ARRIVING AT
REYKJAVÍKLeaving Keflavík International: transport guide
Keflavík International · Iceland
Low riskUpdated June 2026High confidence
FlyBus and Airport Direct shuttles dominate. Taxis very expensive (€100+). Card-only country — no need for cash.
TL;DR
KEF (Keflavík International) is the main international airport serving Reykjavík, Iceland. The recommended way out is Take FlyBus to BSÍ terminal (with optional hotel transfer) (~ISK 3,999 / ~€26, 45 min to BSÍ). Pickup is at FlyBus bay outside Arrivals (left after exiting). The most common scam to watch for is "None of significance". Fares on the KEF → BSÍ Reykjavík route typically run ISK 3,999; anything above ISK 20,000+ tourist taxi is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Take FlyBus to BSÍ terminal (with optional hotel transfer)
- Typical fare
- ISK 3,999 / ~€26
- Journey time
- 45 min to BSÍ
- Pickup
- FlyBus bay outside Arrivals (left after exiting)
WARNING · Taxis run ISK 18,000+ for the 50-km transfer. There is no public bus to Reykjavík from KEF
01
Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FlyBus | ISK 3,999 | Every 35 min | 💳Card | |
Airport Direct | ISK 3,999 | Every flight | 💳Card | |
Metered taxi (Hreyfill) | ISK 18,000–ISK 22,000 | Immediate | 💳Card | — |
Rental car | Variable | Counter | 💳Card | — |
02
Your first 30 minutes
- 1Clear immigration (Schengen)
- 2Collect bags, clear customs
- 3Walk to FlyBus or Airport Direct bay
- 4Pre-booked tickets scan; walk-up cards accepted
- 5Total to BSÍ: 45 min
03
Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
88/ 100
- Scam risk95
- Public transport80
- Ride-hailing75
- Signage clarity90
- Payment convenience90
04
Fare reality check
KEF → BSÍ Reykjavík
- ISK 3,999ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- ISK 12,000+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- ISK 20,000+ tourist taxiProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
05
Best ways out, ranked
- 1
FlyBus
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- ISK 3,999
- Journey
- 45 min
- Wait
- Every 35 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheapest
- Frequent
Cons - 2
Airport Direct
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- ISK 3,999
- Journey
- 45 min
- Wait
- Every flight
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Hotel transfer add-on
Cons - 3
Metered taxi (Hreyfill)
- Cost
- ISK 18,000–ISK 22,000
- Journey
- 50 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Door-to-door
Cons- Very expensive
- 4
Rental car
- Cost
- Variable
- Journey
- 50 min
- Wait
- Counter
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Useful for Ring Road
Cons- Pricey
- Watch fuel costs
06
Paying without surprises
- Cards universal; no need for ISK cash in Iceland
07
Common scams
None of significance
Medium riskIceland is genuinely scam-free.
HOW TO AVOID · Use FlyBus or Airport Direct.
08
What locals & travellers say
KEF·Reykjavík
“Winter winds close roads; check road.is before renting a car.”
Official AirportCheck weather before drivingChecked June 2026likely
- "Winter winds close roads; check road.is before renting a car." — Check weather before driving
09
Arrival checklist
- FlyBus / Airport Direct pre-booked
- Card
- No need for cash
✉︎
Take it with you
10
KEF arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Keflavík International?
- Take FlyBus to BSÍ terminal (with optional hotel transfer). Taxis run ISK 18,000+ for the 50-km transfer. There is no public bus to Reykjavík from KEF.
- Are taxis at KEF safe?
- Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, confirm the meter is on before pulling away, and never accept a fare from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Risk profile for this airport: low.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at KEF?
- Ride-hailing availability at KEF varies — check the app before you land. Where it works, the pickup point is usually outside the arrivals curb in a marked zone.
- How much should a taxi from KEF to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the KEF → BSÍ Reykjavík route is roughly ISK 3,999. Anything around ISK 12,000+ is high — ISK 20,000+ tourist taxi is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at KEF?
- Cards are generally accepted for licensed taxis and ride-hailing at KEF, but carry some small local notes as a backup — "card machine broken" is the most common excuse to push for an inflated cash fare.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Keflavík International?
- FlyBus bay outside Arrivals (left after exiting). If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is KEF safe to arrive at late at night?
- KEF is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at KEF?
- The most reported at KEF: None of significance. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.