Wondering how to get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have listed all the different transport modes that will get you from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, outlining the pros and cons of each.
The best way to travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik will change depending on your budget, travel style, group size, and more.
In this article, I help you weigh each of these, so you can find the best transport mode for you. So what are you waiting for? Read on and discover how to go from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik!
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Travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik in style.
How to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
Private Bus from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
In my opinion, the most time-efficient and cost-effective way to get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport is to go for a private bus.
These private buses start early in the morning and run year-round.
Handily, they are scheduled to set off after each arrival flight, making them a well-organised route from the airport to your accommodation. They will wait up to 45 minutes after each scheduled plane arrival.
Private buses take you to the main bus station (BSI) in Reykjavik. Once there, you’ll be taken to your hotel on a smaller bus.
Admiring the Northern Lights in Iceland in winter
The same works in reverse too. For the return from Reykjavik to the airport, you can simply pick a time and that’s when they pick you up from your hotel.
This service is offered by two companies FlyBus and Grayline. FlyBus charges ISK 2,500 (27 EUR) to the BSI bus terminal and ISK 3,000 (33 EUR) directly to your hotel.
Grayline is slightly cheaper; 24 EUR to the bus terminal and 31 EUR directly to your hotel.
In my opinion, the extra fare is a small price to pay to have the additional convenience of being dropped directly in front of your hotel.
The BSI bus terminal isn’t very central in Reykjavik, so unless you’re staying in a hotel close to it, it doesn’t make much sense to get off there.
The Sun Voyager viking ship sculpture along the harbour of Reykjavik
View over Reykjavik from the Perlan Science Museum
And in case you were wondering how far it is from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, it’s around 49 kilometres (30 miles).
Driving takes around 40-50 minutes, but you will then lose a bit of time at BSI bus terminal to change buses, so the overall journey will take around 1 hour.
There are two companies that run these private bus services; FlyBus and Airport Direct. We used FlyBus on our last Iceland trip and had a very positive experience.
The buses were punctual and comfortable. I haven’t tried Airport Direct, but it has equally good reviews online and they have similar prices, so you can opt for whichever one gives you the best vibe.
Click here to book your Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik transfer with FlyBus!
Or check out prices & availability with Airport Direct here!
Experience Iceland’s scenic routes in comfortable transport.
The cliffs of Latrabjarg
Public Bus to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
The public bus (run by Strætó) from the main Iceland airport to Reykjavik is the cheaper option. But unlike private buses, these aren’t as regular and they won’t drop you at your accommodation.
In the times of year when there’s milder weather (late spring and summer), that’s not so bad, but it’s a different story if you’re visiting Iceland in winter — you don’t want to be walking in snow from the bus stop to your hotel.
Not a good or fun start to the trip!
But if you are interested in how much the bus is from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, it’s ISK 1,680 (13 EUR). And to be exact, it’s bus number 55.
Exploring Seljalandfoss in the South Coast of Iceland
The final stop for this route is the main bus terminal in Reykjavik, after which you’ll have to work out how to get to your accommodation.
The BSI bus terminal is located just south of the city centre. If you’re taking the public bus from the airport, your next step is the onward journey from BSI to your hotel.
There are plenty of taxis at the terminal, and it’s probably the quickest option to get to the city centre, taking around 4 minutes.
Admiring Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon from above
Taxis in Iceland aren’t cheap though, and depending on where in Reykjavik your hotel is, the bill could add up.
You could also take the public bus again. Bus number 1 runs from the BSI terminal to the centre of Reykjavik, with trips costing between 1 EUR and 3 EUR depending on where you’re going.
Depending on your luggage situation and the weather, you could also walk it.
It’s a 10-minute walk or so to Laugavegur, one of Reykjavik’s main streets (around 2 kilometres away), while the famous Hallgrímskirkja church is only a 2-minute stroll from the terminal.
Effortless transfers with stunning mountain views en route
Taxi or Private Transfer from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
If a bus, private or public, isn’t your thing, then you could opt for a taxi or private transfer. So, how much is a taxi from Keflavik to Reykjavik? Answer: it depends.
While it’s typically going to cost around ISK 16,700 (120 EUR), prices can increase on public holidays, and traffic conditions can also make it more expensive too.
You may also want to opt for a private transfer. It’s still an expensive option, but less so than jumping in the first taxi that you see when you walk out of the arrivals at the airport.
Something like this private transfer option would work.
If anything, the price will be set and you won’t be at the mercy of taxi meters if you get stuck in traffic. Given that the Keflavik to Reykjavik taxi cost is pretty high as it is, you don’t want it to increase due to traffic.
Alternatively, you could pay close attention when you book a hotel and see if they offer free hotel transfers, which would be a major bonus for accommodation in Reykjavik.
There are actually quite a few hotels that offer an airport shuttle from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik city centre (and back again), so it’s best to look for that before you book.
The famous Skogafoss Waterfall in the South of Iceland
Convenient and scenic drives through Iceland’s beauty.
Rent a Car to go from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
You could also opt to rent a car to drive yourself from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik.
It’s not for everybody, especially those who aren’t used to driving abroad, but this is a great option if you’re planning a big Iceland road trip and will rent a car anyway.
Instead of renting a car in Reykjavik city centre, you might as well rent it from the airport, that way you can save yourself the extra expense having to get into the city centre.
Once you have your car you can visit Reykjavik, and then go beyond the city and explore the hidden Westfjords, the beautiful Icelandic waterfalls of the South Coast, the ice caves of Vatnajokull Glacier and much more.
Click here to find the perfect rental car in Iceland for you!
Admiring the imposing Gullfoss Waterfall in the Golden Circle
You’ll find major rental car companies at Keflavik Airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Budget. It is best to book in advance if you’re planning on renting a car for your Iceland trip.
There are a couple of reasons to book ahead: one being that if you book ahead you’ll get a better choice of the type of vehicle you want; another is that you could benefit from online or in-app deals.
Turn up on the day, and you may pay more for your car rental. It might not massively influence your Iceland travel budget, but considering it’s an expensive destination, better to save when you can!
Renting a car from Keflavik Airport can range from as little as 30 EUR to around 70 EUR per day, but it all depends on the time of year you’ll be visiting Iceland, and what car type you opt for (compact car, SUV, 4×4, etc.), among other things.
Visiting the famous Budir Black Church in Iceland
Other things to factor into your decision of whether to rent a car include the costs of parking (which can be high in the city centre) and the price of petrol; this can be anywhere between 1.80 EUR and 2.80 EUR per litre.
Like I said, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car just to drive from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, or if you have lots of guided Iceland tours planned which won’t require driving.
It’s just not worth the price and hassle if you’re only going to drive to Reykjavik and back.
But if you’re planning wider Iceland itinerary, ticking off epic sights from your Iceland bucket list like the Golden Circle and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, then by all means book a car!
Enjoy a smooth journey across Iceland’s landscape.
Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall with the iconic mountain in the back
Where to Stay in Reykjavik Itinerary
Once you’ve made it from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik, you’re probably wondering where to stay. Well, here are some suggestions for every budget!
Budget: Kex Hostel – Kex Hostel, centrally located just 250 meters from Laugarvegur shopping street, offers cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, an in-house restaurant and bar, and easy access to Reykjavik’s attractions, making it a great spot for couples exploring the city.
Click here to book your stay at Kex Hostel
Mid-range: Center Hotels Plaza – Center Hotels Plaza, located in Reykjavik’s Old Town on Ingólfstorg Square, offers modern rooms with free internet, a popular breakfast buffet, and a cozy bar, making it an ideal base for couples to explore the city’s attractions, dining, and shopping.
Click here to see prices & availability at Center Hotels Plaza!
Luxury: Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel – Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel, located in Reykjavik’s historic neighborhood, offers a unique stay with its blend of contemporary Icelandic decor, modern comforts, and Iceland’s largest private art collection, making it an elegant choice for couples exploring the city’s rich culture.
Click here to book your stay at Hotel Holt – The Art Hotel!
A cute harbour in Iceland
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Iceland?
After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.
You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee, you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with Heymondo.
Heymondo offers tailor-made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip.
You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).
Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage, and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.
Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!
Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!
Charming Icelandic cabin vibes – a cozy retreat amidst stunning landscapes.
Final Thoughts on How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
There you have it, the ultimate Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik transfer guide! Have you traveled to Reykjavik before?
How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below! Personally I think that the best way to get to Reykjavik from the airport is to book the private bus.
It’s the best option for most travelers, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group.
If you have a higher budget then a taxi or private transfer is ideal, as it gives you more flexibility and a shorter travel time.
For those who have a wider Iceland itinerary planned, then renting a car and driving yourself will be the easiest option.
I hope my guide helped you figure out the best way for you to travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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