Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
ICAO: BIKF
Live Flight Status
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) Arrivals & Departures — check real-time flight status, delays, gate changes, and baggage claim information for all domestic and international flights at KEF.
Overview
Keflavík International Airport (IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), also known as Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country’s primary hub for international air traffic. Located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík city centre on the Reykjanes peninsula, KEF is the home base of Icelandair (FI) and PLAY (OG), and the main gateway for visitors arriving in Iceland.
Opened in 1943 as a US military airfield, Keflavík was converted to civilian use and has grown to become Iceland’s most important aviation hub. It operates a single, modern passenger terminal with three gate zones: A, C, and D. Flights to and from the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada use the D gates, while flights to Europe (excluding the UK and Ireland) use gates A or C. The terminal features 11 gates, a large duty-free area, multiple lounges, and a wide range of dining and shopping options. The airport also has a dedicated cargo area and is connected to Reykjavík by the Flybus airport transfer service, public bus, and taxi.
KEF connects to over 90 destinations across Europe and North America, served by more than 20 airlines. It is the main hub for Icelandair (FI) and PLAY (OG), and a key transatlantic gateway between Europe and the United States. Popular routes include London (LHR, LGW), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Copenhagen (CPH), New York (JFK, EWR), Boston (BOS), and Seattle (SEA).
In 2024, Keflavík International Airport handled 8.3 million passengers, the second-busiest year in its history and a 7.1% increase from the previous year, a remarkable throughput for a country of under 400,000 people. Aircraft movements reached 76,575 in 2023. The airport is a key driver of Iceland’s tourism industry, which is one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
Popular Destinations from Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
North American routes include New York (JFK, EWR), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Seattle (SEA), Denver (DEN), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR). Airlines serving these routes include Icelandair (FI), PLAY (OG), Delta Air Lines (DL), and United Airlines (UA).
The airport connects over 90 destinations across Europe and North America, operated by more than 20 airlines including SAS (SK), Norwegian (DY), Finnair (AY), and Transavia (HV).
Terminals
Keflavík International Airport operates a single, modern passenger terminal that handles all international and domestic flights. The terminal is divided into three gate zones: A, C, and D.
The first level of the terminal houses the check-in area and arrivals. The second level contains the security check and departures area. Flights to and from the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada use the D gates, which are located on level 1. Flights to and from Europe (excluding the UK and Ireland) use gates A or C, which are located on level 2. Passengers travelling to the D gates should allow extra time, as passport control queues can be up to 30–45 minutes long during busy periods such as peak summer mornings and holidays.
The terminal features 11 gates, a large duty-free area (one of the largest in Europe), multiple lounges (including the Icelandair Saga Lounge and the Ölvisholt Lounge), and a wide range of dining and shopping options. The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The minimum connection time at KEF is 45 minutes for most transfers, as all gates are within the same terminal building. However, passengers should allow extra time when transferring between the D gates and the A/C gates due to passport control.
| Terminal | Purpose | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal (Gates A & C) | European flights (excluding UK & Ireland) | Icelandair (FI), PLAY (OG), easyJet (U2), Lufthansa (LH), Air France (AF), KLM (KL), SAS (SK), Norwegian (DY), Finnair (AY) |
| Main Terminal (Gates D) | Flights to/from US, UK, Ireland & Canada | Icelandair (FI), PLAY (OG), Delta Air Lines (DL), United Airlines (UA), British Airways (BA) |
Transportation
Keflavík International Airport is well connected to Reykjavík city centre and the surrounding region through several transport options. The airport is located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík.
Flybus
The Flybus is the official airport transfer service, operating between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík’s BSÍ Bus Terminal. Buses depart from the airport 40 minutes after each flight lands and even more frequently during rush hours. Buses operate around the clock, with regular departures coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. The journey takes about 45 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately ISK 3,500–4,500 (approximately €23–30). Hotel drop-off and pickup are available for an additional fee. This is the most popular and affordable transfer option for reaching Reykjavík.
Public Bus (Strætó)
Strætó operates public bus services between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík, but with less frequency than the Flybus. Buses connect to the BSÍ Bus Terminal and other locations in the capital area. Fares are lower than the Flybus, but the service is less convenient for passengers with luggage.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day and usually line up right in front of the airport terminal. The journey to Reykjavík city centre takes about 45–50 minutes and costs approximately ISK 15,000–20,000 (approximately €100–135). Taxis can be booked in advance or hailed at the airport taxi rank.
Private Transfer
Book a driver in advance for a stress-free arrival. Prices start from €100 for a sedan, including meet & greet in the arrivals hall. Popular with families and business travellers.
Car Rental
Major international and local car rental companies operate at KEF, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and local agencies such as Blue Car Rental and Lotus Car Rental. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall and at the airport’s car rental centre, which is a short shuttle ride away.
Car Rental at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Compare live rates from Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Blue Car Rental, and Lotus Car Rental. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall and at the airport's car rental centre. Free cancellation on most bookings.
🚗 Search available cars →Hotels Near Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Choose from 20+ hotels near Keflavík International Airport — from budget options like Kef Guesthouse and Guesthouse Keflavik to premium brands like the Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal (located within the car rental hub) and the Diamond Suites boutique hotel (the first 5-star hotel in Iceland). Free airport shuttle available at most properties.
🏨 See nearby hotels →Keflavík International Airport (KEF) Map & Layout
Interactive map showing terminals, parking, taxi stands, ride-hailing pickup zones, and nearby landmarks.
Airport Information & Contacts
235 Keflavíkurflugvöllur, Iceland