Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik: Every Transfer Option Compared
Reykjavik: Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport (KEF)
How do you get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik?
Keflavik Airport (KEF) is 50 km from Reykjavik city centre. The Flybus costs around ISK 3,999 (~€27) one-way and takes 45-60 minutes to the BSI terminal. A private taxi runs ISK 18,000-22,000 (~€120-€150). Rental cars are collected directly at the airport. There is no train.
KEF is not next to Reykjavik — plan accordingly
Keflavik International Airport is 50 km southwest of Reykjavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The distance surprises many first-time visitors who assume an international airport is close to the capital. With normal traffic and dry roads the drive takes 40-50 minutes; in winter it can stretch to 70-80 minutes. There is no rail link. Your options are the Flybus, a private taxi or transfer, or a rental car. This guide covers each one honestly.
Option 1: Flybus — the default choice
The Flybus is operated by Reykjavik Excursions and is the standard public shuttle between KEF and Reykjavik. It is reliable, cheap, and requires no planning beyond buying a ticket in advance or at the terminal.
How it works: Buses depart from just outside the arrivals hall at KEF and drive directly to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. The journey takes 45-60 minutes. Buses are timed to meet incoming international flights.
Flybus vs Flybus Plus:
- Flybus (standard): Goes to BSI bus terminal. You then take a taxi or city bus to your hotel. One-way approx. ISK 3,999 (~€27).
- Flybus Plus: Continues from BSI to hotels across Reykjavik. One-way approx. ISK 5,499 (~€37). Return tickets are discounted — around ISK 7,500 for standard return.
Who it suits: Solo travellers, couples without too much luggage, anyone staying at a hotel covered by the Flybus Plus route.
Who should consider an alternative: Families with young children and lots of gear, anyone arriving after midnight on an unusual flight, anyone with a very early departure whose hotel is far from BSI.
Trap to avoid: Double-check your hotel appears on the Flybus Plus drop-off list when booking. Not every guesthouse is covered, and the list changes. If your accommodation is not on it, either accept the extra taxi from BSI or book a private transfer instead.
Return journey: book a Flybus pick-up from your hotel (or BSI) for the same combined return price. Departure buses to KEF connect to international departures — check the outbound schedule against your flight’s check-in window.
Option 2: Private transfer
A pre-booked private transfer picks you up at arrivals by name sign and takes you directly to your hotel. No bus stop hunting after a long flight.
Cost: ISK 18,000-22,000 (~€120-€150) for a standard saloon car (up to 4 passengers). Larger vehicles for families or groups cost more. Pre-booked flat rates are typically cheaper than hailing a taxi at the arrivals hall.
Journey time: 45-60 minutes to Reykjavik, door to door.
Who it suits: Families, couples splitting the cost, anyone arriving with heavy luggage, late-night arrivals who want certainty, travellers with early starts.
Book a private KEF-Reykjavik transferBooking advice: Several operators offer flat-rate, named-sign pickups. Book in advance rather than haggling at the taxi rank — prices at the rank are sometimes inflated. Confirm the driver will wait if your flight is delayed.
KEF Airport: private transfer to or from ReykjavikOption 3: Rental car
If you plan to self-drive Iceland — even for part of your trip — collecting the rental car at KEF is logical and saves a separate city pick-up trip. All the major rental companies (Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Avis, plus Icelandic specialists like Saga and Blue Car Rental) have desks in the KEF arrivals hall or a short shuttle ride away.
What to know before collecting:
- Iceland drives on the right.
- A 4x4 (SUV, minimum) is legally required on F-roads and strongly advisable for any winter travel. Even a Toyota RAV4-class vehicle is preferable to a small hatchback in March.
- Read the collision damage waiver terms very carefully. Many standard CDW policies exclude damage from gravel roads, river crossings, and sand/ash storms — common Iceland-specific hazards. Full cover costs more but removes the gamble.
- Petrol stations at KEF are cheaper than in central Reykjavik.
Cost: Economy hatchback from ~€45/day in off-peak (Nov-Feb outside Christmas). Summer (Jul-Aug) rates for a 4x4 can reach €130-€180/day including full cover. Compare prices across multiple operators — Icelandic-specific companies are often cheaper than international chains.
For the full car vs tours debate, see getting around Iceland: car vs tours.
Option 4: The Blue Lagoon stopover
If your flight arrives in the morning and your hotel in Reykjavik accepts a late check-in, stopping at the Blue Lagoon on the way is a genuinely good use of the drive. The Blue Lagoon is 23 km from KEF — you pass within a few kilometres of the turnoff on Route 41.
The practical sequence: land at KEF, collect bags, drive or transfer to the Blue Lagoon, soak for 2-3 hours, then continue to Reykjavik. Your luggage can be stored at the Blue Lagoon facility.
What you need to book: Blue Lagoon admission separately and in advance — it sells out. The basic Comfort package starts at approximately €96/person. See the Blue Lagoon complete guide for current prices and what each package includes.
Flybus also offers a Blue Lagoon connection with its timetable. If you choose this route, confirm the connection timing allows sufficient soak time before the next bus to Reykjavik.
Returning to the airport from Reykjavik
The same options apply in reverse. Flybus pick-ups from BSI or hotel stops run to KEF throughout the day. Book the departure bus to allow 2.5-3 hours before your flight’s recommended check-in time — KEF is efficient but not instant.
If you are returning a rental car, factor in the drop-off queue at peak times (summer mornings 06:00-08:00 can be busy). Most rental drops at KEF are straightforward but a long queue adds 20-30 minutes. Some rental companies allow a Reykjavik city drop and arrange a shuttle to the airport — worth checking if your itinerary ends in Reykjavik.
A private transfer for the return leg removes timing stress if you have an early morning flight. Book the night before and confirm a pick-up time that gives you comfortable airport margin.
Book a one-way private transfer to Keflavik AirportWhich option should you choose?
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Solo or couple, daytime arrival, Reykjavik hotel | Flybus Plus |
| Family with luggage, any time of day | Private transfer |
| Self-drive itinerary from day one | Rental car at KEF |
| Arriving early, Blue Lagoon on the itinerary | Blue Lagoon transfer + Flybus |
| Late-night arrival, unusual flight time | Pre-booked private transfer |
| Budget traveller on Flybus Plus route | Flybus Plus |
For a broader view of getting around Iceland once you are out of the airport, see getting around Iceland: car vs tours. For what to see and do once you reach Reykjavik, see the 2-day Reykjavik itinerary or the 3-day Reykjavik itinerary.
What to do while waiting at Keflavik Airport
KEF is a modern, compact airport. If you have a long wait before a connecting flight or before your hotel check-in time allows entry, the following are worth knowing.
The duty-free shop inside departures is one of the better places to buy Icelandic liquor — the Brennivín schnapps (known locally as “Black Death”) and local gin are significantly cheaper here than in Reykjavik shops. The Viking-themed duty-free section also stocks quality woollen goods, though prices are higher than the city.
The airport has a Bonus-brand convenience outlet airside, which is a reasonable place to pick up snacks and water before a flight. Before security, there is a more limited food offering.
Flybus and transfer waiting: The Flybus desk is clearly signed in the arrivals hall. Private transfer drivers wait in arrivals holding name signs — look for your name or your transfer company’s sign. If your driver is not immediately visible, they are almost certainly in the secondary waiting area beyond the initial arrivals crowd.
KEF to Blue Lagoon: If you want to go directly from KEF to the Blue Lagoon before heading to Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is 23 km from KEF on the same Reykjanes Peninsula. Several transfers go directly there. You need pre-booked admission. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes. See the Blue Lagoon complete guide for everything about admission tiers and booking.
When you have an early morning departure
For early flights from KEF, the Flybus and private transfer logistics work in reverse. Most Flybus hotel pick-ups begin around 04:30-05:00 for early departures. Check the Flybus timetable against your flight’s recommended check-in window (typically 2.5-3 hours before for intercontinental flights).
KEF security and passport control for international flights can queue significantly in peak summer mornings (06:00-08:00). Allow a minimum of 90 minutes after arriving at the terminal for international departures, more in July-August.
Returning a rental car at KEF: the car return area is signposted from the main road approach. Most returns are processed quickly, but a queue of 20-30 minutes can develop on summer mornings. Build this into your departure timeline.
Frequently asked questions about Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik transfers
How long does the Flybus take from Keflavik to Reykjavik?
Roughly 45-60 minutes to the BSI bus terminal. The Flybus Plus continuation to your hotel adds 15-30 minutes depending on the drop-off route order.
Is the Flybus Plus worth it?
Yes if your hotel is on the route and you have luggage. It saves a separate taxi fare from BSI. Confirm your hotel is listed on the Plus route before booking.
Can I take a regular taxi from Keflavik Airport?
Yes. Taxis wait outside arrivals. A standard car to central Reykjavik runs ISK 18,000-22,000. Pre-booked flat-rate transfers are usually cheaper and more convenient than hailing at the terminal.
What is the Blue Lagoon stopover option?
Several Flybus and private transfer packages allow you to stop at the Blue Lagoon between the airport and Reykjavik. You need to book Blue Lagoon admission separately. Only practical for morning or early-afternoon arrivals.
Is it better to rent a car at Keflavik or Reykjavik?
KEF is more convenient if you plan to drive from day one. Reykjavik city pick-up works if you want a day or two on foot before setting off. Note the return drive to KEF from Reykjavik at departure.
What if my flight arrives late at night?
Flybus runs until approximately midnight on a schedule tied to incoming flights. For very late arrivals or unusual scheduling, a pre-booked private taxi is the more reliable option.
How much does rental car pickup at KEF cost?
Economy cars start around €45-60/day in off-peak. In July-August, a 4x4 with full cover can run €130-€180/day. Read the collision damage waiver exclusions carefully — gravel road damage is often not covered by basic policies.
Frequently asked questions about Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
How long does the Flybus take from Keflavik to Reykjavik?
Is the Flybus Plus worth it?
Can I take a regular taxi from Keflavik Airport?
What is the Blue Lagoon stopover option?
Is it better to rent a car at Keflavik or Reykjavik?
What if my flight arrives late at night?
How much does the car rental at KEF cost?
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