Keflavik International Airport, also known simply as KEF Airport or Reykjavik (KEF), is the largest airport in Iceland, located on the Reykjanes peninsula approximately 40 kilometers from Reykjavik City Centre.
The airport environment in Iceland can often be confusing to travelers, especially in the cases when travelers confuse the Reykjavik domestic airport (RKV) for Keflavík Airport (KEF).
This is understandable of course, as the airlines usually print "Reykjavík (KEF)" on their tickets, despite the correct designation being Keflavík International Airport, or "KEF Airport".
Unfortunately, this does cause a fair few mix-ups so, to be clear, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the only truly international airport in Iceland, but it's close enough to Reykjavík that the airlines can choose to print Reykjavík instead of Keflavik on their tickets.
The Reykjavik Airport (RVK) is a small domestic airport located in the city's center with regular flights to:
- Akureyri
- Egillstaðir
- Ísafjörður
- Vopnafjörður
- Þórshöfn
- Grímsey
Operates also certain international flights to:
- Faroe Islands
- Greenland
So, make sure to select your car rental pick-up is from Keflavik Airport and not Reykjavik airport.
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
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Keflavik International Airport (whose original name was Leifur Eiríksson International Airport) was originally built by the United States Military during World War II.
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It consisted of 2 runway airfields, both named after separate pilots who had died in Iceland. After the war, the airport was returned to Iceland's control.
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Though the US military would later return in 1951 after a defense agreement was signed between Iceland and the US. The terminal opened in 1987 as a separate entity to the military base and was used for civil traffic.
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The airport terminal has gone through several expansions throughout the years, and as of 2018, carries over 9 million passengers annually. Not bad for a population of 350,000.
We recommend checking out Flight Radars website on Keflavik Airport for detailed information
Icelandic airlines that operate KEF Airport in Iceland?
The primary Icelandic carrier at KEF Airport is Icelandair and, a new airline called PLAY Airlines.
Another large Icelandic carrier was Wow Air but as of early 2019, Wow Air is no longer operational.
What Shops, Restaurants & Bars are in Keflavik Airport?
There is a duty-free store located in both arrivals and departures, where we would recommend purchasing any alcohol you intend on consuming (alcohol is very expensive in Iceland due to severe taxation).
It is here that I would also recommend you purchase the Icelandic candy you wish to try or take home to your family and/or friends.
Besides the duty-free store, you will also find all sorts of shops and restaurants in KEF Airport:
Restaurants & Bars
- La Trattoria ? Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients. Visit La Trattoria
- Yuzu ? Burgers with an Asian twist. Visit Yuzu
- Bakað ? Baked goods, pizza, and coffee. [Visit Bakað]https://www.kefairport.com/restaurants/bakad)
- Elda ? Fast, Icelandic-inspired dishes. Visit Elda
- Sbarro ? New York-style pizzas and pasta. Visit Sbarro
- Loksins Café & Bar ? Pastries and hot meals. Visit Loksins
- Zócalo ? Mexican burritos and tacos. Visit Zocalo
- Jómfrúin ? Danish smørrebrød. Visit Jómfrúin
- Bæjarins Beztu ? Famous Icelandic hot dogs. Visit Bæjarins Beztu
- Hjá Höllu ? Healthy pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Visit Hjá Höllu
Shops
- Kormákur & Skjöldur ? British-style apparel, focusing on high-quality wool. Visit Kormákur & Skjöldur
- Duty Free ? Icelandic and international cosmetics, alcohol, and sweets. Visit Duty Free
- Blue Lagoon Skincare ? Natural, science-backed skincare products. Visit Blue Lagoon Skincare
- Icemart Souvenirs ? Popular Icelandic souvenirs and travel essentials. Visit Icemart
- 66 North ? Outdoor clothing for harsh Icelandic weather. Visit 66 North
- Húrra ? Clothing and shoes from well-known brands. Visit Húrra
- Eyesland ? Optical services with experienced optometrists. Visit Eyesland
- Penninn Eymundsson ? Books, magazines, and travel products. Visit Penninn Eymundsson
- Rammagerðin ? Icelandic-designed gifts and wool products. Visit Rammagerðin
- Elko ? Electronics from popular brands at competitive prices. Visit Elko
- Epal ? Nordic design products with a focus on Icelandic craftsmanship. Visit Epal
Visit the Restaurants and Bars KEF Airport page.
Most of the stores and restaurants are located on the second floor, as you will see in the image below. (Photo from Kefairport.is).
A popular pitstop at the airport is the tax refund desk. I would recommend getting to the airport extra early if you intend on claiming tax back, as the desk is always extremely busy.
What Is Close To Keflavik Airport?
Keflavik is a very small area, and also quite remote. There isn't a lot, but it does have all the necessities and is usually a great stopping point for late night and early morning arrivals. It is also the last stop for many travelers, before their departure.
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Hotels
Tours
Museums
- Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll
- Vikingaheimar / (Viking world).
The rock and roll museum shows the great history of Icelandic music as a whole, dating back to the 1920's whilst Viking World is a five exhibition museum along with a settlement zoo, a playground, and an outdoor classroom.
Keflavik is also home to a large indoor water park called 'Water World', which has a heated activity pool. This is a great place for children to play and have fun.
Nature
- Gunnuhver
- Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Gunnuhver is a geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steam vents. It's only a 25-minute drive from the airport and is a great way to experience Iceland's unique geothermal activity.
- Krýsuvík
- These stunning cliffs are located about 25 minutes from the airport and offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
- Bridge Between Continents
- Located about 15 minutes from the airport, this bridge spans the gap between the European and North American continental plates. It's a unique sight and a great photo opportunity.
- Reykjanesviti Beach
- This rocky beach is located only about 10 minutes from the airport and is a great spot to watch the waves crash against the cliffs.
- Keilir
- Keilir is a cone-shaped mountain located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about a 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. While there isn't much to do directly around the mountain, it's a great spot for a short hike or a scenic drive.
- Kleifarvatn and Katlahraun
- For travelers staying only one night, we recommend visiting Kleifarvatn, a stunning lake located just a short distance from Keilir. The lake is surrounded by dramatic mountains and is known for its crystal-clear waters. It's a great place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or simply take in the beautiful scenery.
These destinations are part of the 'Reykjanes Peninsula'.
The most popular destination, which is around a 20-minute drive from Keflavik International, is the world-famous Blue Lagoon, A geothermal spa named by National Geographic as one of the 'wonders of the world'.
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How do I get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik?
Some of you may be renting a vehicle. In most cases, you pick up the vehicle directly from or around Keflavik Airport. So, therefore, you're free to drive into Reykjavik at your own accord (around 40-45 minute drive).
However, if you are not renting a vehicle then there are 2 options: take a taxi or take a bus / airport transfer. Our recommendation would be to take one of the bus transfers as a taxi from the airport to Reykjavik can set you back around 17,000 ISK (?134).
This is why most travelers will use one of the many airport transfers. The two of the more popular options are Gray Line and Airport Express.
Both services are available for return to the airport and provide a 24/7 pickup from your hotel.
For those of you that have rented a car, most agencies are based in Keflavik and offer 24/7 return. However, there are some located solely in Reykjavik. Though, the agencies may offer to drive you back to the airport or to BSÍ bus terminal so you can get a bus transfer.
What can I do on a Layover in Iceland?
As previously discussed, there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area of the airport.
There's the option of renting a car for a few hours or even taking a bus to the Blue Lagoon. There are also regular buses back to the airport.
Renting a Car at KEF Airport
Many rental agencies will meet you in the arrivals zone of the airport, whilst others have a free shuttle service running every 15 minutes to the car rental area (look for the 'car rental shuttle service' signs).
We have a special site for cheap car rentals in Iceland, click to know more.
There are some agencies based in Reykjavik, and they might either charge a fee to pick you up from the KEF airport or provide you with a Flybus ticket to transfer from Keflavik airport to the bus station (BSÍ) in Reykjavik where they would then pick you up.
The bottom line is, make sure to get familiar with which pick-up process is valid for your booking. This is usually stated on your voucher or on the page where you booked the car.
Returning to Keflavik Airport
If you are renting a vehicle then there are usually 3 varying return procedures. Returning directly to the airport, returning to the agency's office in Keflavík and then being driven to the airport or returning in Reykjavik and getting one of the bus transfers back to the airport.
We always recommend that you return your vehicle AT LEAST 2 and a half hours before your flight time. This is because Keflavik airport is very busy, and can take a long time to check-in, get through customs and visit the tax refund desk.
The process for returning your vehicle and then being driven to the agency may sometimes take upwards of 30 minutes or more, so be sure to give yourselves plenty of time to prevent last-minute panicking.
The same goes for those of you returning by taxi or by bus transfer, ensure that you will arrive 2 hours before your flight. Especially if you intend on heading to the tax refund desk. The queue for this can be very long.
Pay for Parking at KEF Airport
Navigating parking at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is straightforward, with multiple options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you're dropping off, picking up, or parking for a longer stay, KEF offers various parking facilities designed for your convenience.
How Do I Pay for Parking?
When booking parking at KEF, you can easily pay using either Visa or MasterCard. During the payment process, you'll need to provide your card number, expiration date, and the security code found on the back of your card.
How Much is Airport Parking?
Parking rates at KEF vary based on the duration of your stay and the type of parking you select. For the most convenient parking spots closer to the terminal, you'll pay a bit more compared to the more economical options situated further away. KEF Airport continuously monitors parking costs to ensure competitive pricing, catering to all types of trips and budgets.
To find the best rates for your travel dates, simply enter your trip details into the KEF booking tool.
Picking Up or Dropping Off Passengers
If you are picking up or dropping off someone at the airport, you can take advantage of the first 15 minutes of parking for free. After the initial 15 minutes, the rate is ISK 500 for the first hour and ISK 750 for each additional hour.
Types of Parking Spaces at KEF Airport
KEF offers three main parking options: Comfort, Standard, and Premium, each designed to cater to different needs:
Comfort Parking (P1)
Comfort parking is located right at the departure hall, making it ideal for quick pick-ups or drop-offs. The first 15 minutes are free, which is perfect for those brief stops. After the free period, the rate is ISK 500 for the first hour and ISK 750 for each subsequent hour. You can view the rates for Comfort parking here.
Standard Parking (P3)
For travelers embarking on longer trips, Standard parking (P3) offers a more economical choice. This zone is the least expensive and provides excellent value for those who don't mind a slightly longer walk to the terminal. Check the rates for Standard parking here.
Premium Parking
Premium parking offers the highest level of convenience at KEF Airport. Park your car in a designated spot right next to the departure hall, leave your keys in a secure key box, and upon your return, your car will be waiting in the same spot. This option is perfect for those seeking a seamless and hassle-free experience. View a map of the Premium parking spaces here.
First Class Lounges at KEF Airport
There is only one exclusive lounge at Keflavík Airport, the Icelandair Saga Lounge. The amenities there include:
- Stylish relaxation lounge with recliners, plenty of electrical outlets and some coffee.
- A buffet that serves a delicious spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Play area for the kids.
- Fireplace.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Showers with soap and towels provided.
- Panoramic views over the airport and the surrounding landscape.
- Free alcoholic beverages.
FAQ
How big is KEF Airport?
As stated on Airport Technology Keflavik International Airport is spead over 25km² or 9.6 sq miles and is the largest airport in Iceland.
How many runways does KEF Airport operate?
KEF Airport has two runways which have are designated 02/20 and 11/29. 02/20 is about 3,05 km long and 11/29 is about 3.06km. The surface of the runway is asphalt and is equipped with CAT II facilities which can serve all types of aircraft in a 24 hour operation.
How many terminals are there in KEF ?
The airport has a single terminal which opened in 1987 and was extended in 2001. It was then again extended in 2008 and again in 2016 making it 16.000 sq meters.
ISAVIA's masterplan from 2018 sates that they will extend yet again making the terminal 25.000 sq meters costing roughly 15 billion ISK.
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