Keflavík Airport (KEF) is Iceland's main international gateway, sitting about 50 km (45–50 minutes) southwest of Reykjavík. There's no railway in Iceland, so you'll need a bus, transfer or car. The good news: it's simple to navigate, and you can even fold a famous geothermal soak into the journey.
Other Reykjavík experiences worth planning ahead
Once you're in the city, Reykjavík is the perfect base for Iceland's greatest experiences. A soak at Sky Lagoon (15 minutes from the centre) is the classic evening wind-down. The Golden Circle — Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall — is the most popular day trip. The South Coast waterfalls and black-sand beaches, northern lights tours in winter, whale watching from the Old Harbour, and the Blue Lagoon back near the airport on your way home are all easily reachable.
At a glance: KEF to Reykjavík options
| Option | Time to city | Approx. cost (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared shuttle (Flybus / Airport Direct) | ~45–60 min | ~3,500–6,000 ISK | Most travellers |
| Private transfer | ~45 min | Higher (per vehicle) | Groups, comfort, late arrivals |
| Taxi | ~45 min | Highest (~20,000+ ISK) | Door-to-door, no waiting |
| Rental car | ~45 min | Varies | Road-trippers, flexibility |
| Public bus (Strætó 55) | ~70–90 min | Lowest | Budget, time-rich travellers |
Prices are indicative and change — confirm when booking.
Shared shuttle — the standard choice
The most popular option is a scheduled shuttle coach timed to flights. Two main operators run the route:
- Flybus (Reykjavík Excursions) — departs KEF to the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík, with an optional hotel-area drop-off add-on (you transfer to a smaller vehicle at BSÍ).
- Airport Direct (Gray Line) — a similar service with economy and premium (direct hotel) tiers.
Coaches meet arriving flights and have free Wi-Fi. For the return to the airport, book a pickup timed to your flight. Cost: roughly 3,500–6,000 ISK one way depending on operator and whether you add hotel drop-off. Best for: the majority of visitors — reliable, affordable, easy.
Private transfer — best for groups and late nights
A private car or van meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to your door with no waiting and no shared stops. It's pricier per person than the shuttle but often the best value for groups — you split one vehicle — or for late-night arrivals when you just want to get to bed. Pre-book with your flight details so the driver tracks your arrival.
Taxi — fastest, most expensive
Taxis are available at the airport but are the most expensive option — a metered fare to Reykjavík can run 20,000 ISK or more. Reserve for door-to-door speed without any sharing. Note that Uber does not operate in Iceland; taxis are the only on-demand vehicle option.
Rental car — great for road trippers
If you're planning a road trip — the Golden Circle, South Coast or Ring Road — picking up a rental car at KEF is the natural move. The drive to Reykjavík is an easy, well-signed ~45 minutes on the Reykjanesbraut. Factor in fuel, parking in the city, and in winter your comfort driving on snow and ice. Check road conditions at vedur.is or safetravel.is before setting out.
Public bus — cheapest option
The Strætó bus 55 connects Keflavík and Reykjavík for the lowest fare, but it's slower (around 70–90 minutes), runs limited times, and isn't designed for luggage or late flights. Only worth it if budget trumps all else and your timing lines up perfectly with the schedule.
Smart move: visit a lagoon on the way
Because of where Keflavík Airport sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, you can turn your transfer into a genuine experience.
KEF → Blue Lagoon → Reykjavík
The Blue Lagoon is only ~20 minutes from KEF, roughly midway between the airport and the city. Arriving early and can't check in yet? A soak straight off the plane is a classic Iceland opener. Dedicated airport-to-Blue-Lagoon transfers are widely available, and the lagoon has luggage lockers so you don't have to haul bags. You can continue to Reykjavík afterward on a separate transfer. (See our complete Blue Lagoon guide.)
KEF → Sky Lagoon (on the way out)
Prefer to soak nearer the city, or heading home? Sky Lagoon is about 45–50 minutes from KEF, on the Reykjavík side. It works perfectly as a relaxing last stop before your flight — soak, dry off, then continue to the airport with time to spare. (See our Sky Lagoon guide and how to get there from Reykjavík.)
Tips for a smooth transfer
- Pre-book your return to the airport and allow plenty of buffer for the drive plus check-in — don't cut it close.
- Inbound shuttle trips usually don't need a fixed time; board the next departure after you clear arrivals.
- Groups should compare a private vehicle against per-person shuttle tickets — it's often cheaper and far more comfortable.
- Late-night arrival? A private transfer or pre-booked taxi saves stress when you're tired and the shuttles are less frequent.
- Driving in winter? Check conditions at vedur.is before you go and don't underestimate Icelandic weather, especially on the exposed Reykjanes Peninsula.