Reykjavík airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs

Almost every visitor lands at Keflavík International (KEF), not at Reykjavík city airport (RKV). KEF sits on the Reykjanes peninsula, roughly 50 km from the centre, and there is no rail line. Your realistic choices are the airport bus, a taxi, a pre-booked private transfer or a hire car.

The airport bus is the default: 45–50 minutes to the BSÍ terminal or a nearby drop-off, ISK 4,000–6,000 (2026 estimate). A taxi is faster door to door and worth it when you split the fare three or four ways. If you are picking up a hire car, most companies have desks at KEF, so collect it there and drive in.

The airport bus runs to meet arriving flights and drops at BSÍ bus terminal, with some services continuing to hotels and guesthouses in the centre. The hotel drop-off version costs more and can take longer because the coach works through several streets. If your accommodation is near Laugavegur or the old harbour, the terminal drop plus a short walk or a city bus is often quicker.

Taxis wait outside arrivals and charge by meter. Expect roughly ISK 20,000–25,000 to the centre, more at night or in bad weather. Split between three or four people it competes with the bus, and it is the easiest option if you land after midnight.

Strætó city buses do reach Keflavík, but the journey is slow, involves a change, and is built for commuters rather than suitcases. Treat it as a budget fallback, not a plan.

Reykjavík city airport (RKV) is a different story: it handles domestic flights and Greenland services and sits about 2 km from the centre, a short taxi or bus ride. Do not confuse the two when booking.

Prices below are 2026 estimates in Icelandic króna. Iceland is expensive, and airport transfers are no exception; the bus is the only option that stays in the low thousands.

Tipping is not expected in Iceland, including for drivers and transfer staff. Card payment is accepted everywhere, including in taxis and on the bus.

Build in buffer time. Keflavík weather closes roads and delays coaches, especially from October to March, and a tight connection to a south-coast tour is a common way to lose a day.

If you are heading straight out on the Ring Road, collect the car at KEF rather than in town: it saves a return trip and most rental desks are at the terminal. Check the insurance exclusions for gravel, sand and ash before you sign.

Buy a local eSIM or a physical SIM at the airport if you need data for maps and bus tickets. Cold tap water in Iceland is excellent; hot tap water is geothermal and smells of sulphur, so do not drink it.