Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) KEF: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport

Get straight from Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport to the city centre without dither—booking your ticket in advance means you can zoom through the airport and be on your way to the city. We, at Omio, have collected information on the facilities that you have after landing, and the main places worth stopping at in the city centre to make planning your trip easier.

Arriving at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​​ is Reykjavik's busiest airport and the hub of all international travel in Iceland. Keflavik Airport is approximately 40 kilometers outside of Reykjavik, in the neighboring borough of Keflavík​. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the world's northernmost capital city. The city was first founded by outlaw Vikings in the 9th century.  Keflavik International Airport was first opened in 1943, not as a commercial airport, but as an American airbase during the Second World War. In 1951, the American government agreed to give the runways and infrastructure to the Icelandic government, which adapted it into the commercial passenger hub that travelers know today.  Many well-known international airlines arrive at Keflavik Airport, including American Airlines, British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa. Only European and American airlines fly to the airport, in partnership with Asian airlines. Reykjavik International Airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Security is onsite at night when flights depart and arrive less frequently and the majority of shops and restaurants are closed. 

What's the best way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​ to the city center?

Many shuttle buses travel from Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​ to the city center​. Travelers can choose between one public bus service, the 55, or three private bus services. The 55 bus departs approximately once per hour for Reykjavik.  Private bus companies Flybus, Airport Direct, and Gray Line travel from the airport to the city center more often than the 55 public bus. A private bus journey takes approximately 1 hour.

How far is the city center from Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​?

Keflavik Airport​ is 30 miles (49 kilometers) from the city center​. The fastest way to get to the airport is by private car or by taxi, which takes approximately 45 minutes.  The public bus (55) is the slowest way to reach Keflavik Airport from the city center, taking 1 hour and 5 minutes. It is, however, one of the cheapest options for travelers.  Private bus services Flybus, Airport Direct, and Gray Line all take approximately 1 hour to reach the city center from the airport. Travelers must usually consider the additional journey time it takes to reach the bus stop from their hotel. However, Flybus will drop passengers off and collect them from their hotel for an additional fee that is still considerably cheaper than a taxi. 

What services are there at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​?

There are plenty of entertainment and practical services at Keflavik Airport. Passengers can enjoy free WiFi and unlimited browsing in all sections of the airport. Maps are provided to travelers to help them navigate the airport with ease.  For those who need to exchange money, many currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport. An extensive range of duty-free shopping and dining facilities is onsite for travelers looking for a bargain or a bite to eat. Children can enjoy the complimentary airport coloring book and the dedicated play area. At Christmas, children love the traditional Icelandic troll display. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility? 

There's barrier-free access at Keflavik Airport​​ for passengers with limited mobility. Elevators run throughout the airport, allowing step-free access to entertainment facilities. Each restroom suite has a dedicated accessible toilet. Travelers in wheelchairs can request special assistance up to 48 hours in advance of travel. Special assistance is there to help passengers with all types of access requirements make their way from check-in through security and to boarding with ease. 

Local tips: what to know before flying to Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​

Keflavik is a modern airport serving hundreds of arrivals each day. Travelers arriving at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport​​ can expect an efficient, clean, modern airport with short waiting times for border control.  Travelers who wish to explore Iceland's marvelous scenery are advised to rent a 4x4 car at the airport and buy a map detailing routes off the ring road that encircles the island. Many international car rental services are available for travelers at the airport. It's expressly forbidden to journey off-road in any circumstance due to the catastrophic environmental damage cars can inflict on the ancient landscape.  Those who enjoy hiking are advised to bring serious snow-protection gear, even for visits in the height of summer. Some of the higher hiking routes across Iceland plummet to arctic temperatures on overcast days in June, July, and August. All hikers are advised to pack a variety of all-weather gear and check the forecast before heading out.