Keflavik vs. Reykjavik Airport: Which One Are You Landing At?

Keflavik vs. Reykjavik Airport confuses many first-time visitors. Although many travelers assume they'll land in the capital, Iceland's international gateway is actually Keflavik International Airport, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Read on to learn which airport you're landing at and how to plan your arrival.

Planning flights to Iceland starts with knowing which airport you'll arrive at. Keflavik Airport (KEF) is located about 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Reykjavik and handles nearly all international flights, while Reykjavik Airport (RKV) sits close to the city center and primarily serves domestic routes within Iceland.

Although they share similar names, the two airports serve very different purposes and are located in different areas of southwest Iceland. Whether you're arranging airport transfers, renting a car, or catching a domestic flight, understanding the different airports in Iceland will make planning your trip much easier.

This guide explains the difference between Keflavik vs. Reykjavik Airport, including which one you'll use and the best airport transfers to reach the capital. Continue reading to plan a smooth arrival in Iceland.

Keflavik or Reykjavik Airport: The Quick Answer

Keflavik International Airport (KEF): Iceland's Main International Airport

If you're researching which airport to fly into Iceland, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is almost certainly where your journey begins.

As Iceland's largest and busiest airport, KEF serves as the country's primary international gateway. Millions of passengers pass through its terminal each year, and thanks to its modern facilities, straightforward layout, and convenient transport links, arriving in Iceland is typically a smooth experience.

Who Uses Keflavik Airport?

Nearly everyone traveling to Iceland from another country arrives through Keflavik International Airport. It's the arrival point for international vacations, business trips, stopovers, guided tours, and self-drive adventures.

KEF is also used by passengers connecting to onward international flights. Unless your itinerary includes a domestic flight within Iceland or a regional flight to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, Keflavik Airport is likely to be the only airport you'll use during your trip.

Where Is Keflavik Airport?

Keflavik International Airport is located near the town of Keflavik on the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. It's about 31 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of downtown Reykjavik, or around a 45- to 50-minute drive to the capital.

While many visitors head straight to Reykjavik after landing, the surrounding area is worth exploring and often becomes the first sightseeing stop of an Iceland itinerary.

One of the peninsula's biggest attractions near Keflavik Airport is the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most famous geothermal spa. Located just 20 minutes from the terminal, it's consistently ranked among the best things to do on an early arrival in Iceland.

Airlines That Fly to Keflavik Airport

As Iceland's main international gateway, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) welcomes flights from more than 25 airlines, connecting Iceland with major cities across Europe and North America.

Due to this extensive network, you can easily reach Iceland with direct flights, whether you're traveling from London, New York, Copenhagen, Paris, or many other international hubs.

Several airlines play a particularly important role in bringing visitors to Iceland:

• Icelandair is Iceland's flagship airline and the largest carrier at Keflavik Airport. It offers the most extensive route network, connecting Iceland with destinations throughout Europe and North America. It's also well known for its Iceland stopover program, allowing travelers to spend up to 7 days exploring the country before continuing to another destination.

• Delta Air Lines and United Airlines provide nonstop service from several major U.S. cities, making Iceland an easy destination for North American travelers.

• British Airways connects Iceland with London Heathrow.

• Lufthansa offers convenient links through Frankfurt, giving travelers access to extensive global networks via their respective hubs.

• easyJet and Wizz Air offer affordable flights from several European cities, making Iceland more accessible to budget-conscious travelers.

In addition to these major carriers, many other airlines operate scheduled or seasonal flights through Keflavik Airport. Some increase their service during the busy summer months, when demand for travel to Iceland is at its highest.

You can also browse the full list of airlines flying to Iceland through Keflavik Airport to see all available carriers and destinations. 

With airlines serving destinations on both sides of the Atlantic, Keflavik International Airport offers excellent connectivity throughout the year. The wide choice of full-service and low-cost carriers also gives travelers greater flexibility when planning flights to Iceland.

Facilities at Keflavik Airport

Although it's relatively compact compared to many major international airports, Keflavik International Airport offers everything most travelers need after a long flight or before departing from Iceland.

The modern terminal is easy to navigate and features a large duty-free store, where you can shop for Icelandic skincare products, chocolates, spirits, and souvenirs. There's also a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, making it easy to grab a meal, snack, or coffee at any time of day.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and several airport lounges offer a comfortable place to relax before your flight. You can purchase local SIM cards or eSIM packages to stay connected during your trip, and ATMs and currency exchange services are available for withdrawing or exchanging Icelandic krona.

If you're planning self-drive trips in Iceland, Keflavik Airport is the most convenient place to pick up your vehicle. Most major Keflavik Airport car rentals have desks at or near the terminal, allowing you to collect your car soon after landing and begin exploring Iceland straight away.

Reykjavik Airport (RKV): Iceland's Domestic Airport

While Keflavik International Airport handles almost all overseas arrivals, Reykjavik Airport (RKV) serves as Iceland's primary domestic airport. Conveniently located just over a mile (2 kilometers) from downtown Reykjavik, it's the main hub for flights from Reykjavik to other Icelandic towns and remote communities.

For many travelers, Reykjavik Airport comes into play after arriving at Keflavik, especially if their itinerary includes exploring North Iceland, the Eastfjords, or other regions that are quicker to reach by air than by road.

If your itinerary includes both airports, remember that Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik Airport are about 31 miles (50 kilometers) apart. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the transfer, particularly if you're checking luggage or traveling during winter.

Who Uses Reykjavik Airport?

Most passengers using Reykjavik Airport are domestic travelers flying between Reykjavik and regional destinations across Iceland. It's also popular with visitors who want to maximize their vacation time by flying instead of renting a car and driving long distances.

Aside from scheduled domestic flights, the airport also serves travelers heading to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, along with those joining scenic sightseeing flights, helicopter tours, or charter services.

Domestic Flights From Reykjavik Airport

Reykjavik Airport provides year-round flights to several destinations around Iceland, making it easier to reach regions that would otherwise require long drives.

Popular domestic routes include:

• Akureyri – Iceland's largest town outside the capital and a gateway to North Iceland. Travelers looking to save time can book flights to Akureyri, one of the busiest domestic routes in the country.

• Egilsstadir – The main hub for East Iceland, close to the Eastfjords, Hallormsstadaskogur Forest, and Lake Lagarfljot. Take flights to Egilsstadir for a convenient alternative to long drives.

• Isafjordur – The largest town in the Westfjords, known for dramatic mountains, scenic fishing villages, and remote landscapes. Many visitors choose flights to Isafjordur to reach this region quickly and maximize their time exploring the Westfjords.

• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) – A volcanic island community famous for puffins, hiking trails, and the Eldfell Volcano. Flights provide a quick and convenient alternative to the ferry.

• Grimsey – A small island on the Arctic Circle known for its abundant seabird colonies, rugged cliffs, and unique Arctic setting. Flying is the most practical way to visit this remote destination.

Flying to these destinations can save several hours compared with driving, particularly during winter in Iceland when road conditions may be more challenging.

International Routes From Reykjavik Airport

Although Reykjavik Airport is primarily a domestic airport, it also operates scheduled international flights to nearby North Atlantic destinations, including:

• Greenland, with services to several communities depending on the season.

• The Faroe Islands, offering convenient regional connections across the North Atlantic.

These routes are much less frequent than those operating through Keflavik International Airport but provide valuable links between neighboring countries.

Airlines Operating at Reykjavik Airport

Scheduled domestic flights at Reykjavik Airport are primarily operated by Icelandair Domestic, formerly known as Air Iceland Connect. The airline serves many of Iceland's busiest regional routes, including flights to Akureyri, Egilsstadir, Isafjordur, and Hornafjordur.

Norlandair also plays an important role, operating scheduled flights to several smaller communities, including Bildudalur and Gjogur, as well as selected routes to Greenland.

In addition to scheduled services, the airline offers charter flights and other specialized aviation services that help connect remote parts of Iceland.

Other Aviation Services at Reykjavik Airport

Beyond scheduled passenger flights, Reykjavik Airport is also a departure point for scenic aviation experiences. Several sightseeing flights take off from the airport, offering aerial views of Reykjavik, volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and Iceland's rugged highlands.

The airport is also a base for some helicopter tours that visit geothermal areas, mountain peaks, and other remote locations that are difficult to reach by road.

One popular option is a helicopter tour over the Hengill Geothermal Area, which departs from Reykjavik Airport and showcases colorful geothermal fields, steaming vents, lava formations, and panoramic views of southwest Iceland from above.

Reykjavik Airport also plays an essential role in Iceland's transportation network by supporting air ambulance services, search and rescue operations, and other emergency flights throughout the country.

How To Get From Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik City

After landing at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), you'll need to travel about 31 miles (50 kilometers) to reach downtown Reykjavik. The drive typically takes 45 to 50 minutes, and there are several convenient ways to make the journey.

• Flybus Transfer from KEF to Reykjavik – One of the most popular airport shuttle services. Coaches are timed to meet arriving flights, even if they're delayed. Tickets include luggage, and buses travel to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, with optional hotel transfers or drop-offs at designated bus stops.

• Keflavik Airport Rental Car – Ideal for travelers planning Ring Road trips or self-drive adventures. You can collect your vehicle immediately after landing and begin your trip without first traveling into Reykjavik.

• Private Transfer from KEF to Reykjavik – A driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you directly to your accommodation. This option is especially convenient for families, groups, and travelers with plenty of luggage, as the cost can often be shared.

• Taxi – The fastest door-to-door option, available 24 hours a day outside the arrivals hall. While convenient, taxis are generally the most expensive way to travel between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik.

How To Transfer Between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik Airport

If you're arriving on an international flight at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and continuing on a domestic flight from Reykjavik Airport (RKV), you'll need to transfer between the two airports. The drive typically takes 45 to 50 minutes.

Unlike some major cities, Reykjavik doesn't have a direct rail link between its airports, and there isn't a dedicated airport-to-airport shuttle. Instead, you'll need to use one of the following options.

• Flybus + Taxi or Local Bus – Take Flybus from Keflavik Airport to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, then continue to Reykjavik Airport by taxi or a Straeto public bus.

• Rental Car – If you've hired a car at Keflavik Airport, you can drive directly to Reykjavik Airport.

• Taxi – A taxi offers the fastest direct connection between the two airports and can be a convenient option if you're short on time or traveling with several people.

For a detailed comparison of travel times and costs, check out our airport transfers guide before choosing the option that best suits your itinerary.

Important to remember: When booking separate international and domestic flights, allow at least 3 to 4 hours between your scheduled arrival at Keflavik Airport and departure from Reykjavik Airport. This gives you enough time to clear immigration, collect checked baggage, travel across the capital region, and complete check-in for your domestic flight.

When To Stay Near Keflavik International Airport

Staying near Keflavik Airport isn't necessary for every traveler, but it can be a smart choice depending on your itinerary. Spending your first or last night near the airport can reduce travel time, make early departures less stressful, and give you more flexibility to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Browsing the best hotels near Keflavik Airport and booking one may be necessary if:

• You're arriving late at night. Instead of driving to Reykjavik when you're tired, you can rest nearby and start sightseeing the following morning.

• You have an early morning flight. Staying close to the terminal means a shorter journey on departure day and less worry about traffic or weather delays.

• You're planning to visit the Blue Lagoon. Since Iceland's most famous geothermal spa is only about a 20-minute drive from the airport, many travelers schedule a relaxing Blue Lagoon visit on the morning after they arrive or before flying home.

• You're beginning a Ring Road trip. Collecting your rental car at Keflavik Airport for a counterclockwise Ring Road tour heading east along the South Coast lets you start your road trip immediately, without first driving into Reykjavik.

If none of these situations apply, staying in Reykjavik is usually the more convenient option. You can browse through a wider selection of Reykjavik accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring southwest Iceland or joining day tours.

Keflavik vs. Reykjavik Airport: Finding the Right Arrival Point

For the vast majority of visitors, the answer is simple. You fly into Keflavik International Airport and travel onward to the city. Reykjavik Airport only comes into play if you are connecting to a domestic flight or heading to Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

Once your arrival is sorted, our guide to the top things to do in Reykjavik and the range of exciting tours and packages in Iceland will help you plan the rest of your trip.