How to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the City Center
20
May, 2024
How to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the City Center
Planning a trip to Iceland? Get started with these 3 ways to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) to your hotel in the city center.
Most travelers to Iceland arrive at Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and head straight toward Reykjavik’s city center from the airport for a night or two. The airport is approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the city center and it takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to get there depending on the type of transfer you choose. The cost will also depend on the transfer type.
If you’re signed up for our 11-day trip to Iceland, airport pick-up is not included. You can use this information to find the best way* to get to Reykjavik’s city center to explore the wonders of Iceland with us!
*Globe Drifters does not recommend one option over another. It is best to do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each option to find what is best for you.
Option 1: Pre-book a Private Airport Pick-Up
One way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center is to pre-book a private airport pick-up before arrival with a company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel websites such as TripAdvisor. This is slightly less expensive than a taxi and usually costs around $160 ~ $180 USD depending on the company. To reduce the cost, you can share a transfer with other travelers. For those on our trip to Iceland, we will put you in touch with one another before the trip starts and you can share a private airport pick-up if your flights arrive at the same time.
Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will usually wait for you after the luggage claim in the public arrivals area and typically have a sign with your name on it. Ask your transfer company for specific instructions and what/who to look for.
With a pre-booked private airport pick-up, it usually takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the city center depending on traffic and weather.
To get in touch with your driver, it is a good idea to have WhatsApp downloaded and set up on your phone before you arrive in Iceland. So when you arrive, you can connect to the free Wifi at Keflavik Airport to contact your driver. If you can’t connect to the airport’s Wifi, you can turn on data roaming (but be aware of extra fees from your phone company!).
Option 2: Take a Taxi
Taking a taxi upon arrival from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center is also a fast and easy option. It can be the most expensive option and the cost of a regular taxi can be anywhere from $150 to $200 USD or more depending on traffic. Almost all taxis will accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and you do not need to tip your driver as tipping is not common in Iceland.
Finding a taxi at Keflavik Airport is very easy; just follow the “taxi” signs to the line of taxis outside the arrivals terminal after exiting the luggage claim area. To take a taxi, simply look for the taxi signs after you’ve collected your luggage and exited the baggage claim area. Taxis are available 24 hours a day. Note that ride-sharing applications such as Uber or Lyft do not operate in Iceland.
By taxi, it takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to the city center depending on traffic and weather.
Be sure to have your accommodation address ready to show to the driver and make sure he turns on the meter. If you’re going on our trip to Iceland, we will send you the hotel name and address to show your driver.
The beauty of Iceland awaits you!
*NOTE: Airport taxi scams are not as prevalent in Iceland as in many other travel destinations. Though they can occur, most people find Icelandic taxi drivers to be rather friendly and honest.
Option 3: Pre-book a Shared Transfer
Pre-booking a shared transfer online with companies such as Airport Direct or Flybus is the cheapest way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport to the city center but it also takes the most time. The cost is anywhere from $28 to $40 USD.
With this option, it usually takes longer to get to your hotel as the bus will make several stops before yours. It’s best to plan between 1 to 2 hours in a shared transfer.
You will usually share a ride with more than 40 other travelers and the transfer departure times are pre-determined; you just need to choose one close to your flight arrival time. Be sure to allow sufficient time to pick up your luggage and withdraw money at an ATM after landing in Reykjavik.
The buses will drop you off at various points in the city and then, you’ll need to go to your hotel by foot. For an extra fee, Airport Direct will drop you off directly at your hotel.
You may have the option to pay an additional fee for a “transfer guarantee” in case you miss your transfer. In our opinion, this extra option is worthwhile as it will give you peace of mind and ensure that you have a ride in case of flight delays, lost luggage, etc.
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Iceland!
In summary, there isn’t really any fast, easy, and cheap way to get from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport to the city center. Each option has its pros and cons. The options mentioned above are ones that have worked in the past for our travelers. No matter which option you choose, we wish you an amazing experience in Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice! Happy travels!
If you want to get to your destination in a hurry a taxi or private hire are the best options. Taking the bus or shuttle mght take longer time but there you might meet interesting people on the journey,