Reykjavik Airport (Domestic): Everything You Need to Know

If you're flying within Iceland or planning to connect to destinations like the Westfjords or East Iceland, you'll likely come through Reykjavik Airport (RKV). Unlike Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which handles nearly all international flights, Reykjavik Airport is focused on domestic and regional routes. Here's what you need to know before you go.

What is Reykjavik Airport?

Reykjavik Airport, also known as Reykjavik Domestic Airport or Reykjavik City Airport, is the main hub for domestic flights in Iceland. It's operated by Isavia and is located just a few minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The airport also offers a few international flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

• Airport Code: RKV
• Location: About 2 km from Reykjavik city center / 45 min drive from Keflavik Airport
• Run by: Isavia

Destinations Served

Domestic Flights

Reykjavik Airport connects the capital with several key towns and regions across Iceland:

• Akureyri (North Iceland)
• Egilsstaðir (East Iceland)
• Ísafjörður (Westfjords)
• Húsavík (seasonal)
• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Regional International Flights

• Nuuk and Kulusuk in Greenland (via Air Greenland)
• Tórshavn, Faroe Islands (seasonal, via Atlantic Airways)

Flights are short and frequent, typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes.

How to Get There

Reykjavik Airport is located just west of the city center, making it easy to reach by car, taxi, or on foot.

• By Car: About 5 to 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik
• By Taxi: Fares typically range from 2,000 to 3,000 ISK
• Walking: Around 20 minutes from Hallgrimskirkja
• Public Transport: Bus route 15 stops nearby, though it may not be ideal with luggage

There is no rideshare service like Uber or Lyft in Iceland, so taxis and buses are your main options.

Airport Facilities

Reykjavik Airport is small and efficient. While it doesn't have the amenities of a large international hub, it covers the basics well:

• Small café/snack bar (limited hours)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Clean restrooms
• Rental car desks (limited availability; pre-booking is essential)
• Short- and long-term parking

There is no ATM inside, so plan to get cash in the city if needed.

Car Rentals at Reykjavik Airport

Yes, you can rent a car at Reykjavik Airport, but availability is very limited compared to Keflavík. Most car rental operations in Reykjavik are either based downtown or at KEF.

If you need a rental at RKV:

• Book in advance online to secure a vehicle
• Pickup may be offsite or coordinated through a shuttle service

For more options and better availability, consider picking up your car in downtown Reykjavik. You can filter for these options easily on Northbound.is.

When to Use Reykjavik Airport

Reykjavik Airport is ideal if:

• You're flying to another part of Iceland to save time
• You're traveling during winter and want to avoid long, icy drives
• You're connecting to Greenland or the Faroe Islands

Most travelers arriving from outside Iceland will still use Keflavík International Airport (KEF). That airport is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and handles all major international traffic.

Is It Better to Fly or Drive in Iceland?

Flying makes sense if you're short on time or heading somewhere far, like the Westfjords or Egilsstaðir. Flights are quick and reliable, especially when road conditions are poor.

That said, most travelers will get more out of their trip by driving. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop at waterfalls, hot springs, and viewpoints that aren't accessible by air.

If you're driving the Ring Road or exploring the south coast, a car rental is usually the better choice.

Insider Tips for Reykjavik Airport (RKV)

Here’s some practical, local advice to help you navigate Reykjavik Airport smoothly:

• Arrive 30–60 minutes early
  You don’t need hours at Reykjavik Airport like at larger hubs. Usually, 30–60 minutes before departure is plenty. Check-in and security are fast.

• Watch the Weather
  Icelandic weather can change quickly, especially in winter. Keep an eye on Vedur.is for updates, and have a backup plan if you’re flying to remote locations like Ísafjörður, where flights might be delayed.

• Grab Snacks in Town
  The café at RKV is small and has limited options. If you’re particular about food or traveling with dietary restrictions, stock up on snacks or sandwiches downtown before heading to the airport.

Nearby Hotels and Accommodation

If you have an early flight or just want the convenience, there are good hotel options near Reykjavik Airport:

• Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura: Right beside the airport, it’s a 5-minute walk—perfect for early departures.
• Hotel Reykjavik Saga: Comfortable, modern option downtown, about a 15-minute walk or quick taxi ride.
• Guesthouses and Airbnbs: Plenty of budget-friendly stays in nearby neighborhoods like Vesturbær or central Reykjavik.

Things to Do Near Reykjavik Airport

With the airport located so close to the city, it’s easy to explore if you have some extra time:

• Perlan Museum: 5 minutes by car, featuring exhibitions on Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes.
• Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach: Take a dip or relax in the geothermal hot tubs, only a 10-minute walk from the airport.
• Downtown Reykjavik: Cafés, shops, restaurants, and landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja church are all within easy reach.

Final Thoughts

Reykjavik Airport is a convenient and efficient domestic hub for travel within Iceland and limited regional destinations. It's close to the city, easy to use, and serves as a great launch point for exploring parts of Iceland that are otherwise time-consuming to reach by road.

If you're planning a domestic connection, book early, especially if you need a rental car at or near RKV. And if you’re starting your journey from the city, Northbound makes it easy to find the right car rental near Reykjavik Airport or downtown.

For booking, comparisons, and more travel tips, visit Northbound.is.