Navigating Rekjavik Airport: The Best Time To Arrive

when to be at rekyavik airport

There are two airports in Reykjavik, Iceland: Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and Reykjavik Airport (RKV). KEF is the largest airport in Iceland and the only airport in the country that caters to international flights. It is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, approximately 40 kilometres from Reykjavik City Centre. RKV, on the other hand, is a small domestic airport located in the city centre. For passengers taking an Icelandair domestic flight, RKV is a distance of 31 miles (50km) away from KEF. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight.

Characteristics Values
Airport name Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, Keflavík International Airport, KEF Airport
Location Approximately 30-40 km from Reykjavík City Centre
Airlines Icelandair, 30 other airlines
Facilities Restaurants, cafes, shops, free WiFi, VAT returns, special assistance, meet and greet services, children's play area
Domestic flights check-in Opens 45 minutes before departure
International flights check-in Opens 90 minutes before departure
Recommended arrival time 2-3 hours before departure
Transport to/from Reykjavík Car hire, bus services, airport coaches

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For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure

When travelling on an international flight from Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, it is recommended that you arrive 2-3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. This is the only international airport in Iceland, located on the Reykjanes peninsula, approximately 40 kilometres from Reykjavík City Centre. It is easily accessible by car or bus, with numerous bus services offering transfers to and from the airport.

Arriving 2-3 hours in advance will give you ample time to navigate check-in, security, and passport control. Check-in for international flights typically opens 90 minutes before departure. It is worth noting that the airport has a variety of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and a children's play area, so arriving early can also allow you to utilise these services comfortably.

If you are renting a car, it is recommended to return it at least 2 hours before your flight. This will give you enough time to return the vehicle and complete any necessary procedures before your flight.

For a smooth and stress-free experience, it is always better to allow more time than you think you need. This is especially true if you are travelling during peak hours or busy seasons, as the airport can get crowded and security lines may lengthen.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure that you have sufficient time to board your flight without feeling rushed and can even enjoy the airport facilities before departing Reykjavík.

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For domestic flights, arrive 45 minutes before departure

If you are catching a domestic flight from Reykjavik Airport (RKV), it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time. This will allow you enough time to complete the check-in process and board your flight without feeling rushed.

Reykjavik Airport is a small domestic airport located in the city centre of Reykjavik, Iceland. It is approximately 31 miles (50km) away from Keflavik International Airport (KEF), which is the primary hub for Icelandair and the only truly international airport in Iceland.

For passengers travelling on domestic flights within Iceland, it is important to note that the check-in counters at Reykjavik Airport typically open 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Therefore, arriving earlier than the recommended 45 minutes may result in the check-in process not yet being available.

When planning your arrival time at Reykjavik Airport for a domestic flight, consider any additional time you may want to allow for specific activities or services within the airport. For example, if you plan to eat a meal before your flight, purchase souvenirs, or utilise other airport facilities, you may choose to arrive earlier than the recommended 45 minutes to ensure you have sufficient time.

By following the recommended arrival time and considering your individual needs, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when travelling on domestic flights from Reykjavik Airport.

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Transfer options: bus, car, or hotel pick-up/drop-off

When travelling to or from Reykjavík, it's important to distinguish between the two airports in the city. Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (KEF) is Iceland's largest airport, located about 30 miles (40-50km) from Reykjavík City Centre. It is the only airport in Iceland that caters to international flights. The other airport, Reykjavík Airport (RKV), is a small domestic airport located in the city centre.

Bus

Several companies offer bus transfers between Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík City Centre. These include Flybus, Gray Line's Airport Direct, and various other big companies. Buses are typically located right outside the terminal building, and tickets usually cost around 25-30 EUR. Most providers offer guaranteed seats, flexible tickets, and free Wi-Fi on board. Some also offer optional hotel drop-off services for an additional fee.

Car

You can also rent a car or opt for a car hire service to travel between the airport and the city. If you are renting a car, it is recommended that you return it at least 2.5 hours before your flight time.

Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Airport Direct offers pick-up and drop-off services from various locations in downtown Reykjavík, including hotels, guesthouses, and designated bus stops. If you prefer a door-to-door service or are staying outside the downtown area, you can opt for their private transfer option.

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The airport is 30-40km from Reykjavik City Centre

The distance between Keflavik airport and Reykjavik City Centre is approximately 30-40km. This distance can be covered in several ways, depending on your budget and time constraints.

If you are in a hurry, a taxi is the fastest way to travel between the two points. However, it is also the most expensive, with prices ranging from 150-250 EUR for a one-way trip. If you are looking for a more affordable option, consider taking the Strætó public bus service, which offers connections to the city centre and its surroundings. This is also a great way to get to know the area if you are visiting for the first time. The bus takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around 1960 ISK one-way.

If you prefer more flexibility, you can also consider renting a car. This option can be especially useful if you are planning a road trip or have a lot of luggage. However, keep in mind that driving conditions can be challenging, especially during the winter, and serious traffic accidents are common on the road to Reykjavik.

Finally, for those who want to take in the sights, walking or cycling are also options, although the distance is equivalent to a full marathon, so it would be a long journey.

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The airport has restaurants, cafes, shops, and free WiFi

There are two airports in Reykjavik, Iceland: Reykjavik Airport (RKV) and Reykjavik–Keflavík Airport (KEF). Reykjavik Airport is a small domestic airport located in the city centre, while Reykjavik–Keflavík Airport is the largest airport in Iceland, located about 30-40 kilometres from the city centre.

Reykjavik–Keflavík Airport has various restaurants, cafes, shops, and free WiFi. The airport's selection of restaurants and cafes ensures that everyone will find something to their liking. For a quick bite, passengers can visit Kvikk Cafe for affordable food on the go or Bakað, an artisan bakery offering pastries, coffee, sandwiches, salads, and more. For a more premium dining experience, travellers can try Nord Restaurant, which serves lobster pizza, or Jómfrúin, which offers a selection of Danish pastries and classic Danish and Scandinavian dishes. Table reservations can be made at Jómfrúin in advance. Hja Hollu is another option, offering a daily happy hour between 3–5 pm with various drink specials.

Passengers looking for souvenirs or gifts can visit the airport's Duty-Free shops, which offer a wide range of Icelandic and international cosmetics, sweets, alcohol, tobacco, and toys. For Icelandic-specific gifts, Rammagerðin is a gift shop that focuses on Icelandic design and craftsmanship, especially wool products. 66 North is another option for travellers looking for outdoor clothing suitable for Icelandic conditions. Elko is an electronics store offering well-known brands at low prices, and Eyesland is an optical shop with experienced optometrists providing in-store advice and short-notice optometry services.

It is recommended that passengers arrive at Reykjavik–Keflavík Airport at least 2.5 hours before their flight time. For domestic flights, passengers should arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, while for international flights, check-in opens 90 minutes before departure.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before your flight's departure time.

You can get to Reykjavik from the airport by car, bus, or by using a hotel transfer service.

The airport has a large food hall, several restaurants, and coffee shops. It also has a variety of stores, including a duty-free shop, a convenience store, an optical studio, and an Icelandic design and handicraft gift store.

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