Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik: 2026 Guide
Arriving at Keflavik Airport (KEF) is the starting point for many trips to Iceland. The airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, around 50 kilometres from Reykjavik city centre, so most travelers need to arrange transportation before continuing to the capital.
Fortunately, there are several ways to travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, including private taxis, airport coaches, public buses and rental cars. The right option depends on your arrival time, budget, luggage and travel plans.
Here is what you should know before leaving the airport.
How far is Keflavik Airport from Reykjavik?
Keflavik Airport is approximately 50 kilometres from central Reykjavik. The journey is often around 45 minutes in normal conditions, although actual travel time can change because of traffic, road conditions, and your final destination in the Reykjavik area.
For travelers arriving after a long international flight, planning your transfer in advance can make the first part of your Iceland trip much easier.
1. Take a private taxi from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
A private taxi provides direct transportation from the airport to your hotel, apartment, or other destination in Reykjavik.
Taxis are available at Keflavik Airport, and travelers can also arrange a taxi in advance. The airport states that taxi services are available 24 hours a day.
A private taxi can be particularly convenient when you:
- Have several bags or bulky luggage
- Are traveling with children or a group
- Want door-to-door transportation
- Arrive late at night or early in the morning
- Prefer not to wait for a scheduled coach
- Want to continue directly to your hotel
For a private transfer, it is a good idea to confirm the price and booking details before starting the journey. Reykjavik’s official tourism site notes that taxi operators may offer metered fares as well as some fixed-price options.
Planning an airport transfer?
You can book a Keflavik Airport Taxi with Taxi Fast Track for a private journey from the airport to Reykjavik.
2. Take an airport coach
Airport coaches are another common way to travel between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik.
Flybus operates scheduled services between the airport and Reykjavik, while visitors can choose between central terminal connections and certain accommodation or designated-stop options depending on the service booked.
A coach can be a practical choice for travelers who prefer a shared transfer and have a schedule that fits the available departures.
Before traveling, check the current timetable and pickup information because airport transfer schedules can change.
Useful official source: Keflavik Airport transportation information
3. Use public bus Route 55
For travelers looking at public transportation, Strætó operates Route 55 between Keflavik Airport and the capital area. The service runs every day, but travelers should check the current timetable because not every trip follows the same route or continues to the same destination.
Strætó also explains that the airport bus stop and arrival/departure arrangements are different depending on the direction of travel, so checking the official information before your trip is important.
Useful official source: Strætó Route 55 – Keflavik Airport
4. Rent a car at Keflavik Airport
Another option is renting a car and driving from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik.
This can make sense for travelers who are planning to explore Iceland independently after arriving. Keflavik Airport has several rental car providers, and driving gives you more flexibility once you leave Reykjavik and start exploring other parts of the country.
However, if your trip is mainly focused on Reykjavik and you do not need a car during your stay, a taxi or airport transfer can avoid the need to collect, park, and return a rental vehicle.
Which transfer should you choose?
There is no single transportation option that works for every traveler.
A private taxi provides door-to-door transportation and can be useful for families, groups, travelers with lots of luggage, or passengers who want a direct journey.
An airport coach provides scheduled shared transportation and is suitable for travelers whose arrival plans fit the coach schedule.
Public bus Route 55 is another option for travelers who prefer the public transportation network and are comfortable planning around the timetable.
A rental car can be useful for travelers who plan to drive around Iceland during their trip.
The most important thing is to choose an option that matches your arrival time, destination, and overall itinerary.
What should you do after arriving at Keflavik Airport?
Before your flight arrives, it helps to have a simple plan:
- Confirm your airport transfer or transportation option.
- Check the latest route and timetable information.
- Keep your accommodation address easy to access.
- Check the weather and road conditions before driving.
- Allow extra time if you have a connecting journey after reaching Reykjavik.
Icelandic weather and road conditions can change, so travelers should always check current travel information before setting out.
Traveling from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik with Taxi Fast Track
Taxi Fast Track provides private transportation between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, as well as transfers to hotels and other destinations across Iceland.
You can arrange a private airport transfer in advance, so you can go directly from the airport to your accommodation without changing vehicles or carrying your luggage between different transport services.
Ready to plan your arrival?
Explore our Keflavik Airport Taxi service or contact Taxi Fast Track to arrange your transfer.