Best Airport Options For Your Iceland Trip

which airport to land in iceland

Iceland has a well-developed network of domestic flights, with international flights landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 30-50km from the capital city, Reykjavik. Reykjavik has its own domestic airport, which is often confused with Keflavík. The other two main international airports in Iceland are Egilsstadir and Hornafjordur, though the majority of flights at these airports are domestic.

Characteristics Values
Number of Airports 4 main airports, 464 authorized airports in total
Main Airports Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV), Egilsstadir Airport, Hornafjordur Airport
Location of Main Airports Keflavík Airport: Reykjanes Peninsula, 30-31 miles from Reykjavik; Reykjavik Airport: western end of Reykjavik, 1-2km from the city centre
Transport Options Taxi, rental car, campervan, motorhome, bus
Bus Services Strætó, SBA-Norðurleið, Sterna, Strætisvagnar Austurlands (SVAUST), Stræto, Flybus
Other Amenities Free unlimited WiFi, duty-free stores, shops, restaurants, bars, cafés

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Keflavík International Airport: Iceland's largest and busiest airport

Iceland has four main airports, but most international tourists fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula on the southwestern end of Iceland, it is about 30-31 miles (50km) from the capital, Reykjavik.

Keflavík International Airport is Iceland's largest and busiest airport. It was originally built by the US Military in 1943 (some sources state 1942) to facilitate travel between North America and Iceland during World War II. The airport was constructed as two separate two-runway airfields, with Patterson Field in the southeast and Meeks Field in the northwest. Meeks Field remains the location of the airport today.

The airport has one terminal, the Leifur Eiríksson International Air Terminal, named after the first European to arrive in North America before Christopher Columbus. The terminal has been extended and enlarged over the years, with the addition of the South Building in 2001 and the enlargement of the North Building in 2007.

Keflavík International Airport is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi. It is well-known for keeping wait times to a minimum and offers free unlimited WiFi to passengers. There are also plenty of shops, including duty-free, electronics, books, and souvenirs, as well as car rental agencies.

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Reykjavík Domestic Airport: located in the capital city, it caters to domestic flights

Iceland has four main airports, with Keflavík International Airport (KEF) being the largest and the one that most international tourists fly into. However, if you're looking for an airport that caters to domestic flights within Iceland, then Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) is your best option. Located in the capital city of Reykjavik, it is just over a mile from the city centre. From Reykjavík Domestic Airport, you can fly to various destinations across the country, with flight times of less than an hour.

Reykjavík Domestic Airport is a convenient option for those looking to explore different parts of Iceland without having to spend a significant amount of time travelling by road or ferry. The airport offers flights to Akureyri in North Iceland, where you can explore the country's second-largest city, situated at the end of Iceland's longest fjord. You can also fly to Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, known for its tranquil fjords, forests, lakes, and mountains. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations, consider flying to Ísafjörður in the Westfjords, known for its wild landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls.

Reykjavík Domestic Airport is easily accessible if you are already in Reykjavik. You can use the local bus service, Strætisvagnar Austurlands (SVAUST), which operates regular services between the airport and other towns in East Iceland. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a car, giving you more control over your travel plans.

It is important to note that Reykjavík Domestic Airport solely caters to domestic flights, with the exception of Greenland as an international destination. This airport should not be confused with Keflavík International Airport, which is located outside the capital city and handles the majority of international flights to and from Iceland.

By choosing Reykjavík Domestic Airport as your gateway to Iceland's domestic destinations, you can efficiently explore the country's diverse landscapes, cities, and natural wonders, all while avoiding the potential crowds and busier atmosphere of the larger international airports.

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Egilsstaðir Airport: one of four main hubs, it serves as an alternative to Keflavík

Iceland has four main airports that international tourists can fly into. The largest airport in Iceland is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located in the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwestern region of the country. It is the busiest airport in Iceland, with around 98% of international passengers landing at KEF.

Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) is one of the four main airports in Iceland. It is a single-runway domestic airport in East Iceland, located on the Egilsstaðanes peninsula, on the banks of Lagarfljót lake, midway between Egilsstaðir town and Fellabær town. The airport is characterised by its surrounding small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls, and mountains.

The main carrier operating at Egilsstaðir Airport is Icelandair, which offers daily flights to and from Reykjavik. The airport also serves as a diversion airport for Keflavík International Airport, located 415 kilometres southwest of Egilsstaðir.

In May 2023, Egilsstaðir Airport was scheduled to resume international flights with Condor, a German holiday carrier, beginning flights to Frankfurt. However, these plans were cancelled two months before the start of the route due to weak demand.

The other airports in Iceland that international tourists can fly into are Reykjavík Airport and Akureyri Airport.

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Husavik Airport: a small, single-runway airport located 10km from the city

Iceland has 464 authorised airports, but most international flights land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), the country's largest and busiest airport. However, if you're looking for a smaller airport to land at, consider Husavik Airport.

Located 10km from the city of Husavik, Husavik Airport is a small, single-runway airport. Don't let its size fool you, though; as the "whale capital of Iceland," Husavik sees plenty of tourist traffic. The airport may be small, but its convenient location makes it a great option for those looking to explore the region.

That being said, transport options from the airport are limited. You can either book a spot on a shuttle or rent a car. If you're looking for more transportation options, the Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) is another option, offering flights to several smaller airports across the island, including Husavik.

Keflavík International Airport, on the other hand, is a major hub for international travel, with around 98% of Iceland's international passengers landing there. It is located about 30-50km from the capital city of Reykjavik and offers a variety of transportation options, including private transfers, taxis, and rental cars. The airport also has a bus service, Flybus, that operates regular buses to and from the city.

So, while Husavik Airport may be smaller and less busy than Keflavík International Airport, it is still a convenient option for those looking to explore the "whale capital of Iceland."

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Iceland has four main airports, with the majority of international flights landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). This airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 30 miles from the capital, Reykjavik. It is Iceland's largest and busiest airport, with around 98% of international passengers landing here.

However, for those looking to explore Vatnajökull Glacier, Hornafjordur Airport may be a more convenient option. Hornafjordur Airport is a domestic airport located in eastern Iceland. It is a small airport with limited flights, but it is a popular gateway for those wishing to explore the Vatnajökull Glacier and the surrounding area. The local bus service, Strætisvagnar Austurlands (SVAUST), operates regular bus services between the airport and other towns in the region. Taxis and car rental services are also available at the airport.

Hornafjordur Airport is a good option for those looking to avoid the crowds and long transfer times at Keflavík International Airport. It offers easy access to some of Iceland's most spectacular landscapes, including the Vatnajökull Glacier. This glacier is one of the largest and most impressive glaciers in Iceland, covering an area of about 8,100 square kilometres. It is also one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing, despite the global trend of glacier retreat.

The Vatnajökull Glacier is a popular destination for hikers, offering a unique and challenging experience. The glacier is part of Vatnajökull National Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty. The park features a diverse range of landscapes, including volcanoes, mountains, and waterfalls, as well as the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This lagoon is known for its breathtaking views, with icebergs floating on the crystal blue waters.

In addition to its natural attractions, the area around Hornafjordur Airport offers a range of cultural experiences. The town of Hofn, located near the airport, is a charming fishing village known for its friendly locals and delicious seafood. The region also has a rich history, with several museums and historical sites that showcase the unique culture and heritage of Iceland.

Frequently asked questions

You should land at Keflavik Airport, which is about 30-31 miles from the capital.

Keflavik International Airport is the largest airport in Iceland and the one that most international tourists fly into.

The ideal way to reach Reykjavik is to rent a car, especially if you plan to drive around Iceland. This will give you more control over your route planning.

There are four main airports in Iceland, including Keflavik, Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Egilsstadir, and Husavik.

The airport is very close to the famous Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, which is just 20 minutes away by car.

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