Keflavík airport to Reykjavik

Airport coach — the default choice

Scheduled coaches meet every arriving flight and run to the BSÍ bus terminal or the Skarfabakki area, with optional hotel drop-off. Expect roughly 3,500–4,500 ISK one way, cheaper as a return. Buy online or at the desk in arrivals. This is the best value for one or two people without much luggage.

Private transfer

A pre-booked car or minibus takes you door to door. For a family or a group of four or more it often costs little more per person than the coach and saves a lot of hassle with children and cases. Book in advance; walk-up availability is limited at night.

Taxi

Metered taxis wait outside arrivals but are expensive — commonly 18,000–25,000 ISK to central Reykjavik. Worth it only for a very late arrival with a group. Ride-hailing apps are not established in Iceland.

Rental car

If your trip involves driving anyway, pick the car up at the airport — desks are in or beside the terminal, with shuttle buses to nearby lots. Note that parking in central Reykjavik is paid and limited, so if your first two nights are in the city you may prefer to collect the car on your way out of town. See renting a car in Iceland.

Should you sleep near the airport?

For a flight before about 07:00 or an arrival after midnight, a night in Keflavík town or the Reykjanes peninsula makes sense — it is also close to the Blue Lagoon. Otherwise stay in Reykjavik, where the food and nightlife are.

Practical notes

• Cards work everywhere, including on buses; no cash needed.
• Duty-free in arrivals is the cheapest alcohol in Iceland — locals use it too.
• Buy groceries at Keflavík or in Reykjavik, not at the airport.
• Allow 2.5 hours for departure in summer; queues can be long.