Keflavík International Airport (KEF), also known as Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and is the primary hub for international travel in the country.
The airport is located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavík, near the town of Keflavík (which is 3 km away). Almost all passengers entering and leaving Iceland use Keflavík Airport.
In 2024, Keflavík Airport handled over 8 million passengers bound for destinations in Europe and North America.
Major Airlines - Icelandair, Play
The airport serves as a hub for Icelandair, the national flag carrier, and Play, a low-cost airline headquartered in the capital.
These two airlines offer the majority of flights at Keflavik Airport and connect passengers to numerous destinations across Europe and North America.
KEF Airport sees many seasonal flights in the summer months when the weather is more bearable to the average tourist. Carriers with many seasonal flights include Jet2 and TUI Airways.
Other full-service international carriers, such as British Airways and Scandinavian Airlines, also operate flights to and from KEF.
Keflavík Airport only handles international flights. All domestic flights are operated from the airport in Reykjavík.
Terminal Layout and Gates
Keflavík International Airport has only a single terminal, the Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal. It is divided into sections A, C, and D:
A Gates: Located closest to the main lounge along the central hallway on Level 2.
C Gates: Located past the main hallway towards the end of the building on Level 2.
D Gates: Designated for non-Schengen flights and located on Level 1.
There are 42 check-in desks in total. Nonetheless, during peak summer, the large number of daily flights can sometimes create queues. If you are traveling in June, July, or August, arrive at least three hours before your flight.
The terminal has 13 jet-bridge gates and 17 remote stands.
Baggage handling when connecting at KEF
At Keflavik International Airport, the baggage handling process is tailored to accommodate different ticketing and travel arrangements.
Single ticket connections
For passengers traveling on a single ticket, baggage is typically checked through to the final destination. Customs checks are conducted at the airport for those arriving from non-Schengen countries, as it often serves as the first point of entry into the Schengen area.
Multiple tickets or different airlines
Travelers holding multiple tickets or flying with different airlines might need to collect their baggage and recheck it for subsequent flights. This process is common when connections involve changing airlines or switching from international to domestic flights, requiring manual handling of luggage.
What is the security routine at the airport?
Travelers arriving at Keflavik International Airport from countries within the Schengen Area usually do not undergo additional passport control or security screenings, as these flights are considered domestic within the Schengen zone.
However, passengers arriving from destinations outside the Schengen area must go through passport control upon entering Iceland. During this process, travelers may be asked brief questions regarding their purpose of visit, and they will be required to present necessary travel documents such as their passport and, if applicable, a visa.
Find the right restaurant – dining options
The airport offers a variety of dining options that cater to a wide range of tastes. Gathered below are some of the popular alternatives.
Loksins Bar: A cozy spot to enjoy Icelandic beers and light fare in a laid-back setting.
Mathús: A newer addition, providing an upscale dining experience with a focus on Icelandic seafood and gourmet recipes.
Hjá Höllu: Located at the C gates, this restaurant offers wood oven pizzas in just a matter of minutes.
Bæjarins Bestu: Hot dogs and drinks at 3 locations before Security.
Elda: Quick-service hot and cold dishes with an Icelandic twist. Find near A Gates.
Lounges
Keflavik Airport has only one lounge - The Icelandair Saga Lounge. It is open daily between 5 AM and 5 PM.
Access is available to Saga Premium passengers and above, holders of various Icelanding credit cards, and premium members of partner airlines.
The Saga Lounge features complimentary refreshments, luxury armchairs with charging sockets, free wifi, awesome views of Reykjanes peninsula and Faxaflói Bay, and a cozy fireplace.
Hotels at or near the airport
When it comes to finding a place to stay in the area, there are several options to choose from – for example the hotels presented below.
Airport Hotel Aurora: Just a minute’s walk from the terminal, ideal for those with early flights or late arrivals.
Hotel Keflavik: A full-service hotel about five kilometers from the airport, with luxurious amenities.
Diamond Suites Luxury Boutique Hotel: A top-tier luxury option located within Hotel Keflavik, offering a terrace and views of the sea.
Transportation to and from KEF
Keflavík International Airport is just 3 km away from Keflavik and you can easily walk to town if you don’t have much luggage. There is a separated pedestrian and bike path to make this an enjoyable 40-minute walk/ride.
However, to get to Reykjavík, you will need some form of transport as it’s about 50 km away. Here are your options:
- Bus: Two private companies, Flybus and Airport Express, operate express services to Reykjavík, including stops and transfers to hotels.
Flybus services every arriving flight with buses scheduled to depart approximately 30-45 minutes after landing - enough time to clear Immigration, take your luggage, and get to the bus stop. Single tickets start at 3999 ISK and are flexible for the day.
Airport Express connects KEF with Reykjavík Terminal. Single tickets cost 3790 ISK and the journey time is about 45 minutes.
Book a bus ticket either online or at the respective company’s kiosk in the Arrivals area. The bus is also a convenient option to reach the airport from Reykjavík because you can arrange to be picked up straight from your hotel.
Note that the bus stop is near Parking 2, about a 10-minute walk from the terminal.
Taxi: Taxis at KEF are available 24/7, located directly outside the terminal. A ride to Reykjavík takes 45 minutes and costs around 16,000-20,000 ISK.
Car rental: Numerous providers offer services directly from the airport, with daily rental prices starting at around 6,000 ISK, depending on the vehicle and season.
If you prefer, there is also the possibility of choosing a car transfer from the airport – follow the link below to see available companies.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Yes
