Keflavik Airport (KEF) Car Rental

What you need depends on where and when you travel. A small or economy car is fine for Reykjavík and the main paved roads in summer. If you plan to drive Iceland's mountain F-roads, you need a vehicle approved for them. Our search lets you filter for F-road approved cars, automatics and rentals for younger drivers. See all options on our 4x4 car rental in Iceland page.

Car rental at Keflavik Airport is a convenient way to start an Iceland road trip, and Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is where most visitors begin. How you collect your KEF rental car depends on the rental company you book with. There are three main ways it works, and each offer on Northbound shows which one applies before you book.

Rental Desk in the Arrivals Hall

Some rental companies have a desk inside the terminal. You sign the rental agreement at the desk, then walk to the car rental parking area to collect your car. No shuttle is needed.

Meet-Up at the Airport

Other rental companies have a representative meet you at the airport and take you to their office nearby. The meeting details are in your booking confirmation.

Keflavik Airport Car Rental Shuttle

Some rental companies run a short shuttle from the airport to their office. Keflavik Airport has a car rental shuttle stop outside the terminal, and your booking shows where to wait. In winter, it's worth knowing the meeting point before you head outside.

Not sure which to choose? A desk in the terminal is the simplest option after a long flight, while meet-up and shuttle options are often offered by local Icelandic companies and can be good value. Compare them all in our Keflavik Airport car rental search.

Many flights land at Keflavik early in the morning or late at night, so check the pickup hours before you book. Pickup hours vary by rental company and can change by season, and they are shown with each offer and on your booking. If your flight lands outside those hours, check the pickup conditions before booking, or ask our team.

If your flight is delayed, let the rental company know as soon as you can. Our support team can help you reach them.

Keflavik Airport is on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 50 km from Reykjavík city center, or about 45 minutes by car. Many travelers drive straight from the airport to their first night in Reykjavík or set off directly on a longer route.

Winter brings shorter days, wind, snow and ice, and conditions can change fast. Plan a little extra time for pickup and for the drive. A few practical tips:

• Choose your pickup type with the weather in mind. A desk in the terminal means less time outside; for meet-up and shuttle pickups, dress warmly for a short wait.
• Consider a 4x4. Many travelers feel more confident with four-wheel drive in winter, especially outside the capital area. Browse 4x4 rentals for winter driving.
• Check road conditions and the weather before you set off, and adjust your plans if roads close. Check the official road conditions map (umferdin.is). Read our guide to renting a car during winter in Iceland.
• Allow time when you return the car before your flight.

Our quality standards for the rental companies we work with include appropriate winter tyres and suitable emergency equipment.

The rental company checks your documents and completes the rental agreement at pickup. Bring your driving license, your booking confirmation (the rental voucher) and the payment card required for your booking. Card, security hold, minimum age and extra-driver rules are shown on each vehicle page before you book. If you only have a debit card, use the filter for options that don't need a credit card, or see our guide to renting a car without a credit card.

Follow the return instructions on your rental agreement, which tell you where to drop off the car and whether a shuttle takes you back to the terminal. Check-in usually opens 2.5 to 3 hours before departure, and self-service check-in kiosks are open around the clock, so allow enough time for the return.

If someone is dropping you off or collecting you, Keflavik Airport has short-term parking next to the terminal. The first 15 minutes each day are free at P1 and the first 30 minutes at P2.

See also: Why travelers choose Northbound.

• No booking fee. We add no booking fee to rental prices. Rental companies pay us a commission, so booking through Northbound doesn't make your rental more expensive than booking direct.
• Best Price Guarantee. If you find the same vehicle from the same rental company at a lower price elsewhere, we match it before pickup, under our Best Price Guarantee terms.
• Many local suppliers at Keflavik in one search. Compare local Icelandic companies and international brands side by side, from economy cars and SUVs to 4x4s, campervans and electric cars.
• Basic insurance included. Every offer includes basic insurance. Extra protection options are shown before you book.
• Clear prices. VAT, airport fees, required insurance and mandatory rental charges are included in the price unless stated otherwise. Iceland's government kilometer fee is charged by the rental company and is not part of the Northbound total; you'll see an estimate at checkout and on your voucher.
• Easy changes and clear cancellation terms. Every car shows its cancellation policy before you book, and your prepayment is refunded when you cancel within the policy terms. Need new dates? You can change your booking easily from your bookings page. See our cancellation terms. Motorhomes and some other products have different terms, shown during booking.
• Real reviews. Read verified reviews from travelers who booked through us, with an average rating of 4.8/5 across over 10,000 reviews.
• Local support. We're an Icelandic team based in Reykjanesbær, near Keflavik Airport. If something goes wrong with your rental, we help you sort it out.

Ready to go? Compare car rental at Keflavik Airport.