Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main gateway to Iceland for 95% of foreign tourists. Therefore, if you are traveling to Iceland, it is likely that you will start your journey here.
Here you can find all the important information you might want to know about Iceland.
The airport itself is relatively small, so you definitely won’t get lost.
You will find plenty of seating, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, an information kiosk, car rental stands, and everything else you would expect from a modern airport.
There are several options for getting from the airport to Reykjavík or vice versa.
Public transportation from KEF to Reykjavík:
The cheapest way to get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík is to use the Icelandic carrier Strætó and line no. 55, possibly combined with another line within Reykjavík.
The advantage is the favorable price, and with this price, you can get almost anywhere you need to go. The disadvantage is that buses do not run very often, the journey takes longer, and on weekends you have to transfer in Hafnarfjörður.
Price: 1,310 ISK to the bus terminal (+ potentially 470 ISK for further travel within Reykjavík on other bus lines).
Special airport buses between Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík:
Several companies connect KEF airport with Reykjavík (BSÍ bus terminal – about 2 km from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church), and they are not significantly different (except for the color of the bus).
The advantage is that buses run frequently and do not stop along the way. The disadvantage is the higher price compared to public transportation (which can sometimes be higher than the airfare to Iceland).
Several companies operate these buses, so you can choose between them. The price difference is minimal, so choose the one that leaves earlier. A small note about Airport Direct (the yellow ones): they go to their own parking lot, which is about 1 km from the bus terminal. If you do not plan to use their subsequent transfer service, it is good to know and consider this.
Price: 3,500 ISK to the bus terminal in Reykjavík, with the option to purchase a subsequent transfer to selected locations in Reykjavík for 1,000 ISK (alternatively, you can use Strætó public buses for 470 ISK).
Travel to Reykjavík by Taxi:
The fastest and most convenient way is to take a taxi. The ride is usually available as soon as you need it and takes you exactly where you need to go. Minimal waiting time, maximum comfort.
Price: approximately 20,000 ISK per car. As you can see, if you are traveling with four people, the cost of a taxi might not be that high.
Travel to Reykjavík with a (rental) car:
Iceland is a vast and beautiful country that deserves to be thoroughly explored. For the journey to Reykjavík, you have two options.
The first option is, of course, to drive on road no. 41, which connects Keflavík with Reykjavík and takes just under an hour.
The second option, if you have some time, is the route along the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This route can serve as an introduction to what awaits you in Iceland.
This journey itself takes about two hours. And while you won’t see any of Iceland’s grand waterfalls yet, you can gradually soak up the atmosphere of the volcanic island. And, of course, make a few stops along the way. My hot tips for you are the Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver geothermal field, Brimketill lava rock pool, and Seltún – Krýsuvík geothermal area.
TIP: Alcohol is really expensive in Iceland, so if you want to enhance your stay with some alcohol, take advantage of the duty-free shop at the airport. You can also shop there upon arrival.
Keflavík International Airport is located about 50 kilometers west of Reykjavík.
