Getting between Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and Reykjavík

Getting between Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and Reykjavík (plus the Blue Lagoon option).

  • Distance / time: ~50 km; usually 45–50 min by road.
  • Easiest: Coach shuttles (Flybus / Airport Direct) timed to flights.
  • Cheapest: Public bus Strætó 55 (slower, limited frequency).
  • Fastest door-to-door: Taxi or private transfer. No Uber/Lyft in Iceland.
  • Blue Lagoon stopover: 20 min from KEF, easy add-on on the way to/from Reykjavík.

Your main options

Coach shuttles (Flybus / Airport Direct)

  • Flybus: Leaves 35–45 min after every arriving flight, goes to BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík; hotel drop-off via connector.
  • Airport Direct: Fixed schedule to Reykjavík Terminal (Skógarhlíð 10), <45 min ride; optional SmartBus hotel connection.
  • Good for: reliability after red-eyes, cashless tickets, big luggage.

Public bus (Strætó 55)

  • Daily service between KEF and the capital area; adult fare listed as 2,400 ISK. The airport stop is near “Kjóavellir” on the departures side (signed), not the same bay as the private coaches. Expect less frequent runs and a longer trip than the shuttles. Strætó
  • Good for: lowest cost; okay if you’re not in a rush.

Taxi / private transfer

  • Taxis wait outside arrivals 24/7 and accept cards. Typical fares KEF→Reykjavík center land roughly 22.500 isk fixed price;
  • Good for: door-to-door speed, families, late arrivals.
  • Note: No Uber/Bolt/Lyft in Iceland; use licensed taxis or prebook a private car.
  • All major agencies at KEF; a straightforward 45–50 min drive to Reykjavík on Route 41. Consider wind forecasts and add full gravel/sand-ash cover if you’re road-tripping.

Blue Lagoon stop on the way

  • The Blue Lagoon sits about 20 minutes from KEF and is commonly done as a stopover transfer en route to Reykjavík or back to the airport. The lagoon’s official partner is Destination Blue Lagoon, and both Flybus and Airport Direct sell airport↔Lagoon↔city combos. Book entry times in advance.

Going to the airport (return trip)

  • Plan to arrive at KEF 2.5–3 hours before departure (especially mornings/peak season). Pick a shuttle departure that gets you there on time, or leave extra margin if returning a rental car.