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Reykjavík · Iceland

Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the primary international gateway to Iceland, situated on the Reykjanes peninsula roughly 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. The airport operates out of a single main passenger terminal complex, the Leifur Eiríksson Terminal. It serves both origin-and-destination passengers and major transatlantic transfer traffic.

Terminals

Leifur Eiríksson Terminal
Main passenger terminal handling all scheduled international commercial passenger flights.

Arriving

Arrivals at KEF proceed through a single terminal structure with clear separation for Schengen and non-Schengen passengers.

  • Disembark via jetbridge or bus transfer into the terminal concourse.
  • Passengers arriving from non-Schengen origins proceed through passport control before entering baggage reclaim.
  • Collect checked luggage in the main arrival hall; duty-free shopping is accessible before baggage reclaim.
  • Clear customs via the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) channels.
  • Exit into the main arrivals hall to access scheduled airport buses, taxis, and rental car shuttles.

Getting to the city

  • Bus

    Scheduled Airport Bus

    Direct coach services (such as Flybus and Airport Direct) operating in alignment with arriving flights, departing directly outside the terminal exit.

    Time:
    Roughly 45 to 50 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically 3,500 to 4,500 ISK
  • Bus

    Public Bus (Strætó)

    Public bus route 55 connects the airport to the capital area; requires local transfers for central Reykjavík destinations.

    Time:
    Roughly 75 to 90 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically 2,000 to 2,500 ISK
  • Taxi

    Taxi

    Official taxis are available at the rank outside the main terminal exit; fares are metered or agreed upon prior to departure.

    Time:
    Roughly 40 to 45 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically 16,000 to 23,000 ISK
  • Car rental

    Car Rental

    Rental company shuttles transport passengers from the arrival area to the off-site car rental village.

    Time:
    Roughly 40 to 50 minutes drive time
    Typical cost:
    Varies by season and vehicle type

Connections & transfers

Transatlantic and intra-European transfers take place within the single terminal complex.

  • Transfers between Schengen destinations do not require passport control or additional security screening.
  • Transfers between Schengen and non-Schengen destinations require passing through border control.
  • Passengers with self-transfer bookings must clear customs, collect baggage, and re-check at the main landside desks.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal.

  • Connect to the network named 'Kefairport-FreeWifi'.
  • Accept the conditions of use on the pop-up browser page.
  • No account creation or personal registration is required.

Money, cards & tipping

Iceland functions predominantly as a cashless society, though foreign exchange and cash machines are available.

  • ATMs dispensing Icelandic Króna (ISK) and major foreign currencies are located in arrival and departure areas.
  • Major payment cards and contactless mobile payments are accepted universally across the country.
  • Currency exchange counters operate in the arrivals hall near baggage reclaim.

Food & drink

Food and drink options are available both before and after security.

  • A convenience store and cafes are located in the public arrivals concourse.
  • A wider selection of Nordic and international eateries operates in the departure lounge.
  • Operating hours generally align with scheduled flight departures and arrivals.

Lounges & rest

Lounge facilities are situated in the airside departure hall.

  • The Icelandair Saga Lounge serves eligible premium passengers and frequent flyer cardholders.
  • Day passes may be purchased at entry subject to space availability.
  • Facilities include seating areas, light meals, refreshment services, and shower facilities.

Airport hotels

Accommodations are situated adjacent to the airport perimeter and in nearby towns.

  • Aurora Hotel Reykjavik Airport is located within a short walking distance (roughly 100 metres) of the terminal.
  • Hotels in the neighbouring town of Keflavík (5-10 minutes drive) are accessible via taxi or hotel shuttle.
  • There are no dedicated transit sleeping pods inside the secure airside zone.

Baggage & customs

Baggage collection and luggage storage facilities serve arriving passengers.

  • Luggage carousels are located in the main baggage hall immediately after border control.
  • Left luggage and long-term locker storage facilities are located nearby in the car rental area.
  • Delayed or missing baggage queries are managed by ground handling agent desks inside the baggage hall.

Family & accessibility

Basic family amenities are provided throughout the main building.

  • Baby-changing tables are available in designated accessible toilets across the terminal.
  • Complimentary strollers are available for use within the airside departure concourse.
  • A dedicated children's play area is situated in the main departure hall.

Facilities

  • Duty-Free Arrivals Store
  • ATMs and Currency Exchange
  • Car Rental Shuttles
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Device Charging Stations
  • Lost and Found Desk
  • Tourist Information Centre

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 112

  • Dial 112 for police, medical, or fire emergency services anywhere in Iceland.
  • First aid support and airport medical responders can be summoned via the main airport information desk.
  • For passport issues, contact border control officers or your national embassy located in Reykjavík.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed September 22, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.