Getting from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the City Center
21
Sep, 2023
Getting from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the City Center
Are you traveling or planning a trip to Iceland? We’ll help you get started with these 3 ways to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) to your hotel in the city center.
Airport pick-up is not included in our 11-day Iceland trip. Most travelers to Iceland will arrive at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Many of you will spend at least 1 night in Reykjavik’s city center before exploring the wonders of Iceland. The airport is approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the city center. It will take you anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center depending on the transfer option you choose. The cost will depend on the option.
*Please note that Globe Drifters does not recommend any of the 3 options below over another. It is best to do your own research and weigh the pros and cons of each option to find what is best for you.
Arriving at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
To get started, you’ll deplane and go through immigration. Follow everyone off the airplane toward the immigration booths where an immigration official will check and stamp your passport. They may or may not ask for your reason for travel to Iceland as well as your accommodation details and return flight information. Once they stamp your passport at immigration, follow the “Customs” signs. You’ll then exit through to the public arrivals area of the terminal; one step closer to the adventure that lies ahead!
Option 1: Pre-arrange pick-up
One way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center is to pre-arrange private airport pick-up before arrival. This is one of the faster and most expensive options. It will take you approximately 45 minutes to get to the city center. You can find transfer companies by searching on travel websites such as TripAdvisor.
If you’ve pre-arranged your airport pick-up, you’ll usually find a driver waiting for you after luggage claim in the public arrivals area. He’ll typically have a sign with your name on it. It’s best to ask your transfer company for specific instructions and what/who to look for.
For those on our Iceland trip, we will put you in touch with one another before the trip starts. This way, you can share flight arrival times and coordinate pre-arranged airport pick-ups if you so wish.
It’s important to have WhatsApp downloaded and set up on your phone before you arrive so you can be in touch with the transfer company and/or driver. There is free Wifi at the Keflavik airport but if you can’t connect, you can turn on data roaming.
IMPORTANT: Globe Drifters does not vouch for any transfer companies you may find online. It’s important to do your research, read reviews, and contact the company to make sure that it is indeed a trustworthy, legitimate company.
Option 2: Take a taxi
Taking a taxi from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center is probably the fastest option but it is also quite expensive. By taxi, it will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the city center depending on traffic and weather conditions. The cost in a regular 5-seater car will be approximately $150 – $200 USD or more depending on traffic and time of day. Almost all taxis will accept payment by credit card. You do not need to tip your taxi driver as tipping is not common in Iceland.
Taxis are usually available at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport 24 hours a day. So no matter what time you arrive, you should be able to catch one. To take a taxi, just look for the taxi signs after you’ve collected your luggage and exited the baggage claim area. Once you’re in the general public area of the arrivals terminal, continue looking for the taxi signs and a curbside line of taxis outside the terminal. *Uber and Lyft do not operate in Iceland.
Have your hotel address ready to show to the driver and make sure he turns on the meter. Then, you’re off to begin your Icelandic adventure!
The beauty of Iceland awaits you!
If you’ve signed up for our Iceland trip, we will put you in touch with one another before your trip so you can share flight arrival times and make plans to share a taxi.
*NOTE: Airport taxi scams are not as prevalent in Iceland as in many other travel destinations. Though they can occur, most people find Icelandic taxi drivers to be rather friendly and honest.
Option 3: Pre-book with Airport Direct
Airport Direct is another cheaper and relatively quick way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport to the city center.
We suggest the Premium option as it is the best value of the 3 options offered in terms of time and cost. You can pre-book this option and it takes about 45 – 75 minutes to get to the city center depending on traffic and weather conditions. The cost is approximately $50 – $55 USD. The van holds 8 passengers so the stops are limited compared to the bigger buses that hold more passengers. If you’re worried about missing your transfer due to flight delays, they also offer a flight delay guarantee. That way, if you miss your transfer due to flight delays, you’re guaranteed a spot on the next scheduled transfer.
Pre-book a transfer online
To book your airport-to-hotel transfer with Airport Direct’s Premium option, CLICK HERE. Then, provide the following information:
– Your arrival date and desired departure time (It’s best to book a time about 45 minutes to 1 hour after your arrival to give you time to go through immigration and collect your luggage.)
– Number of passengers
– Any extras (Keep in mind Airport Direct’s luggage allowance in the storage space under the van is 50 lbs per person. If you have more, you’ll need to purchase the extra luggage option.)
– Pick-up & drop-off points (If you’re on our Iceland 11-day trip, your pick-up location will be Keflavik Airport and your drop-off will be at Storm Hotel unless you booked pre-tour nights somewhere else.)
*NOTE: We strongly recommend adding the flight delay guarantee add-on in case your flight is delayed or your luggage is lost and you miss your scheduled transfer. This guarantees you a spot on the next scheduled transfer after you arrive without paying extra.
Once you’ve booked and paid for your transfer, you’ll get a booking confirmation via email. You can print out that confirmation or take a screenshot on your phone. Be sure to have it with you for your arrival at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport.
Find the Airport Direct desk at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
Airport Direct will send you specific instructions about finding your transfer. After you’ve arrived at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, you’ll need to collect your luggage and exit the baggage claim area. In the arrivals hall, you’ll find the Airport Direct desk (image below). Just show them your booking receipt and the representative will direct you to the correct van that will take you to your accommodation.
After exiting the baggage claim area, find the Airport Direct transfer desk.
This is what the Airport Direct Premium van usually looks like.
Transfer to your hotel in the city center!
You’ll board the van with the other passengers and head to your hotel in Reykjavik’s city center. Others in the van may be dropped off on the way to your hotel.
Airport Direct also offers a Private Transfer option if you’d like to pre-arrange a private airport pick-up instead of the Premium option described above. They also offer pre-booked return transfers for the end of your trip.
*NOTE: It’s best to contact Airport Direct if you have any questions.
Many travelers take the FlyBus which is the cheapest option for getting from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center. While it is cheap, it also takes longer. It is also a bit more complicated than the 3 options above. This option is good if you’re looking for a cheaper way to get to your hotel as it usually costs around 60 USD. The bus usually will drop you off at a station near your hotel. So we recommend having data on your phone through an international plan or a local Iceland SIM card so you can find your hotel once the bus drops you off.
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Iceland!
In summary, there isn’t really any fast, easy, and cheap way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center. Each option has its pros and cons. The 3 mentioned above are ones that have worked in the past for our travelers. You may find another option that works better for you. No matter which airport transfer option you choose, you’ll have an amazing experience in Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice! Happy travels!
