous.
• Volcanic activity nearby can cause sudden closures.

Alternatives to the Blue Lagoon

I haven’t been to these myself, so here’s just the factual rundown to help you compare. Check each one’s current prices and opening hours.

Sky Lagoon

In Kópavogur, a short drive from downtown Reykjavík. It has an oceanside infinity-edge lagoon and a multi-step sauna and cold-plunge “ritual”. A good pick if you don’t want to leave the city.

Hvammsvík Hot Springs

In Hvalfjörður, roughly an hour from Reykjavík. Several smaller natural-style pools right on the shoreline, some affected by the tide. Quieter and more scenic, but further out.

Secret Lagoon

In Flúðir, an easy add-on to a Golden Circle day. A simple, older natural hot spring pool, generally cheaper and more low-key. You can also see Golden Circle tours on Guide to Iceland; some include a soak.

What to bring

• A swimsuit (you can rent one, but it’s easier to bring your own).
• Flip-flops, if you don’t have the Premium bathrobe and slippers.
• Conditioner, or leave it in, and try to keep your hair out of the water. The silica and minerals can leave long hair dry and stiff for a few days.
• Take off silver and other jewelry. The minerals can tarnish it.
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos in the water.
• Know the rule: in Iceland you shower without a swimsuit before getting in. It’s normal and expected.

Final thoughts: is the Blue Lagoon worth it?

Yes, if you plan it right. Book the Comfort ticket for the afternoon you land or the day you fly out, give yourself a couple of hours, and treat it as a relaxing bookend to the trip rather than the highlight. If the price or the crowds put you off, Sky Lagoon is the easy city alternative, and Secret Lagoon pairs well with the Golden Circle. For our trip, starting at the Blue Lagoon was exactly right, and I’d do it again.

Book it: See Blue Lagoon tickets

FAQ

How long should I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

We spent a couple of hours, which felt right. Add travel time on each side, plus a buffer if you’re heading to the airport.

Which ticket should I get?

Comfort covers the essentials, including the mud mask and a drink. Only go for Premium or Signature if you really want the robe, extra masks or alcoholic drinks.

Can I go straight from the airport?

Yes. It’s close to Keflavík, there are transfer buses from the airport, and you can store luggage there. Book your slot with enough time for your flight to land late.

Is it open right now?

Usually, but nearby eruptions have caused temporary closures since late 2023. Check the official site before you travel and again the day before.

Is Sky Lagoon better?

It’s different. It’s closer to Reykjavík and built around a sauna ritual, while the Blue Lagoon is the classic lava-field experience. I’ve only been to the Blue Lagoon, so I can’t compare them first-hand.