Blue Lagoon Iceland: a complete visitor guide

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa on the Reykjanes peninsula near Grindavík, about 20 minutes by road from Keflavík Airport and about 50 minutes from Reykjavík. Its mineral-rich seawater sits at a steady 37 to 39C (99 to 102F) and averages around 1.2 metres deep, so most of the lagoon is easy to stand in. Admission is timed and sells out, so this guide covers what is included, how to get there, and what to bring.

The Blue Lagoon at a glance

Short on time? Here is the quick version.

What the Blue Lagoon is

The lagoon holds geothermal seawater that is warmed and mineralised underground, then surfaces beside the Svartsengi power plant next door. The water is opaque and milky-blue because it is rich in silica and algae, and that same silica is the basis of the white mud mask the spa is known for. The bathing site opened in 1987 and has grown into the most visited of Iceland's geothermal spas. If you are weighing it against the newer spa closer to the city, our Sky Lagoon versus Blue Lagoon comparison breaks down the differences. The water averages 37 to 39C (99 to 102F) year-round and sits at about 1.2 metres deep on average, shallow enough to stand comfortably across most of the lagoon.

Getting there from Keflavík and Reykjavík

The Blue Lagoon sits roughly between the airport and the capital, which is why so many people visit on their arrival or departure day. It is about 20 minutes by road from Keflavík Airport and about 50 minutes from Reykjavík. You can self-drive, with free parking on site, or book a scheduled transfer bus from either the airport or the city. Because it is close to the airport and offers luggage storage, a common plan is to stop on the way in from your flight or on the way out to it. For the wider range of ways to cover that same stretch, see our guide to getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík.

What is included in admission

The Blue Lagoon sells more than one type of pass, and the difference is mostly comfort rather than access to the water. The available Blue Lagoon admission options include the Comfort pass, which covers lagoon entry, one towel, one drink at the in-water bar, and one silica mud mask. The Premium pass adds two more face masks, a bathrobe and slippers, and a reservation at the Lava Restaurant with a glass of sparkling wine. A towel comes with either pass, so you do not need to pack your own.

Booking ahead

Admission is timed-entry, and walk-ins are not accepted, so you choose an arrival slot when you book. The popular windows, especially first thing in the morning and in the evening, fill up, so reserve before you travel rather than on the day. Prices change with season and demand, so this guide does not print a figure that would quickly go out of date. Compare Blue Lagoon ticket prices across providers before you book. To line up entry with transport or a package that bundles it with other Reykjavík day trips, compare your options on our Reykjavík tours and day trips page.

What to bring and know before you go

A few things make the visit smoother:

• Bring a swimsuit. Everything else you strictly need, including a towel, comes with the pass, and robes and slippers can be added.
• Mind your hair. The silica in the water clings to hair, so tie long hair up and work in plenty of the conditioner provided before you get in.
• Travelling with children is fine from age 2. Ages 2 to 8 wear flotation armbands, and each adult may supervise up to two young children.
• Shower without a swimsuit before entering, as at every Icelandic pool. It keeps the water clean for everyone.
• Give yourself time. With the in-water bar, the mask bar, and dining on site, an unhurried visit of a couple of hours is easy.

Prepare your kit

The Iceland Packing List can help you pack for the weather and the time outdoors involved in Blue Lagoon Iceland: a complete visitor guide.