Reykjavik Airport - Flight Information and Guide (RKV)

Reykjavík Airport is located in the heart of Iceland's capital city, approximately 3 km from the city center, and serves domestic flights to other cities and regions of the country.

It is distinct from the international airport of Keflavík, approximately 50 km away: always verify which of the two serves your itinerary.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.innanlandsflugvellir.is/en/reykjavik-airport

How to get to Reykjavik Airport

Reykjavik city center is about 3 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 8-10 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Reykjavík in approximately 8-10 minutes.

By Train

Iceland has no railway network.

By Bus

Several city buses connect the airport to downtown Reykjavík; ticket approximately 690 ISK (flat rate, contactless payment only).

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Tips If your international flight arrives at Keflavík and you need to continue on a domestic flight from Reykjavík, allow at least an hour of transfer time between the two airports, which are distinct despite similar names.

Average travel time to RKV

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus10-15 minutes

Taxi / Private hireISK 2,500-3,500

Parking near Reykjavik Airport

The parking is close to the terminal, with limited size.

Rates are among the highest in Europe, consistent with Iceland's cost of living.

How to get to Reykjavík from RKV

By Train

Iceland has no railway network.

By Bus

Urban buses connect the airport to Reykjavík city center in approximately 10-15 minutes; ticket approximately 690 ISK (single fare, contactless payment only).

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; approximately 2,500-3,500 ISK to the city center, given the very short journey.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Reykjavik Airport

Only a few car rental operators are present in the arrivals area.

A driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name are required for the deposit.

Hotels near Reykjavik Airport

Not to be confused with Keflavík (KEF), the real international gateway 50 km away: Reykjavík airport sits inside the city, in the Vatnsmýri area, about 2 km and a few minutes on foot from the center. From here depart the domestic connections to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Ísafjörður and the Westman Islands: anyone flying to or from RKV almost never needs to sleep near the terminal, because the center of Reykjavík is already within easy reach. A hotel in the Suðurlandsbraut business district, a few minutes further by car, remains a convenient option for those seeking a pool and spa away from the foot traffic of the center.

City centre

Reykjavík city center (101)

The terminal is about 2 km from the center, a few minutes on foot according to the distances published by the hotels in the area; by taxi, just a few minutes are enough even with luggage.

Best for: For those flying from RKV who want to take advantage of the terminal's proximity to stay in the heart of the city, between Laugavegur and the old harbor.

Pros

No bus or train to catch: the center can be reached on foot even with luggage
Restaurants, museums and shops on Laugavegur within easy reach for the waiting hours between two domestic flights

Cons

A central area, so higher prices and noisier streets on weekends
Scarce or paid parking for those arriving with a rental car

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Suðurlandsbraut and Skeifan

About 7 minutes by car from the RKV terminal and 4 from the Perlan museum; the center of Reykjavík remains just a few more minutes away by taxi or local bus.

Best for: For those who prefer a chain hotel with a pool and spa, just minutes by car from RKV and the center, away from the busiest streets of Laugavegur.

Pros

Indoor pool, spa and gym among the amenities of the area's chain hotel, rarer in the historic center
The Kringlan shopping center and the Laugardalur public pool are just minutes away on foot or with a short bus ride

Cons

An office and retail area, not very interesting to explore on foot in the evening
A short trip by car, bus or taxi is still needed to reach Laugavegur and the old harbor

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport handles domestic air connections between Reykjavík and the rest of Iceland.

Shopping & Duty Free

No significant duty-free area exists, which aligns with the airport's domestic role.

Lounges & relaxation

The absence of dedicated lounges reflects the airport's modest scale.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi signal covers public areas of the terminal.

Families & Children

Families with children can count on a minimal but present service.

Terminal guide

The terminal is small, befitting its role as a hub for domestic flights.

To avoid surprises, it's better to arrive 1 hour in advance of flights.

Map of Reykjavik Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Reykjavík Airport the same as Keflavík?

No, they are two separate airports: Reykjavík (RKV), in the city, serves domestic flights; Keflavík (KEF), about 50 km away, is the only international airport. Always check which one you need.

Q. Why is Reykjavík Airport so close to the city center?

Because it was built by British forces in 1940, during the Allied occupation of Iceland in World War II, in an area that was then on the outskirts of the city: Reykjavík later grew up around the airport in the following decades.