Are you the kind of traveler who likes to wing it when it comes to tours and activities, waiting to see how the mood takes you? Or are you the polar opposite: someone who prefers to map out their itinerary on a spreadsheet in meticulous detail? Whichever sounds most like you, if you find yourself with an unexpected free day during your Iceland trip – sometimes, even the best laid vacation plans have to be junked – don’t waste it. If you’ve just landed in Reykjavik, start here: in this article we’ll demonstrate that even last minute trips to Iceland can be as rewarding as any curated tour.

Is it possible to take a last minute tour in Iceland during summer?

The answer to this – a resounding yes – might surprise you, but even in peak season you can usually pull off the itinerary you planned even if you do so at the last minute. There are exceptions to this, namely where special events are taking place. For instance, late bookers should avoid the west of Iceland including the Snæfellsnes peninsula around August 12 2026 because of the highly anticipated solar eclipse; the Westman Islands while the Þjóðhátíð festival is taking place (annually, each August) is also booked out well in advance.

However, in normal circumstances you shouldn’t have a problem getting booked onto Gray Line tours, finding a place to stay or getting around. There are plenty of eateries where it’s not necessary to reserve a table – not least in the capital’s characterful food halls – and many of the most popular visitor attractions can be visited 24/7 as they’re outdoors and free. For more on how to pull off a peak season trip check out our Iceland in summer travel guide.

Top rated guided tours for short notice trips

Once you’ve sorted transport, pinned down a place to stay and identified where you can find last minute tour offers, it’s time to figure out where exactly you want to do your sightseeing to get a taste of Icelandic scenery and experience the country’s natural beauty. We’d recommend you base yourself in Reykjavik so that you can head out in a different direction each day. Is it possible to reserve a place on any last minute tours in Iceland? Absolutely yes – here’s what we recommend you do.

The Golden Circle

If you only take one guided sightseeing trip while you’re in Iceland, make it Gray Line’s Golden Circle Direct tour. This perennially popular excursion combines three captivating spots: culturally and geologically-rich Þingvellir National Park, the spectacularly active Geysir Geothermal Area featuring Strokkur geyser and the thunderous Gullfoss waterfall. Each has the wow factor – though in very different ways – and by the time you return to Reykjavik you’ll have had an overview of how fire and ice have shaped the country’s remarkable landscapes.

The South Coast

Equally striking is Iceland’s fabulous coastline, which we showcase with our South Coast Wonders tour as we make our way east along the country’s ring road. This region boasts dazzling waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and magnificent black sand beaches such as Reynisfjara. The glaciers you pass will make a lasting impression whether you view them from the road or book an activity that gets you up onto the surface of the ice. Focus on the largest as you visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach where bobbing and beached icebergs create a jaw-dropping sight.

Iceland’s geothermal lagoons

Iceland is well-known for its geothermal activity and many parts of the country are littered with hot springs. Many are within easy reach of Reykjavik, so it’s easy to find a last minute tour from the capital that combines sightseeing with a leisurely soak. Consider our Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour, which combines a memorable day’s sightseeing with the chance to relax in one of Iceland’s oldest and most historic pools – a marked contrast to the famous Blue Lagoon.

Can last minute trips to Iceland be achieved on a budget?

 If you’re traveling on a tight budget, then so long as affordable airfares are still available for your proposed dates, coming at short notice can actually be beneficial. Though you can organize a flexible Iceland road trip itinerary, if you really have come at short notice then it’s a good idea to base yourself in Reykjavik.

Being in the capital will cut airport transfer costs compared to potential alternatives within the Golden Circle or on the south coast which are further away from Keflavik. It also helps to have a wider selection of places to stay – the cheaper guesthouses and cabins sell out more quickly in the countryside – and multiple tour pickup points within the city. Our Iceland on a budget guide is packed with useful tips but for now let’s focus on accommodation and tours.

How to find a cheap place to stay

Iceland is expensive, but even in summer you’ll usually find a reasonable selection of available dorm beds and guesthouse rooms at prices which don’t break the bank. That’s especially the case in Reykjavik, where you’ll find the highest concentration of accommodation providers. It’s one of the topics we cover in our Iceland on a budget guide.

To get more bang for your buck, it pays to be as flexible as possible over location. With FlyBus drop offs, capital-wide tour pickups and city bus stops littered across the capital, basing yourself outside downtown doesn’t have to be inconvenient. Another tip is to look for properties offering shared bathrooms as these kind of rooms are often far cheaper than those with en-suite facilities.

Where to source discounted tours

The majority of tours in Iceland pick up in Reykjavik too, which means you’re well-placed to take advantage of last minute deals. At Gray Line, we have a dedicated page on our website that showcases what’s available for your dates. Whether you’re hoping to tour the Golden Circle or venture along Iceland’s beautiful south coast, there’s likely to be places left on one of our excursions.

Last minute bookers will also be able to take advantage of a discount as a reward for taking a risk on availability. Typically, such offers are available to on-the-day bookers but the prices of tours departing over the next two or even three days can also be reduced. It’s well worth browsing availability, even in peak season, particularly if you’re keen to visit Iceland’s must-sees.

You’ll often see tours with 15% or even 20% knocked off the price, which soon adds up to some healthy savings. Up for a day of sightseeing along the Golden Circle or the South Coast? In the mood for a leisurely soak in a geothermal lagoon or a thrilling ride across a glacier on a snowmobile? Then it’s definitely worth checking to see what discounted activities are possible on the days you need to fill.

What about hidden gems?

Last minute discounted tours tend to focus on the most popular destinations, but with a bit of thought, you can adapt the itineraries to accommodate some of Iceland’s hidden gems. For instance, when your South Coast Wonders tour calls in at Seljalandsfoss, you’re only a few hundred meters away from tucked-away Gljúfrabúi waterfall.

On the Golden Circle tour, use the time you’ve stopped at Þingvellir National Park to hike down to Öxarárfoss rather than in the closest part of the Almannagjá gorge to the parking lot or at the Lögberg. Teaming your Golden Circle sightseeing with one of Iceland’s underrated geothermal baths such as the recently-opened Laugarás Lagoon instead of well-known attractions like Blue Lagoon will also give your trip the hidden gem vibe you’re hoping for.

There are also a slew of overlooked attractions in and around Reykjavik which you can tick off in between forays into the countryside. These places are well worth checking out: the collection of historic buildings at Árbær Open Air Museum, the birdlife-rich Seltjarnarnes peninsula (overlooked by day though a popular spot for viewing the Northern Lights) and bucolic Heiðmörk Nature Reserve with its lava formations and woodland trails.

What to pack for your last minute trip to Iceland

 Even if you’re heading over to Iceland sooner than perhaps anticipated, spur of the moment bookers still need to be prepared for local conditions. Bringing the right gear for the right season can make all the difference, though it’s also possible to rent items once you get here – even at the BSI bus terminal.

Summer packing tips

In summer, temperatures are mild but rarely warm. You’ll often need a jacket and it’s a good idea to bring one that’s both waterproof and windproof, just in case. Whether you also throw in a pair of waterproof pants to keep your legs dry depends a lot on how the forecast is looking in the run up to your trip.

Pack layers: base layers will keep you warm if you’re outdoors and it’s windy or rainy, while a thin fleece or sweater is ideal for pulling on or off depending on how the temperatures change. Bring a mix of long and short sleeved tees and tops so that you can prepare for any kind of weather.

Summer visitors on last minute trips to Iceland are likely to spend extended periods of time outside, so bring a decent pair of hiking boots – and make sure they’re already broken in before you board your flight. Don’t bother with an umbrella which will be useless if it’s windy, but be sure to pack at least one swimsuit for those deliciously relaxing geothermal lagoon soaks.

What about winter?

In winter, you may need to bring a bigger bag for your Icelandic adventure, as the variations in weather can be more extreme. Begin with the summer packing list – even the short sleeves. Inside, where the heating is set to high, you’ll be glad of a lightweight top while you’re hanging out in your hotel or guesthouse. The geothermal lagoons are arguably even better in winter when luxuriating in warm water is even more of a treat than it is in summer.

Outside requires a little more thought, especially if it’s icy. Even in Reykjavik, the sidewalks can quickly become slick, and without the right gear, they can be treacherous. So invest in a pair of crampons that you can pull over the soles of your shoes; tuck them in your day pack on days they’re not needed.

During the colder months, give a bit of extra thought to your extremities. A closely-fitted hat is a must; most locals and visitors rock a beanie or bobble hat. Buy one in Iceland and it’ll be the most useful souvenir you’ll take home. A scarf or snood, thick woolen socks and gloves or mittens are also worth their weight in gold. If you’re hoping to head out at night on a Northern Lights tour, you’ll be standing around in the cold for several hours so the right gear is essential.

What not to bring

Regardless of when you come to Iceland, there are certain items that will be a waste of space in your bag. There’s no need, for example, to bring your own bathroom supplies, so leave the toilet paper and toiletries back at home. If there’s anything specific you need, you can always pop into a nearby Bónus or Krónan supermarket and pick it up there.

Specialist activity providers will issue relevant items such as crampons, ice axes, lifejackets and helmets on the day, so there’s no need to bring those. If you’ve booked to go winter whale watching, take a glacier snowmobiling tour or lagoon boat trip, you’ll be offered heavy-duty overalls that pull over your own clothes.

To sum up, if you decide to visit Iceland on a whim, you won’t regret your spur of the moment decision. Even in summer, Gray Line’s last minute deals on Iceland tours enable you to see some of the country’s most extraordinary places at a discounted price. Which will you book during your last minute trip to Iceland?

To Sum Up...

Pulling off a successful trip to Iceland doesn’t have to involve months of planning. If you’re considering a last minute trip, Gray Line’s extensive range of Iceland tours will help you explore easily and in comfort – and you might even find a discounted deal or two.