Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik: Every Way to Get There
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) sits about 50 km (30 miles) southwest of Reykjavik — roughly a 45-minute drive on a good road with no traffic. There is no train link in Iceland, so every option below is either a bus, a shared/private transfer, or a rental car.
Airport shuttle bus
The scheduled coach shuttle (operated by companies such as Flybus and Airport Direct) is the default choice for most visitors without a rental car. Buses meet every arriving flight and run on a fixed schedule the rest of the day, dropping off at Reykjavik's main bus terminal (BSI) or, for a higher-tier ticket, directly at your hotel. The ride takes about 45 minutes to BSI, plus 20–40 minutes more if your ticket includes hotel drop-off on a shared route.
- Tickets are typically sold as a base fare (BSI drop-off) or a hotel-transfer add-on.
- Buy in advance online — it's usually cheaper than buying at the airport counter.
- Luggage is stowed underneath; no need to book a separate bag allowance for standard suitcases.
Private transfer
A private car or van picks you up at arrivals and takes you straight to your address, no shared stops. It costs more than the shuttle bus but is worth it for late-night arrivals, large groups, or if you'd rather not wait for a shared bus to fill up.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the arrivals hall but are the most expensive option by a wide margin for a solo or two-person trip. They make more sense if you're splitting the fare three or four ways and want to skip any scheduling.
Rental car
Rental desks are inside and just outside the terminal. Picking up a car at the airport means you skip Reykjavik transit entirely and drive straight to your accommodation — see our guide on renting a car vs. taking tours for whether that's the right call for your trip.
Comparison at a glance
| Option | Time to Reykjavik | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus | ~45–80 min | Most visitors, budget-conscious |
| Private transfer | ~45 min | Late arrivals, groups, direct door-to-door |
| Taxi | ~45 min | Splitting cost 3–4 ways, no advance booking |
| Rental car | ~45 min | Self-driving the rest of the trip anyway |
Ready to book the rest of your trip? See our Blue Lagoon tours— several combine airport transfer with a stop at the lagoon so you're not backtracking.