Reykjavik–Keflavik International Airport, located 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavik near the town of Keflavik, serves as Iceland’s primary international hub, handling over 8 million passengers annually. With flights to more than 90 destinations across Europe and North America, operated by 28 airlines including Icelandair, Play, BA, and Lufthansa, this modern airport offers a straightforward experience for travellers exploring Iceland’s landscapes or connecting transatlantically.
Accessing the airport is convenient with multiple transport options. Flybus and Airport Direct shuttles connect to Reykjavik’s BSح bus terminal in about 45 minutes, costing €26–€38, with departures scheduled 35–40 minutes after each flight’s arrival. Public bus 55, operated by Strوtَ, offers a budget-friendly option at €19.52, taking 90 minutes to reach the city centre.
Taxis and rideshare services like Hopp, available outside the arrivals hall, cost €140–€150 for a 45-minute ride. Drivers can use Route 41, with parking options including short-term, long-term, and premium lots, bookable online for €12–€17 per day. A pedestrian and bike path to Keflavik town, 3 kilometres away, takes about 40 minutes.
The airport’s single terminal, the Leifur Eirيksson Air Terminal, spans two connected buildings—North and South—with 42 check-in desks and 32 gates across zones A, C, and D. Zone A and C gates on Level 2 serve European flights, while D gates on Level 1 handle non-Schengen routes to the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada. Clear signage and moving walkways ensure easy navigation, with a 20-minute walk between furthest gates. Passengers should arrive three hours early for international flights, especially in summer, as security and passport control can become crowded. Recent expansions, including a new east wing, add seating and retail space.
Dining and retail options cater to diverse tastes. Over 20 eateries, including Joe & The Juice, Hjل Hِllu for Icelandic dishes like lamb soup, and a 24-hour 10/11 convenience store, operate across the terminal. Duty-free shops in both arrivals and departures stock Icelandic chocolate, local spirits, and 66 North apparel, while Icemart Souvenirs and Icelandic Deli offer crafts and artisanal foods. Most outlets are open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though prices are high, with coffee at €4–€5. Travellers note occasional food quality issues, so checking reviews is wise.
Facilities enhance comfort with practical amenities. Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available via the “Keflavik Airport WiFi Free” network, and charging stations are scattered throughout. The Icelandair Saga Lounge and Keflavik Airport Lounge, open from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM, offer snacks, showers, and workspaces for €30–€40. Families benefit from play areas and free pushchairs airside, while passengers with reduced mobility can access ramps, lifts, and MyWay assistance, bookable 48 hours in advance. A 24-hour luggage storage near car rentals charges €10–€15 per item. ATMs, currency exchange, and a lost-and-found desk operate daily, though sleeping is discouraged, with security occasionally waking overnight travellers.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with real-time updates via Flightradar24, the airport’s website, or terminal screens. Handling over 100 daily flights, the airport benefits from its compact size, though summer peaks can strain capacity. Icelandair and Play maintain consistent schedules, but budget carriers may face cancellations. Recent expansions have improved gate availability, reducing delays.
Connections are efficient for single-ticket passengers, particularly with Icelandair, with minimum connection times of 40 minutes for Schengen and 60 minutes for non-Schengen flights. Baggage is typically transferred automatically, though passengers connecting to domestic flights at Reykjavik Airport (RKV), 50 kilometres away, must collect luggage and transfer via bus or taxi, requiring at least three hours. The single terminal simplifies gate changes, but non-Schengen passport control can slow transfers. Fast Track lanes for €9 help expedite security.
Potential delays often arise from security and passport control queues, especially in summer, with non-Schengen D gates facing up to 45-minute waits due to limited staffing. Ground handling issues, like bus shortages for remote stands, and occasional unhelpful staff responses can cause disruptions. Weather, particularly winter snow or fog, may affect schedules, though modern navigation aids mitigate risks. Using mobile boarding passes and arriving early can help.Reykjavik–Keflavik Airport delivers a practical and traveller-friendly experience. Its modern facilities, accessible transport, and efficient layout make it a dependable choice for exploring Iceland or connecting across continents.
