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Is there anything to do in Keflavik?

Author

Charlotte Adams

Published Mar 20, 2026

Is there anything to do in Keflavik?

Things to do in Keflavík
Keflavík is a great place to base yourself when you want to explore the unique Icelandic nature, to enjoy really diverse and impressive views, or to visit the unusual local museums. The Gunnuhver hot spring area, close to the Reykjanes lighthouse, is a very popular place to visit.

In this regard, what is there to do at Keflavik airport?

There are many things to do and exciting plans in and around Keflavik airport, here I give you some ideas:

  • Duushús Museum.
  • The NATO Base.
  • Viking World.
  • The Blue Lagoon.
  • The Giganta's Cave.
  • The Night of Lights.
  • National Park of Þingvellir or Thingvellir.
  • Stekkjarkot.

Also Know, can you leave Iceland airport during layover? Yes. You can leave the airport. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. You'll need to be back at the airport at least one hour before departure.

Also question is, how long does it take to get through customs at Keflavik Airport?

I have flown into Keflavik 3 times. I would say the longest that border control has take was around 30 minutes. The shortest was around 2 minutes. The time it took 30 minutes was a early morning flight, so I would plan on border control and baggage claim to take about about 45 minutes.

Is Keflavik airport the same as Reykjavik airport?

There are two airports "in" Reykjavík: Reykjavík Airport, which is close to town and serves only domestic destinations and Greenland, and Keflavík International Airport, a.k.a. ReykjavíkKeflavík, which is 50km to the west and which has all the international flights. Reykjavík Airport is RKV; Keflavík is KEF.

Is Keflavik airport busy?

This is because Keflavik airport is very busy, and can take a long time to check-in, get through customs and visit the tax refund desk.

How long does security take at Keflavik?

It is suggested to arrive at Keflavik for international departures at least two hours before your flight. This is standard across the industry, but of course certain airports usually get you through in 45 minutes to an hour, while at others (LAX, for example), you might want to leave three hours.

How early should I get to Keflavik airport?

It is suggested to arrive at Keflavik for international departures at least two hours before your flight. This is standard across the industry, but of course certain airports usually get you through in 45 minutes to an hour, while at others (LAX, for example), you might want to leave three hours.

Can I sleep in Keflavik airport?

Sleeping in Keflavik airport
Unfortunately, this airport has a history of being unfriendly to airport sleepers. If you want to take a pass on sleeping in the airport overnight, there is a hotel located within a 2-minute walk from the main terminal. Several other nearby hotels offer free shuttle service.

Is Reykjavik airport big?

Keflavík Airport (Icelandic: Keflavíkurflugvöllur) (IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), also known as Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country's main hub for international transportation. The airport has three runways, two of which are in use, and the airport area is about 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi).

How much does a meal cost in Iceland?

While meal prices in Iceland can vary, the average cost of food in Iceland is kr3,783 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Iceland should cost around kr1,513 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

What does Keflavik mean?

Keflavík (pronounced [ˈcʰ?plaˌviːk] ( listen), meaning Driftwood Bay) is a town in the Reykjanes region in southwest Iceland. As of 2016, its population when combined with the nearby town Njarðvík, is 15,129.

How long does something take to get through customs?

Hi Chase: Every package coming into the US from another country must go through customs. Most packages are cleared quickly, usually within 24 hours. A few packages are picked at random for inspection.

How long does it take to get through security at Reykjavik airport?

It is suggested to arrive at Keflavik for international departures at least two hours before your flight. This is standard across the industry, but of course certain airports usually get you through in 45 minutes to an hour, while at others (LAX, for example), you might want to leave three hours.

Do you go through customs in Iceland?

If you have checked bags, they will be transferred to your outbound flight, and you do not go thru customs. But you do go thru passport control, Just to clarify, everyone arriving from the US/Canada clears passport control to enter the Schengen area when they arrive in Iceland.

How long does Iceland Customs take?

Clearing customs itself takes 30 seconds, if you take the green lane and have nothing to declare, and don't get pulled over by customs agents. Passport control, I usually clear that in about 5 minutes, although one time they were backed up and it took about 20-30 minutes.

How many terminals does Keflavik airport have?

Keflavik Airport has one passenger terminal, which is currently being extended to accommodate 8M passengers a year.

How do you get to Keflavik airport?

TRAVELLING BY COACH/BUS. You can travel by coach/bus to and from Keflavik Airport. The trip from the terminal to Reykjavík takes approximately 45 minutes.

Can you buy FlyBus tickets at Keflavik airport?

The FlyBus departs from Keflavik Airport 35-40 minutes after each flight arrival. Tickets are sold at a booth and in a ticket automat in the arrivals hall – look to your right after you come out of customs, you can't miss it!

How long does it take to get from Keflavik to Reykjavik?

In most cases, you pick up the vehicle directly from or around Keflavik Airport. So, therefore, you're free to drive into Reykjavik at your own accord (around 40-45 minute drive). However, if you are not renting a vehicle then there are 2 options: take a taxi or take a bus transfer.

Do you have to go through customs for a layover in Reykjavik?

No immigration/passport control/passport check or customs in Iceland. You're just transiting through. However, you will have to go through security again. (This is a requirement of all arriving non-EU flights whether you're staying in Iceland or just transiting through.)

Is a 4 hour layover enough time to leave the airport?

On a domestic flight you are limited to a 4 hour connection which does not leave much time to leave the airport for sightseeing. If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight then a layover is defined by the airlines as no more than 23 hours and providing ample to time for sightseeing.

Can you leave the airport during a 4 hour layover?

If you have 4 hours between landing and boarding for next flight then that is not enough as you should be at the gate before then. THEN you are ok with getting back to the airport one hour prior to departure.

What can you do on a short layover in Iceland?

Here are 3 ways you can spend your short layover in Iceland:
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Reykjavik.
  • Treat yourself at a Geothermal Spa Day.
  • Take a Trip Around the Golden Circle.
  • 2 thoughts on “3 Ways to Spend Your Short Layover in Iceland”

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?

The Blue Lagoon was a unique geothermal experienceexactly what seems to typify Iceland. Although the admission price was steep, it was definitely worth it. The facilities were clean, and the check in/changing process was streamlined.

What can you do on a long layover in Reykjavik?

5 Things You Must Do During Your Iceland Stopover
  • Drive around the Golden Circle.
  • Snorkelling Silfra Fissure.
  • Swim the Blue Lagoon.
  • Take a tour around Reykjavik.
  • Take a ride to the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Is a stopover in Iceland worth it?

Stopover or Layover in Iceland
A stopover doesn't have to mean spending hours hanging out in dull airport lounges. Layovers in Iceland are becoming a popular addition to many European-bound trips these days. With its wide range of attractions, Iceland is certainly worth including in your transatlantic journey.

How do you get to the Blue Lagoon?

Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík. From either point of origin, simply take Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) to Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43) and follow the signs to Blue Lagoon.

What is Icelandair stopover?

What is an Icelandair Stopover? When you fly Icelandair across the Atlantic, you can stop over in Iceland at no additional airfare. Once you've chosen a destination on the other side of the Atlantic, use our booking engine to select flights on suitable travel dates.

How much is a taxi from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik?

Hreyfill taxi service also offers airport pick-up and drop-off. The fare is charged according to the taximeter. According to their rate per kilometre, a regular five-seater car will cost around 15.000 krónur (97 euros/126 US dollars). An eight-seater will cost around 19.000 krónur (123 euros/159 US dollars).

Is 3 days enough in Iceland?

Certainly it's not enough to see everything, and for a trip like the Iceland Ring Road for example, we recommend at least a week. However, three days will give you a great sense of what Iceland is all about, whilst being more economic than a longer trip.

Is there Uber in Iceland?

Cabs – you will find them right in the center of town if you need one – there is no Uber or Lyft there. Uber in Iceland is not currently available. Iceland in general is a small a country and because so much of it is just land, Uber in Iceland will most likely never happen.

Are there two airports in Reykjavik?

The Reykjavik area has 2 airports, the international airport in Keflavik (KEF) and the domestic airport in Reykjavik (REY). They are two seperate and distinct airports, very different in nature and capabilities.

Is eating out in Iceland expensive?

Eating out is relatively expensive (the average plate will cost between 2,000 and 4,000 ISK), so the locals consider restaurant dining as a treat, as opposed to a regular occurrence. If you are going to be eating out in Iceland every night of your stay, expect your expenses to soar.

What is Reykjavik airport called?

Keflavík Airport (Icelandic: Keflavíkurflugvöllur) (IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), also known as Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country's main hub for international transportation.

What is the best airport to fly to Iceland?

Keflavik International Airport

Is Iceland expensive?

According to Numbeo's Cost of Living Index, Iceland currently ranks as the third most expensive country in the world. Local banks have also studied the essential travel costs for tourists, and the numbers are staggering.