Getting from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik — all options compared
Reykjavik: Kef bus transfer to from Reykjavik shuttle
What is the best way to get from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik?
The Flybus (Strætó/Reykjavik Excursions) is the cheapest public option at around 3,500 ISK one way, dropping you at BSÍ terminal or major hotels. Pre-booked shared shuttle services cost 4,000–6,000 ISK with hotel door-to-door service. A private transfer runs 12,000–18,000 ISK for the vehicle. Renting a car adds flexibility if you're driving outside Reykjavik.
The 50-kilometre problem
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik city centre. There is no train or metro connection. Every arriving passenger faces the same decision: bus, shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or rental car. Each works — the right choice depends on your budget, group size, luggage, and what comes next in your itinerary.
Option 1: Flybus (cheapest)
The Flybus is operated by Reykjavik Excursions and meets every scheduled international arrival. It departs from just outside the arrivals hall and takes approximately 45–50 minutes to the BSÍ Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik.
Prices (2026):
- Airport to BSÍ Terminal: ~3,500 ISK one way
- Airport to hotel door (hotel connect service): ~4,500 ISK one way
The hotel connect service adds a 30–45 minute loop through central Reykjavik hotels. If your hotel is on or close to the route, this is good value. If your hotel is on the outskirts, you may end up walking.
Buy tickets: at the kiosk in arrivals, online, or through GYG. The bus waits if your flight is delayed — they coordinate with arrivals boards.
Reykjavik shuttle bus transfer to/from Keflavik airportPros: cheapest option, no booking required, reliable
Cons: slower with hotel drops, luggage-heavy groups find it tiring, no late-night service for all flights
Option 2: Airport direct / Strætó public bus
Strætó (Iceland’s public bus operator) runs Route 55 between KEF airport and Fjörður terminal in Reykjavik (connecting to city buses). Price: around 2,100 ISK one way. The journey takes about 60–70 minutes, including stops.
This is the cheapest option of all but least convenient for first arrivals: you need a local SIM or cash/card for Strætó, and the route terminates at a transit hub that requires onward navigation. Not recommended if you have significant luggage or arrive late at night.
Option 3: Shared shuttle transfer (door-to-door)
Shared minibus transfers pick up multiple passengers from KEF and drop each one directly at their hotel. Operators include Airport Express, Gray Line, and several GYG-listed providers.
Prices: 4,000–6,500 ISK per person one way, depending on operator
The door-to-door service is worth it for travellers staying in hotels scattered across Reykjavik who don’t want to manage the Flybus loop. Wait time at the airport can be 15–30 minutes while the shuttle fills.
Keflavik airport transfer to ReykjavikOption 4: Private transfer
A private transfer vehicle (sedan, MPV, or minivan) meets you at arrivals with a name board and drives directly to your accommodation. No stops, no waiting for other passengers.
Prices: 12,000–18,000 ISK for a standard 1–3 passenger vehicle. Larger vehicles for groups of 5–8 cost 18,000–28,000 ISK.
Private transfers make sense when:
- You’re travelling in a group of 3+, where the per-person cost approaches that of shared shuttles
- You arrive at an unusual hour (very late or very early)
- You have large or unusual luggage (bikes, surfboards, ski equipment)
- The first impression of the trip matters and you want no faff
Option 5: Taxi
Taxis are available at KEF but are expensive. A meter ride to central Reykjavik costs approximately 16,000–22,000 ISK, with no fixed rate. Some taxi operators accept card, but verify before boarding. Unless cost is not a concern, a private transfer booked in advance is better value than a meter taxi for the same convenience level.
Option 6: Rental car
If you’re planning to drive during your Iceland trip, picking up your rental car at KEF and driving to Reykjavik yourself is the most practical option. The drive takes about 45–55 minutes on Road 41 and Road 1 (Reykjanesbraut), a clear motorway-standard road with straightforward navigation.
Most rental companies operate off-airport lots connected by shuttle bus — factor 20–30 minutes extra for the shuttle and pickup desk process. See renting a car in Iceland for full details.
Note: if you’re spending your first night in Reykjavik city only and driving the next day, consider using the Flybus first, then picking up your car at a Reykjavik city depot the next morning (when you’re rested). City driving and parking in Reykjavik with new rental paperwork and jet lag is manageable but avoidable.
Blue Lagoon on the way?
The Blue Lagoon is 20 minutes from KEF — roughly halfway between the airport and Reykjavik. Many travellers build in a visit en route, especially on arrival. Shuttle packages combining KEF pickup, Blue Lagoon visit, and onward transfer to Reykjavik are widely available. See Blue Lagoon guide for what to book and expect.
Logistics at KEF arrivals
Keflavik Airport has a single main terminal. After customs and baggage collection, arrivals exit into a single hall. From there:
- Flybus / shared shuttles: outside main exit, follow “Bus” signs to covered bus stops (about 100 m)
- Private transfer: drivers wait inside arrivals with name boards near the exit
- Rental cars: follow signs for car rental shuttle buses; international brands have a desk in the terminal, off-airport operators send shuttles
- Taxis: taxi rank is directly outside the main exit
Currency exchange: avoid the airport exchange desks — rates are poor. Use the ATMs in arrivals instead (Arion Bank, Íslandsbanki). See Iceland currency and money for tips on getting ISK at fair rates.
Late-night and early-morning arrivals
KEF handles flights at all hours. WOW Air (defunct) once made late arrivals common; today, Icelandair, PLAY, and transatlantic connections create 23:00–02:00 arrival windows.
The Flybus runs to meet scheduled flights but double-check the last departure time on the Reykjavik Excursions website if your flight is unusually late. Private transfers and taxis operate 24/7.
Leaving Iceland: going from Reykjavik to KEF
The same options apply in reverse. The Flybus departs from BSÍ Terminal (and from major hotels if you booked the hotel pickup add-on). Allow 90 minutes before departure for the Flybus: 10 minutes to reach BSÍ, 45 minutes on the bus, 35 minutes at the airport minimum. Security at KEF can be slow with summer crowds.
Private transfers can be booked for exact pickup times. Confirm pickup at least 24 hours before departure.
Frequently asked questions about getting from Keflavik airport
How long does the Flybus take from KEF to Reykjavik?
The direct service (BSÍ only) takes about 45–50 minutes. The hotel connect service, which drops passengers at multiple hotels, takes 60–90 minutes total.
Can I pay for the Flybus with card?
Yes — credit and debit cards are accepted at the kiosk in arrivals and on board. Pre-booking online is also possible and saves time.
Is there a public bus from KEF airport?
Yes. Strætó Route 55 runs between KEF and Fjörður terminal (Reykjavik) for around 2,100 ISK. It’s the cheapest option but least convenient for luggage-carrying tourists. Schedules are limited and don’t serve all arrival times.
How much is a taxi from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik?
Approximately 16,000–22,000 ISK by meter, depending on traffic. Pre-booked private transfers offer the same door-to-door service for less — typically 12,000–18,000 ISK for a standard vehicle.
Do I need to book a transfer in advance?
The Flybus requires no advance booking — pay on arrival. For private transfers and shared shuttles, advance booking guarantees availability and fixes the price. In summer, popular shuttle services can fill up.
What if my flight is delayed?
The Flybus waits for all flights it’s scheduled to meet. Private transfer operators typically monitor flight arrivals and adjust pickup times. Contact your transfer operator directly if your delay is significant.
Can I take a rental car from the airport directly?
Yes. Most operators at KEF allow terminal or off-airport pickup. Off-airport rental lots are connected by shuttle (5–15 minutes). Build this into your schedule. See renting a car in Iceland for details.
Is it worth visiting the Blue Lagoon on the way from KEF?
Yes, if you’ve pre-booked your Blue Lagoon entry. The lagoon is 20 minutes from KEF by transfer. Combined transfer-and-entry packages exist. Most visitors prefer the day of arrival (before the Ring Road) rather than the day of departure, when you risk missing your flight.
KEF airport: what to know before you land
Keflavik Airport is Iceland’s only international airport and handles around 8–10 million passengers per year. Knowing the layout saves time on arrival:
Terminal layout: Single main terminal building. International arrivals exit through customs into the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Departures check-in is on the upper floor.
After customs: You’ll find ATMs from Arion Bank and Íslandsbanki immediately after customs exit — use these for ISK rather than the exchange desks (better rates). Also directly ahead: the tourist information desk and bus/transfer booking kiosks.
Currency: See above — ATMs, not exchange desks. The exchange kiosk rates are typically 5–8% below mid-market. On a 200,000 ISK transaction, that’s 10,000–16,000 ISK lost to commissions.
SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards from Siminn and Nova are sold at the airport convenience store and at the tourist desk. Iceland’s mobile network coverage is good along Ring Road and in major towns; in the Westfjords and remote highlands it drops significantly. Download offline Maps.me map of Iceland before you lose signal.
Luggage storage: Available at the airport for day use if you’re arriving early before accommodation check-in or have a late departure.
Eating at KEF: Limited and expensive. A basic meal at the airport costs 2,000–4,000 ISK. If you’re connecting to Reykjavik by bus, the Flybus terminal stop and the centre of Reykjavik have much better options. Eat on the bus or in town.
KEF to Reykjavik: the journey itself
The 50 km drive between KEF and Reykjavik follows the Reykjanesbraut (Road 41 → Road 1). The landscape is immediately distinctive — flat, ancient lava fields covered in grey-green moss, with steam rising from geothermal vents. On clear days, the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano is visible to the north across the bay. The sky can be strikingly large and empty.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s most active volcanic zones. The 2021–2024 eruption sequence at Fagradalsfjall and the 2023–2024 Grindavík eruptions are all visible from or near this road. Driving it at dusk or dawn, with the potential steam of active geothermal fields and the occasional orange glow of a recent eruption on the horizon, is an introduction that sets expectations for the country accurately.
Allow 45–60 minutes for the Flybus. For a rental car, the same journey takes 40–50 minutes.
Onward connections from Reykjavik
From Reykjavik, the two main departure points for Ring Road travel:
Heading south (Golden Circle and South Coast): Take Road 1 east from Reykjavik. The Golden Circle begins with Þingvellir (50 km from Reykjavik on Road 36). Seljalandsfoss is 150 km southeast on Road 1.
Heading north or west (Snæfellsnes, Westfjords, North Iceland): Take Road 1 north from Reykjavik through the undersea Hvalfjörður tunnel (toll: 1,500 ISK for a standard car) or the longer route around the fjord (free).
Reykjavik itself rewards a 1–2 day initial stay before launching into the Ring Road. The Reykjavik culture guide covers the best of the city.
Getting back to KEF: departure logistics
The return from Reykjavik to KEF works best when you allow proper time:
Flybus from BSÍ terminal: The bus departs multiple times per day; book the one that arrives at KEF approximately 2.5–3 hours before your flight departure time. KEF security in summer can be 30–60 minutes of queuing. Tax refund processing (VAT refund for qualifying purchases) adds time.
Rental car return: Allow 30–45 minutes for the off-airport return process — shuttle to the lot, vehicle inspection, and return confirmation. Build this into your KEF arrival timing.
Departure tax and VAT refunds: Iceland’s VAT rate is 24% on most goods. Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on qualifying purchases over approximately 6,000 ISK. The refund desk is at KEF departures. Have receipts with the Skatturinn certification stamp from retailers.
Duty-free at departure: Iceland’s Keflavik duty-free is one of the better-stocked in the region for whisky, gin, and spirits — prices are more competitive than in-country Vínbúðin shops for imported alcohol. For Icelandic products (Brennivín, Icelandic craft spirits, Icelandic chocolate), the tax-paid airport shops are fine.
Transfers from KEF to locations other than Reykjavik
Not every visitor goes directly to Reykjavik. KEF is the entry point for travel to:
Blue Lagoon (direct from KEF): 20 minutes from the airport. Blue Lagoon entry must be pre-booked; transfers from KEF are available and several transfer+entry packages exist through GYG and tour operators. This is the most common alternative to a direct Reykjavik transfer.
Grindavík and Reykjanes Peninsula: Some visitors spend first and last nights in guesthouses on the peninsula near the airport to reduce transfer complexity. The Reykjanes Peninsula has its own volcanic landscape — lava fields, geothermal areas, the Brimketill rock pool. Transfer from KEF to Grindavík: by taxi around 3,500–5,000 ISK or rental car.
Keflavik town: Keflavik is the airport’s immediate town — functional, not a tourist destination, but with a harbour, a couple of good restaurants, and reasonable guesthouses for an airport-proximity night. Walking distance from the terminal (2–3 km) or a short taxi.
Southern Reykjanes: Golf and fishing lodges in the peninsula area serve visitors who want to start their Iceland trip without hitting the capital immediately.
Cost comparison: all transfer methods summarised
| Method | Price | Door-to-door | Booking needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strætó Route 55 | ~2,100 ISK pp | No (terminates at Fjörður) | No |
| Flybus to BSÍ | ~3,500 ISK pp | No | Recommended |
| Flybus hotel connect | ~4,500 ISK pp | Yes (hotels) | Yes |
| Shared shuttle | 4,000–6,500 ISK pp | Yes | Yes |
| Private transfer | 12,000–18,000 ISK per vehicle | Yes | Yes |
| Taxi (meter) | 16,000–22,000 ISK per vehicle | Yes | No |
| Rental car (self-drive) | Car hire cost + fuel | Yes (your accommodation) | Yes (car) |
For most travellers: Flybus hotel connect is the best balance of cost and convenience. For groups of 3–4: private transfer often comparable per-person cost. For solo travellers on strict budgets: Strætó Route 55 if you’re comfortable with Reykjavik bus navigation.
Arriving in Iceland for the first time
For first arrivals, a few orientation notes:
Time zone: Iceland observes GMT year-round. No daylight saving time adjustments. If you’ve flown from Europe in summer, Iceland is 1–2 hours behind. From the US East Coast, Iceland is 4 hours ahead.
Weather on arrival: Many visitors arrive at KEF and are met by bleak grey lava fields and overcast skies. This is not representative — it’s the Reykjanes Peninsula in standard coastal weather. Iceland’s interior and eastern landscapes are regularly sunny while the peninsula is overcast. Don’t judge the country’s beauty from the airport carpark.
The light: In June and early July, Iceland at 23:00 is not dark. It’s fully bright, the sun hovering just above the northern horizon. This confuses the body’s circadian rhythms immediately. Most accommodation has blackout curtains. If you’re sensitive to light when sleeping, pack an eye mask.
Mobile roaming: EU, UK, and many international data plans work in Iceland at no extra charge (Iceland is an EEA member). Confirm your plan covers Iceland specifically — some US carriers treat Iceland as “international” with separate charges. An Icelandic prepaid SIM (Siminn, Nova) with data for around 2,000–3,000 ISK for 7 days is the cheapest option for heavy data users.
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