All the easy ways how to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

When you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission, Learn More >>

As soon as your plane lands at Keflavik Airport, you will need to go through passport control before getting onto the bus or into your car for the journey into Reykjavik city centre (approximately 45 minutes). The International airport servicing Reykjavik and the most popular airport in Iceland is located at Keflavik.

Keflavik Airport is located 50 kilometres from Reykjavik city centre and on average a trip from the airport to the city will take a minimum of 45 minutes.

There are 3 options for getting an airport transfer from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik after you have landed for your Reykjavik adventure. We will explore all 3 airport transfer options on how to get from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik easily in this article.

Know before you go. Our top Reykjavik travel tips

Firstly before you can get from the airport to Reykjavik you may or will need to apply for the new Etias Visa that allows travellers to holiday in the European Union for up to 90 days. A company like Byevisa can help process the ETIAS visa for you without any hassles.

How to get to Reykjavik from Keflavik

For Keflavik Airport arrivals there is a limited amount of choices for you to get to Reykjavik. There is no Keflavik airport to Reykjavik train connection, which means your choice for an airport transfer comes down to either bus or car options.

A wow airlines plane on the tarmac at Keflavik Airport in Iceland
A plane landing at keflavik airport

Getting to Reykjavik from Keflavik by bus and minibus

2 popular bus companies are working the KEF to Reykjavik city route. Grayline Iceland Express and Flybus are your best options for an inexpensive, reliable option. Both bus transfer companies will take you from the airport to their bus terminal and, for a few Icelandic Króna (ISK) extra, onto the nearest bus stop or your Reykjavik Hotel.

These 2 bus transfer companies charge a similar price for bus transfers starting at 19 Icelandic Krona for adults, there may be a discount for kids and some differences in baggage allowances. Both companies have Wi-Fi onboard to keep you entertained on your way to Reykjavik. A ticket can be bought inside the terminal at their kiosks.

Travel Expert Tip:

We can tell you from experience that service can be a relief after spending hours on a plane, you don’t have to worry about road rules in a new country, you don’t have to worry about taxi prices, you just get on and relax.

Grayline Iceland Express

Grayline Express runs on a timetable and departs for the Icelandic capital from an easy to find location just outside the arrivals terminal at Keflavik airport. It is recommended that you book a departure specific time from kef airport to Reykjavik at least 60 minutes after your arrival time.

You will be taken from the airport directly to the Gray Line Bus Terminal at Klettagarðar 4 where you will transfer to a shuttle bus for central Reykjavik guesthouses and hotel drop-off. You can also book a Gray Line downtown Reykjavík hotel pick-up for your trip from Reykjavik to Keflavik when your Iceland holiday is over.

To get from keflavik airport to drop off locations at major hotels after a long flight is easy with a Gray Line transfer from the airport.

Flybus airport transfer Reykjavík

Flybus airport transfer has 2 different options, you can be taken from the airport directly and dropped off at their bsí bus terminal, or you can pay a little extra to be dropped off at or as close as possible to your Reykjavik accommodation.

It would be remiss of me not to mention that I have heard that Flybus can delay bus departures while waiting for the bus to fill up, even though their website states that buses run every 45 minutes from Keflavik to Reykjavik. The BSI bus terminal is located near Reykjavik city centre. You can also book a return transfer and tour in the flybus transfer terminal building.

Best travel tip: The best City Reykjavik walking tour


Related Posts


Public transport bus to Reykjavik from reykjavik Airport

There is an option to take public transport into Reykjavik. You can catch the public bus from airport Keflavik to Fjörðura where you will need to change buses for a central Reykjavik drop-off with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus from Reykjavik airport runs at least 5 times a day, this is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Reykjavik city. You can check the schedules at Straeto right here

The highway leadinf from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

Keflavik Airport rental car option

The first car option is to pick up one of the many rental cars at the airport after you pass through Iceland immigration. You will find no shortage of rental car options at Keflavík airport from the big international companies such as Europcar and Thrifty to Iceland companies such as Procar and Lava Auto. You can search here for Keflavik airport rental cars options

Car Rental driving in Iceland travel tip

In Iceland, you drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. The general speed limit is 30-50 km/hour in populated areas, 80 km/hour on gravel roads in rural areas and 90 km/hour on paved roads. Drivers and all passengers are required by law to wear seatbelts. The road conditions at times can be challenging with snow, ice and whiteouts for car rental customers.

Taxi transfer from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik

Taxis are plenty of taxis at the airport in Keflavik. You will find taxi airport transfers to Reykjavik city centre from the airport is an expensive journey. Typical airport transfers in a sedan fitting 4 passengers will cost you somewhere between 80 and 100 Euros.

Taxi drivers will be waiting for you 24 hours a day outside the arrivals area, next to Parking 2. It is recommended that you enquire about the price before committing to the trip, as there have been reports of people getting charged over 150 Euros. Taking a taxi outside the terminal is a convenient way to get to most hotels if you don’t mind the extra cost.

Private transfers – Keflavik Airport Reykjavik

You can book a private transfer from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik in a car or private shuttle, depending on how many people you are travelling with. A private driver will be waiting for you after your flight lands in the arrivals hall at kef airport holding a sign with your name and will accompany you to your vehicle.

Private transfers on your Iceland trip from the airport to Reykjavik city are much more convenient than public transportation, or a flybus transfer. Explore your airport direct private transfer option here.

At this time there is no UBER in Iceland for a private transfer, so there is no way to book this service from keflavík airport.

We hope this provides you with all the information you need to visit the Iceland attraction. Please find some additional Iceland information below

Read more: 10 of the best cities in Europe for the best vacations for families with teenagers

Facts about Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik is the northernmost capital on the planet
  • Steam rising from the area’s hot springs gave Reykjavik its name, which literally translates to “Cove of Smokes”
  • Of Iceland’s 332,750 residents, 64 per cent, or 213,760, live in the Reykjavik region
  • In 2011, Reykjavik was the fifth city named a City of Literature by UNESCO
  • Reykjavik is believed to have been the first permanent settlement in Iceland

More know before you go! Our top Reykjavik travel tips

Traveling to Iceland with kids requires a lot of planning. Not only is Iceland one of the most expensive countries to visit it is amazing. Once you are travelling in Iceland you feel like you have to do it all while you are there. Below are the best things to have prepared before you leave for your vacation to Reykjavik.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Reykjavik. In Reykjavik, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Trip Advisor and Hotellook to find the best prices in Reykjavik.

  • Luxury: Located in the city centre of Reykjavik is the Opel Premium Apartments. Featuring rooms for singles, doubles and 2-bedroom suites for families. Your family can free Wi-Fi in all rooms if you arrive early luggage storage is available along with, car parking and airport transfer.
  • Mid-Range: Singles, Doubles and family rooms for 4 featuring TVs, Wi-Fi, refrigerator and coffee makers are waiting for you. Fosshotel Baron is located in the Reykjavik City Centre area of Reykjavik. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and facilities for disabled guests
  • Budget: If you like communal living then the Reykjavik Hostel Village might be the best budget bet for you in the city center. Featuring rooms for all numbers of visitors, free Wi-Fi, a kitchen and a BBQ for cooking. The city center is 300 m away from the hostel.

Travelling with young adults tips: 18 tried and tested tips for vacations with teens

Reykjavik apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation in Reykjavík then an apartment is the best choice for you on your vacation to Iceland. There are so many options for singles, families and budget-friendly options as well when you visit Reykjavik. Check out the map below to find the perfect Reykjavik apartment for your vacation in Reykjavik. 

Book your Reykjavík Apartment stay

How to get to Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Reykjavík is located in South Iceland. Travel to Iceland is via Keflavik International Airport. The airport is 50 kilometres from Reykjavik. 6.8 million people travelled through Keflavik airport in 2016. Search your flights to Iceland with Kiwi.com
  • Smyril Line car ferry M/S Norröna sails between Seyðisfjörður in Iceland, Hirtshals in Denmark and Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands once a week. This allows you to bring your car and drive to Reykjavik.
  • You can reserve a rental car and have it waiting for you at Keflavik International Airport

How to get around Reykjavik

  • The city buses in Reykjavík are yellow. The Icelandic word for them is strætó, which is short for strætisvagn (streetcar). The public bus is the only public transport in the city.
  • The Reykjavik Hop on hop off bus is another excellent option for seeing the sites of the city and surrounding area. You can get on and off at any bus stop. Check the current prices HERE.
  • The Reykjavik City Card entitles you to entry to some of Reykjavik’s major attractions and free public transport on the buses. More information is available here
  • Reykjavik domestic airport is a small airport that services flights arriving from within Iceland

Reykjavik City Card

The Reykjavik City Card helps visitors save money on Reykjavik attractions around the city. Sightseeing in Reykjavik and Iceland is pricey and adds up quickly. The city card helps keep the costs down with free entries and discounts to top Reykjavik attractions, free transportation and discounts at restaurants. You can get a Reykjavik City Card for 24-, 48- and 72-hour duration. Buy your city card for your Reykjavik trip today

Iceland travel with teenagers: 33 Cool things to do in Reykjavík with teenagers

Do you need a sim card for your Iceland family holiday with children?

Relying on Wi-fi when you are travelling in Iceland can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact with who you need is a top priority when you are on vacation in Iceland. Plan your trip to Reykjavik out and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data, and calls on your vacation to Reykjavik.

What currency do I need for my trip to Iceland?

The official currency you need to use in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. We recommend that you get a Revolut travel money card, that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money on your family trip to Reykjavik.

Do I need travel insurance for my family trip to Iceland?

Iceland has a high quality of healthcare but in saying that travel insurance is still recommended for all travellers entering the country. The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care on your family holiday in Iceland,

We recommend using Travel Insurance Master, their website will compare the best deals from several providers and present you with the best value for money policy on the market. Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Iceland. There are so many things to do in Iceland that are free but you do need to watch your money if you are on a budget holiday in Iceland. We all love our visit to the Blue Lagoon and we think the Blue Laggonfor families is a wonderful way to spend the day.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Iceland click through to our Iceland Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.


More travel inspiration for your trip to Iceland