How to Get From Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík

Landing in Iceland feels exciting…and a little surreal. You’ve finally made it to the land of waterfalls, volcanoes and road trips – but first, you need to get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík.

The airport isn’t actually in Reykjavík, and there’s no train, so this is one of those practical details worth sorting out before you fly.

The good news? It’s easy, affordable, and very well organised – especially if you choose the right option.

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The Quick Answer

Best option for most travellers: Flybus
Why: Reliable, comfortable, flight-timed, and much cheaper than taxis
Travel time: Around 45–60 minutes
Best tip: Book online in advance, especially in summer or winter

If you want the simple version – book the Skybus and forget about it.

This is the option we took. We walked out of the airport, following the signs to the buses, and about an hour later we were dropped off at the bus station in Reykjavik.

I had purchased my tickets in advance from Get Your Guide, showing them to the driver as we boarded from the app.

In Reykjavik it was only about 8 minute to walk from the bus station to our accommodation so we didn’t get one of the smaller shuttles.

I had also booked a return trip for the following day to return to the airport to pick up our camper van and start our road trip.

Distance From Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík

Keflavík Airport is about 50 km from central Reykjavík. Depending on traffic and weather, the trip takes 45 minutes to an hour.

There’s no train connection, so your choices come down to buses, taxis, or driving yourself.

The Best Way to Get From Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík: Flybus

For most visitors – especially first-timers – Flybus (the local version of Skybus) is the no-brainer option.

Flybus runs large, comfortable coaches timed to every arriving flight, which means delays don’t matter.

You walk out of the terminal, spot the buses, load your luggage, and you’re on your way.

Why Flybus Is the Best Choice

• Departures matched to flight arrivals
• Comfortable coaches with generous luggage space
• Drop-off at the Reykjavík bus terminal or hotel connections
• Excellent value compared to taxis
• No driving required after a long flight

This is the option I recommend again and again because it just works. It’s the option I used, to get into the city and again on the way back to the airport.

After a long overnight flight, not having to think is priceless.

Where Does Flybus Drop You Off?

Flybus takes you to the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík.

From there, you can walk if your accommodation is nearby, transfer to a hotel connection minibus (for a small extra fee), or grab a short taxi ride.

Because large vehicles aren’t permitted on many city streets, Flybus transfers passengers from the main coach to a smaller shuttle that stops at designated bus stops around the city.

From there, it’s usually a short walk to your accommodation.

It’s still far easier (and cheaper) than taking a taxi from the airport – just be prepared for a short walk at the end, especially if you’re staying right in the city centre.

Booking Tips for Flybus

This is where a lot of travellers overthink things – you don’t need to.

When to Book

Book online in advance if travelling in summer (June-August) or winter peak (December-March). Shoulder seasons are more flexible, but booking ahead still saves time and hassle when you land.

What If Your Flight Is Delayed?

No stress. Flybus tickets aren’t tied to a specific departure time. They’re valid for your arrival day, and buses run continuously based on flights landing.

Is the Hotel Drop-Off Worth It?

Yes – especially if you’re arriving early morning or late at night, travelling with luggage, or don’t want to navigate Reykjavík streets straight away.

It’s a small extra cost that delivers a much smoother arrival.

Where to Get Your Flybus Tickets?

The easiest and most stress-free option is to buy your Flybus tickets online in advance.

This lets you skip ticket queues at the airport and head straight to the bus after landing – especially welcome after an overnight flight.

Buying online doesn’t lock you into a specific bus time. Your ticket is valid for your arrival day, and Flybus runs continuously based on flight arrivals, even if your flight is delayed.

If you prefer not to book in advance, tickets are also available after you land.

Buying Flybus Tickets at Keflavík Airport

If you arrive without a ticket, you can still purchase one easily:

• At the Flybus ticket counter inside the arrivals terminal
• From self-service ticket machines near the exit
• Occasionally from staff outside where the buses depart

Just follow the Flybus signs after baggage claim – they’re well marked and easy to spot.

That said, queues can form during busy periods, so advance booking saves time and gets you moving faster.

Hotel Connection Tickets

If you plan to use the Flybus hotel connection service, it’s best to add this when booking online. It can be added at the airport, but availability may be more limited during peak times.

Before booking, it’s worth checking which designated bus stop is closest to your accommodation so you know how far you’ll need to walk at the end of the trip.

Other Ways to Get From Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík

Flybus is still the best option for most travellers, but depending on your budget, group size, or arrival time, one of these alternatives may suit you better.

Private Transfers

Private transfers are a popular choice for travellers who want the most comfortable and direct option.

A driver meets you at the arrivals hall and takes you straight to your accommodation in Reykjavík – no waiting, no transfers, and no walking from bus stops.

This option works best if:

• You’re travelling as a family or group and can split the cost
• You’re arriving very late at night or early in the morning
• You have lots of luggage
• You value convenience over cost

Private transfers are significantly more expensive than Flybus for solo travellers or couples, but for groups they can work out surprisingly reasonable.

Choose from one of the options over on Get Your Guide or from below.

Taxi From Keflavík Airport

Taxis are available directly outside the terminal and offer door-to-door service.

They’re fast and convenient, but also very expensive. For most travellers, the cost simply isn’t worth it compared to Flybus or a pre-booked private transfer.

Taxis generally only make sense if:

• You’re travelling as a group and splitting the fare
• You haven’t booked anything in advance and want to leave immediately

The cost of a taxi is around 20,000ISK ($159USD/$240AUD/€140) but there could also be surcharges on top of that.

Hiring a Car at the Airport

Picking up a hire car at the airport can make sense if you’re confident driving straight away and plan to head out of Reykjavík immediately.

It’s less ideal if Reykjavík is your first stop. Driving while tired, dealing with unfamiliar roads, weather conditions, and city parking can add unnecessary stress at the very start of your trip.

Many travellers find it easier to bus into the city, settle in, and collect their hire car later.

Take a look at Discover Cars, where you can comapre results from many companies in one search.

Public Bus

While it’s technically possible to reach Reykjavík using local buses, it’s slow, there are only a few buses each day and isn’t designed for travellers with luggage.

After a long international flight, this option usually feels like more effort than it’s worth.

But if you would like to go down that road, you can see all the details for bus route 55 here.

Best Option Summary

Best overall for most travellers: Flybus
Most convenient door-to-door option: Private transfer
Fast but very expensive: Taxi
Best if heading straight out of the city: Hire car
Not recommended: Public buses

Getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík is one of those things that’s much easier when you don’t leave it to chance.

If you want a smooth, no-stress start to your Iceland adventure Flybus is the clear winner.

Book it in advance, add the hotel drop-off if needed, and save your energy for the fun stuff – waterfalls, hot springs and epic road trips.