BusTravel Iceland · Reykjavik
A full-size coach leaves Bus Stop 12 in Reykjavik and loops the whole peninsula in about 11 hours, with eight stops from the Berserkjahraun lava field to the black church at Budir. Pick it if you want every big sight for the lowest price and don't mind sharing the day with up to 64 other people.
BusTravel Iceland runs the most-booked Snaefellsnes trip on Viator, and this is the big-bus version. You meet at Tour Bus Stop 12 by the Hofdatorg towers (Thorunnartun 1), or pay extra for a pickup from your hotel. The coach heads north through the Hvalfjordur tunnel and Borgarnes, then crosses to the north coast first. That means Kirkjufell comes early, after a 15-minute leg stretch in the Berserkjahraun lava field, while most small groups save it for last.
From there the coach runs clockwise around the western tip. The listing gives an hour for Snaefellsjokull National Park and the glacier views, 30 minutes at Djupalonssandur and Dritvik, 15 at the Londrangar viewpoint and 30 at Arnarstapi. The south coast is quicker: 15 minutes at the Ytri Tunga seal beach and 10 at Budir church. Guests report the guide often stretches a stop when the group is on time, and shortens it when people come back late or the wind picks up.
Now the catch. The Arnarstapi stop is labelled "Snjofell Restaurant", but there is no real lunch break. Guests eat what they bought at the morning fuel stop, or grab something quick at Arnarstapi in the same 30 minutes they want for the cliffs. A coach also means slower boarding at every stop and less choice of seat. If that sounds bad, the same operator's small-group tour runs nearly the same loop with 19 people for a little more.
Board at Hofdatorg or take the paid hotel pickup. A short stop on the way north is your chance for toilets, coffee and the food you'll eat later.
A walk in the saga lava field, then half an hour at Kirkjufell and the small Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall across the road.
The hour covers the western tip inside Snaefellsjokull National Park. The 1,446 m glacier is often in cloud, so treat the summit as a bonus.
Black pebbles, the lifting stones and the rusted Epine wreck, then a quick look at the two basalt sea stacks.
The Gatklettur arch and the cliff path. This is also the only chance at a hot snack, so choose: food or walk.
Seals on the rocks if you're lucky, the black church, and about 2.5 hours back to Reykjavik.
★★★★★Very thorough tour, Omar was great. He explained everything very well and we had more than enough time at every stop.
★★★★★While the trip makes for a long day, it was actually very relaxing. [...] The guide was friendly, knowledgeable and gave us ample time at each location. The bus operator seemed very competent and made us feel safe.
★★★★★Great experience, a long day, expect some walking, Anna, our guide was most excellent, informative, and entertaining.
★★★★★Great way to see Snæfellsnes Peninsula! The tour is well structured to see all the highlights and spend the right amount of time at each.
Read next:
No proper stop. The itinerary names Snjofell Restaurant at Arnarstapi, but that's a 30-minute stop shared with the cliff walk. Guests report eating food bought at the morning fuel stop. Bring sandwiches and snacks.
Up to 65 people on a full-size coach. In shoulder season it's often far fewer, but plan for a full bus: slower boarding and less say in where you sit.
Tour Bus Stop 12 at Hofdatorg, Thorunnartun 1, 105 Reykjavik. Hotel pickup is sold as an extra and takes you to the coach. The tour returns to the same area in the evening.
The listing says 11 hours. Guests report up to 12 when the bus waits for late passengers or the weather slows the loop. About 5 hours of that is driving.
Ready to book
The cheapest way round the whole peninsula, with a full hour in the national park. Pack a lunch and pick a seat on the right.
Small Group, Kirkjufell FirstThe coach route with 19 seats: Kirkjufell first, an hour in the national park, pickup included.★ 4.8 · 11 hours · from $164
Small-Group National Park Day TripHotel pickup, 19 guests at most and long stops: 40 min with the seals, 45 at Arnarstapi. Food is on you.★ 4.9 · 11 hours · from $154
Small Group with a Farm LunchThe tour that fixes lunch: 75 minutes at a horse farm for a homemade buffet, hotel pickup and 19 guests at most.★ 4.9 · 11 hours · from $226