How to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the City Center

Planning a trip to Iceland? Get started with these 3 ways to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) to your hotel in the city center.

Most travelers to Iceland arrive at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and head straight toward Reykjavik’s city center from the airport for a night or two. The airport is approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the city center and it takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to get there depending on the type of transfer you choose. The cost will also depend on the transfer type.

If you’re signed up for our 11-day trip to Iceland, airport pick-up is not included. You can use this information to find the best way* to get to Reykjavik’s city center to explore the wonders of Iceland with us!

*Globe Drifters does not recommend one option over another. It is best to do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each option to find what is best for you.

Option 1: Pre-book a Private Airport Pick-Up

One way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center is to pre-book a private airport pick-up before arrival with a company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel websites such as TripAdvisor. This is slightly less expensive than a taxi and usually costs around $160 ~ $180 USD depending on the company. To reduce the cost, you can share a transfer with other travelers. For those on our trip to Iceland, we will put you in touch with one another before the trip starts and you can share a private airport pick-up if your flights arrive at the same time.

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will usually wait for you after the luggage claim in the public arrivals area and typically have a sign with your name on it. Ask your transfer company for specific instructions and what/who to look for.

With a pre-booked private airport pick-up, it usually takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the city center depending on traffic and weather.

To get in touch with your driver, it is a good idea to have WhatsApp downloaded and set up on your phone before you arrive in Iceland. So when you arrive, you can connect to the free Wifi at Keflavik Airport to contact your driver. If you can’t connect to the airport’s Wifi, you can turn on data roaming (but be aware of extra fees from your phone company!).

Option 2: Take a Taxi

Taking a taxi upon arrival from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center is also a fast and easy option. It can be the most expensive option and the cost of a regular taxi can be anywhere from $150 to $200 USD or more depending on traffic. Almost all taxis will accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and you do not need to tip your driver as tipping is not common in Iceland.

Finding a taxi at Keflavik Airport is very easy; just follow the “taxi” signs to the line of taxis outside the arrivals terminal after exiting the luggage claim area. To take a taxi, simply look for the taxi signs after you’ve collected your luggage and exited the baggage claim area. Taxis are available 24 hours a day. Note that ride-sharing applications such as Uber or Lyft do not operate in Iceland.

By taxi, it takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to the city center depending on traffic and weather.

Be sure to have your accommodation address ready to show to the driver and make sure he turns on the meter. If you’re going on our trip to Iceland, we will send you the hotel name and address to show your driver.

The beauty of Iceland awaits you!

*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 a Bus Ticket

Pre-booking a Flybus ticket is usually the cheapest way to get from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík city center, with prices starting around $40 USD.

It is also the slowest option, so plan accordingly. Departure times are set in advance, and buses usually depart the airport about every 45 minutes. If you get delayed while collecting your luggage, using the ATM, or just getting through the airport in general, you may miss the bus and need to wait for the next one.

Once you’re on board, the journey to your hotel will depend on how many stops the bus makes before reaching your drop-off point. It’s generally best to allow 1 to 2 hours from the airport to your accommodation when using Flybus.

You might share the bus with 40 other travelers or more. Keep in mind the time it takes to pick up your luggage and withdraw money at an ATM, if needed, after landing in Reykjavik.

IMPORTANT: You might not get dropped off directly at your hotel. In Reykjavík, buses usually stop at designated bus stops or drop-off points. From there, you may need to walk to your hotel with your luggage.

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 options mentioned above are ones that have worked in the past for our travelers. No matter which option you choose, we wish you an amazing experience in Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice! Happy travels!