If you are planning a trip to Iceland, there is a huge probability you want to visit the Blue Lagoon, or at least you are questioning if it is worth visiting. So in this post, we took a different approach; instead of just sharing our experience, we searched on Google, Facebook, and other platforms for the most asked question about the Blue Lagoon, and we compiled the answer to some of them in one post. At the end of the post, we also include some alternatives to the Blue Lagoon, including budget-friendly free hot springs in Iceland.

Twenty of the most asked questions about Blue Lagoon Iceland hot springs
- What is the Blue Lagoon?
- Where is the Blue Lagoon?
- How to go to the Blue Lagoon from KEF airport?
- How to go to the KEF airport from the Blue Lagoon?
- How to go to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik?
- How to go to Reykjavik from the Blue Lagoon?
- How much cost the Blue Lagoon?
- How to book the Blue Lagoon?
- When is the Blue Lagoon open?
- Does the Blue Lagoon have lockers?
- What to wear in the Blue Lagoon?
- What to bring to the Blue Lagoon?
- What to do at the Blue Lagoon?
- What is the temperature of the Blue Lagoon?
- Is it natural the Blue Lagoon?
- How deep is the Blue Lagoon?
- How to protect your hair at the Blue Lagoon?
- Where to stay to visit the Blue Lagoon?
- Are there other hot springs in Iceland?
- Is it worth to visit the Blue Lagoon?
*All the prices in this post are from September 2021
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1. What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is the most popular spa in Iceland. It owes its name to the milky-blue water as a result of the way silica reflects the light. Silica is the most abundant element in the water.
The lagoon is formed due to the geothermal seawater pumped out from the geothermal plant Svartsengito to the nearby lava field after heating fresh water for domestic use. The silica from the water separated after the cooldown, forming a mud layer in the lava that stopped the water seeping through, creating the lagoon.
The lagoon was used for the first time for a man suffering from psoriasis to relieve his skin. After the positive effect on his skin, a public bathing facility was opened in 1987 for people with similar skin problems. It didn’t take long after that for locals to start going too to the hot spring.
2. Where is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is ideally located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 40 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, with the usual traffic. Its closeness with KEF airport is why many people choose to visit the lagoon on the first day of arriving, coming directly from the airport or their last day in Iceland on their way to the airport.
Tip: Another top-rated stop near the Blue Lagoon is the bridge between continents, a wooden bridge over the fissure of the North American and European tectonic plates.
3. How to go to the Blue Lagoon from KEF Airport?
Taxi
A cab to Keflavik airport is an easy but expensive solution. You can either grab one directly at the airport or book it in advance. But you should know as most things in Iceland taxis are costly. A regular taxi can cost approximately 80 € (~$90) if you book it in advance; otherwise, the prices can double. If you want to use a taxi, you can check here for some options.
Car
Renting a car just to travel from KEF Airport to the Blue Lagoon is probably not the best option when you can use a shuttle bus for a much affordable cost. But suppose you are planning a road trip to Vík, the Golden Circle, the Ring Road, or any other of the many attraction Iceland has to offer. In that case, you can book the car directly from the airport and make this your first stop.
There are plenty of car companies at the airport to choose from. The myriad goes from well-known, like Sixt, Enterprise, and Hertz, to local car companies like Blue Car Rental. All of them offer a shuttle bus nearby the P2 parking, but if you prefer to walk, it’ll take you less than five minutes to their airport offices.
There is a free parking lot just outside the Blue Lagoon lava path entrance.
Bus
There is more than one service here, you can use:
- Book a bus seat from KEF to the Blue Lagoon in one of their three departure times (8:45, 11:30, 16:30), with a transfer 4 hours later to one of the designated drop-offs stops in Reykjavik, from Guide to Iceland. Keep in mind that it only includes transportation; you will need to book also a Blue Lagoon ticket. The price starts at 37 €( $42).
- Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers two daily departures to the Blue Lagoon (08:30 & 16:30). The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27). You can book the Blue Lagoon entrance directly from their website too.
- Airport Direct shuttle bus offers transfer to the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik with a stop at Blue Lagoon, and private transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Depending on the season, they have 7 or 8 bus departures from the bus terminal at KEFf from 6:25 to 17:30. The Blue Lagoon transfer price starts at 23 €( $27), and the one to Reykjavik with Blue Lagoon stop at 37 €( $43). Remember to read their luggage policy if you are traveling with extra bags and cancellation and delay conditions. This price does not include the Blue Lagoon admission fee.
- You can book the Blue Lagoon experience with transfer included (can be private transfer) from Viator.
You should book in advance your transport to the Blue Lagoon, as well as the ticket to the Blue Lagoon itself. This is a trendy destination that tends to get fully booked.
see also
4. How to go to KEF Airport from the Blue Lagoon?
As well as to travel from KEF Airport to the Blue Lagoon, you have more than one option if you choose to visit the Blue Lagoon on your last day, just before your return flight:
Taxi
You can pre-book your taxi in advance, or you can request it in the Blue Lagoon reception, which will order a taxi for you that generally arrive within 30 minutes of the call. You can use, for example, the BSR taxi service, which also counts with an app that allows you to order in seconds.
Car
You can travel comfortably for around 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon to the airport if you have a rental car. One option, for example, is if you are coming from Reykjavik with a stop in the Blue Lagoon, you can rent a car for the day with airport return. One of the companies you can use is Blue Car Rental Iceland.
Bus
Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers a daily departure from the Blue Lagoon to KEF airport (14:30). The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27). You should book your transport in advance since it tends to get fully booked weeks in advance.
5. How to go to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik?
Taxi
You can pre-book your taxi in advance, or you can request help in your hotel/hostel/guest house reception. You can use, for example, the BSR taxi service, which also counts with an app that allows you to order in seconds. Remember that booking the taxi in advance can save you money and time.
Car
You can travel comfortably for around 40 minutes from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon if you have a rental car. One option, for example, if you are traveling after to KEF airport, is to rent a car for the day with airport return, or just rent it for the day with any companies that have an office in the city. One of the companies you can use is Blue Car Rental Iceland.
Bus
- Book a bus seat from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon in one of their departure times (every two hours from 8:30 to 16:30), with a transfer 4 hours later to KEF or Reykjavik from Guide to Iceland. Keep in mind that only includedes transportation; you will need to book the Blue Lagoon ticket. The price starts at 37 €( $42).
- Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers several daily departures to the Blue Lagoon from the Reykjavik terminal or at designated pick-up/drop-off locations. The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27) and 6990 ISK (~ 46 €/$54) together with a return. You can book the Blue Lagoon entrance directly from their website too.
- Airport Direct shuttle bus offers transfer to the Blue Lagoon, KEF airport with a stop at Blue Lagoon, and private transfer to the Blue Lagoon. Depending on the season, they have from 8 to 5 departures each hour from Reykjavik terminal or at any of the designated pick-up/drop-off locations. The price with only Blue Lagoon transfer starts at 23 €( $27), and the one to KEF airport with Blue Lagoon stop at 37 €( $43). For a return ticket to Reykjavik, the price start at 46 €( $54). Remember to read their luggage policy if you are traveling with extra bags and cancellation and delay conditions. This price does not include the Blue Lagoon admission fee.
- You can book the Blue Lagoon experience with transfer included (can be private transfer) from Viator.
6. How to go to Reykjavik from the Blue Lagoon?
Taxi
You can pre-book your taxi in advance, or you can request in the Blue Lagoon reception, which will order a taxi for you that generally arrive within 30 minutes of the call. You can use, for example, the BSR taxi service, which also counts with an app that allows you to order in seconds.
Car
You can travel comfortably for around 40 minutes to Reykjavik from the Blue Lagoon if you have a rental car. If you are traveling from KEF airport with a stop in the Blue Lagoon, one option is to rent a car for the day and return to one of the city offices. One of the companies you can use is Blue Car Rental Iceland.
Bus
Use the Blue Lagoon official transport partner, Destination Blue Lagoon. It offers a daily departure from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik airport (every hour from 12:15 – 22:15). The price starts at 3495 ISK (~ 23 €/$27). You should book your transport in advance since it tends to get fully booked weeks in advance.
What to see in Reykjavik Iceland: one-day and half-day itinerary
see also
7. How much cost the Blue Lagoon?

Comfort (from 44 €/$51)
- Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
- Silica mud mask
- Use of towel
- 1st drink of your choice
Premium (from 56 €/$65)
- Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
- Silica mud mask
- Use of towel
- 1st drink of your choice
- Second mask of choice
- Slippers
- Use of bathrobe
- 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant
The prices are not fixed, they can variate depending on availability, so if you are making your booking at the last minute, you can encounter a higher price.
- The minimum age to enter the Blue Lagoon is two years, and entry is free for two to 13-year-olds. However, it is mandatory for children aged 2 to 8 to wear inflatable armbands in the lagoon, provided free of charge. Each guardian is only allowed to supervise two children under the age of 10.
- A pregnant woman should consult with their doctor before visiting the lagoon.
- The Blue Lagoon is accessible for guests with special needs or disabilities. Example: The lagoon can be accessed directly with specially designed wheelchairs which are available upon request.
8. How to book the Blue Lagoon?
You can book your ticket in the Blue Lagoon, but this is not recommended since it tends to get fully bucky even weeks in advance. If you are lucky, you might get last-minute one or two tickets, but better be cautious.
You can book the ticket directly on the Blue Lagoon website. You will need to print your ticket or bring the online confirmation on your cell phone since you will need to scan this at the reception to enter the facilities. You will also be provided with a hand band that will allow you to close the lockers, take your mask and drinks (to buy or take the ones included in the admission fee). You have to be careful because you will have to pay an extra fee if you lose this band.
- You will have one hour from the time you book the Blue Lagoon to check-in. Suppose you know that your reserved time will not work and you book directly at the Blue Lagoon website. In that case, you should contact them as soon as possible. They might be able to accommodate your booking depending on availability (they can charge you extra for any change with less than 48 hours’ notice).
- All individual bookings in 2021 to the Blue Lagoon are 100% refundable until 48 hours before arrival.
- There is no time limit; your ticket will be valid for the entire day, so you can spend as much time as you like.
Another option is to book at Viator the entrance to the Blue Lagoon with transportation included, or a tour of the Golden Circle with a stop at Blue Lagoon.

9. When is the Blue Lagoon open?
According to their website:
For the rest of 2021, they will be open from 9:00-21:00. In addition, there are special Christmas holidays opening times: December 24th, 09:00-16:00 December 25th-30th 09:00-20:00 December 31st, 09:00-18:00.
The Blue Lagoon does not close for bad weather (like rain or wind); it will only close for extreme weather conditions, which have only happened 3 times in the last decade.
10. Does the Blue Lagoon have lockers?
It has, and once you check in the reception, you will get an electronic hand band that, between many things, also works to close your locker. Just choose any vacant locker and follow the instructions about how to lock it.
The locker area is together with the changing room, which is divided into men and women. From there are a few meters to the lagoon. If you need to take something or store something in the lockers after you are in the lagoon, you can just go and come back without any problem.
The locker in the changing area has an excellent size to store your clothes, shoes, and a medium bag and is included in the ticket price.
If you come directly or go directly to the airport, there are special lockers for large bags. The main locker service for big-size suitcases is in the parking area and costs around 550 ISK (3.70 €/$4.20).
11. What to wear in the Blue Lagoon?
Nudity is not allowed in the Blue Lagoon; you need to wear always swimwear. If required, swimwear can be rented for 800 ISK (5.30 €/$6.20), or you can buy one at the Blue Lagoon shop.
The Blue Lagoon’s official website report that:
The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater will not ruin your swimsuit or cause permanent stains. However, we recommend rinsing your swimsuit with cold water and soap after using the lagoon.
It is recommended that you remove any jewelry before entering the lagoon to avoid losing your items and that they don’t get damaged by the high levels of silica, algae, and minerals in the water.
12. What to bring to the Blue Lagoon?
Basically, you can come empty hand just with your pre-booked ticket. But if you don’t want to spend money buying or renting a swimsuit, this is the peace that you can not forget.
As mentioned before, you will have access to a locker where you can let all your belongings. That can be locked with an electronic bracelet that is included in the ticket price. If you want to access the lagoon with your phone, we recommend bringing a waterproof phone case.
After the locker, you will have access to the shower room where shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner are provided for free; here is recommended to use some conditioner in your hair during all your time in the lagoon, since the silica from the water might dry your hair. Some people prefer to bring and wear a swim cap.
You can also wear sunglasses in the lagoon. However, it is recommended to do so on sunny days for the water’s reflective properties.
After you finish in the lagoon, you have access to clean towels, but if you prefer, you can bring yours. If you have the premium tariff, you also will have access to some ropes and slippers. Honestly, we didn’t need this since we spend all the time inside the lagoon, but if you would like, you can bring yours or rent one for 1500 ISK (10 €/$11.50) each.
For your wet swimwear, they provide little plastic bags next to the towel rack so you can store wet swimsuits in your bag.
You can find hair dryers and moisturizers in the changing room, but you are welcome to bring your own too. You should also not forget to bring your own hairbrush.
- Swimwear (optional, since you can ren it or buy it)
- Swimincap (optional, you can tight your hair in a bump with some conditioner)
- Towel (optional, provided by the Blue Lagoon)
- Shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner (optional, provided by the Blue Lagoon)
- Slipper and robbers (optional, provided with premium tariff and can also be rented)
- Waterproof phone case (optional, just if you plan to ring your phone inside of the lagoon)
- Sunglasses (optional)
- Hairbrush
- Moisturizer (optional, provided)
- Hairdryer (optional, provider)
- Other complementaries for hairstyling and face protection, and moisturizing.
- Bag to store wet clothes (optional, provided)
13. What to do at the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is not just about the geothermal lagoon (even though this is the most visited area and was the only facility we visited during our day there). Inside the lagoon, you can just enjoy and relax in the geothermal seawater, but you can also enjoy some drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), the 1st one is already included in the entrance fee, but using your electric hand band you can buy more, which you can later pay at the checkout. There is also the mask bar inside the lagoon, where you can take your silica mud mask included in the price and the second mask of your choice for those with premium tickets. Silica enhances the skin’s barrier function, bringing strength, protection, and radiance.


You can also take an in-water massage in private are of the lagoon for an extra fee. Appointments for this massage can be sold out, so book your calling or send an email days before your visit. Check in this link for the contact information and prices.
Other activities of the lagoon area are the sauna/steam room, the lagoon waterfall, and the viewing deck.
Other facilities and activities:
- The Blue lagoon store is the perfect place to dose skincare lovers to discover the benefits of silica and buy some of the products they offer.
- The Retreat Spa, for those looking for a luxury experience in the Blue Lagoon. This includes 5 hours of access to the Blue Lagoon, the retreat Lagoon, and many other advantages.
- Dining area, from cafes and snacks to a magnificent dinner in one of the gourmet restaurants.
14. What is the temperature of the Blue Lagoon?
The water temperature reported for the official blue lagoon website is generally between 37°C and 40°C (98-104°F), with some fluctuation beyond this range depending on the weather conditions and the season.
15. Is it natural the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is not natural. It is formed for the wastewater from the Svartsengi power plant. The water is a mix of dissolved minerals and seawater. Direct use for warm-up houses might damage the pipes due to the minerals. So instead, it is used to heat fresh water that is then pumped to nearby urban areas. After this, the water is released into the lagoon.
The natural minerals have been proven to be very good for people’s skin. Since the water is continually streaming into the lagoon, all of it is renewed in 40 hours, making sure it stays clean. Regular sampling of this natural resource shows that foreign bacteria do not thrive in the lagoon’s ecosystem. Thus, disinfectants such as chlorine are not needed. In essence, the lagoon is a self-cleaning ecosystem.
The bottom of the lagoon is smooth and soft. It is naturally uneven, but you don’t need to worry about encountering anything sharp or jagged.
16. How deep is the Blue Lagoon?
The depth at the lagoon’s edge is ~ 0.8m/2.6f. The further into the water you go, the deeper it gets, with the greatest depth of 1.4m/4.7ft.
You don’t need to know how to swim to visit the Blue Lagoon; you can stay in the areas where the water is shallow enough that it doesn’t pose a danger to non-swimmers. Children from 2 to 8 years old are required to wear floaties which are provided. To assure the safety of all guests, there are lifeguards on duty at all times.
17. How to protect your hair at the Blue Lagoon?
While geothermal seawater is beneficial for the scalp, it can leave the hair dry. For this reason, it is recommended to use a conditioner before and after the lagoon or to use a swim cap.
18. Where to stay to visit the Blue Lagoon?
The 3 more common options are two stays in the city of Keflavik if you are heading the next day to the airport, stay in Reykjavik (this was the option we used), or two stays in one of the two Blue Lagoon hotels:: The Retreat Hotel or Silica Hotel.
What to see in Reykjavik Iceland: one-day and half-day itinerary
see also
19. Are there other hot springs in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon is the most popular but not the only hot spring in Iceland. Other popular hot springs include:
And some of the free ones:
Check this post from Guide to Iceland: Top 5 Natural Hot Springs in Iceland for more information about spring.
20. Is it worth visiting the Blue Lagoon?
First among the country’s many simmering geothermal pools is the Blue Lagoon, a turquoise vision in a black basaltic moonscape.
National Geographic Wonders of the World
Personally, we will say YES! Is it overrated? Probably YES!



Let us explain: We really enjoyed the experience. We felt our bodies extremely relaxed after our time in the lagoon. So for us was the perfect end of the road trip. But if you are looking just to relax in a hot spring, if the hot water is what you want without considering the localization, the best option would be to enjoy one of the free ones or one of the other lagoons that are cheaper.
Would we repeat the experience? Probably YES! But honestly, mostly to take as many photos as possible with a proper camera, because the best of the Blue Lagoon is unique in the beauty of the blue water in contrast with the lava field (apart from its excellent location).