Getting to Iceland

Flying to Iceland

Nearly all international flights to Iceland land at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located on the Reykjanes Peninsula about 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavik. The airport serves as the country's sole international gateway and has expanded significantly in recent years to handle a surge in visitor numbers.

From the US East Coast, flight times to Keflavik average 5 to 6 hours, making Iceland the closest European country to North America. From London the flight is roughly 3 hours, and from most major European cities you can expect 3 to 4 hours in the air. This short flying time is one reason Iceland has become such a popular stopover destination for travellers crossing the Atlantic.

Icelandair pioneered the concept of the transatlantic stopover, allowing passengers flying between North America and Europe to break their journey in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare cost. This remains one of the most compelling ways to visit the country, especially if you are already crossing the Atlantic. Direct routes from North America have expanded steadily, with departures from cities including New York, Boston, Washington, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Toronto, and more.

The best time to book flights to Iceland depends on when you plan to travel. Summer flights (June through August) are most expensive and should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance. Winter fares are significantly cheaper, often 30 to 50 percent lower than peak summer prices. Shoulder months like May and September offer a good balance of moderate prices and reasonable weather.

Airlines & Routes

Icelandair is Iceland's flag carrier and operates the largest route network to and from Keflavik. The airline flies year-round to dozens of destinations across North America and Europe, using Keflavik as a transatlantic hub. Icelandair offers a full-service experience with included checked baggage on most fares, complimentary in-flight entertainment, and the stopover programme that has become a signature feature of the airline.

PLAY is Iceland's budget airline, launched in 2019 as a successor to the defunct WOW air. PLAY operates a growing network of routes primarily to European destinations, with transatlantic services to the US East Coast. Fares are significantly lower than Icelandair but follow a strict a-la-carte model where baggage, seat selection, and onboard meals all cost extra. For travellers willing to pack light and forgo frills, PLAY can offer substantial savings.

Several international airlines also serve Keflavik with direct flights. Delta and United fly from the United States. EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Transavia connect Keflavik with major European airports. These carriers tend to operate seasonal schedules, expanding routes heavily in summer when demand peaks and reducing or suspending service in winter. The overall trend is one of steady growth, with new routes added most years.

Keflavik Airport Guide

Keflavik International Airport is modern, compact, and easy to navigate. The terminal has undergone major expansion and renovation in recent years, adding new gates, improved shopping areas, and better passenger flow. Despite increasing traffic, it remains manageable compared to the sprawling mega-hubs of mainland Europe and North America.

The most important thing to know about Keflavik is the arrival duty-free shop. Iceland taxes alcohol and tobacco very heavily, and buying these items at the duty-free store on arrival is dramatically cheaper than purchasing them at any shop in the country. The duty-free is located in the arrivals hall before you pass through customs. Experienced travellers stock up here for the duration of their trip. If you enjoy wine, beer, or spirits during your holiday, this single stop can save you thousands of kronur.

Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall, and most major rental companies have counters at the airport or operate free shuttle buses to nearby lots. Picking up your rental car at Keflavik is the most efficient option if you plan to drive directly to Reykjavik or head straight out on a road trip. The airport also has restaurants, cafes, a convenience store, luggage storage facilities, and currency exchange counters -- though you should avoid exchanging cash and simply use credit or debit cards, which are accepted virtually everywhere in Iceland.

Note that Keflavik handles only international flights. Domestic flights within Iceland depart from Reykjavik Airport (RKV), a small airport in central Reykjavik. There is no domestic connection from Keflavik, so if you need a connecting domestic flight, you will need to travel to Reykjavik first.

Airport to Reykjavik

The 50-kilometre drive from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik takes approximately 45 minutes along the well-maintained Reykjanesbraut highway. Several transport options connect the airport to the capital, and your best choice depends on your onward plans.

The Flybus, operated by Reykjavik Excursions, is the most popular transfer option. Buses depart after every flight arrival and take about 45 minutes to reach BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik. From BSI, a connecting minibus can drop you at your hotel or guesthouse for an additional fee. The Flybus costs approximately 3,500 ISK one way. Airport Direct, operated by Gray Line, offers a similar service with the added option of direct hotel drop-off included in the ticket price.

If you are planning a self-drive trip around Iceland, picking up a rental car at Keflavik is the recommended approach. It saves you a separate trip back to the airport later and lets you start your journey immediately. Most rental companies are either in the terminal or a short shuttle ride away. The drive into Reykjavik is straightforward and a gentle introduction to Icelandic roads.

Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall but are expensive by international standards, costing approximately 16,000 ISK (roughly 100-120 USD) for the trip to Reykjavik. There is no train service or public bus route connecting the airport to the city. For solo travellers on a budget, the Flybus is the clear winner. For groups of three or more, a rental car or even a taxi can work out as cost-effective per person.

Ferry to Iceland

For travellers who want to bring their own vehicle or simply prefer a slower, more scenic journey, the Smyril Line ferry is the only passenger ship service to Iceland. The MS Norrona sails from Hirtshals in northern Denmark to Seydisfjordur on Iceland's east coast, stopping at Torshavn in the Faroe Islands along the way. The full crossing takes approximately two to three days depending on the schedule and sea conditions.

The ferry operates on a seasonal schedule, typically running from mid-March through late October. Sailings are generally once per week in each direction. Bringing your own car is the primary reason most people choose the ferry -- it eliminates the cost of renting a vehicle in Iceland and lets you travel with all your own gear. Campervans, motorhomes, and motorcycles are all welcome on board.

Cabins range from basic interior berths to comfortable en-suite rooms with sea views. Booking a cabin is essential, especially in summer when the ferry sells out weeks or months in advance. The ship has restaurants, a bar, a small shop, and outdoor deck areas. The passage through the North Atlantic can be rough, so bring seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.

Arriving in Seydisfjordur on Iceland's east coast is a completely different experience from landing at Keflavik. You emerge in a quiet fjord town surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, already deep in rural Iceland. From Seydisfjordur, most travellers drive the Ring Road clockwise or counter-clockwise. It is one of the most memorable ways to begin an Icelandic adventure.

Getting Around Iceland

A rental car is by far the most popular and practical way to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavik. The country's attractions are spread across vast distances with limited public transport connections, making independent driving the only realistic option for most itineraries. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire island in roughly 1,300 kilometres and is the backbone of most self-drive trips.

Domestic flights connect Reykjavik Airport (RKV) with several regional towns including Akureyri in the north, Egilsstadir in the east, and Isafjordur in the Westfjords. These flights are operated by Icelandair Connect and take 30 to 60 minutes. Flying is a practical option if you want to reach a distant region quickly without driving, particularly the remote Westfjords where road distances are long and weather unpredictable.

Public buses are operated by Straeto, Iceland's national bus service. Within the greater Reykjavik area, the bus network is functional and covers most suburbs and neighbourhoods. Outside the capital, however, bus routes are limited and infrequent. Some services along Route 1 connect major towns, but schedules are designed for locals commuting to work rather than tourists exploring attractions. Relying solely on public buses for a sightseeing trip outside Reykjavik is not practical.

Guided tours are an alternative for visitors who do not want to drive. Day tours from Reykjavik cover the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snaefellsnes, and other popular routes. Multi-day guided tours can cover the full Ring Road. Hitchhiking is common and generally safe in summer, particularly along Route 1, but it is unreliable for keeping to a schedule and impractical outside the peak months of June through August.

Car Rental Tips

If you plan to visit Iceland during summer, book your rental car as early as possible. Demand peaks from June through August and popular vehicle categories -- especially 4x4 SUVs and campervans -- sell out months in advance. Booking 3 to 6 months ahead is standard practice for summer travel. Winter rentals are easier to find at short notice, though a 4x4 is strongly recommended for the colder months.

The choice between a 2WD and a 4x4 vehicle depends on your itinerary. A standard 2WD car is perfectly adequate for the Ring Road and most paved routes in summer. However, if your plans include any F-roads (highland tracks), the Westfjords' gravel roads, or winter travel anywhere in the country, a 4x4 is essential. F-roads are legally restricted to 4x4 vehicles, and rental companies will not cover damage if you take a 2WD on an F-road.

Insurance is an important consideration. Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included in most rentals but carries a high excess. Super CDW reduces the excess further. Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) covers damage from volcanic sand and gravel, which is a real risk in Iceland where winds routinely blast exposed roads with abrasive material. Gravel protection covers windshield and bodywork damage from loose stones on unpaved roads. Most experienced travellers recommend taking SAAP and gravel protection at minimum.

The minimum rental age in Iceland is typically 20 to 23 depending on the company and vehicle class. Automatic transmission vehicles are available but cost more than manual, and they book out faster. You can pick up your car at Keflavik Airport or from city offices in Reykjavik. Trusted rental companies with strong reputations include Blue Car Rental, Lotus Car Rental, Go Car Rental, and the major international brands like Hertz and Europcar.

Public Transport

Iceland has no railway system. This surprises some visitors but makes sense given the country's small population of around 380,000 spread across a large island. All public transport is road-based, and the network is considerably more limited than what most European travellers are accustomed to.

Within the Reykjavik capital area, the Straeto bus system provides reasonable coverage. Routes connect the city centre with suburbs, shopping areas, and the nearby towns of Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, and Gardabaer. Buses run roughly every 15 to 30 minutes on main routes during the day, with reduced evening and weekend service. A single fare costs approximately 550 ISK, and the Straeto app allows payment by phone.

For the airport connection, dedicated bus services (Flybus and Airport Direct) are the only scheduled transport between Keflavik and Reykjavik. There is no Straeto public bus route to the airport. These airport buses are privately operated and cost more than urban fares but provide reliable, frequent service timed to flight arrivals and departures.

Outside the Reykjavik area, public bus options thin out dramatically. Straeto operates a handful of long-distance routes connecting towns along Route 1, but frequencies can be as low as one bus per day or even less on some routes. There are no bus services to most tourist attractions, national parks, or trailheads. For independent travellers who do not drive, a combination of guided tours and domestic flights is the most realistic alternative. Public transport alone is not a viable way to explore Iceland beyond the capital region.