Keflavik International Airport

Welcome

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) operates on a unique rhythm, shaped by its focus on late-night transatlantic flights. This single-terminal gateway serves as a critical hub for Icelandair and is located 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavík. With flights peaking during odd hours, every passenger filters through a central post-security hall, where they cluster until their gate is announced. It's a place where last-minute sprints to distant gates are common, and where refilling a water bottle from Iceland's pristine tap water and picking up duty-free goods are part of the ritual.

At a glance

Processing approximately 8.3 million passengers annually, KEF is an essential stopover for those traveling across the Atlantic. Despite its size and regional significance, it maintains a single-terminal layout—known as the Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal— which serves airlines like Icelandair, PLAY, and Wizz Air. The absence of distinct terminal designations reflects the compactness of its design, directing all operations within one cohesive area.

Terminals & layout

The Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal is the heart of Keflavík, hosting everyone traversing its corridors in one blended zone. The design translates into a singular operational flow; after security, passengers enter a wide-open space filled with restaurants like Loksins Café & Bar and shops featuring local goods like 66° North apparel. This central concourse serves as a hub for travelers waiting for their gates to be announced, making it essential to monitor flight information screens closely as the remote gates can feel a sprint away.

Getting to and from the city

For transport to Reykjavík, consider pre-booking the Flybus service, which times its 45-minute trips to align with arriving flights, dropping passengers at the BSÍ bus terminal. Alternatively, Airport Direct and Gray Line offer airport coaches for convenience. If you opt for a taxi, ensure the driver uses the airport tariff to avoid surprises, with fares around 22,000 ISK. Public transport is available via Strætó Route 55, and private transfers can be pre-arranged for a smoother ride.

Traveller essentials

Keflavík isn't known for pre-security amenities, so aim to spend waiting time airside where a plethora of seating and dining options await. Given the area's sparse landside assortment, passengers often head directly to security. At KEF, skip traditional check-in processes by using the self-service kiosks and bag-drop machines for a quicker start. If you have a long layover, self-service lockers just outside the arrivals exit allow for hassle-free excursions.

Dining & shopping highlights

A stroll through KEF post-security unearths various culinary delights—from SS Pylsur offering Icelandic hot dogs to the familiar taste of Sbarro and Subway. The airport's dining scene thrives on diversity, with Mathús and Krua Thai satisfying global tastes. Shopping features a strong focus on Icelandic craftsmanship, with stores like the Nordic Souvenir and Icelandic Deli peppering the central passage.

Lounges

KEF boasts a selection of lounges like the Icelandair Saga Lounge, lauded for its expansive windows and Icelandic-themed buffet. Frequent flyers mention the excellent quality of the espresso and showers here, making it a coveted haven for travelers with access. Meanwhile, the Arrival Lounge Kehf provides passengers a chance to unwind upon landing in Iceland, which is particularly handy given the limited public facilities prior to security.

Insider tips

• Insider: Don’t arrive too early searching for relaxation landside; airside provides much better seating and food options once you clear security.
• Money: Stock up on alcohol at the arrivals duty-free for better prices and availability compared to Reykjavík’s state stores.
• Local: Bring a reusable bottle to fill from any tap post-security; Icelandic water is top-notch and free.
• Time: Allocate 2.5-3 hours before your morning transatlantic departure to handle potential bottlenecks at passport control.
• Time: Use the rental-car shuttle as it runs every 15 minutes, keeping your drop-off and pick-up quick even in Icelandic weather.
• Quiet: Opt for post-security dining before heading to the gate, where services can be sparse and uninviting.
• Money: Pre-book your Flybus tickets online or in-flight for a 45-minute transfer to Reykjavík that connects to city buses at BSÍ terminal.