Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport is easiest by Flybus: about 45 minutes to BSÍ, from 3,999 ISK one-way.
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For a shuttle from Reykjavik to Airport, most travelers mean central Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), not the small domestic airport beside the city. The cleanest pick is Flybus from BSÍ Bus Terminal because the ride is about 45 minutes, prices start at 3,999 ISK, and departures are built around flights rather than city-bus schedules.
The choice comes down to price, pickup point, and how much luggage you have. Flybus works for most flights, Strætó Route 55 can save money when the timetable fits, and a taxi is mainly for groups, early pickups, or travelers who need door-to-door service.
Once the airport and pickup point are clear, compare the main transfer options here:
Which Reykjavik Airport Do You Mean?
Reykjavík airport wording can mean two different places, so check the airport code on your ticket before choosing a shuttle. Keflavík International Airport (KEF) handles most international flights, while Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) sits close to downtown and mainly handles domestic routes.
If your ticket says KEF, plan for the airport west of the city and use Flybus, Strætó Route 55, taxi, private transfer, or a rental car. If your ticket says RKV, do not buy a Keflavík airport shuttle; the domestic airport is usually a short taxi or local-bus ride from central Reykjavík.
Reykjavík To Keflavík Airport: Coach, Bus, Taxi, Or Pickup
Flybus is the easiest shared coach for most travelers because it connects BSÍ Bus Terminal with KEF in about 45 minutes. Public bus Route 55 is cheaper, but the timetable and stops make it less forgiving with bags or a tight flight time.
For departures from Reykjavík, Flybus tells travelers to board at least 3 hours before the flight and lists one-way fares from 3,999 ISK on its official KEF Reykjavík transfer page. Flybus+ adds pickup from selected hotels or designated city bus stops, which helps if you are not staying near BSÍ.
Strætó Route 55 is the budget option when the schedule lines up. Strætó lists adult fares of 2,400 ISK between Reykjavík and KEF, with some trips going only as far as Fjörður in Hafnarfjörður, so the timetable matters more than the headline price.
| Transfer Option | Typical Time | Rough Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flybus from BSÍ Bus Terminal | About 45 minutes | From 3,999 ISK, about $32 |
| Flybus+ hotel or bus-stop pickup | 45 minutes plus pickup loop | Base fare plus pickup connection |
| Strætó Route 55 to KEF | Usually 60–90 minutes | 2,400 ISK, about $19 |
| Taxi for 1–4 passengers | About 45–60 minutes | Fixed airport fare around 22,500 ISK, about $178 |
| Taxi or minibus for 5–8 passengers | About 45–60 minutes | Fixed airport fare around 29,250 ISK, about $231 |
| Private prearranged transfer | About 45–60 minutes | Quoted before payment, usually above coach pricing |
| Rental car already in hand | 45–60 minutes plus return time | Fuel plus rental cost; no separate shuttle fare |
Price check: USD estimates use about 0.008 USD per 1 ISK, rounded for planning. Your card may convert at a slightly different rate.
Where The Shuttle Picks Up In Reykjavík
BSÍ Bus Terminal is the simplest Reykjavík pickup point because Flybus runs directly between BSÍ and KEF. Downtown hotel pickups usually mean a smaller pickup loop or a designated numbered bus stop, not always the hotel door.
Central Reykjavík limits large tour buses on some streets, so many hotels and guesthouses direct passengers to nearby pickup stops. Check the stop name before the travel day, especially if you are staying around Laugavegur, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, or the old harbor.
- Choose BSÍ if you want the cleanest and most predictable shuttle plan.
- Choose Flybus+ if walking to BSÍ with luggage is annoying or icy.
- Choose a taxi if your group can split the fare or you need a direct pickup.
- Choose Strætó only if the timetable matches your flight with plenty of buffer.
How Early Should You Leave Reykjavík?
Leaving BSÍ at least 3 hours before an international flight is the safe standard for most travelers. Add extra time for hotel pickup, winter driving conditions, road work, rental-car return, or tax-free refund lines at KEF.
A 45-minute ride does not mean leaving 45 minutes before check-in. Reykjavík pickups can add time before the coach reaches the open road, and Keflavík Airport can slow down during early-morning North America departures and busy summer banks.
Use this simple timing rule: for Flybus from BSÍ, aim for the departure about 3 hours before takeoff; for hotel pickup, add the pickup window shown on your ticket; for Strætó Route 55, build in a missed-bus buffer because the service is not flight-matched.
When A Taxi Or Private Transfer Makes Sense
A taxi or private transfer makes sense when convenience is worth more than the fare. Hreyfill lists fixed KEF transfer prices around 22,500 ISK for 1–4 passengers and 29,250 ISK for 5–8 passengers, before any special-case surcharges that may apply.
For a solo traveler, the coach is usually much cheaper. For four adults with large bags, a taxi can feel more reasonable because the fare is shared and the pickup is direct.
Private transfers are also useful when you have a ski bag, a child seat request, an accessibility need, or a flight at an awkward hour. Confirm luggage space before paying, since Iceland winter gear can fill a vehicle faster than normal city luggage.
Where To Stay Before An Early KEF Flight
Keflavík is the practical overnight base for a very early flight, while Reykjavík is better if your flight leaves late enough to enjoy one more evening in the city. Staying near KEF can remove a 45-minute morning ride and reduce the risk of a late pickup.
Airport-area stays work especially well before 6am or 7am departures, after late Blue Lagoon visits, or when you are returning a rental car the night before flying. Compare Keflavík-area stays here:
If your flight leaves late morning or afternoon, staying in Reykjavík and taking Flybus from BSÍ is usually fine. The city gives you better restaurants, more lodging choice, and an easier final night.
The Right Shuttle Choice For Each Traveler
The right Reykjavík airport transfer is Flybus for most travelers, Strætó Route 55 for tight budgets, and a taxi or private transfer for direct pickup. The only weak choice is renting a car solely to reach KEF unless you already need the car for an Iceland road trip.
If you are still choosing between the coach, public bus, and a direct transfer, compare current Reykjavík-to-KEF options here:
- Lowest hassle: Flybus from BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Airport.
- Lowest fare: Strætó Route 55, only when the timetable works with your flight.
- Best for hotel pickup: Flybus+ or a prearranged private transfer.
- Best for groups: taxi or minibus if the shared fare beats multiple coach tickets.
- Best before a very early flight: stay in Keflavík the night before, then take a short taxi or hotel transfer.
References & Sources
- Flybus.“Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík Transfer.”Supports the current Flybus fare, route timing, flight-linked service, and departure advice used in this article.