- The airport sits 50 km from central Reykjavik, linked by the Route 41 dual carriageway
- Shuttle services operate express routes to downtown Reykjavik with hotel transfers
- Public buses, taxis, and private transfers offer alternatives for different budgets and group sizes
Distance and Route from Keflavík to Reykjavik
Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. The airport is located approximately 3 km west of the town of Keflavík in Reykjanesbær.
Route 41, a dual carriageway, links the airport directly to downtown Reykjavik. The road was rebuilt and paved by 1965.
Reykjavik is located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland. The capital has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026.
Keep in mind that Keflavík International Airport is used only for international flights. All domestic flights use the smaller Reykjavik Airport, which lies 3 km from Reykjavik's city centre.
If you're planning day trips from Reykjavik after arrival, most tours depart from central accommodation pickup points.
Airport Transfer Services
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Top ratedBestsellerTransfer · 45 minutes - 1.5 hoursKeflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik★ 4.7 21 832 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup available✓ Skip the lineAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €33 per personSee availability →
Transfer · 45 minutesFrom Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport: 1-Way Blue Lagoon Transfer★ 4.4 2 260 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €27 per personSee availability →
Transfer · 45 minutesReykjavík: 24/7 Private One-Way Transfer to/from KEF Airport★ 4.9 1 541 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup available✓ Skip the lineAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €113 per groupSee availability →Shuttle Bus Services to Reykjavik
Private companies including Flybus and Airport Express operate express services to downtown Reykjavik. These services include stops and transfers to hotels.
Shuttles stop at Reykjavik Airport as well as hotels. This option suits travellers with accommodation already booked in the city.
Check schedules before you travel to confirm departure times align with your flight arrival.
Many visitors combine their airport transfer with a stop at geothermal attractions. For this option, look at combined Blue Lagoon transfer services.
If you're interested in comparing lagoon options before deciding on a transfer route, see Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon.
- Multiple transfer options suit different budgets and travel styles
- Shuttle services include hotel drop-off across Reykjavik
- Taxis and rental cars available outside the terminal for immediate departure
- Some transfers combine airport pickup with stops at lagoons or attractions
- Public bus route 55 connects the airport to BSÍ station in central Reykjavik
- Public bus stop is located a few hundred metres from the terminal, near the car rental area
- Transfer times depend on traffic and number of hotel stops
- International and domestic flights use different airports in Iceland
Private Transfer Options
Private transfers offer direct door-to-door service from the airport to your Reykjavik accommodation. These suit groups, families, or anyone prioritising convenience.
Taxis are available outside the terminal. Rental cars are available from various companies at the airport.
Private transfers remove the need to wait for other passengers or make multiple hotel stops. They also accommodate flexible luggage requirements better than shared shuttles.
For groups planning a self-drive itinerary, collecting a rental car at the airport helps. You gain immediate access to Reykjanes Peninsula attractions before heading to the capital.
Long-term and short-term parking is available at the airport if you need to leave a vehicle during your trip.
Public Bus Route 55
Public buses are operated by Strætó bs on route 55 to Keflavík town and BSÍ bus station in central Reykjavik.
The public bus stop is not located outside the airport terminal itself. It is located a few hundred metres away, near the car rental area.
This option suits budget-conscious travellers comfortable with a short walk from the terminal. The BSÍ station in Reykjavik connects to the city's wider public transport network.
Public buses follow a set timetable rather than meeting every flight. Check the Strætó schedule before your arrival to confirm service times.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Combined Transfer and Attraction Stops
Some transfer services offer combined routes that stop at attractions between the airport and Reykjavik.
These services typically include luggage storage while you visit the attraction. They suit travellers with long layovers or those wanting to maximise time on arrival or departure days.
Check the transfer schedule allows enough time for your visit. Lagoon entry requires advance booking, so coordinate both the transfer and Blue Lagoon tickets together.
For winter arrivals, some services combine transfers with evening northern lights tour Iceland departures, though this depends on flight times.
Comparison: Transfer Options from Keflavík Airport
| Transfer Type | Route | Pickup Location | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus | Airport to hotels via downtown | Outside terminal | Check with operator |
| Private transfer | Airport direct to accommodation | Outside terminal | Flexible based on vehicle |
| Public bus (route 55) | Airport to BSÍ via Keflavík town | Near car rental area | Standard public transport rules |
| Taxi | Airport direct to address | Outside terminal | Flexible based on vehicle |
| Rental car | Self-drive via Route 41 | Car rental area | Depends on vehicle booked |
For those planning multi-stop itineraries beyond the capital, Iceland self drive tours often begin with airport car collection.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Airport Transfer
Book transfers in advance during peak travel months to secure your preferred service. Summer and winter holiday periods see higher demand.
Allow time between your flight arrival and any onward travel plans. Immigration and baggage collection times vary by season and flight volume.
If your transfer includes an attraction stop, confirm operating hours and weather conditions before travel. Winter road conditions can affect journey times.
For departure transfers, consider flight check-in times and potential traffic delays. The 50 km journey requires planning for sufficient buffer time.
Travellers arriving for Reykjavik shore excursions via cruise ship use different transfer points in the city centre.
Shuttle services balance cost and convenience for most arrivals, with hotel drop-off across Reykjavik. Private transfers suit groups or those wanting direct routes. Public buses serve budget travellers comfortable with the walk to the stop.
More tours to compare
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Transfer · 35 minutesKeflavik Airport (KEF): Private Transfer to/from Reykjavik★ 4.9 305 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup available✓ Skip the lineAvailable tomorrowfrom €94 per groupSee availability →
Transfer · 43 - 45 minutesReykjavik & Keflavík Airport (KEF): Direct Private Transfer★ 4.9 410 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €76 per personSee availability →
Transfer · 45 minutesKeflavik Airport: Private Van Transfer to/from Reykjavik★ 5.0 1 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup available✓ Skip the lineAvailable tomorrowfrom €175 per groupSee availability →Frequently asked questions
How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavik?
Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. The airport is linked to downtown Reykjavik via a 50 kilometre journey on the Route 41 dual carriageway.
Where is the public bus stop at Keflavík Airport?
The public bus stop is not located outside the airport terminal itself. It is located a few hundred metres away, near the car rental area. Route 55 runs to BSÍ station in central Reykjavik.
What transport options are available at Keflavík Airport?
Shuttle buses, private transfers, taxis, rental cars, and public bus route 55 all operate from the airport. Taxis are available outside the terminal. Rental cars are available from various companies.
Can I combine my airport transfer with a Blue Lagoon stop?
Some transfer services offer combined routes with stops at attractions between the airport and Reykjavik. Check the tour details for luggage storage options.
Does Keflavík Airport handle domestic flights?
No. The airport is only used for international flights. All domestic flights use the smaller Reykjavik Airport, which lies 3 km from Reykjavik's city centre.
