Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's main international gateway, sitting about 50 km south-west of Reykjavik on the Reykjanes peninsula. Despite this distance, the transfer is straightforward: the Flybus and Airport Direct coach services cover the journey in around 45–50 minutes to the central bus terminal, with hotel drop-offs available. There is no rail connection, but the coaches are well organised and timed to meet flights.
Flybus: the main shuttle service
The Flybus, operated by Reykjavik Excursions, is the longest-established airport transfer service and by far the most popular among independent travellers. Coaches depart from directly outside the arrivals hall as flights land — the service is timed to meet incoming flights rather than running on a fixed timetable, which means there is always a Flybus waiting when you clear customs (or very nearly so).
The standard Flybus runs to BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, which is a short taxi or bus ride from the main hotel area around Laugavegur and Bankastræti. The journey from Keflavik to BSÍ takes approximately 45–50 minutes along the Reykjanesbraut road across the lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula — a striking introduction to Iceland's volcanic landscape, and on clear days with magnificent views.
If your hotel is in central Reykjavik, Reykjavik Excursions offers an upgraded Flybus+ ticket that includes a hotel drop-off from BSÍ by minibus. This adds time to the journey (up to 30 minutes depending on your hotel's position in the drop-off sequence) but delivers you to your door with luggage — useful if you are arriving after a long transatlantic flight and do not want to navigate an unfamiliar city.
Tickets are available online in advance (recommended, especially in the busy summer season from May to September), at the airport, or from the coach driver. Pre-booking guarantees a seat; walk-up is usually possible but not guaranteed during peak periods.
Tip: Book your Flybus ticket before you travel — the Reykjavik Excursions website offers a small discount on advance purchases, and it is one less thing to sort on arrival after a long flight.
Airport Direct: the other major operator
Airport Direct, operated by Gray Line Iceland, provides a similar service: timed to flight arrivals, departing from outside arrivals, and running to central Reykjavik. Like the Flybus+, Airport Direct offers hotel drop-off options — in fact, the standard Airport Direct service goes directly to hotels in central Reykjavik without requiring a transfer at BSÍ, which many travellers find more convenient.
Journey time is similar at around 45–60 minutes to central hotels depending on drop-off sequence. Prices are comparable to Flybus+ (hotel transfer included). Book in advance online or buy at the desk on arrival. The choice between Flybus and Airport Direct largely comes down to which hotels they serve in their drop-off sequence and current pricing — check both when booking.
Public bus: Strætó route 55
Iceland's public bus operator Strætó runs route 55 between Keflavik Airport and Fjörður/Mjódd in the Reykjavik area, connecting to local Reykjavik buses. This is the cheapest way to make the transfer — fares are a fraction of the shuttle cost — but the journey is longer, involves a change onto local Reykjavik buses, and does not run in the middle of the night.
The Strætó bus is an excellent choice if you are budget-conscious, comfortable with public transport navigation in an unfamiliar city, and arriving at a time when services run. It is not the right option if you have heavy luggage and a hotel booking to reach at 03:00 after a transatlantic flight. Check the Strætó website for current timetables and routes before relying on this option.
Taxi
Taxis are available outside arrivals, but at the airport-to-city distances involved in Iceland, they are expensive — significantly more than in most European countries. The 50 km journey across the peninsula, if metered, adds up quickly. Pre-booked flat-rate taxi transfers are sometimes available and give more price certainty; check with operators at the airport or via apps before committing.
Taxis make most practical sense if you are arriving very late at night when shuttle buses do not run, if you are travelling as a group of four or more and can share the cost, or if time is critical (the coaches can take longer than you expect if there is heavy passenger loading or a complex hotel drop sequence).
Rental car: seriously consider it for Iceland
Iceland is one of the destinations where a rental car is not just convenient but genuinely transforms your visit. The Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords are all either impossible or extremely slow to reach by public transport. Keflavik Airport has a large selection of car hire desks in the arrivals hall, and picking up at the airport is the most logical starting point for a ring road trip or a multi-day exploration.
A few things to know: Icelandic roads include F-roads (mountain tracks) that require a 4x4 with high clearance — standard cars are not insured for these, and driving on them is illegal in a 2WD. If highland driving is part of your plan, book a suitable vehicle. Fuel is expensive in Iceland and petrol stations are spread out outside the capital — keep the tank well filled. And Iceland's weather can change rapidly; check road.is (Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road Administration) before any drive outside the greater Reykjavik area.
The Blue Lagoon: a tempting stop en route
The famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is located less than 10 minutes from Keflavik Airport on the Reykjanes peninsula, making it a logical stop on arrival before continuing to Reykjavik — or a last stop before your flight home. Both Reykjavik Excursions and Gray Line operate direct transfers between the airport and the Blue Lagoon. Booking is essential as the Blue Lagoon requires timed-entry reservations and is often sold out weeks in advance, particularly in summer.
Getting back to the airport
The shuttle services also run in reverse, departing from BSÍ or from your hotel (with the Flybus+ and Airport Direct hotel pick-up options). Allow extra time on the return: pick-up sequences from multiple hotels can vary, and you want to reach the airport with at least 2 hours before departure — Keflavik handles a large volume of intercontinental traffic and security queues can be long on peak departure mornings. The airport itself is well-equipped but compact for its passenger volume; arrive in good time.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Keflavik Airport from Reykjavik?
About 50 km by road across the Reykjanes peninsula, which takes around 45–50 minutes by the airport coaches in normal conditions. There is no train connection.
What is the difference between Flybus and Airport Direct?
Both are coach transfer services timed to meet flights. The standard Flybus terminates at BSÍ bus terminal, requiring a transfer to reach your hotel; Flybus+ adds hotel drop-off. Airport Direct typically goes directly to hotels in central Reykjavik without a mid-journey transfer. Check which hotels each serves and compare prices before booking.
Is there a cheap public bus from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik?
Yes. Strætó route 55 is the cheapest option, but it is slower, involves a transfer, and does not run at all hours. It suits budget-conscious travellers arriving during daytime hours who are comfortable with local public transport.
Should I hire a car from Keflavik Airport?
If you plan to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavik — which is highly recommended — picking up a hire car at the airport makes excellent sense. Make sure to book a 4x4 if you intend to drive any highland F-roads, and check conditions on road.is before setting out.
Sources and further reading:
- Shuttle booking and timetables: Reykjavik Excursions (Flybus) and Gray Line Iceland (Airport Direct).
- Public bus information: Strætó (route 55).
- Road conditions: Vegagerðin (Icelandic Road Administration) at road.is.
- Airport information: Isavia (Keflavik International Airport, KEF).