Ruth Haines
Iceland's Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport has been rated as one of the worst airports for sleeping in. While the airport is clean, well-run, and modern, there is a rule against sleeping there, and security guards are known to wake travellers up. However, due to its location 45 minutes from the capital, many travellers with early morning departures choose to sleep there. In recent years, the airport has tried to address the issue by allowing passengers to check in before midnight, reducing the number of people sleeping in the departure hall. There are also several nearby hotels and hostels that travellers can consider if they need a place to rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. However, there is a rule against sleeping at the airport, and security guards are known to wake people up. |
| Amenities | There are over 100 charging stations, free WiFi, and a shower in the family room. There are also several hotels and B&Bs in Keflavik that provide free pick-up and drop-off services. |
| Comfort | The airport is clean, well-run, and modern. However, the domestic airport is small, with limited space and few amenities. |
| Convenience | The airport is located 45 minutes from Reykjavik, making it a convenient option for early morning departures. |
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What You'll Learn
- Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport is considered the worst airport for sleeping
- There is a rule against sleeping at the airport, and security guards enforce this
- Travellers can check in early for morning flights to avoid sleeping in the terminal
- There are hotels/B&Bs in Keflavik that provide free pick-up and drop-off services
- The airport has charging stations, showers, free WiFi, and 24-hour currency exchange services
Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport is considered the worst airport for sleeping
While it is possible to sleep at Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport, it is considered the worst airport for sleeping due to several reasons. Firstly, there is a rule against sleeping at the airport, and security guards are known to take this rule very seriously. Travelers have reported being abruptly woken up by guards who inform them that the airport is "not a hotel." The lack of comfortable sleeping spots further adds to the challenge of getting a good night's rest. The airport has limited seating, and the available benches in cafes and restaurants are often occupied by other travelers also trying to sleep.
Additionally, the airport is located about 40 to 45 minutes from Reykjavik, making it a less convenient option for those with early morning flights. The proximity to the capital means that many travelers with early departures choose to stay at the airport, contributing to overcrowding. The introduction of a policy allowing early check-in for morning flights has further increased the number of people spending the night in the terminal, leading to a situation where staff and travelers have difficulty navigating around those sleeping in the departure hall.
Furthermore, sleeping in any airport comes with inherent risks, especially when traveling alone. There is a constant worry about the safety of personal belongings and the potential for theft. While there are no specific reports of safety issues at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport, it is advisable to take precautions such as knowing the location of the security office, looking for video cameras, and staying near other travelers or close to security.
Despite these challenges, some travelers opt to sleep at the airport due to the high cost of hotels and hostels in Iceland. The airport does offer certain amenities, such as mobile charging stations, 24-hour food options, and unlimited free WiFi, which can be beneficial for travelers spending extended periods there. However, for those seeking comfort and a good night's rest, the nearby hotels, some offering free shuttles, might be a better option.
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There is a rule against sleeping at the airport, and security guards enforce this
Iceland's Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport has been rated as one of the worst airports for sleeping in. This is because there is a rule against sleeping at the airport, and security guards enforce this rule by waking travellers up and telling them that the airport is "not a hotel".
The airport is located 45 minutes from the capital of Reykjavik, and many travellers with early morning departures try to sleep there. The terminal itself is clean, well-run, and modern, but the rule against sleeping makes it a poor choice for those needing a place to rest.
In the past, the airport had issues with travellers sleeping on the first floor where the check-in desks are, obstructing pedestrian traffic. In 2017, the airport introduced a policy that allowed passengers to check in before midnight to address this issue. This reduced the number of people sleeping in the departure hall, but some travellers still choose to sleep in the airport, particularly in the public zone.
While the airport may not be the most comfortable place to rest, there are other options available. The airport has over 100 charging stations, free WiFi, and several shops and restaurants. There are also showers available in the family room and the Icelandair Saga Lounge. If you need a more comfortable place to sleep, there are hotels and B&Bs in Keflavik that provide free pick-up and drop-off services, or you could consider renting a small camper or booking a hostel dorm room.
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Travellers can check in early for morning flights to avoid sleeping in the terminal
Travellers wishing to avoid sleeping in the terminal can take advantage of the option to check in early for morning flights at Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport. This airport has previously been rated as one of the worst for sleeping in, with security guards enforcing a rule against sleeping there.
Previously, check-in for morning flights could not be completed before midnight, causing travellers with early morning flights to sleep in the departure hall. Now, passengers can check in before midnight, allowing them to bypass the need to sleep in the terminal. This new policy is a welcome change, improving the experience for travellers with early departures.
Checking in early for a flight is generally a good strategy to avoid sleeping in the terminal. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online or via an app starting 24 hours before departure and up to 45 minutes to 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight, and some sources suggest that for international flights, this should be extended to 90-120 minutes.
Checking in online or via an app can streamline the process, but it is important to note that checked bags may not be accepted at the airport more than four to six hours before the scheduled departure time. Additionally, some airlines may have specific check-in requirements, so it is always advisable to check the guidelines provided by your chosen carrier.
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There are hotels/B&Bs in Keflavik that provide free pick-up and drop-off services
While it is possible to sleep in the Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport, it is considered the worst airport for sleeping in. Security guards are known to make rounds and wake up sleeping travellers, telling them that the airport is "not a hotel".
If you are looking for a place to stay near the airport, there are several hotels and B&Bs in Keflavik that provide free pick-up and drop-off services. One such option is the B&B Guesthouse, which is located just a four-minute drive from the airport. The guesthouse offers clean, bright rooms with comfortable beds and both shared and private bathrooms. Each room has its own wash basin, hardwood floors, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. The room price includes a continental breakfast, and guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen. The guesthouse also offers a free airport shuttle service, making it a convenient and affordable choice for travellers.
Another option is the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, which offers a scheduled airport shuttle service and convenient drop-off options. The hotel has a solid review rating of 9.2 and provides guests with a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, daily housekeeping, and accessible parking facilities. With connecting rooms available, it is a great choice for families or groups travelling together.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Icelandair Hotel is a great option. Located near the airport, this hotel offers modern comforts and luxurious amenities, ensuring a memorable stay. The hotel is known for its attentive service, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
In addition to these options, there are also other hotels in the area that provide free airport shuttle services, such as Hotel Jazz and Hotel Berg. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including hot springs, beautiful sea views, and complimentary drop-off transportation.
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The airport has charging stations, showers, free WiFi, and 24-hour currency exchange services
If you're planning to sleep in Iceland's Keflavík International Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. While the airport is clean, well-run, and modern, there is a rule against sleeping there, and security guards have been known to wake travellers up, sometimes rudely. However, if you do choose to sleep in the airport or are stranded there, there are some amenities available to make your stay more comfortable.
The airport has over 100 charging stations for your electronic devices, which can be crucial if you need to stay connected or want to conserve your device's battery while you sleep. There are also showers available in the family room downstairs by the D gates and in the Icelandair Saga Lounge, which can help you feel refreshed after a long flight or before starting your day.
Additionally, the airport offers unlimited free WiFi, so you can stay connected and perhaps even stream a movie or some music to help you relax and pass the time. If you need to exchange currency, the Arion Bank provides 24-hour currency exchange services in both the arrival and departure halls.
Keflavík International Airport also has a range of shops and services, including duty-free shopping, electronics, books and magazines, Icelandic gift shops, clothing stores, and food options. It is recommended that travellers give themselves ample time when navigating the airport, especially during busy periods.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but there are rules against it and security guards have been known to wake travellers up. However, due to the airport's location 45 minutes from the capital, many travellers with early morning departures choose to sleep there.
The airport has over 100 charging stations, free WiFi, a shower in the family room, and another in the Icelandair Saga Lounge. There are also plenty of shops, including duty-free, and restaurants.
Yes, there are several hotels/B&Bs in Keflavik that provide free pick-up and drop-off services, internet, and breakfast. However, these can be expensive, and some require a two-night minimum stay.
Yes, you could try booking a hostel dorm room or renting a small camper with a sleeping place for two people.
