Keflavik International Airport

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) serves Reykjavík and all of Iceland. Located 50 km southwest of Reykjavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it's Iceland's main international gateway and a major transatlantic hub connecting Europe and North America.

The airport has a single terminal (Leifur Eiríksson Terminal) that underwent expansion. Iceland's dramatic landscapes begin right outside the terminal.

Note: Reykjavík also has a domestic airport (RKV) in the city center for internal flights.

Key airlines: Icelandair (hub), PLAY, SAS, Delta, United, Transavia, easyJet, and various carriers.

KEF is on the Reykjanes Peninsula:

• To Reykjavík city center: 50 km, 45-55 minutes
• To Blue Lagoon: 20 km, 20 minutes (on the way to Reykjavík)
• To Golden Circle starting point: 100 km, 1.5 hours
• To Vík: 220 km, 3 hours

Uber does not operate in Iceland. Use taxis or airport buses.

Taxis (very expensive):

• To Reykjavík: ISK 20,000-25,000 (~$145-180 USD)
• Book in advance (Hreyfill Taxi)

Taxis are NOT recommended due to extreme cost.

Flybus (Reykjavík Excursions)

Flybus is the main option:

• Route: Airport → BSÍ Bus Terminal (Reykjavík) → hotel drop-offs
• Journey time: 45 minutes to BSÍ, 75 minutes with hotel transfer
• Frequency: Coordinated with all flights
• Cost: ISK 3,499 (~$25) to BSÍ; ISK 4,999 with hotel

Airport Direct

Airport Direct buses also operate:

• Similar routing and prices
• Can book online

Rental Car

Rent a car: Essential for exploring Iceland beyond Reykjavík. Multiple agencies at the airport.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 (Terminal)	ISK 2,500/day	Covered
Long-term	ISK 1,800/day	Outdoor

Book online for discounts.

KEF has good dining options:

Landside:

• Icelandic restaurants
• Fast food
• Cafés

Airside:

• Multiple restaurants
• Duty-free shopping
• Joe & The Juice

Network: Keflavik Airport WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Good
• Easy connection

SIM cards from:

• Airport shops (Síminn, Vodafone)
• Prices: ISK 2,000-3,000 for prepaid with data

Get a SIM—you'll need data for Iceland's Ring Road.

ATMs in the terminal.

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). Approximately 138 ISK = 1 USD.

Iceland is nearly cashless; cards accepted everywhere.

Duty-free:

• Alcohol: Buy here—Iceland is extremely expensive for booze
• Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa)
• Icelandic snacks, chocolate
• Skincare (Blue Lagoon products)

Tip: The duty-free is exceptional and much cheaper than in Reykjavík.

Saga Lounge

• Access: Icelandair Saga Class, Star Alliance Gold, or purchase
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, showers

Northern Lights Lounge

• Access: Priority Pass, or walk-in
• Amenities: Food, drinks, comfortable seating

Hotels near Keflavík or in Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon area has hotels for those with early/late flights.

Iceland is nature at its most dramatic—volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights, all easily accessible:

From the airport (with travel time):

• Blue Lagoon: 20 min—geothermal spa (book ahead!)
• Reykjavík: 50 min—colorful capital, Hallgrímskirkja church
• Reykjanes Peninsula: 30-60 min—lava fields, lighthouse, geothermal areas

The Golden Circle (essential day trip from Reykjavík):

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir): Where tectonic plates meet, UNESCO
• Geysir geothermal area: Original geyser (Strokkur erupts every 5-10 min)
• Gullfoss waterfall: Dramatic two-tiered falls

South Coast (full day):

• Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind the waterfall
• Skógafoss: Powerful, iconic waterfall
• Reynisfjara Black Beach: Dramatic basalt columns
• Vík: Charming village, puffins nearby

Beyond:

• Jökulsárlón: Glacier lagoon with icebergs (5 hours from Reykjavík)
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: "Iceland in miniature," glaciers, lava
• Northern Lights: September-March, outside city, when skies are clear

Practical Iceland:

• Incredibly expensive: Budget $200+/day minimum
• Weather changes fast: Layers essential, waterproof everything
• Rent 4x4: For highlands and winter travel
• Book ahead: Blue Lagoon, popular restaurants, summer accommodation
• Stopover program: Icelandair allows free stops on transatlantic routes

Food & drink:

• Lamb: Iceland's best meat, grass-fed
• Fresh fish: Cod, haddock, Arctic char
• Hot dogs (pylsur): Surprisingly beloved, try at Bæjarins Beztu
• Skyr: Icelandic dairy product, not quite yogurt
• Brennivín: "Black Death" schnapps—traditional

Local tips:

• Buy alcohol at duty-free: Dramatically cheaper than Icelandic stores
• F-roads: Highland roads requiring 4x4—check vehicle insurance
• Midnight sun: June-July, nearly 24-hour daylight
• Northern Lights: Best September-March, need dark clear skies
• Respect nature: Stay on paths, don't damage moss (takes decades to grow)
• Geothermal pools: Beyond Blue Lagoon, many local pools (hot pots)
• Iceland is safe, but nature is dangerous—respect weather and water