Reykjavik Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

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.

Reykjavík city center (101)

City centre · 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 in this area

Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton: At Þorvaldsenstræti 2-6, a 5-minute walk from the city hall and from Laugavegur, right next to the Icelandic Parliament (Alþingishúsið); 163 rooms, spa and gym open 24 hours.
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton: On Hafnarstræti, a 6-minute walk from the harbor and 4 from Laugavegur; spa with sauna and hot tub in a building that combines historic features with contemporary design.

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Suðurlandsbraut and Skeifan

Neighbourhood · 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 in this area

Hilton Reykjavik: On Suðurlandsbraut, in the business district about 7 minutes from RKV; indoor pool and spa area among the most complete in the city for those not necessarily seeking the historic center.
Arctic Comfort Hotel: In the Háaleiti district, just steps from the Kringlan shopping center and the Laugardalur pool; connected to the city center by a bus ride of about 5 minutes, the most affordable option in the area.

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