Make the most of your Keflavik Airport transfer with a Blue Lagoon stop

One of the most attractive options for travelers flying in or out of Keflavik Airport is the chance to visit one of Iceland’s most iconic visitor attractions: the Blue Lagoon. Due to its location, it’s a popular stop en route, and by signing up to just a small detour, you can make the journey a memorable – and pretty unique – one. Here’s how to make the most of your journey between Keflavik Airport and downtown Reykjavik with a Blue Lagoon transfer.

What’s so special about geothermal baths in Iceland?

Geothermal baths have long been an integral part of Icelandic culture. The tradition of going to the pool for a social soak is a huge part of everyday life and can be traced back to the early days of settlement in the country. We know from the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), for instance, that Snorri Sturluson, a lawspeaker at the Althing, had his own pool at Reykholt in the twelfth century. Today you can’t bathe there but there are numerous other spots where you can, including the Blue Lagoon.

Though back in the old days these pools would have been used mostly for washing clothes and bathing, the deep-seated love of meeting up for a chat and to unwind has never been shaken off. And while you might think that touristy spots such as the Blue Lagoon are reserved only for visitors, you’ll also find that locals aren’t averse to heading there for a dip either.

The Blue Lagoon was serendipitous yet unexpected

In fact, when the Blue Lagoon opened more than thirty years ago, it was a hit with the local community. Engineers working at the nearby geothermal power plant hadn’t expected a pool of waste water to form, trapped by silica deposits which prevented it from draining away. The place was soon developed as a business and has gone from strength to strength over the years.

One thing never changed, however: the lure of the warm geothermal water with its potentially health-enhancing properties. It’s worth the entrance fee just to experience the extraordinary setting, where milky blue water contrasts in striking fashion to the charcoal black of the basalt lava which surrounds it. The steam that comes off the water as it meets the chillier air above mirrors that which rises from the power plant, proving that industry and leisure can be photogenic bedfellows.

Why does Iceland have so many geothermal pools?

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool but it isn’t the only one. There are many of these spas and baths all over the country; there’s even a geothermal beach and a geothermal river. The reason can be explained by geography: it is due to Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart.

Where that happens, heat from molten rock beneath the earth’s crust is able to warm underground water. This water then finds its way towards the surface through fissures in the rock and often appears as hot springs. In the case of the Blue Lagoon, before the hot water finds its way into the pool, it emerges from a vent in the ground at the geothermal power plant at Svartsengi and is used to run the turbines that generate electricity.

How to spend a few hours at the Blue Lagoon

While you might easily spend a day (or more if you stay) at the Blue Lagoon, it’s possible to experience it in just a few hours. Even easing yourself into the warm water is a wonderful feeling. The water soothes any muscular aches – ideal if you’ve overdone it a bit on a long hike or if you’ve spent too many hours in the cramped seat of a plane. Swim over to the bar and grab a cocktail, juice, glass of wine or a cold beer and make a toast to Iceland. 

One of the Blue Lagoon’s signature experiences is the mineral masks you are encouraged to try. Even those on the most basic package get a tub of white silica mud to use; spread it over your face, shoulders and arms and let it work its magic. As you wash off the mask, your skin should feel purified and cleansed.

There are three other masks that you can try; they are the algae mask, mineral mask and lava mask. Together they exfoliate, nourish and brighten the skin. If you upgrade to premium admission, your ticket includes three of these masks. Regardless, it’s possible to purchase additional masks and treatments during your visit. You might even want to buy some to take home – they make a great souvenir if you’d like to treat yourself.

Is it convenient to make this a pitstop?

You might be wondering about the logistics of visiting a spa midway through a transfer to or from the airport. In fact, there are no issues, even if you have all your baggage with you, as those that run the spa have thought things through already. All Blue Lagoon guests can store their suitcases in one of the capacious lockers at the spa. There’s also a smaller locker within the changing room for the clothes you’re wearing plus any other personal items, so you can stow these safely away before heading out into the lagoon itself.

Afterwards, you’ll be able to shower using the Blue Lagoon’s luxury products. The entry fee includes the use of a towel, so there are no worries about having to deal with a damp one when you reboard the Gray Line bus. There are also hairdryers so that you can blow-dry your hair ready to continue on your journey. Everything is designed for your comfort and convenience – this really is the place to come if you’re in need of luxury and a little pampering.

Has the ongoing eruption impacted the Blue Lagoon?

The latest phase of the volcanic activity that kicked off at Fagradalsfjall in 2021 has moved closer to Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon. In February 2024, the road that leads to the Blue Lagoon was breached by a lava flow. However, a new road was constructed within days and access was once again possible.

The Icelandic authorities are monitoring the area very carefully and any seismic or volcanic activity is tracked in meticulous detail. It’s a dynamic situation and they act with an abundance of caution. from time to time the Blue Lagoon has been closed temporarily while the situation is investigated and to ensure no one finds themselves in an unsafe area. Therefore, this means that when it is open, you can be confident that there is little risk to your safety and you can enjoy the unforgettable Blue Lagoon experience as so many visitors to Iceland have done before you.

Visit the Blue Lagoon with Gray Line

At Gray Line, we are aware that there’s always a demand for quintessentially Icelandic experiences and alongside our popular Blue Lagoon tours, we wanted to offer a transport-only Blue Lagoon transfer. It’s convenient for customers already travelling to or from the country’s main international airport as well as for those based in Reykjavik. Why not break your journey and begin or end your Iceland adventure at this incredible place?