KEF → Reykjavík City Center (BSÍ Terminal & Hotels) Updated for 2026

Keflavík Airport (KEF) to Reykjavík: Flybus, Public Bus & Taxi [2026]

Distance 50 km
Fastest 45 min
From 2,400 ISK (~€16.00)
Top Pick Flybus Airport Express (Reykjavik Excursions)
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The most popular connection is the Flybus Airport Express, departing 35–45 minutes after every flight arrival directly to BSÍ Bus Terminal in 45 minutes for 3,999 ISK (~€27.00) (or 5,299 ISK (~€38.00) for Flybus+ with hotel drop-off). The cheapest option is public Strætó Bus 55 (2,400 ISK / ~€16.00), though departures are infrequent. Official taxis cost 18,000–24,000 ISK (~€120–€160).

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is situated 50 km southwest of downtown Reykjavík across a surreal volcanic lava landscape. With no passenger trains anywhere in Iceland, coach transfers are the standard, highly organized travel method connecting flight arrivals directly with the capital.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
45–50 min
3,890 ISK
€26.50
Every 60 min Alternative express coach connection to Reykjavik Terminal (Skógarhlíð) Official Airport Direct Tickets
70–85 min
2,400 ISK
€16.00
Every 60–120 min Strict budget backpackers with flexible schedules traveling during daytime hours See Boarding Steps ↓
45–50 min
18,000 – 24,000 ISK
€120.00 – €160.00
On demand Families of 3–4, late-night arrivals with heavy gear, and door-to-door luxury Book Private Transfer on Klook

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #2 Best Overall

Airport Direct Express Coach

3,890 ISK €26.50
Travel time 45–50 min
Frequency Every 60 min
Operating hours 24/7 matching flights
Where to buy tickets Airport Direct service desk in arrivals or online at airportdirect.is.
Main advantage: Direct express coach to Reykjavik Terminal; comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi; modern fleet.
Keep in mind: Arrives at Skógarhlíð rather than BSÍ Terminal (slightly further east from downtown core).

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Locate the bright orange Airport Direct desk in the arrivals hall.
  2. Proceed to the designated Airport Direct coach bay outside.
  3. Board the coach and ride directly to Reykjavik Terminal.
Option #3 Cheapest

Strætó Public Bus Line 55

2,400 ISK €16.00
Travel time 70–85 min
Frequency Every 60–120 min
Operating hours 06:30 – 23:00 (limited weekends)
Where to buy tickets Pay contactless bank card or cash directly to driver upon boarding.
Main advantage: Lowest single fare (2,400 ISK); pay on board with contactless credit/debit card; authentic local commuter transit.
Keep in mind: Infrequent service (only 8–10 departures daily, very limited on Sundays); takes 70–85 minutes; makes numerous stops in Reykjanesbær and Hafnarfjörður.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Walk out of Arrivals and follow signs to the public bus pole (Bus Stop 55).
  2. Board Strætó Line 55 bound for Reykjavík (BSÍ / Fjörður).
  3. Tap your credit card on the driver ticket machine (2,400 ISK).
  4. Alight at BSÍ or transfer in Hafnarfjörður.
Option #4 Door-to-Door

Official Airport Taxi / Hopp App / Private Transfer

18,000 – 24,000 ISK €120.00 – €160.00
Travel time 45–50 min
Frequency On demand
Operating hours 24/7
Where to buy tickets Official taxi rank outside arrivals or book via local Hopp app.
Main advantage: Direct doorstep delivery to any hotel or Airbnb; 24/7 availability; spacious 4WD estate cars.
Keep in mind: Very high price; Uber/Bolt do not operate in Iceland.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Exit Arrivals to the taxi queue directly outside the terminal doors.
  2. Official taxis from Hreyfill or BSR wait at the curb.
  3. Confirm the fixed rate or meter tariff with the driver (~18,000–24,000 ISK).
  4. All Icelandic taxis accept major credit and debit cards.
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Hopp / Hreyfill Taxi (No Uber/Bolt) & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Hopp / Hreyfill Taxi (No Uber/Bolt) pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Reykjavík (KEF) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Flybus single tickets to BSÍ Terminal cost 3,999 ISK (~€27.00). If you book "Flybus+", you transfer to a smaller minibus at BSÍ that drops you directly at designated tourist bus stops or hotel doors across Reykjavík for 5,299 ISK. Strætó municipal bus Line 55 costs 2,400 ISK payable by card or cash directly to the driver on board.

Traveling with Suitcases

Flybus coaches feature full-sized undercarriage luggage compartments loaded by staff before departure. There are no baggage weight limits or fees for standard suitcases. Free high-speed Wi-Fi and USB charging ports are available at every seat.

Arriving After Midnight

Flybus operates guaranteed connections for every single scheduled commercial flight landing at Keflavík, 24/7/365, regardless of how late your flight arrives or delays. If you arrive late at night, your bus will be waiting right outside the terminal doors.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Hailing an unbooked taxi upon arrival without realizing the fare is €120–€160 — take Flybus for a fraction of the price.
  • Looking for Uber or Bolt on your phone — ride-hailing apps are legally prohibited in Iceland; use the local Hopp app or Flybus.
  • Confusing Keflavík International Airport (KEF, 50 km away) with Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV, 2 km from city center).
  • Iceland is one of the safest countries on earth with virtually zero street crime or taxi scams. However, the most expensive mistake is taking an unbooked metered taxi on a whim — a one-way taxi into Reykjavík costs upwards of 18,000–24,000 ISK (€120–€160). Note that Uber, Lyft, and Bolt do NOT exist anywhere in Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavík and how long does it take?

Keflavík Airport is 50 km southwest of central Reykjavík. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes via Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut).

What happens if my flight is delayed late at night?

Flybus schedules are directly tied to flight arrival times. Coaches depart 35 to 45 minutes after each actual landing, ensuring you will never be stranded even if your flight is significantly delayed.

What is the difference between Flybus and Flybus+?

Standard Flybus takes you to the central BSÍ Bus Terminal. Flybus+ includes a transfer at BSÍ to a smaller shuttle minibus that drops you off directly at your hotel or the nearest designated official tourist bus stop in central Reykjavík.

Other Popular Destinations from Keflavík International Airport (KEF)