Reykjavik: Lava Field Buggy Adventure

The striking part of this trip is how quickly Reykjavik gives way to black lava fields and steaming geothermal ground. You ride toward the Hellisheiði area, where the raw volcanic setting feels far removed from the city, then climb toward a viewpoint over Reykjavik.

I like the two-hour driving time, which gives you more than a quick spin around a parking area. I also like the practical setup: pickup, helmets, gloves, overalls, masks, rain gear when needed, a guide, and coffee at basecamp are included. The main catch is the price, $305 per person, and you need to share a buggy unless you pay for the single-rider option.

Key points to know before you book

• Lava fields and geothermal scenery: Ride through the Hveradalir Geothermal Area near Hellisheiði, with steam and volcanic ground as the backdrop.
• Two people per buggy: You sit side by side with a partner, though a single-rider option is available.
• Two hours behind the wheel: The full outing lasts up to 3.5 hours with transport, but the actual buggy ride lasts two hours.
• Reykjavik pickup included: Choose from many hotels, bus stops, and the Skarfabakki cruise terminal.
• Drivers need a license: Drivers must be at least 17 and carry a valid driver license. Passengers can be as young as six.
• Good guide support: Paula and Marco are among the guides who have led recent tours, with strong marks for helpfulness and friendliness.

From Reykjavik hotels to the volcanic hills

Safari Quads offers pickup from a long list of Reykjavik locations. These include Hótel Ísland, Bus Hostel Reykjavik, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura, Grand Hótel Reykjavík, and several central bus stops.

Pickup begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. If your ride starts at 9:30, for example, expect collection at 9:00. That early pickup matters if you have a tight morning plan, so do not treat the advertised start time as the moment you leave your hotel.

You can also meet at the Safari Quads basecamp if you arrange it with the operator. For cruise passengers, pickup at Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal makes this easier to fit into a port day, but allow enough time for the round trip and your ship’s departure schedule.

The drive out of Reykjavik is part of the setting change. You leave the urban streets behind and head toward the Blue Mountains and Hellisheiði. This is not a city sightseeing ride with a few quick photo stops. The point is to reach rougher ground and spend serious time driving there.

The 30-minute safety briefing

At the basecamp, you receive a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes. This is useful, not filler. A buggy has four wheels and feels stable, but the trails still require attention, especially when the surface turns rough or uneven.

You receive the riding gear here as well. The package includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if conditions call for it. You need to bring comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing, but shoes are not provided. Wear footwear that can handle dirt, moisture, and a firm grip on the pedals.

Every driver must show a valid driver license and be at least 17. Passengers need to be at least six years old. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should not book this activity. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

The operator gives a maximum weight of 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per person for a shared or single rider. If two people share, ask the operator how the limit applies to your booking before you go.

Two hours through Hveradalir and the lava fields

The main ride takes place in the Hveradalir Geothermal Area near Hellisheiði. The name points to a valley area shaped by Iceland’s volcanic forces, and the setting gives you a clear look at why Iceland feels so different from most European destinations.

You ride across lava fields, mountain tracks, and rough off-road trails rather than staying on a normal paved route. The buggy lets you cover more ground than a walking tour, while still keeping you close to the rock, steam, and open sky.

The scenery is the real reason to choose this trip. Iceland’s lava is not simply a dark field of stones. It records past eruptions in jagged folds and uneven surfaces, with mountain forms and geothermal activity adding contrast. On clear days, steam rising near the power plant can reach impressive heights. The sight has a dramatic, almost film-set quality.

Conditions matter. Cloud, rain, wind, and visibility can change how much of the mountain view you see. The operator promises sightseeing over the Blue Mountains, but no outdoor tour can promise clear skies. The buggy ride still works in unsettled weather, yet you should expect a more rugged and less polished outing than a coach tour.

One useful point from the tour feedback is that the route can feel more like gravel road than nonstop trail. If your dream is a technical off-road course with constant bumps, ask about current route conditions. The experience mixes gravel surfaces with off-road tracks, and the balance can vary.

Reykjavik Peak and the city view

The ride builds toward Reykjavik Peak, where you can look back toward Reykjavik City. This is one of the trip’s best contrasts: black volcanic ground and mountain air in the foreground, then the spread of Iceland’s capital in the distance.

Do not expect a high alpine summit expedition. This is a guided buggy outing, not a serious mountain climb. The value comes from seeing the city from a less common angle and linking that view to the volcanic area around it.

I like this kind of ending because it gives the ride a clear visual payoff. You start with streets and hotels, pass into the Blue Mountains, cross volcanic terrain, and finish with Reykjavik laid out below. It helps you understand the city’s setting instead of seeing it as an isolated urban stop.

The guides also shape the pace. Paula has been praised for taking time with her group, while Marco has been singled out as an excellent guide. Guide assignments can change, but the activity is designed around a professional English-speaking guide who leads the route and helps you handle the vehicles safely.

Sharing a buggy or riding alone

All buggies fit two people. The standard setup places you side by side with a friend, partner, or family member. This makes the ride social, and you can share the excitement without paying for two separate vehicles.

The drawback is simple: you do not control the buggy for the entire ride if you share. The tour information does not specify a driver swap policy, so ask before departure if both people want time at the wheel. If you want your own buggy, choose the single-rider option.

Odd-numbered groups need extra care. If your party has one, three, or five participants, one person must be booked as a single rider. Otherwise, the two-person vehicle arrangement will not work cleanly.

For a couple or two friends, the shared format is likely the best value. For a solo participant who wants full control, or a group with mixed driving preferences, the single-rider cost may be worth considering. At $305 per person, though, you should decide this before booking rather than sorting it out at basecamp.

What the $305 price really covers

At $305 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. You are paying for a motorized off-road activity, not just transport to a viewpoint.

The price includes pickup and return transport by Safari Quads, the two-hour buggy ride, a professional guide, all listed safety gear, Blue Mountain sightseeing, the drive toward the geothermal area, and coffee at basecamp. Food is not included, and shoes are not included.

The value is strongest if you want an active way to see volcanic Iceland and would otherwise need to arrange transport, equipment, and a separate excursion. It is weaker if you mainly want broad views and photographs. A conventional sightseeing trip will likely be less physical and may cover more standard viewpoints for the money.

I would also compare this cost with your total Iceland activity budget. The ride is best treated as your main adventure for the half-day, not as a small extra between other expensive excursions. The full time commitment is about 3.5 hours with transport, so you still have part of the day available for Reykjavik.

The high rating, 4.9 from 23 ratings, fits the basic strengths of the trip: friendly guides, safe equipment, strong scenery, and a proper amount of driving time. Still, the gravel-road comment is worth keeping in mind. This is an adventurous sightseeing tour, not a purpose-built racing experience.

Gear, weather, and comfort

Iceland’s weather can change fast, and an open-air buggy ride puts you directly in it. The operator supplies overalls, gloves, a helmet, a ski mask, and rain gear when needed. That removes much of the worry about getting muddy or wet.

You still need to dress for the outdoors. Bring comfortable shoes and layers. Since shoes are not supplied, do not arrive in delicate city footwear. The supplied clothing protects you from much of the weather, but it does not turn a cold, windy day into a warm one.

The equipment is described as new and well maintained, with safety features built in. That matters for first-time buggy drivers. You can focus on steering and the route instead of wondering if the vehicle is suitable for rough ground.

Coffee at basecamp is a small but welcome touch. There is no included meal, so eat before pickup if you tend to get hungry during active outings. The tour does not list lunch or snacks.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for an adult or older teenager who wants to drive through volcanic scenery rather than only photograph it. Couples, friends, and families with children six and older can share a buggy, provided the driver meets the age and license rules.

It suits you if you like outdoor activity, mountain views, and a bit of mud or rough ground. You do not need to be an expert off-road driver, since the guide leads the group and the briefing comes first.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet nature outing, have limited mobility, are pregnant, or dislike motorized activities. Wheelchair users cannot take part, and passengers must be comfortable sitting in a buggy over uneven ground.

It may also disappoint you if your main goal is a long technical trail ride. The route includes gravel road, and the exact mix of trail and road can vary. Ask the provider about current conditions if the driving itself matters more to you than the geothermal and city views.

Timing, drop-off, and planning your day

The tour lasts from two to 3.5 hours depending on transport and departure details. The important number is two hours of buggy driving. The remaining time covers pickup, the safety briefing, the drive to the riding area, and return transport.

Return service is available to the same broad set of locations, including central bus stops, hotels, Safari Quads, and Skarfabakki cruise terminal. This makes the activity fairly easy to place into a Reykjavik schedule.

I would avoid booking it immediately before another fixed-time activity unless you leave a generous buffer. Weather and road conditions are outside your control, and pickup adds another layer to the timing.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your money free until closer to the trip. Those terms help if your Iceland plan is still changing. Check the available departure times before building the rest of your day around it.

Should you book the lava field buggy ride?

Book it if you want a guided, active way to reach Iceland’s volcanic and geothermal scenery, and you like the idea of sharing a vehicle with a companion. The combination of new buggies, included gear, two hours of driving, Blue Mountain views, steam near the power plant, and a look over Reykjavik makes this more than a quick amusement ride.

I would hesitate only if $305 feels high for a half-day activity, or if you want nonstop technical trail driving. Ask about the current route, confirm the single-rider cost if needed, and wear sturdy outdoor shoes.

For most people who want adventure without giving up guide support and transport, this is a strong Reykjavik-area choice. The best reason to book is not speed. It is the chance to connect the city, the mountains, the lava fields, and the geothermal ground in one active outing.

FAQ

How long does the buggy activity take?

The full tour takes about 3.5 hours with transportation. The actual buggy driving lasts two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $305 per person.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by Safari Quads are included, with many Reykjavik hotels, bus stops, and the Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal available.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. Shoes are not included.

Do I need a driver license?

Yes. Every driver must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver license.

How old must passengers be?

Non-driving passengers must be at least six years old.

Can I ride alone in a buggy?

Yes. All buggies fit two people, but a single-rider option is available. An odd-numbered group requires one person to book as a single rider.

What should I bring?

Bring a driver license if you will drive, comfortable shoes, and outdoor clothing.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.