Whether you’re popping in for a short trip or looking to spend a few weeks in the Land of Fire and Ice, here’s everything you need to know about the country’s main airport, Keflavik International.
Where is keflavík international airport?
The Keflavik International Airport is located on the eastern side of the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland handles most international flights. It takes about 45 minutes to get from the Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
How to get from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik, how long does it take?
Getting from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik is easy and relatively fast, considering how far outside the city center it is.
Visitors have the option of taking the public bus, airport transport bus, a taxi, or, the best option, renting a car at the airport.
- By public BUS: The public bus from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik is the cheapest option but provides limited services. The journey takes a minimum of 1.5 hours as there are multiple stops along the way.
- By Airport transport bus: Iceland’s airport transport bus takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, but you’ll be dropped off in a central location in Reykjavik versus at your hotel. This option can have a long waiting time in between buses.
- By Taxi : Taking a taxi is the most expensive option, although one of the more efficient modes of transportation between the airport and Reykjavik. A taxi from Keflavik International Airport to the capital can cost up to €200.
The best and least expensive option for getting from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik is by renting a car. Visitors can simply pick up their rental car at the airport and make the short, easy drive to Reykjavik themselves.
Rent a cheap car in Iceland with Firefly and pick it up in the arrival hall!
Firefly Iceland Car Rentals is one of your best options in terms of both price and reliability in Iceland. They share the same pick up desk as Hertz Iceland INSIDE the arrival hall which makes it even more convenient! Simply deboard the plane, and walk a few minutes to the desk where you’ll check in and pick up your keys.
Tips on arriving at the KEF airport
There are a few tips and tricks that travelers should know about the KEF airport! Some might make a huge difference in the price of your trip.
First, visitors should check out the duty free store before leaving the airport. This is the last place you can get tax free products before entering Iceland. For those who like to drink alcohol, buying liquor, wine, and beer here is by far one of the least expensive options in the entire country! This option is especially great if you’re picking up a rental car as you can grab a few bottles to bring along without having to lug them around in heavy baggage. ——but remember, if you are the driver, NEVER drink and drive!!!
Visitors should also know that the arrival area only has a bakery and convenience store. The restaurants and other souvenir stores are all located in the departure terminal.
Last, but not least, travelers can check their flight schedule on the official KEF website.
Are there any hot springs near Keflavik International Airport?
Yes! In fact, Iceland’s most famous hot spring is located only 20 minutes from the airport.
The Blue Lagoon is situated just south of KEF and provides the perfect place to relax and reset both before and after your trip. Although this hot spring is manmade, the Blue Lagoon harnesses geothermal energy to heat the water. Guests will also find an onsite bar, spa, and they can take part in the iconic silica mud mask.
Kick off your Icelandic adventures by soaking in the milky blue waters, or do the same after you’ve spent a week or two hiking around the country.
Hot springs in Reykjavik
You’ll find that almost all large towns in Iceland have heated, public swimming pools. Reykjavik is no different!
Visitors can take a swim in one of eight public swimming pools that are scattered around the capital city.
For those who want a Blue Lagoon experience in the heart of Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon is an oceanfront, geothermally heated pool surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Like the Blue Lagoon, this is also a manmade hot spring, but is no less stunning than those you’ll find in nature.
Tips for renting a car in Iceland
For those that do decide to rent a car for their trip to Iceland, be sure to book well in advance — especially from June to September!
Another important factor to take into consideration when renting a car in Iceland is the weather. Road conditions can be dangerous in the winter months with snow and ice.
Even in the shoulder seasons, you should always check road (via road.is) and weather conditions (via vedur.is )before heading out. Travelers can do so on Iceland’s official websites linked above.
Conclusion
Overall, flying into Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport is a breeze. As one of the smaller airports in Europe, it’s easy to navigate and easy to reach the capital from.
Book your car rental through Firefly Iceland Car Rentals to make sure you’re getting some of the cheapest rates in the country. You’ll be on your way to exploring Iceland on your own terms, with your own set of wheels, in no time!
