Flying from Keflavík Airport
Your departure from Iceland starts the moment you reach the terminal. From managing check-in and security to navigating passport control and exploring the departure lounge, here is what to expect before you board.
When should I arrive at KEF?
Keflavík Airport recommends arriving approximately 2.5–3 hours before departure for a relaxed experience.
While this window is generally sufficient for security and bag drop, please be aware that airline check-in and bag-drop deadlines vary significantly between carriers. Travelers should always check their airline’s specific requirements directly before departing for the airport to ensure compliance with individual company policies.
Keflavík Airport recommends arriving approximately 2.5–3 hours before departure for a relaxed experience.
Icelandic weather, road conditions, traffic, and your specific flight time must be considered when choosing your departure time.
Getting to the Airport
Airport Coach
The standard scheduled service connecting Reykjavík Terminal to KEF with reliability.
Public Bus
Strætó route 55 provides a public link from the city, though schedules are less frequent.
Taxi
Available 24/7 from Reykjavík. A direct option for those seeking speed and convenience.
Rental Car
Returning a car at KEF requires extra time for inspection and the terminal shuttle.
KEF to Reykjavík Page
Direct door-to-door at airporttransfers.is
Blue Lagoon before your flight
A visit to the Blue Lagoon is a common final stop, but requires careful logistics. The typical route involves checking out of your Reykjavík accommodation, taking a transfer to the lagoon, storing luggage at the facility, and finally catching a pickup for the terminal. Please note that Blue Lagoon admission must be booked separately. Ensure your transfer plan accounts for luggage logistics, and leave ample time for the visit, road conditions, and airport arrival. This stop is not suitable for every flight schedule.
Check-in and bag drop
Keflavík Airport offers multiple ways to check in, from online options and self-service kiosks to traditional staffed desks. While most travelers can use the self-service machines to print boarding passes and bag tags, exact procedures and bag-drop deadlines vary significantly by airline. It is essential that you follow the specific instructions provided by your carrier to ensure you meet all requirements before boarding.
VAT / Tax Refund
Before Security
Before Bag Drop
VAT refunds are available for eligible travelers. Processing must be completed at Keflavík Airport before checking your luggage.
- Presented goods and documents may be required for inspection by customs officers.
- The refund service is located in the public area of the terminal before security.
- Travelers should verify current official information and portal requirements before their flight.
- Opening hours are subject to change; please check hours prior to your journey.
Note: Service availability and specific document requirements are determined by the relevant tax authorities and official refund partners at KEF.
Security Screening
Keflavík Airport maintains professional security standards to ensure the safety of all travelers. Before proceeding to the gate, all passengers must pass through the security checkpoint. While wait times vary depending on terminal activity, a Fast Track service is available for purchase for those seeking a more streamlined process.
Boarding Pass
Access to the screening area requires a valid boarding pass. Scan your document at the automatic gate to enter the security queue.
Liquids
Liquids must be in containers of max 100ml, totaling no more than 1 liter, kept in a single transparent, resealable bag.
Electronics
Laptops and large electronic devices must be removed from your hand luggage and placed in a tray for independent scanning.
Clothing & Items
Coats, jackets, belts, and pocket contents should be placed in trays. You may be required to remove footwear as requested by staff.
Schengen Area
Passengers traveling to destinations within the Schengen Area normally do not pass through external-border passport control. This applies regardless of nationality, provided your flight stays within the common travel zone.
Travelers should carry a valid travel document or official ID required for their journey at all times.
Non-Schengen
Passengers departing to destinations outside the Schengen zone—such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, or North America—must pass through passport control. Please ensure you have all necessary travel documents ready for inspection.
Queue times at passport control can vary depending on flight schedules and terminal volume.
After Security
Once you pass through security, you enter the airside departures area of Keflavík Airport. This zone features a variety of restaurants and cafés, duty-free and specialty shops, comfortable seating areas, and flight-information displays. We advise all travelers to monitor the airport screens and their airline’s digital updates closely, as gate assignments and boarding times are subject to change without notice.
Early-Morning Departures
Passengers with very early flights should plan their journey to Keflavík Airport in advance. Public transport schedules are more limited overnight and in the early morning; however, airport coaches, taxis, and pre-booked private transfers are typically available depending on the operator's schedule. Travelers should verify their airline’s check-in and bag-drop requirements, and consider current weather and road conditions when deciding when to leave Reykjavík.
Weather and Road Conditions
Icelandic weather and road conditions can significantly affect travel time to Keflavík Airport, particularly during the winter months. We encourage all travelers to build a sensible extra buffer into their departure plan when conditions are poor, ensuring a calm arrival regardless of the elements.
Passengers Requiring Assistance
Keflavík Airport provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend arranging any required support according to your airline’s or the airport's specific guidance well before your travel date to ensure a smooth transition through the terminal.
Departure Checklist
Travel documents
- Valid passport or ID card
- Flight boarding pass (digital or printed)
- Visa or travel authorization (if required)
- Travel insurance details
Airline & baggage
- Check-in completed online
- Luggage within weight and size limits
- Prohibited items removed from hand luggage
- Cabin bag essentials packed
Security
- Liquids in 100ml containers
- Transparent 1L resealable bag
- Electronics easily accessible for screening
- Empty water bottles for filling airside
Before leaving Reykjavík
- Check road conditions (umferdin.is)
- Review airport coach or transfer time
- Verify weather forecast (vedur.is)
- Confirm terminal arrival buffer (2.5-3h)
If applicable
- VAT refund documents organized
- Mobility assistance pre-booked
- Rental car return buffer accounted for
- Blue Lagoon transfer logistics confirmed
- Check road conditions (umferdin.is)
- Review airport coach or transfer time
- Verify weather forecast (vedur.is)
- Confirm terminal arrival buffer (2.5-3h)
- Valid passport or ID card
- Flight boarding pass (digital or printed)
- Visa or travel authorization (if required)
- Travel insurance details
- VAT refund documents organized
- Mobility assistance pre-booked
- Rental car return buffer accounted for
- Blue Lagoon transfer logistics confirmed
- Liquids in 100ml containers
- Transparent 1L resealable bag
- Electronics easily accessible for screening
- Empty water bottles for filling airside
- Check-in completed online
- Luggage within weight and size limits
- Prohibited items removed from hand luggage
- Cabin bag essentials packed