How to get to Reykjavik

Keflavik Airport map - Departures from the BUS Pick-up area

Reykjavik has two airports:

Several bus companies operate the Keflavik - Reykjavik route in less than 45 minutes. Note that the base fare will drop you off at a terminal located about one kilometer from the city center (depending on the company), but you can add a hotel transfer for around 500 ISK | 3.44 EUR.

In terms of service, the bus companies are fairly similar. A one-way ticket costs around 3,999 ISK | 32 USD. You’ll find schedules, prices, departure and arrival points on the companies’ websites. Buses are scheduled to depart 30–45 minutes after each flight, giving you plenty of time to collect your luggage calmly.

While it’s possible to buy your ticket on-site, it is recommended to book in advance online. If your flight is delayed, your bus transfer to Reykjavik will be valid on the next available bus — no need to queue or risk missing your shuttle.

Location of the Reykjavik BSI bus terminal. The city center is highlighted in yellow on the map.

There is a Flybus after every flight arrival — even in case of delay, even if your flight lands at 3 AM.Buses leave 35–40 minutes after the actual landing time of your flight, not the scheduled arrival time. The company serves the BSÍ terminal in Reykjavik, located less than a kilometer from downtown. If you want to be dropped off at your hotel (and if it’s on the list), there’s an extra fee of about 5 EUR (choose the option “From Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik via BSI”). Mobile tickets are accepted.

A full refund is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

This company operates 24/7 with departures every hour and every 30 minutes during peak times.

To reach the airport from the capital, the same advice mentioned earlier applies in this direction as well. The trip takes about 45 minutes. For early morning flights, the first Flybus departures leave the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik at 3:30 a.m.. You will arrive in Keflavik around 4:15 a.m. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Unlike the Keflavik–Reykjavik route, buses going to the airport depart at fixed times.

For €9 per person, a minibus can pick you up directly at your hotel 30 minutes before the shuttle departure. Select the option “From Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport via BSI station.”

Bus stop location

Strætó is the public bus company operating line 55, which connects Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport. No reservation is required. The bus terminal is less than a 10-minute walk from the airport — about 7 to 10 minutes. The walk can be unpleasant in bad weather, especially during winter. Note that there are no signs inside the airport indicating the existence of line 55. It’s therefore recommended to gather all necessary information and save it to your smartphone before landing at KEF. You can also download the Strætó app.

We do not recommend this option, as it adds extra fatigue and wastes time for only about €10 savings. The bus ride takes roughly 90 minutes — almost twice as long as the other options. Prefer the Flybus shuttles instead.

Airport – terminal fare: 2400.00 ISK | 16.51 EUR

The airport is about 43 minutes from downtown Reykjavik

Icelandic taxis charge either by distance or at a flat rate, such as the fixed price between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik.

Our recommendation: Airport Taxi Iceland is the best-rated company with 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor, while others average around 3.5/5. You can cancel your ride up to 24 hours in advance.

Other companies:

• airporttaxi.is (booking by phone)

• borgarbilastodin.is (no refund)

• hreyfill.is (more expensive)

Ridesharing services such as Uber, Freenow, and Bolt are not available in Iceland. However, you can book private drivers. Expect to pay at least around €100 for a single ride.

There is only one road leading to the airport. The intersection between Armarvöllur Street and Route 41 seems to be the ideal hitchhiking spot — all rental cars must pass through there.

Check out our guide on car rental in Iceland or van / camper rental. We explain where to book at the best price and how to avoid common pitfalls.