For hungry visitors arriving or departing via Keflavík International Airport (KEF), you’re in luck! Recent renovations include a new wave of food options, with 13 different restaurants, bars, cafes, and snack shops to choose from.
This blog is a fresh, practical guide on where to eat at the KEF Airport, whether you’re landing with a rumbling stomach or killing time before your flight home from your friends at Firefly Iceland Car Rentals. Here’s everything you need to know about KEF Airport food options.
What’s New at Keflavik Airport?
Iceland’s largest airport and main international hub, KEF recently underwent renovations that include a more modern layout, additional seating, improved duty free shops, and an expanded food court.
These additions were all added with visitors in mind as the airport sees millions of passengers a year, with numbers only growing.
For planning purposes, keep in mind that all food options are after security in the departure zone, aside from the Bæjarins beztu pylsur stand.
Where to Grab a Tasty Meal at KEF Airport
Quick Bites & Cafés for a Snack or Coffee
A few of the best places for a quick snack or coffee at KEF include Bakað, an artisanal bakery that also serves coffee, and Jómfrúin, a Danish pastry shop that also serves classic Scandinavian meals.
Elda also offers convenient grab and go options, including breakfast plates and sandwiches. For all of your snacking needs, stop by Point Convenience is open 24 hours with plenty of drinks and quick bites — perfect for late-night arrivals or early-morning flights.
To round it out, you’ll also find Joe & The Juice for juices and sandwiches, Lagkagehuset for Danish pastries, and Mathús for sandwiches and snacks with an Icelandic twist. These fast food and café-style dining options make it easy to fuel up without delay at the airport terminal.
Affordable Eats Before Your Flight
Have more time before your flight? These restaurants offer a more relaxed experience and are great if you’re looking for a proper sit-down meal or something heartier before takeoff:
- La Trattoria: A casual Italian restaurant serving pizza and pasta, perfect for families or those craving comfort food.
- Yuzu: This fresh and modern spot offers Asian fusion cuisine and creative burgers with a twist, combining global flavours.
- Keflavík Diner : A retro-style diner dishing out classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It also offers takeaway if you’re tight on time.
- Zócalo : Inspired by Mexican street food, Zócalo features bold flavours and vegetarian options, ideal for a satisfying meal before heading to your gate.
Best Food Choices After Landing: Food Options Near Arrivals
Most food outlets are inside the departure terminal after security, but you can still grab something upon landing:
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Iceland’s famous hot dog stand (yes, it’s at the airport too!)
- Sbarro: Affordable pizzas and slices, located close to the arrivals area.
Cheap & Good Value Food at Reykjavik Airport (KEF)
For budget travelers who simply need something quick and satisfying before heading out or grabbing a flight, Bæjarins beztu pylsur, Sbarro, and Elda are all good options.
Families in particular will love the quirky classic of Bæjarins beztu pylsur hot dogs while vegetarians will find plenty of options at Hjá Höllu which offers everything from salads to apple pizza.
Renting a Car at KEF Airport? Here’s What to Know
Renting a car at the KEF Airport is also a great option as this is where most car rental companies in Iceland are based out of.
Firefly Iceland, offers affordable rental car options located right at the airport terminal. We share a desk with Hertz, so pickup is seamless, and drop-off before departure is quick and easy. Whether you’re staying near the airport, heading to Reykjavík, or starting a full road trip on the Ring Road, Firefly helps you save more from the start.
Pro tip: Be sure to book online well in advance for the cheapest rental car deals in Iceland and ensure availability, especially during high season between June and August.
Travel Smart – Eat, Rent & Go
If you’re headed straight to get your rental car after landing and eager to start your road trip, grab some snacks from one of the convenient stores in the airport or a quick meal. This is helpful because you can get on the road ASAP without needing to find food along the way or head all the way into Reykjavik to pick up your car.
Luckily, Firefly Iceland has easy access from the arrivals terminal, so you’ll be on the road in no time.
Whether you’re planning a budget road trip or a flexible Iceland itinerary, renting a car at KEF lets you reach remote villages, hot springs, and hidden spots most tourists miss. And with Firefly Iceland, you’re choosing one of the most affordable ways to travel around the country.
Firefly offers some of the best-value rental cars in Iceland, with options for all seasons and budgets—including older model vehicles that are still reliable but come at a lower price point. This is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to see more of Iceland without overspending.
How Much Are Rental Car Costs in Iceland? How to Get a Cheap Rental
Rental car prices in Iceland can range anywhere from 4,500 ISK (around 30–35 USD) per day for an older model economy car in the off-season, to 20,000 ISK (140+ USD) per day or more during peak summer months for a newer 4×4 or SUV. The biggest factors that affect pricing are the time of year, how early you book, and the type of car you choose.
If you’re traveling in winter or visiting outside the summer rush, you’ll often find significantly lower prices. Booking your car well in advance on Firefly.is is one of the easiest ways to get the best deal. Firefly also offers great savings on older but still very reliable vehicles—perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don’t need the latest model but still want safety and comfort.
Renting directly at Keflavík International Airport also saves money and time compared to shuttling into Reykjavík to find a car rental. You’ll avoid extra transport costs and get on the road quicker.
Pro tip: Insurance is another factor that can increase your rental costs. With Firefly, you can choose only the coverage you need—and skip the extras if you’re confident driving in Iceland. For most travelers, a basic CDW (collision damage waiver) and gravel protection are enough.
If you’re planning to travel outside Reykjavík (which we highly recommend!), a rental car is not just helpful—it’s essential. Public transport doesn’t reach most of Iceland’s iconic natural sights, like glacier lagoons, remote hot springs, or black sand beaches. A cheap, well-maintained rental from Firefly gives you total freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace without breaking the bank.
FAQ – Keflavík Airport Food & Car Rental Tips
Is there food after landing at KEF?
Yes, there are 13 different restaurants, bars, cafes, and convenient store options for food at KEF.
Can I rent a car right at the airport after eating?
Yes, most of Iceland’s car rental companies are based at the KEF airport.
Is there food at the airport after I land?
Yes. While most dining options are in the departure area, you can find Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and Sbarro near arrivals. Point is also open 24 hours.
What’s open late or early at Reykjavik Airport?
Bakað, Jómfrúin, and Keflavik Diner all open early at KEF. Elda, La Trattoria, Bæjarins beztu pylsur, and Point are all open late for night arrivals.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, there are both vegetarian and gluten-free options at the KEF airport.
Where can I get a coffee or breakfast early in the morning?
Joe & The Juice, Lagkagehuset, and Elda open early and offer excellent coffee and breakfast options.
Is there fast food at KEF Airport?
Yes! KEF offers fast food options like Sbarro, Yuzu, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, and Zócalo.
Can I rent a car right at the airport after eating?
Absolutely. Firefly Iceland has a rental car desk at the airport terminal, making it easy to grab your car and go.
Does Reykjavik Airport have the same food options?
No—Reykjavik Airport (the domestic one) has limited food compared to Keflavík International Airport. KEF is your main international airport with a full selection of dining options.
How do I get the cheapest rental car in Iceland?
To score the best deals, book early and choose older models when possible. Firefly Iceland offers reliable budget-friendly rental cars, perfect for travelers who want to save without sacrificing safety. Learn more in our guide to cheap car rentals in Iceland.
What’s the average cost of a rental car in Iceland?
It depends on the season and car type, but basic rentals can start from 4,500 ISK per day in the low season. Larger or 4×4 vehicles during summer are more expensive. We break it down in our full rental car cost guide.
Are there any free things to do near Reykjavík if I rent a car?
Yes! With your rental car, you can visit hot springs, hiking spots, viewpoints, and lighthouses—all for free. Check out our blog on the best free things to do in Reykjavík.
Is it worth renting a car if I’m only staying in Reykjavík?
If you’re just exploring Reykjavík city, you might get by without one. But if you’re planning any day trips or want flexibility, having a rental car is a game-changer. We explain why in our post about when to rent a car in Iceland.
Book Your Cheap Car Rental at KEF with Firefly Iceland
Book your car rental with Firefly Iceland at KEF for easy pickup, flexible rental periods, excellent service, and affordable prices! You’ll be on the road with full bellies in a flash, ready to explore all of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes.
