How to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (Iceland) to the city. Public transport in Reykjavik and Iceland.

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How to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (Iceland) to the city
An instructional article on how to get from Reykjavik International Airport – Keflavik to the city center and to other cities in Iceland.

Useful information about Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport

• Reykjavik airport code in Iceland : IATA – KEF; ICAO-BIKF
• International airport name : Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport
• Airport address : Keflavíkurflugvöllur, 235 Keflavík, Iceland
• Local time : UTC+0
• Currency of Iceland: Icelandic krona (ISK), 1000 ISK = 7 EUR
• Date of construction of the airport : 1943
• Passenger turnover at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport : approximately 10 million passengers per year
• Reykjavik Airport Location : 50 km south of Reykjavik City
• Airport information telephone : +354 425 6000
• Flights arrive to Reykjavik from airports: London airports, Helsinki airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airport , Frankfurt airport , Amsterdam airport, Copenhagen airport, etc.
• Weather at Reykjavik Airport throughout the year: +1 +2°C in the winter months and +12 +13°C in the summer. The optimal time to visit Iceland is summer, when there are long daylight hours and the highest temperatures for this region.
• Services at Reykjavik Airport: Arion Bank, where you can exchange currency, ATMs, car rental counters, free Wi-Fi, Joe & the Juice and Dunkin’ Donuts cafeteria, services for people with disabilities, supermarket, taxi return, parking, children’s play area, luggage storage, restaurants serving local and European cuisine, pharmacy
• Hotels closest to the airport: Hótel Keflavík by Keflavík Airport (room rates from €145 per night),  Konvin Hotel by Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (room rates from €128 per night)

Brief description of Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport

Reykjavik Airport (also called Keflavik Airport) is Iceland’s main international airport, serving flights from Europe and North America. This airport is the hub of the national carrier Icelandair. The airport is small, modern and with intuitive navigation – it’s difficult to get lost. The airport staff speaks good English and will advise you if necessary.

The weather on the island is unstable and flights from Reykjavik may be delayed due to weather conditions. When departing from Reykjavik, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before the flight. The staff here are quite slow, so if you are flying outside the Schengen area, it is better to allow extra time at the airport in case of queues.

Reykjavik Airport has one terminal. On the ground floor there is a check-in area for the flight and the arrivals area, on the second floor there is a security check area, duty-free shops and boarding gates. The tangible disadvantages of the local airport are the insufficient number of seats and inflated prices in duty free. You can see a visual map of the airport below.

In addition to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik, there are several other local airports in Iceland. One of them is Reykjavík Airport, located 3 km from the Icelandic capital. From it you can fly to such Icelandic settlements as Akureyri, Bildudalur, Gjogur, Eilsstadir. It also operates flights to Greenland.

Distance from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the largest cities in Iceland

The distances from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the largest cities and natural attractions in Iceland are shown in the table below.

tem name	Distance in km
Akureyri	428 km
Vic	225 km
Gullfoss waterfall	163 km
Seljalandsfoss waterfall	168 km
Skogafoss waterfall	194 km
Blue Lagoon	21 km
Grindavik	24 km
Skaftafell National Park	364 km
Thingvellir National Park	88 km
Husavik	504 km

Flybus from the airport to the center of Reykjavik

The Flybus bus is one of the most comfortable and easiest options for traveling from the airport of the Icelandic capital to the city, to the Blue Lagoon or the airport of Reykjavik local lines. Travel time from the airport to the city: 45 minutes, route operating hours: from 04:45 to 22:15. The bus makes the following stops upon request: Hotel Viking in Hafnarfjörður and Aktu taktu restaurant in Gardabær. The bus terminal is the bus station in Reykjavik BSÍ Bus Terminal , address: Iceland, 101 Reykjavík.

The ticket price is 27,14 EUR per person if you go to the bus station. When purchasing a round trip ticket online there is a small discount – you will pay 6499 ISK (€46) per person. There are no discounts for children.

If your hotel is located at a distance from the bus station, then for an additional fee you can choose a transfer to the hotel you need and buy a Flybus+ ticket. In this case, travel will cost more – 4499 ISK (€32) per person, and after arriving at the bus station you will be transferred to a smaller bus to take you to the door of your hotel or guesthouse. You can buy your ticket upon arrival at the airport or in advance online on the official website of Reykjavik Keflavik Airport.

The Flybus stop is located next to the arrivals exit at Keflavik Airport. Departure time: every 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. This time is indicated on the information screen in the terminal. You can also check departure information at the Flybus counter in the arrivals area. The buses are easy to recognize – they are white with blue and yellow Flybus inscription. Buses run punctually and are rarely late. The seats are comfortable and free Wi-Fi is provided.

In addition to Flybus, Airport Express Gray Line Iceland also provides bus services from the airport to the city. Ticket price starts from 3125 ISK (€22).

Airport Direct shuttle from the airport to Reykjavik city center

The Airport Direct shuttle operates between Reykjavik International Airport and the Skógarhlíð 10 stop in the city centre. As a rule, these are buses or small minibuses of orange color. Travel time from the airport to the city: 45 minutes, route operating hours: 24 hours a day.

There is only 1 shuttle stop planned along the route – Hamraborg in the city of Kopavogur. By analogy with the Flybus bus, you can pay extra for a transfer to the door of your hotel or guesthouse. If you don’t want to pay extra, get off at the final stop Skógarhlíð 10 and get to your hotel on foot or by taxi.

The cost of a ticket to the final stop of the shuttle is 3350 ISK (€24) per adult, the cost of a ticket with transfer to the hotel is 4500 ISK (€32) per adult. Ticket price for a child under 13 years old is 1675 ISK (€12).

You can buy a ticket upon arrival at the airport at the company’s information stand or in advance via the Internet on the official website of Reykjavik Airport – Keflavik. The buses are comfortable, with free Wi-Fi and USB charging on every seat.

Alternatively, you can book a transfer from Keflavik Airport to your hotel door for €29 on the Viator website. The price includes travel on a comfortable bus or minibus with air conditioning and luggage.

Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik: A Hassle-Free Transfer Experience

‍ Are you planning a trip to Iceland and wondering how to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik? Look no further! Airport Direct is here to provide you with a convenient and reliable transfer service. With a range of options to suit your needs, we make sure your journey from the airport to the city is smooth and stress-free.

Why Choose Airport Direct?

At Airport Direct, our goal is to give our customers the best possible service. We understand the importance of a seamless transfer experience, and that’s why we offer a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for an economical solution or a private door-to-door service, we have you covered.

The Economy Option: Airport Direct Economy

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want a comfortable and reliable transfer, our Airport Direct Economy service is the perfect choice for you. Operated by SmartBus, our bright green buses are a familiar sight in Reykjavik. With this service, we aim to minimize traffic in the city center by using a single bus per departure time. This not only reduces congestion but also contributes to a more eco-friendly transportation system.

Pick Up Locations & Reykjavik City Bus Stops

With Airport Direct Economy, we offer pick-up from various hotels, guesthouses, and designated bus stops in downtown Reykjavik. The city center has restrictions on buses and larger vehicles to maintain a pleasant and safe environment for everyone. To accommodate this, we have established bus stops conveniently located in and around the city center, making them easily accessible for most hotels. Most of these hotels are within a 5-10 minute walking distance from the bus stops. If you need assistance in identifying the most suitable pick-up location for you, feel free to contact us at info@airportdirect.is.

The Private Option: Airport Direct Private

If you prefer a more personalized and door-to-door service, our Airport Direct Private transfer is the perfect choice for you. With this option, you can enjoy the luxury of being picked up directly from your accommodation, whether it’s in downtown Reykjavik or outside the city center. Our professional drivers will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, taking you directly to your destination without any stops along the way.

How to Book Your Transfer

Booking your transfer with Airport Direct is quick and easy. Simply visit our website and select the transfer option that best suits your needs. For Airport Direct Economy, choose the Economy option, and for Airport Direct Private, select the Private option. You can then enter your travel details, including your arrival time at Keflavik Airport and your desired drop-off location in Reykjavik. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive all the necessary information, including the meeting point and any additional instructions.

The Route: From Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

Airport Pick Up

When you arrive at Keflavik Airport, our friendly Airport Direct staff will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point. Look out for our staff members wearing bright green vests with the Airport Direct logo. They will guide you to the bus and ensure a smooth boarding process.

Reykjavik Terminal and Hamraborg Stops

As part of our standard service, both our Airport Direct Economy and Airport Direct Private transfers include pick up and drop off at Reykjavik Terminal located at Skogarhlid 10, 105 Reykjavik. This central location is easily accessible and serves as a convenient hub for our transfers. Additionally, for the Airport Direct Economy service, we also make a stop at Hamraborg in Kopavogur.

Reykjavik Main Bus Stop

For our Airport Direct Economy transfers, after the Hamraborg stop, we will transfer you to Reykjavik’s main bus stop. This is where you will find your bright green Smart Bus waiting to take you to your final destination. The main bus stop is strategically located in Reykjavik’s city center, making it easy for you to continue your journey to any part of the city.

Private Drop Off

If you have opted for the Airport Direct Private transfer, our professional driver will take you directly to your desired drop-off location in Reykjavik. Whether it’s a hotel, guesthouse, or any other accommodation, you can rest assured that we will get you there safely and comfortably.

Additional Information

At Airport Direct, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality services, and that includes the products we sell. As mentioned earlier, our transfer options are limited to the Airport Direct Economy and Airport Direct Private services. We do not offer transfers to other destinations or attractions. However, if you’re interested in exploring other parts of Iceland, we recommend checking out our partner services, such as Destination Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik Sightseeing. These services provide excellent opportunities to explore the beautiful sights and attractions outside of Reykjavik.

Book your Keflavik Airport Transfer with Airport Direct Today!

When it comes to transferring from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, Airport Direct is your go-to choice. With our reliable and convenient transfer services, you can start your Icelandic adventure without any hassle. Choose between our budget-friendly Airport Direct Economy or the personalized Airport Direct Private option, and enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey to the city. Book your transfer now and experience the convenience and reliability of Airport Direct.

City bus number 55 from the airport to the center of Reykjavik

Reykjavik International Airport is also connected to the city center by regular city bus service. Buses do not run that often – every 1-2 hours, and this is their main drawback. You can see the detailed schedule for weekdays in the diagram below. It is better to check the schedule on weekends and holidays on the official Icelandic transport website – straeto.is (English version available). This site has a convenient feature for travelers – a Route Planner, which allows you to navigate from point A to point B.

The city bus from Keflavik Airport makes many stops. Among them are the Fjörður shopping center, the Kringlan stop, etc. The bus terminus is the Umferðarmiðstöðin terminal (next to the BSÍ Bus Terminal). Due to the large number of stops, travel time to the center of Reykjavik from the airport is just over 1 hour.

55 bus Time Schedule
Fjörður→Kef – Airport Route Timetable:
Sunday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM
Monday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM
Tuesday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM
Wednesday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM
Thursday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM
Friday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM
Saturday 7:53 AM – 11:53 PM

Direction: Fjörður→Kef – Airport
13 stops

Fjörður
Vogaaeggjari
Grindavíkuraeggjari
Tjarnarhver
Skógarbraut
Keilir
Bogabraut
Njarðvíkurtorg
Miðstöð
Hringbraut / Knattspyrnuvöllur
Hringbraut / Norðurtún
Hringbraut / Melteigur
Kef – Airport

From Reykjavik Airport to the Blue Lagoon

Perhaps the most popular question from travelers heading to Iceland is how to get from the airport to the Blue Lagoon. Some tourists visit Iceland while passing through – for example, as part of a stopover on a flight from Europe to America. They have little free time on the island and, of course, want to see one of its main attractions – the Blue Lagoon. We tell you how to get there by public transport.

The fastest and most comfortable travel option is a bus. The Destination Blue Lagoon airport bus runs on the route Keflavik Airport – Blue Lagoon – Keflavik Airport. The fare is 5500 ISK (€39), children under 13 years of age travel free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at the airport counter or purchased online from the Viator website , guaranteeing a seat on the bus. Entrance fees to the lagoon are paid separately. Buses depart daily, every hour from 06:25 to 17:30. Travel time is 20-25 minutes.

If you want to travel to Reykjavik after your stay at the lagoon, you can buy a Keflavik Airport-Blue Lagoon-Reykjavik combo ticket for the same price.

Renting a car at Reykjavik Airport

In fact, a rented car is the only option for exploring the most interesting corners of Iceland, the most beautiful waterfalls and natural attractions. There is not much to do in the local towns, so there are exactly two options left for exploring the island – a rental car and guided excursions. Allow at least 7-10 days for a full exploration of the island by car (Iceland is not a small island with a length of 480 km from west to east).

We recommend booking a car online in advance to get the best price and choose the option that best suits you, rather than taking what’s left. When booking a car, please note that there are 2 airports in Reykjavik – local lines and Keflavik International Airport. So, you need a car at the second airport – Keflavik.

When driving on local roads, you should consider the following nuances:

• Speed ​​limits when driving on Icelandic roads: gravel roads – 80 km/h, asphalt roads – 90 km/h, roads in cities – 50 km/h.
• Driving off-road is strictly prohibited and is subject to heavy fines. Do not violate traffic rules – fines here reach several thousand euros.
• When driving from a paved road onto a gravel road, extreme caution should be exercised.
• All passengers in the car are required to wear a seat belt.
• The headlights must be turned on.
• To drive on icy road sections, it is better to take a car with a manual transmission.
• You can find out important information about weather conditions and road conditions in different parts of the country on the road.is website, where information is constantly updated.
• The main tourist route No. 1 goes around the entire perimeter of Iceland (it is also called the “Golden Circle of Iceland”). It passes through the towns of Selfoss, Gullfoss waterfall, Vik village, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss waterfall, etc.
• Gas stations throughout the country are common and accept card payments – no need to carry a stack of crowns with you. The cost of a liter of gasoline is average in Europe, about €1.6.

Taxi from the airport to the center of Reykjavik

A taxi is a comfortable, but too expensive option for getting to your destination in Reykjavik. The minimum fare from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik is at least €150. Taxis can be ordered in advance online or taken at the airport. A taxi will take you anywhere on the island – any whim for your money. Let me emphasize once again that renting a car or traveling to the city by bus is much more profitable than taking a taxi.

Large taxi companies in Iceland are Hreyfill, BSR, Taxi Reykjavík. All cars are equipped with meters and a “Taxi” sign on the roof.

How to get from Reykjavik to the airport

When traveling in the opposite direction by Flybus, go to the BSÍ Bus Terminal. If you paid for a Flybus+ return ticket with hotel transfer, check the departure time with the hotel staff.

When traveling by city bus, head to the Umferðarmiðstöðin terminal. It is better to buy travel tickets in advance.

Traveling to the airport by rental car is the most comfortable option. You will not depend on the bus schedule and can plan your time yourself.

Public transport in Reykjavik and Iceland

Public transport in Reykjavik and Iceland consists of buses and taxis. The country also has local ferry and air services. The article shows the cost of travel on Icelandic public transport and you can download a map of its routes.

City buses in Reykjavik

Reykjavik does not have a metro, but it does have a network of reliable and punctual buses. City buses, yellow or yellow-blue with the letter S (Strætó) on the back, connect the city center with the outskirts. In addition, buses run to the nearest towns – Akranes, Borgarnes, Hveragerdi and Selfoss. Night buses operate on some routes.

Travel tariffs : a ticket for 1 trip around the city costs 470 ISK (€3.3) for adults, 235 ISK (€1.6) for children under 17 years old, free for children under 5 years old. Travel on night buses will cost more – 940 ISK (€6.6) per trip. Tickets are sold in sets of 20 at 10-11 stores, Iceland grocery stores, online and from the driver. The cost of a set of 20 tickets is 9100 ISK (€64). When purchasing from the driver, you must have the exact amount in ISK with you without change. Drivers on city routes do not accept card payments.

Tourists in Iceland will definitely benefit from a useful updated map with routes for all public transport in the country: city and tourist buses, passenger ferries and domestic flights. It can be downloaded below. Strætó bus routes and stops are shown in red on the map.

If you plan to stay in Reykjavík to explore the local attractions, the Reykjavík City Card may be useful. With it you can use unlimited public transport in the city and visit museums. The card is sold for 24 hours for 3900 ISK (€27), as well as for 48 and 72 hours.

In addition to the capital Reykjavik, city bus systems also operate in Akureyri, Isafjörður, the Reykjanesbær and Eastern Fjords areas.

Intercity buses in Iceland

During the summer season – from June to August – most of the attractions on Iceland’s Golden Circle, the hiking hotspots in the southwest and the major cities of the western and eastern fjords can be reached by bus. At other times of the year, buses in these directions run much less frequently – several times a week or not at all. There is no bus service between Egilsstadir and Höfn on the Golden Circle.

Traveling around Iceland by intercity buses is extremely inconvenient – there is no exact route schedule, and flights are rare. This is due to the fact that the weather on the island is unstable and fog is frequent. There is a great chance of going somewhere, taking a walk, and then simply not waiting for the next bus.

Intercity buses depart from various stations. For example, in Reykjavik – from the BSÍ Bus Terminal, Skógarhlíð 10 and the Umferðarmiðstöðin terminal . In provincial towns, buses usually depart from the main gas station or campsites. Many buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi.

Average prices for travel between cities and natural attractions in Iceland (one way):

• Reykjavik – Akureyri – 17900 ISK (€126)
• Reykjavik – Hveravetlir – 9900 ISK (€70)
• Reykjavik – Gullfoss – 5000 ISK (€35)
• Reykjavik – Laugarvatn – 3500 ISK (€25)
• Reykjavik – Blue Lagoon – 2750 ISK (€19)

On intercity buses, it is possible to purchase a ticket from the driver and pay with a debit or credit card. The main companies offering passenger transportation during the season are Reykjavík Excursions, SBA-Norðurleið, Sterna, Strætó and Trex. All of these companies also organize group passenger transportation to the most interesting points of the island. It is better to book places in advance on the websites of these companies. Look for the route schedule and current schedule there – they are constantly changing, and it is better to double-check.

Ferry service in Iceland

There are several ferry companies operating in Iceland. I will list them below.

Herjólfur – connects the island of Vestmannaeyjar with Landeyjahöfn (south of Iceland) by ferry service.
Sævar – ferries from Árskógssandur (northern Iceland) to the island of Chrysæy.
Baldur – ferries between Stykkishólmur (west Iceland) and Brjánslækur (west fjords).
Sæfari – ferries from Dalvík (northern Iceland) to the island of Grimsey in the Arctic Circle.
On main ferry routes you can take your car with you. This option will be useful for travelers who want to travel to Iceland by car. In this case, you need a Smyril Line ferry going to Iceland from Denmark. The average cost for two people with a car on the ferry is €950 in the summer season and €435 in the low winter season. The ferry can be taken either direct or with a stop in the Faroe Islands. Travel time from the port of Hirtshals in Denmark to the port of Seyðisfjörður in the eastern part of Iceland is about 2 days.

Travelling by ferry definitely has a certain charm to it. There is a nostalgic quality and quite a symbolic element to boarding a ship and setting sail from port. It feels like a real adventure. Back in the day this used to be the only way to cross the great oceans after all!

Ferry travel can also feel more authentic and exciting than aeroplane travel. Instead of the quick fix of hopping time zones by plane boat travel has a slower and more human pace. The rolling waves and the slap of the water on the keel makes you feel like you are really travelling. It is something akin to train travel. Instead of being enclosed in an air-conditioned cocoon you feel much closer to the elements and to the distance travelled. Tempted to give it a go? Here comes our guide to the different ferries in Iceland.

Iceland Ferry Routes

There are several ferry journeys to enjoy in and around Iceland. Several of them are really useful for taking your rental camper and exploring hidden corners of the country. Others are on much smaller foot passenger only vessels. For the committed it is even possible to catch a ferry to Iceland. Imagine boarding a boat and arriving on this remote island by navigating across the wild North Atlantic Ocean. In this article we will look in more depth at the different ferries in Iceland. We will also explore the places that they can take you and the things to do once you get there.

The Westman Islands Ferry

The Westman Islands lie off of the South Coast of Iceland. It is possible to reach them from two different ports. Landeyjahöfn for a shorter journey of around thirty-five minutes or Þorlákshöfn which takes about two and a half hours. On both it is possible to take your vehicle with you. Depending on the weather and the seasons there are around two sailings every day. In summer when there is more going on taking your rental camper van or motorhome is a good option. There is a good campsite on the island and you can also camp at the island’s summer festival.

The islands in the archipelago number fifteen with around thirty rock stacks dotted between them. Only one of the islands is inhabited though. Heimaey is the largest island in the mix and this is where the ferries all dock.

The island is a prime spot for walking and bird watching. In the summer months from around May to September literally millions of puffins make their homes here. They make their nests on the steep coastal cliffs of the islands and rock stacks. Visitors can see them on foot or by taking small boat journeys around the islands. The rich waters here also sustain whales. So in season whale watching boat tours are another favourite.

Westfjords Ferry Iceland

To get to the remote and beautiful Westfjords by boat you head to the north-western side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From there a car ferry navigates across to the southern Westfjords. This is a useful route for local residents. Especially when the high mountain passes of the southern Westfjords are cut off by snows.

The ferry takes about two and a half hours to make the journey. It calls briefly at the island of Flatey to drop off and pick up passengers. This is a car free island so if you would like to visit it bear that in mind. Once you have arrived in the Westfjords you can spend several days enjoying the sights. From one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls to some seriously spectacular drives.

Hornstrandir Ferry

This remote spit of land lies on the north coast of the remote Westfjords. This ferry route runs from the small town of Ísafjörður. You can reach Hornstrandir by road but this makes for a much shorter journey from the Westfjords’ main town.

Grimsey Iceland Ferry

Grimsey is Iceland’s most northern island and it lies just within the Arctic Circle. If an Arctic visit is on your travel bucket list then you should definitely book your passage in advance. The ferry only sails three times a week and takes just over 100 people. In the summer months seats do book up quickly. It is a wonderfully remote place with fantastic views and birdlife. As the seasons shift it can be an incredible place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland too.

Hrisey Ferry Route

Hrisey is another car-free island off of the North coast of Iceland. It lies in the Eyjafjörður fjord to the north of Akureyri. This makes for a great day trip destination in summer. Bird lovers will be in their element here and there are expansive views out in all directions. Iceland weather permitting the ferry sails every other hour in both directions. The journey takes about fifteen minutes.

Papey Ferry

This is a small foot passenger only ferry that takes visitors to Papey island off of the east coast. The boat runs back and forth once a day and it is an enjoyable four-hour day trip. The island is currently uninhabited but there were people living out here until the mid nineteen sixties.

Videy Ferry

Videy is a small car free island off of the coast of Reykjavik. It is a popular day trip from the capital. The return ferry trip is actually included in the price of a Reykjavik City Card. This card includes access to several museums and galleries as well as hot spring swimming pool entrance. Back on Videy you can visit the Yoko Ono Peace Tower and enjoy pleasant and peaceful walks on rural paths. There are lovely views back across the sea to the city too.

How to get to Iceland by ferry

To arrive in Iceland by ferry you will need to travel to Denmark first. From there you can board the Smyril line ferry to Iceland. The ferry goes via the Faroe Islands where it has a stop over. The whole journey takes several days and departures are generally once a week. For further information you can visit the Smyril Line website.