Whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or coming back for another adventure, Keflavík Airport is most likely where your journey will begin. This is because Keflavík International Airport is Iceland’s primary international gateway. Situated just 31 miles (50 km) from Reykjavík, this bustling airport is the hub for the vast majority of international flights coming into Iceland.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about KEF, from how to get there to the best facilities on site. Whether you’re arriving in Reykjavík for a business trip, an adventure family holiday, or an epic road trip, the information here will help prepare you for your arrival and departure. Let’s dive into the details of Keflavík Airport to gear you up for an amazing adventure.
What is Keflavík International Airport?
Keflavík Airport is Iceland’s busiest international airport and serves as the main entry point for people visiting the country. This Reykjavík airport handles a large number of flights from North America, Europe, and beyond. With modern facilities and efficient services, KEF ensures a smooth experience for all arriving in and leaving Iceland.
The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and another for domestic flights. It accommodates over 3 million visitors each year, with increased numbers during the peak tourism months in summer.
Where is Keflavík Airport?
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula just 31 miles (50 km) southwest of Reykjavík, Keflavík Airport sits within the boundaries of the town of Keflavík. Once you land here, it takes about 40 minutes by car to get to Reykjavík city center. The airport’s location also makes it a convenient starting point for those heading out on road trips to explore the rest of the island. Our Keflavík Airport office is the perfect option for collecting your rental car upon arrival in Iceland, setting you up so you can immediately hit the road for your first Icelandic adventure!
Facilities at Keflavík International Airport
KEF offers a wide range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience. For passengers arriving and departing, all required services can be found.
Shops & Dining: From duty-free to local Icelandic fare, Reykjavík’s airport has a variety of shops. There are also plenty of dining options, from quick snacks to sit-down meals from restaurants and cafes.
Shops within the airport include:
- Duty-Free Iceland
- Elko (electronics retailer)
- Optical Studio (eyewear and accessories)
- Penninn Eymundsson (bookstore with magazines, all in a variety of languages)
- 66°North (outdoor clothing brand)
- Blue Lagoon (skincare products from the spa)
- Airport Fashion (clothing and accessories)
- Iceland Gift Store (souvenir shop)
Restaurants and eateries include:
- Bæjarins Beztu (famous Icelandic hot dogs)
- Dunkin' Donuts (donut and coffee chain)
- Joe & The Juice (coffees, sandwiches, and smoothies)
- Mathús (self-service restaurant)
- Loksins Bar (beers and cocktails)
- Segafredo (Italian cafe)
- Kvikk Café (sandwiches and coffee)
- Hjá Höllu (wood-fired pizzas)
- Jómfrúin (Scandinavian delicacies)
Lounges: For additional comfort, KEF International Airport offers premium lounges where you can relax before your flight. These lounges offer refreshments, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. These can be pre-booked, or you can see if there’s availability on the day. Different lounges come with a variety of prices, so it’s worth researching ahead of time.
Wi-Fi & Charging Stations: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are plenty of charging stations should you need to top up your devices.
Baggage Services: KEF provides baggage storage, lost and found services, as well as luggage wrapping, should you require it.
Family-Friendly Amenities: For those traveling with children, KEF has thought of everything. There are play zones in the departures lounge with handy seating for parents to supervise. Interactive gaming is available for older children, and you can even borrow a stroller at the airport. In addition, there are dedicated baby changing rooms, as well as quiet spaces for breastfeeding and baby care. Family restrooms are also available, offering larger spaces to accommodate families.
Transportation Services: The airport is well connected to the capital and other parts of Iceland, with shuttle buses, taxis, and rental car services. Getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík is easy, and you have multiple options.
- Flybus and Airport Express provide regular services to Reykjavík’s city center, taking about 40 minutes. Buses are timed to meet every flight, and you can secure tickets at the airport or book in advance online.
- Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal, with a journey time to Reykjavík of about 50 minutes, and fares costing between 10000 ISK ($80 USD) and 15000 ISK ($120 USD). You can also download and use the Hopp app, which is similar to Uber in other countries.
- If you want a more private and luxurious experience, private transfers are available from KEF, but these need to be booked in advance.
- Public buses are a budget-friendly option, though they are less frequent than shuttles.
- Rental cars offer the flexibility to design your own Icelandic experience. You can collect them from the airport and make your way to your first destination, wherever in Iceland that may be. Get help selecting a car to drive in Iceland.
Popular Airlines and Destinations at Keflavík Airport
Reykjavík’s airport is well-connected to major cities across the world, which is why it’s the primary hub for international travel to and from Iceland. Some of the most common airlines flying in and out of KEF include:
- Icelandair: Iceland’s flagship carrier, offering multiple direct flights to North America, Europe, and beyond.
- Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines: These major US carriers offer regular flights to and from major cities, including New York, Boston, and Chicago.
- British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France: Leading European airlines providing frequent connections from cities like Paris, Frankfurt, and London.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, KEF is your gateway to the country. As a modern airport with all the amenities you could require, it’s the perfect welcome to this Nordic nation. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Iceland!