Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík: Bus, Shuttle, Taxi or Car (2026/2027)

Quick answer: Keflavík Airport is about 50 km from Reykjavík, and the drive takes 45 to 60 minutes. You have four realistic ways in: an airport shuttle bus, a private transfer, a taxi, or a rental car you pick up at the airport. Below I explain what each one costs, how long it takes, and who it suits. I am from Reykjavík and have done this trip more times than I can count.

Keflavík to Reykjavík at a glance

Prices are a guide only. Check the operator’s site before you book, and remember that a family of four often pays less for a private car than for four shuttle tickets.

Shuttle buses: the option most people take

The main shuttle-transport option is Flybus. Their buses wait outside the arrivals hall, they time their departures to incoming flights, and take you to a terminal in Reykjavík. Flybus goes to the BSÍ bus terminal, a ten-minute walk from the city center. From there you can add a hotel drop-off for a bit more. My annoyance with Flybus is that they wait to fill their buses; after a long flight, you want to get home or to your hotel ASAP. The wait can also be cold during winter, so have something warm to wear.

The coaches are usually new, the Wi-Fi works most of the time, and the drivers know the road. The service is basic, but it works.

Private transfers: worth it for families and groups

A private transfer means a driver with your name on a sign, a clean car or minivan, and a straight run to your door. Split between three or four people, it is often no dearer than the shuttle with hotel drop-off, and you skip the stops. It is also the sane choice if you land at 1 a.m. with sleeping children. Book it in advance; you cannot reliably arrange one at the airport on the spot.

Taxis: convenient, but you pay for it

Taxis are outside arrivals, and you do not need to book. The catch is the fare. Iceland is an expensive country, and the taxi ride to Reykjavík is a clear example. For one or two people, a shuttle is far cheaper. For a full car with luggage, compare the taxi fare with a pre-booked private transfer, which is often the same or less.

Important! Watch out for scammers – only use certified taxis

Make sure you only use taxis labeled ‘BSR‘ or ‘Hreyfill‘. These are the officially approved Taxi companies. If you don’t, you might end up taking a ride with an aggressive taxi driver that will overcharge you.

Rental car: the best option if you are going to drive anyway

If you’re planning a road trip is in your plans, pick up your car at the airport and skip the transfer altogether. Most rental companies have desks in the terminal or a short shuttle to their lot. My readers get discounts with Europcar and Go Car Rental, and you can compare all my car rental discount codes here. If you only need a car for the Reykjavík part of your trip, it is usually not worth it; parking in the center is limited, and the city is walkable.

Public bus: cheapest, slowest, fine if you have time

Strætó, the public bus company, runs a route between the airport and the capital area. It is the cheapest way in but departures are infrequent, luggage space is tight, and you may need to change buses. If you are traveling light and have nowhere to be, it works. If you have a hotel check-in and a long flight behind you, take the shuttle.

Getting back to the airport

Book your return transfer at the same time as the arrival one; return tickets are usually a bit cheaper. Shuttle companies pick up from hotels and from designated bus stops around Reykjavík, because large coaches cannot drive into the narrow downtown streets. Give yourself plenty of margin. Aim to be at the airport two and a half hours before a flight to North America or Europe in high season, and pick a departure time that gets you there with room to spare.

Winter and weather

The Reykjanes road between the airport and the city is usually kept open, but Icelandic weather does not care about your flight time. In winter, a storm can delay buses or, rarely, close the road for a few hours. Every operator here is used to this and adjusts. If you are booking a private transfer or a rental car in winter, leave extra time and check my safety tips before you drive.

Compare and book airport transfers

Here is a booking tool from Viator with airport transfer services between Keflavík and Reykjavík. Every option shown has free cancellation. As always, I recommend choosing services with many positive reviews. Booking in advance means one less thing to think about when you land.

You can also see the full list of Reykjavík airport transfers on Viator.