You’ve just touched down in Iceland. There’s something thrilling about stepping off the plane, the cold air brushing your cheeks, and the expectation of what’s to come. But before you start daydreaming about the landscapes, let’s talk about navigating the airports in Iceland.
…Specifically, Keflavík airport.
Every traveler wants the same thing: to get through the airport quickly and start exploring.
No mess, no fuss!
But all too often, after a long flight, you’re left wondering where to go or what to expect.
Stick with me, I’ve got insider tips to save you time, money, and frustration.
From where to go when you land to duty-free hacks, nearby hotels, and more, it’s all here!
Pssst… I’ve got a free resource you won’t want to miss that’ll help you with a seamless arrival. 🙌
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Domestic and International Airports in Iceland
- Arriving at Keflavík Airport in Iceland
- How to Get from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon
- Iceland Airport Hotels
- FAQs about Keflavík Airport in Iceland
- Final Tips for Flying in and Out of Iceland
- Get Your Free Arrival Guide
Domestic and International Airports in Iceland
You might be wondering: ‘How many airports are there in Iceland, anyway?’
Surprisingly, there are 464 authorized airports – yes you read that right!
Of course, you don’t need to know about all of them, but here are a few of the major airports in Iceland worth keeping on your radar.
Keflavík Airport (KEF)
If you’re traveling to Iceland, this is most likely where you’ll land. KEF is Iceland’s main international airport.
It’s located about 2 miles (3km) west of the town Keflavík, in southwest Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The drive to Reykjavík will take about 45 minutes, so it’s super easy to get to the capital and start exploring.
Want to know more about what to do in this region? Take a look at this.👇
➡️ READ: Reykjanes Peninsula: 5 Must-See Gems You Can’t Miss and More!
Pssst… I’ve also got a handy 👉 FREE Iceland Arrival Guide that’ll help you navigate the Keflavík Airport easily, avoid frustration, and save time. Get it now for exclusive tips, VIP discounts, and more!
Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV)
Unlike Keflavík, Reykjavík Airport can be found right by the city center.
While it mostly offers domestic flights, you can also catch an IcelandAir flight from RKV to Greenland from here.
Pro Tip: The distance from Reykjavík Airport to the city center is only about 1.8 miles (3km). Many travelers mistake it for the main international airport – but it’s not! If you have a connecting domestic flight, you need to transfer from KEF airport to RKV.
Akureyri Airport (AEY)
The only international airport in North Iceland is located just south of Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the North.
This is the third largest airport in the country, and it puts you right in the heart of a region packed with incredible sights and activities!
Driving the Ring Road is the most popular way to reach North Iceland, but if you’re short on time, flying is also an option.
Find out more about what to do in North Iceland below.👇
➡️ READ: Exploring North Iceland: 10 Spectacular Attractions You Can’t-Miss
Egilsstadir Airport (EGS)
As it fulfills the requirements for international flights and is open 24 hours a day, EGS is technically classified as an international airport in Iceland (although don’t expect to see many international flights from here!).
It’s located halfway between the towns of Egilsstaðir and Fellabær.
As the main airport for East Iceland, it serves a surprisingly underrated region full of gems just waiting to be explored!
Find out what makes East Iceland so special here.👇
➡️ READ: East Iceland: Your Guide to 7 Unforgettable Sites in This Beautiful Region
Isafjördur Airport (IFJ)
This domestic airport only offers flights to Reykjavík Domestic Airport with Air Iceland Connect.
Located in the town of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords region, this is your gateway to one of Iceland’s most remote and breathtaking regions.
But trust me – this isn’t a place you want to visit on the fly! Planning is super important, and here’s what you need to know.👇
➡️ READ: The Breathtaking Westfjörds: Discover One of the Best Areas in Iceland
Vestmannaeyjar Airport (VEY)
If you want to visit the Westman Islands but aren’t keen on taking a ferry, you could also fly there.
The airport is on Heimaey island, in the Westman Islands.
Check out all the fun things to do on a weekend away.👇
➡️ READ: Westman Islands Exploration: Insider Secrets from a Local on Hiking, Dining & More
Arriving at Keflavík Airport in Iceland
Once you land at Keflavík airport (KEF), you might be concerned about understanding the signs, but don’t worry!
Everything is clearly marked in English – no need to decode Icelandic just yet!
Passport Control
First up is passport control. Make sure you have your travel documents ready!
Your passport needs to be up-to-date. For U.S. citizens, that means it must be valid for three months after departure and have two blank passport pages.
Schengen visa holders can skip this step and head straight to the baggage claim area.
Baggage Claim
Luggage carts are free and available at the baggage claim area.
Keflavík airport is quite small, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long for your luggage!
Pro tip: You’ll find duty-free right at the bottom of the escalator, just before you get to baggage claim. Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, so buying it at the airport in Iceland at duty-free is a great way to save.
Looking for more ways to stretch your budget while exploring Iceland? Get my best money-saving tips in this post.👇
➡️ READ: How to Travel Iceland on a Budget: 25 Tips to Save Money on Your Trip
Customs
If you don’t have anything to declare at customs, just walk through.
Travelers have certain allowances for food, alcohol and tobacco, just make sure that what you have is within the regulations.
💥Want to know exactly what you can bring, plus how to navigate Keflavík airport? Download my 👉 FREE Iceland Arrival Guide and I’ll walk you through it all.
Arrival Hall
After passing through customs, you’ll enter the arrival hall.
Just a heads up: the food and drink options here are limited. It’s okay if you want to grab a quick pastry and coffee, but don’t expect much else.
You can pop into the 10-11 convenience store, where you’ll find items like SIM cards, personal care products, and more.
There’s also a currency exchange and ATMs available.
It can be confusing to figure out how to pay for things in Iceland at first, so I’ve broken it all down for you in this here.👇
➡️ READ: Mastering Currency in Iceland: Your Essential Guide on How to Pay for Things
Transportation: Getting From Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík
If you haven’t pre-arranged transport, you’ll need to arrange to get to Reykjavík.
The drive takes about 45 minutes, and there are a few transportation options to choose from.
Airport buses: There are two main shuttle services, Flybus and Airport Direct. They offer scheduled transfers to Reykjavík, with the option for hotel drop-offs.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but fair warning, they’re VERY expensive in Iceland! And if you’re thinking about calling an Uber… well, it doesn’t exist here!
Private Transfers: You can also book a private Keflavík-Reykjavík transfer, which is ideal if you want to skip the wait.
Car Rental: Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Iceland at your own pace. You’ll find quite a few car rental agencies both inside the airport or just across the road outside the terminal.
For a great car rental option, I highly recommend Blue Car Rental. They offer online check-ins, key box pickup, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Plus, they give you a discount chip attached to your car key, which gets you 5 ISK off per liter at select gas stations in Iceland. Such a nice bonus!
Use this VIP link 👉 Blue Car Rental and a 5% discount will automatically be applied at checkout. No code needed!
How to Get from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík, and it’s a popular stop after you arrive.
There’s nothing better than soaking in those warm, mineral-rich waters after a long flight.
(And it’s great for shaking off jet lag, too!)
The Blue Lagoon is only a 25-minute drive from the airport. You can take a shuttle directly from Keflavík Airport, book a private transfer, or rent a car if you want more flexibility.
Just a heads up: the Blue Lagoon is very popular and requires a reservation, so make sure you book well in advance to secure your spot!
It’s also a great stop if you’re taking advantage of Icelandair’s Stopover Program.
This program lets you add a free layover in Iceland for up to seven days at no extra cost!
It’s a fantastic way to sneak in a bonus Iceland trip on your way to or from another destination, essentially getting a bonus vacation without additional airfare.
I actually wrote a whole blog post about what you can do during your layover if you’d like to know more.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Stopover Itinerary: 5 Fun Things To Do During Your Layover
Iceland Airport Hotels
Staying near the airports in Iceland can be a lifesaver. Especially if you’ve got a flight at some ungodly hour in the early morning or late at night.
Here are a few hotels near Keflavík and RKV Airports:
Hótel Keflavík: Opt for a comfortable stay just 5 minutes from the airport. There’s a gym if you want to work out. Beverages are also always available, and if you’re up with the early birds, breakfast starts at 05:00 AM.
Make a booking. 👉 Hótel Keflavík
Airport Hotel Aurora Star: Only 100 meters from KEF and a 25-minute drive from the Blue Lagoon, they serve a breakfast buffet every day!
Make a booking. 👉 Airport Hotel Aurora Star
Courtyard Marriott: They’re located 3.2 km from KEF and offer a free airport shuttle service!
Make a booking. 👉 Courtyard Marriott
Kvosin Hotel: With views of the cathedral and parliament as well as the city lake, Kovsin is 6 minutes away from RKV airport. Most rooms have a kitchenette with a dining area, but a continental breakfast is served every day.
Make a booking. 👉 Kvosin Hotel
Reykjavík Natura – Berjaya Iceland Hotels: They have various facilities including a spa, gym, and an in-house restaurant with a bar and daily happy hours.
Make a booking. 👉 Reykjavík Natura – Berjaya Iceland Hotels
No matter when you’re flying, finding comfortable accommodation near the airports in Iceland can make all the difference.
I always use 👉 Booking.com when looking for a place to stay. With flexible cancellations, great deals, and honest guest reviews, I always find exactly what I need there.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodations, you’ll want to beat that jet lag and make the most of your time in Iceland.
Check out my best tips for avoiding jet lag.👇
FAQs About Keflavík (KEF) Airport in Iceland
Here are a few more questions about airports in Iceland, along with some helpful answers.
Where is Keflavík Airport in Iceland?
KEF (Keflavík Airport) is Iceland’s main international airport, and it’s pretty much where most travelers around the world arrive.
It’s located 2 miles (3km) west of Keflavík, on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
How long will it take to get through KEF airport?
This would depend on the number of passengers arriving simultaneously, whether you have anything to declare at customs, and if you’ve already arranged transport. But generally speaking, the whole process could take anything from 1- 2 hours.
How does Keflavík airport parking work?
The airport offers both short- and long-term parking options. There are three parking areas: P1, P2, and P3.
The P2 parking area, located by arrivals, offers free pickup for up to 30 minutes, while P1 is free for up to 15 minutes.
For the best rates, it’s recommended that you pre-book your parking. Download the Autopay app and choose whether to pay immediately or within 48 hours.
Is there a Keflavík airport lounge?
Yes, Icelandair Saga Lounge has everything you need in a departure lounge: refreshments, showers, family-friendly facilities, a kids’ play area, and even a cozy fireplace!
Where can I claim an Iceland VAT refund at KEF airport in Iceland?
If you didn’t know, you can totally get a VAT tax refund in Iceland on qualified purchases after your trip (pssst – you have to have your receipts to claim your refund!). You can claim your refund either at the currency exchange counter or Arion Bank in the arrival hall, across from the car rentals. But do it BEFORE checking in your luggage.
Final Tips When Flying in and Out of Iceland
To make your time at the airports in Iceland as smooth as possible, here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early at KEF for international flights because security and passport control can take time.
- Consider stopping at the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from the airport.
- Book airport transfers in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Extend your layover in Iceland with Icelandair’s Stopover Program and explore the country for a few hours… or even days at no extra cost!
- If you’re flying domestically after landing in KEF, you’ll need to transfer to RKV airport. Please make sure you have enough time! Luggage needs to be collected and re-checked at RKV airport.
By knowing what to expect at the airports in Iceland, you can make your arrival and departure so much easier!
Get Your Free Arrival Guide
One thing’s for sure: You don’t want to start your Iceland adventure unprepared!
Navigating the airports in Iceland can be tricky if it’s your first time.
That’s why I created my 👉 FREE Iceland Arrival Guide to make your Iceland arrival super easy.
What’s inside?
✅ A step-by-step guide on how to navigate Keflavík Airport – including estimated times from passport control, baggage claim, etc.
✅ Exclusive VIP discounts from awesome local companies.
✅ Tips on booking your transfer or rental car and hitting the road hassle-free.
Grab my 👉 FREE Iceland Arrival Guide! and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Easy peasy!
With the right tips, you’ll be through those airport doors and into Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes before you know it. 😊
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