Understanding Iceland’s airports is crucial when planning your trip to travel to Iceland. You’ll want to know the ins and outs of which airport to fly into and where to rent a car so that you can make the most of your time on the island.
Read on to learn more about Iceland’s airports and which one is best for renting a car!
How Many Airports Are There in Iceland?
While Iceland technically has over 30 official domestic and international airports that are scattered around the country, 13 are the most commonly used. These include Reykjavik, Akureyri, Egilsstadir, Isafjordur, Vestmannaeyjar, Husavik, Hornafjördur, Grimsey, Bildudalur, Vopnafjordur, Thorshofn, and Gjögur Airports.
International Airports in Iceland:
- Keflavík International Airport (KEF): The largest airport in Iceland and the primary gateway for international travelers from Europe and North America.
- Akureyri Airport: Handles some international flights but primarily serves domestic routes.
- Egilsstaðir Airport: Occasionally used for international travel but mainly for domestic flights.
Domestic Airports in Iceland:
- Reykjavík Domestic Airport: Located near the capital city and handles flights to other Icelandic regions.
- Ísafjörður, Hornafjördur, Husavik, and Vestmannaeyjar Airports: Serve smaller towns and regions around Iceland, crucial for accessing remote areas.
- Grimsey, Bildudalur, Vopnafjordur, Thorshofn, and Gjögur Airports: Generally serve remote communities and bring supplies and mail.
Lists of domestic airports in Iceland
Keflavík International Airport – The Main Gateway, you will be arriving here
Iceland’s largest airport, the Keflavík International Airport (KEF), is the country’s main gateway and where most visitors arrive and depart by plane.
Located just a 45-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavik, this is the most popular hub for international flights connecting within Iceland and to Europe and North America.
KEF’s modern facilities, proximity to Iceland’s South Coast, and car rental options make it ideal for visitors. This is the best place in the country to rent a car for a self-driving tour of Iceland as you’ll have the flexibility to head into Reykjavik or get started on your road trip right away, without having to navigate a large city.
Renting a car at KEF is also generally less expensive than in the city center.
Renting a Car at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Keflavik International Airport is the most convenient location for picking up rental cars in Iceland, especially if you’re planning to drive the Ring Road or head to the South Coast. There are dozens of rental car agencies right at your fingertips as soon as you land making it easy to start exploring straight away.
Firefly Iceland offers some of the cheapest rental cars in the country. We’re located right inside the arrival hall, next to Hertz Iceland, making it extra easy to find. When it comes to car availability for all seasons, including 4WD for winter driving, Firefly Iceland is one of the best!
Be aware: Reykjavík Airport is only for Domestic flights
While some travelers might assume that they’ll fly into the Reykjavik Airport (RVK), this is only for domestic flights!
The airport is located just outside the center of the city and connects to smaller domestic airports throughout the country.
We don’t recommend renting a car at RVK if you’re flying to Iceland on an international flight because you’ll have to take a bus or extremely expensive taxi into the city center to pick up your car. Then you’ll need to navigate city traffic to make your way to the Ring Road (or wherever you’re headed on your self-drive adventure!)
Quick Tips For Planning Your Trip and Booking Flights to Iceland
If you’re ready to book your flight to Iceland, here are a few tips to make the process smooth…
- Be sure to book your flights early for the best deals!
- Keflavik International Airport is the main hub for international arrivals and rental cars. Don’t be confused by the Reykjavik Airport.
- Summer is the most expensive time to book flights in Iceland. Keep this in mind when planning—especially if you’re on a budget.
- That being said, winter is the least expensive time to get flights to Iceland but you’ll also have to contend with winter weather and icy roads.
Why Renting a Car in Iceland is the Best Option
Renting a cheap car in Iceland will provide you with the ultimate flexibility for exploring the country and give you the peace of mind to explore its vast landscapes at your own pace.
Being a sparsely populated country, Iceland’s public transportation system isn’t as extensive as other European countries and it can take quite a long time to travel between the capital and remote areas. You’ll also have a difficult time reaching some of the country’s best sights without your own set of wheels.
Firefly Iceland is the most affordable rental car option, no matter which season you plan to visit! Be sure to book early for the best rates possible—especially if you’re visiting in the summer months.
You can pick up your rental car at KEF (Keflavik International Airport) and start your journey immediately!
Start Your Adventure from KEF
Book your rental car with Firefly Iceland today to ensure a seamless start to your Icelandic adventures as soon as you land!
