Keflavík Airport sits about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík, roughly 31 miles, along Route 41, the Reykjanesbraut. The drive takes about 45 minutes in normal conditions, and the main ways into the city are the airport bus, a rental car, a taxi, or a private transfer. This guide compares those options and where each one drops you.
Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík at a glance
Short on time? Here is the quick version.
| Keflavík to Reykjavík | |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 50 km (31 miles) |
| Drive time | About 45 minutes |
| Road | Route 41, the Reykjanesbraut |
| Airport bus | Flybus to BSÍ; Strætó route 55 |
| Car rental | Desks in the arrivals hall |
| Taxis | Available 24 hours |
The distance and the drive
The airport is on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km from central Reykjavík, or roughly 31 miles. The whole route follows Route 41, the Reykjanesbraut, a straight and well-maintained road across the lava fields, so the drive is about 45 minutes in normal conditions. Winter weather and wind can slow it down, and it is worth allowing extra time on the way back to catch a flight.
The airport bus
The Flybus is the most common option and runs as a shared Keflavík–Reykjavík airport transfer between the airport and the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. It departs about 40 minutes after each plane lands, so it is timed to arriving flights rather than a fixed clock. The cheaper public alternative is Strætó route 55, which takes about 73 minutes with around 21 stops on the way to the BSÍ terminal. Note that some route 55 trips end at Fjörður in Hafnarfjörður rather than central Reykjavík, so check the timetable before you board.
Renting a car
If you plan to drive Iceland's Ring Road or the south coast, picking up a car at the airport saves a transfer into the city and back out; our guide to driving in Iceland covers what to expect on the roads. Several rental agencies keep desks in the arrivals hall, and the drive into Reykjavík is a simple run along Route 41. This is the most flexible option, though it means driving straight after a flight, which is worth weighing if you land late. Many visitors break the trip at the Blue Lagoon, which sits just off this route.
Taxis and private transfers
Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours a day and will take you door to door, which suits late arrivals or groups with luggage. Private transfers work the same way but are booked in advance, so a driver meets you regardless of when your flight lands. Both cover the same roughly 50 km run into the city on Route 41.
Choosing an option
For most visitors the Flybus is the straightforward choice, the public bus is the budget one, and a rental car makes sense if you are touring beyond the capital. Taxis and private transfers are the simplest for late nights and heavy bags. For guided day trips and tours to book once you are settled in the city, compare Reykjavík tours and day trips.
Get ready for the day
For a visit or activity connected with Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík: how to get there, the Iceland Packing List is a useful starting point for what to bring.
