Roberta Aguirre
Iceland's Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is located 40-45 minutes from the capital of Reykjavik. Due to its distance from the city, many travellers with early morning flights choose to sleep at the airport. While the airport does not have a transit hotel, there are several hotels within a 10-minute drive, some of which offer free shuttles. However, hotels and hostels in Iceland tend to be very expensive, and some travellers opt to sleep at the airport to save money. While the airport has been described as unfriendly for sleeping, with limited seating and security guards telling people not to sleep, it is possible to find spots to settle in for the night, especially in the terminal area after passing through security. The airport offers various amenities, including charging stations, free WiFi, lounges, and 24-hour food options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Allowed | No, there are signs posted warning against sleeping in the airport, and security guards wake people up. |
| Security | Security guards are reported to be unfriendly to sleepers, waking them up and telling them the airport is "not a hotel". |
| Seating | Limited seating, with most benches having armrests. However, there are a few benches without armrests, and some recliner chairs near the windows. |
| Facilities | Charging stations, WiFi, lounges, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. |
| Alternatives | There is a hotel located within a 2-minute walk from the main terminal, and several other nearby hotels offer free shuttle services. |
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What You'll Learn
It's a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik to the airport
If you have an early flight from Keflavik Airport, it can be challenging to make the 40-minute drive from Reykjavik to the airport. Sleeping at the airport is an option, and many people do this as airport staff are generally tolerant of sleepers. However, it can be hard to find a comfortable place to sleep, and there are safety concerns to consider when sleeping in any airport.
Keflavik Airport is busy, with a lot of people checking in for late-night flights and settling in for the night. There are seats available, but some travellers have noted that it is not a sleep-friendly environment. There are over 100 charging stations throughout the terminal, and unlimited free WiFi is available. There are also two showers—one in the family room downstairs by the D gates and another in the Icelandair Saga Lounge.
If you would prefer a more comfortable sleep, there are a few options. There is a hotel on airport grounds, and other hotels within a ten-minute drive, some of which offer a free shuttle service. There are more hotel options in Reykjavik, but you would need to take the bus into the city.
If you do decide to sleep at the airport, it is a good idea to be aware of where the security office is located and to look for video cameras near where you plan to sleep. It is also recommended that you arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before your flight's departure time.
There are several transport options for getting from Reykjavik to the airport, including the Flybus and Gray Line Iceland, which both offer comfortable and reliable services.
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The airport is safe, but there are fears of theft
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. However, this does not include tourists, who are often targeted by thieves and robbers. This is something to be aware of if you plan to sleep in Reykjavik–Keflavik International Airport (KEF). While the airport itself is considered safe, there have been reports of travellers being robbed while sleeping there. One traveller reported that they stayed awake all night due to the fear of being robbed, and walked around the airport instead.
Sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Knowing where the security office is located and looking for video cameras where you plan to sleep can help you feel more secure. Additionally, there are several hotels near the airport that offer special rates for travellers who need a place to rest before or after their flights. These hotels often provide amenities such as comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, television, and telephone.
Reykjavik–Keflavik International Airport has been described as "unfriendly" when it comes to seating, waiting, and general sitting. There are hardly enough seats on a quiet day, let alone when many travellers are trying to sleep there. The airport consists of a single terminal with two buildings: the South Building, which is the main passenger hub, and the North Building, which houses additional gates. The terminal is clean, well-run, and modern, but it may not be the most comfortable place to spend the night.
If you do decide to sleep in the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, try to arrive early to secure a good spot for sleeping. The airport can get quite busy, especially with late-night flights and travellers settling in for the night. Second, bring your own entertainment as the airport's charging stations may be out of order. Many of the shops, restaurants, and kiosks are open until midnight, but it's always good to have something to keep yourself occupied. Finally, be respectful of other travellers and airport staff. While sleeping in the airport is common, it is not officially encouraged, and you may be asked to move if you are blocking walkways or causing a disturbance.
In conclusion, while the Reykjavik airport is generally safe, there are legitimate concerns about theft and robbery, especially for tourists. If you plan to sleep in the airport, take necessary precautions to secure your valuables and be aware of your surroundings. Alternatively, consider booking a hotel near the airport, especially if you need a good night's rest before or after your flight.
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There are charging points, lounges, and WiFi available
If you're looking for a place to sleep over in the Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, there are a few things to consider. While the airport itself does offer some basic amenities like charging points, lounges, and WiFi, it may not be the most comfortable or welcoming environment for sleeping.
First and foremost, it's important to note that Reykjavik Keflavik Airport does not have a transit hotel within the terminal. However, there are a few hotels located within a short drive of the airport, including the Airport Hotel Aurora, just a three-minute walk from the terminal, and the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport. These hotels can provide a more comfortable and secure alternative to sleeping in the airport itself.
Additionally, the airport does provide some basic amenities that can be useful for travellers spending a layover or overnight sleepover. There are over 100 charging stations available throughout the terminal, allowing you to keep your electronic devices powered up. The airport also offers lounges, such as the Icelandair Saga Lounge, which may provide additional comforts and facilities.
Furthermore, Reykjavik Keflavik Airport offers unlimited free WiFi. You can easily connect to the "Kefairport-FreeWifi" network without any registration required. This can be especially useful if you need to stay connected during your layover or want to pass the time by streaming movies or shows.
While the airport does have these basic amenities, it's worth noting that some travellers have reported mixed experiences when it comes to sleeping in the airport. Some have mentioned the lack of comfortable seating and the unfriendliness of the airport staff towards those trying to sleep. Additionally, as with sleeping in any airport, there are certain safety considerations to keep in mind, especially when travelling alone.
If you do choose to sleep in the airport, it's recommended to take necessary precautions for your safety and the security of your belongings. Knowing the location of the security office and looking for areas with video surveillance can provide added peace of mind. Additionally, keeping your valuables close and being vigilant can help ensure a safe sleepover in the airport.
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There are no sleep-friendly spots, and security may not allow sleeping
If you're looking for a place to sleep over in Reykjavik, the airport may not be the best option. While some people have reported being able to sleep in the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, there are limited sleep-friendly spots within the airport. The airport itself is clean, well-run, and modern, but it may not have enough comfortable seating options for sleeping. One traveller noted that there are hardly any seats on a quiet day, let alone spots suitable for sleeping. Additionally, the airport can be quite lively, with people checking in for late-night flights and settling in for the night. This can make it challenging to find a quiet spot to rest.
Secondly, security may not allow sleeping in the airport. While some travellers have reported success in sleeping before passing through security, others have mentioned that security guards may ask you to move along if they see you trying to sleep. It's important to note that the attitude of airport staff towards sleeping travellers may vary, and there is a chance you may be asked to leave.
If you do decide to sleep in the airport, it's essential to take precautions for your safety and the security of your belongings. It's a good idea to keep your valuables close to you and be aware of your surroundings. Additionally, there are over 100 charging stations available throughout the terminal, so you can keep your electronic devices powered up.
If you're looking for alternative options, there are a few hotels and hostels within a short drive from the airport. These include the Airport Hotel Aurora, Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, and Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport. Additionally, there are guesthouses and hostels in Reykjavik that offer special rates for travellers needing a short stay between flights, such as the Start Hostel and Guesthouse Keflavik. These options can provide a more comfortable and secure sleeping environment than the airport.
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There are hotels near the airport and in Reykjavik
If you're looking for a place to stay near the Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that hotels and hostels in Iceland tend to be very expensive. The city of Reykjavik is about a 40-minute drive from the airport, and there are several hotels and guesthouses in the area.
One option is the Rose Guesthouse, which is conveniently located near the airport and popular attractions such as the Blue Lagoon. It offers clean and attractive rooms, beds, and bathrooms, making it a comfortable choice. Another option is the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, which is also close to the airport and various attractions. It provides a cosy and comfortable stay with all the basic amenities.
If you're looking for something even closer to the airport, there are a few hotels within a short drive or offering free shuttles. The Airport Hotel Aurora is just a three-minute walk to the terminal. Other options include the Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport and Hotel Berg, which offers a free airport drop-off.
In addition to these options, there are numerous other hotels in Reykjavik, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. Some notable mentions include the Alda Hotel Reykjavik, known for its central location and wonderful breakfast spread, and the Skuggi Hotel, which is another centrally located option. The Reykjavik EDITION brings five-star luxury to the city, while the Hotel Cabin offers a more affordable stay in a good location.
With a range of options to choose from, you can find accommodation that suits your needs and budget, ensuring a comfortable stay in Reykjavik or near the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep over at the airport. However, it is regarded as one of the worst airports for sleeping in due to a lack of comfortable spots and unfriendly security. The airport is also located 40-45 minutes from the capital of Reykjavik, so many travellers with early morning departures choose to sleep there.
There are over 100 charging stations available throughout the terminal. There is a shower in the family room, downstairs by the D gates, and another in the Icelandair Saga Lounge. Unlimited free WiFi is available at the airport. There are no hotels in the airport, but there is one on the airport grounds, and a few other options within a ten-minute drive.
Hotels and hostels in Iceland are very expensive. However, there are a few hostels and guesthouses within a 5-10 minute drive from the airport, with some offering free shuttles.
