First Time in Iceland? What to Expect When You Land at Keflavík Airport

KEF Airport sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. If you've seen it referred to as "Reykjavík airport" in booking systems or travel guides, that's a naming shorthand, the airport serves the capital, but it's not in it. Factor in around 45 to 50 minutes of travel time to reach the city centre after you've cleared the terminal.

The airport operates around the clock, every day of the year. It has a single passenger terminal — the Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal — so there's no guesswork about which building you're heading to. The layout is straightforward: arrivals on the ground floor, departures above. Once you've got your bearings, it's an easy airport to move through.

Before you travel, it's worth taking a few minutes with the airport map to familiarise yourself with the layout. Knowing where baggage reclaim sits relative to the exits, or where the Flybus stop is, saves time when you've just stepped off a long flight.

How long does it take to get through Keflavík Airport?

At quieter times, most passengers clear passport control, collect their bags, and walk out of the arrivals hall within 30 to 45 minutes of landing. During peak windows, typically the morning wave of transatlantic overnight flights and the afternoon surge of European arrivals, allow up to an hour. KEF is a compact, single-terminal airport; the distances are short and the signage is clear.

The sequence is the same for every arriving passenger: passport control first, then baggage reclaim, then customs, then the arrivals hall. Follow the signs and you'll move through each step without difficulty.

Passport control

Have your passport out before you join the queue. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, so the lanes divide by passport type: one side for Schengen passports (most EU and EEA countries), the other for all other nationalities, including UK travellers post-Brexit and most visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia.

If you hold a biometric passport from an eligible country, you may be able to use the automated e-gates, which move quickly. An officer is always on hand if the gate doesn't read your document.

Queue times vary. During the morning transatlantic wave, passport control can build up, this is normal, not a cause for concern. The queues move steadily.

Baggage reclaim

After passport control, you'll walk through the arrivals duty-free store before reaching baggage reclaim, it's part of the natural flow through the terminal, so you'll pass it whether you intend to shop or not. Worth keeping in mind for later.

Baggage reclaim is clearly signed and easy to navigate, belts are labelled by flight number, so you'll know immediately which carousel to head to.

Most bags arrive within 20 to 30 minutes of landing. If your bag doesn't appear once the belt has cleared, head to the baggage information desk in the reclaim hall. Staff there handle delayed and misrouted luggage; it's a straightforward process and most bags that miss a connection are delivered to your accommodation within 24 hours.

Customs - green channel, red channel, and the duty-free tip

After collecting your bag, you'll pass through customs. The choice is straightforward: the green channel if you have nothing to declare; the red channel if you're carrying goods above the duty-free allowance.

Iceland's standard duty-free allowances for arriving passengers are:

• Alcohol: 1 litre of spirits (above 22% ABV) or 3 litres of wine or 6 litres of beer - or a combination within the total limit

• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 250g of other tobacco products

If you are planning to drink during your trip, do not walk past the arrivals duty-free without stopping, we explain exactly why in the shopping section below.

The arrivals hall

Through customs, you're in the arrivals hall. It's well signposted from the moment you step through the doors.

You'll find ATMs, currency exchange, and a SIM card vending machine close to the exit. The tourist information desk is to your right. If someone is collecting you, the designated arrivals meeting point is clearly marked near the main exit.

Exits to the bus bays, where Flybus and other coaches depart, are straight ahead. Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall itself, to your left as you exit customs. Taxis wait directly outside the terminal.

Currency

Iceland is overwhelmingly card-friendly. Virtually every shop, restaurant, taxi, and bus accepts Visa and Mastercard, so you do not need to arrive with Icelandic króna (ISK) in your pocket. If you'd like some cash, there are ATMs and a currency exchange desk in the arrivals hall. Non-EU travellers should also note that tax refunds on purchases made in Iceland can be processed at the same desk when you fly home - worth keeping in mind if you plan to shop during your trip.

SIM cards and connectivity

If you need a local SIM card, there's a vending machine in the arrivals hall offering Icelandic SIM options. eSIM options are also widely available from Icelandic providers before you travel, if you'd prefer to set things up in advance.

Tourist information

The tourist information desk is in the arrivals hall, staffed and ready to help with maps, transport queries, and recommendations. If you have a question that hasn't been answered before you leave the terminal, this is the place to ask it.

Accessibility and hidden disabilities

If you or someone in your group needs mobility assistance, our team can help from the moment you land. Visit the mobility assistance page before you travel to arrange support in advance. KEF also participates in the Sunflower lanyard programme, which provides discreet support for passengers with hidden disabilities. Lanyards are available at the airport free of charge.

Travelling with children

KEF has dedicated family services to make the arrival smoother if you're travelling with young children, including baby-changing facilities and family-friendly spaces throughout the terminal.

Can you buy alcohol at Keflavík Airport arrivals?

Yes, and it's worth doing. Alcohol in Iceland is sold almost exclusively through state-run Vínbúðin stores, at significantly higher prices than the airport's arrivals duty-free. Most first-time visitors don't realise the duty-free shop is open to arriving passengers, not just departing ones. If you plan to drink during your trip, this is the cheapest place to buy - and you'll find it right after passport control, before baggage reclaim.

The arrivals duty-free carries a wide range beyond alcohol; tobacco, cosmetics, confectionery, and more. It's the only dedicated shop accessible to arriving passengers before you head down to baggage reclaim, so it's worth taking a moment to browse if you need anything.

Also in the arrivals area is Elko, Iceland's electronics retailer, useful if you need a travel adaptor, charging cable, or any other tech essential you've forgotten or lost in transit.

Once you're through arrivals and into the main terminal, there's a grab-and-go convenience store in the arrivals hall if you need a quick bite or a drink before heading out.

When you fly home - the full shopping experience

The broader retail offering at KEF is in the departures area, accessible once you've cleared security on your way out. If you're looking for something distinctly Icelandic to take home, this is where to browse:

• Icelandic Deli - locally produced food and drink, good for gifts or something for the journey
• 66°North - Iceland's heritage outdoor clothing brand, founded in 1926 and built for the Icelandic climate
• Penninn Eymundsson - books in English, including Iceland travel guides and local authors in translation
• Blue Lagoon Skincare - the spa's signature skincare range; a practical souvenir that travels well

For the full line-up of shops and opening hours, visit the shops at Keflavík page.

Once you're through arrivals, there are a few options if you need something to eat or drink before heading into Iceland.

For a quick bite, the grab-and-go convenience store in the arrivals hall covers the basics, sandwiches, snacks, hot drinks. It's the right call if you're tired, hungry, and just want to get moving.

If you have a little more time, perhaps you're waiting for the next Flybus departure, or your accommodation isn't ready for an early check-in, the terminal has a range of cafés and sit-down restaurants with a broader menu. Most options are on the departures level, so it's worth knowing they're there if you're not in a hurry.

For the current line-up of options and opening hours, visit the restaurants and cafés page before you travel.

Keflavík Airport is around 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík, roughly 45 to 50 minutes by road in normal conditions. It's a straightforward drive on a well-maintained highway, but you do need to plan your onward journey before you land. For the full picture of all transport options, visit the getting to and from the airport page.

Here's a quick comparison to help you choose:

Bus / Flybus

Best for: Solo travellers, budget-conscious, most first-timers

Rough Cost: Budget

Journey time: ~45–60 min to BSÍ bus terminal

Book ahead: Recommended

Taxi

Best for: Small groups, specific addresses, late arrivals

Rough Cost: Premium

Journey time: ~45–50 min

Book ahead: Not needed

Car rental

Best for: Self-drive itineraries, Reykjanes / ring road plans

Rough Cost: Variable

Journey time: ~45–50 min

Book ahead: Yes

Private transfer

Best for: Families, groups with luggage, comfort-first travellers

Rough Cost: Mid–premium

Journey time: ~45–50 min

Book ahead: Yes

Exact fares vary by provider and season. See the individual service pages below for current pricing.

Bus and Flybus

For most first-time visitors, the bus is the default choice, and for good reason. Flybus runs frequent scheduled departures timed to coincide with arriving flights, so there's nearly always a coach ready when you clear arrivals. The journey takes around 45 to 60 minutes to the BSÍ bus terminal in central Reykjavík, with an optional hotel drop-off service available if you'd prefer to be taken directly to your accommodation.

Buses depart from the coach bays directly outside the arrivals exit. Tickets can be bought in advance online or at the terminal. For timetables and fares, visit the bus services from Keflavík page.

Taxi

A taxi makes most sense for small groups, travellers with a lot of luggage, or anyone arriving late at night when the convenience of a direct door-to-door journey outweighs the cost. The fare from KEF to central Reykjavík is approximately 25.000 ISK, worth splitting between two or three passengers if you're travelling together.

The taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. No booking is needed, taxis are available around the clock. For more information, visit the taxi from Keflavík page.

Car rental

If your Iceland itinerary involves self-driving — whether that's exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, heading out on the ring road, or simply having the flexibility of your own vehicle — picking up a rental car at the airport is the most efficient option. Rental desks are in the arrivals hall itself, so you can go straight from baggage reclaim to the desk without leaving the building.

One practical note for first-time drivers in Iceland: road conditions can change quickly, particularly outside Reykjavík and in winter months. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration publishes live road conditions, worth bookmarking before you set off. For rental options at KEF, visit the car rental at Keflavík page.

Private transfer

A pre-booked private transfer offers the simplest possible arrival experience, a driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall, your name on a board, luggage loaded, and a direct journey to wherever you're staying. It suits families travelling with children, groups with significant luggage, and anyone who simply wants the arrival sorted without any decisions to make on the day.

Private transfers can be arranged through various operators. Visit the getting to and from the airport page for current options and booking links.

You're through arrivals, you've sorted your transport, and Iceland is waiting. If you're not sure where to start, here are three directions worth considering, each with its own guide to help you plan.

Stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way in

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa sits just a few minutes from Keflavík Airport, making it a natural first stop for many arriving visitors, particularly those on overnight transatlantic flights who want to ease into the trip before heading to Reykjavík. It's one of Iceland's most popular experiences and sells out well in advance, so booking before you travel is strongly recommended. Our guide to the Blue Lagoon stopover.

Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula first

If you've hired a car at the airport, you don't have to head straight to Reykjavík. The Reykjanes Peninsula — the volcanic landscape surrounding KEF — is worth at least a half-day's exploration, with dramatic lava fields, geothermal activity, and coastal scenery within easy reach of the terminal. It's an often-overlooked introduction to Iceland that many first-timers skip in their rush to reach the capital. Guide to exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Know what to expect from Iceland's volcanoes

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, and the Reykjanes Peninsula in particular has seen significant eruptions in recent years. That's not a reason to worry, but it is worth understanding before you arrive. Iceland's volcanic activity explained.

The arrivals experience is the focus of this guide, but a quick word on departures before we wrap up.

KEF is a busy airport, and security queues can build during peak departure windows. As a rule, arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departure gives you comfortable time to check in, clear security, browse the shops, and settle into the departures lounge without rushing.

ss that's worth a few minutes of your time.

Full departure information, including check-in times and terminal guidance, is on the arrivals and departures page.

Everything you need to know, in one place:

• The sequence: Passport control → arrivals duty-free → baggage reclaim → customs → arrivals hall
• Time through the airport: 30–45 minutes at quieter times; allow up to an hour during peak arrival windows
• Cash: Iceland is card-friendly — you don't need ISK in your pocket, but ATMs and currency exchange are in the arrivals hall if you do
• Connectivity: SIM card vending machine available in the arrivals hall; eSIM options widely available before you travel
• The tip most first-timers miss: The duty-free shop is open to arriving passengers — buy alcohol here, not at a Vínbúðin store in the city, where prices are significantly higher
• Transport to Reykjavík: Bus/Flybus for most first-timers; taxi for groups or late arrivals; car rental if you're self-driving; private transfer for families and groups with luggage
• Before you fly home: Arrive at least two hours before departure; non-EU travellers can claim VAT refunds at the currency exchange desk