Quick Answer
The best all-round option from hotels in Hlíðar or Miðborg is the Flybus or Airport Direct airport coach: a shuttle picks you up near your hotel, drops you at the BSÍ bus terminal (or Airport Direct's Skógarhlíð stop in Hlíðar), and a large coach runs the 50 km to Keflavik Airport on Route 41.
- Best overall: Flybus+ / Airport Direct hotel pickup — 1 h 30 min – 2 h door to door, 5,500–6,500 ISK (about $40–47) per person.
- Fastest: Taxi or private transfer — 45–50 minutes, 21,000–25,000 ISK (about $150–180) per vehicle, not per person.
- Cheapest: Strætó route 55 public bus — 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min door to door, 1,800–2,200 ISK (about $13–16), but only a handful of departures per day.
- Key transfer point: BSÍ Bus Terminal (Vatnsmýrarvegur 10) — a 10–15 minute walk from most Hlíðar hotels and 20–25 minutes from central Miðborg.
- Important: There is no train and no domestic flight between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport. Buses, taxis and cars are the only options.
Train & Domestic Flights: Why They Don't Apply in Iceland
Most "airport transfer" guides start with trains. In Iceland that section simply does not exist, and it is worth understanding why — because it removes three options you might otherwise waste time researching.
There is no railway in Iceland — at all
Iceland has never had a passenger rail network. The country has only ever operated a couple of short industrial narrow-gauge lines (used historically for harbour construction and fish processing), none of which carry passengers today. There is no metro, no tram, no suburban rail and no high-speed line. Any guide that mentions "taking the train to Keflavik Airport" is either a copy-paste template or simply wrong.
There is no domestic flight from Reykjavik to Keflavik
Reykjavik has its own city airport, Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), right next to the Miðborg district. It handles domestic flights to Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Egilsstaðir and the Westman Islands — but nothing to Keflavik. The two airports are only about 50 km apart, so no airline operates that route. If you are already in Reykjavik, you are already closer to KEF than RKV is.
What this means for your planning
- Ignore any "train vs flight vs bus" comparison you find for other cities — in Iceland the realistic list is coach bus, public bus, taxi/private transfer, or rental car.
- The good news: Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) between Reykjavik and KEF is a wide, well-maintained dual carriageway, and the drive is genuinely quick — 45–50 minutes in normal conditions.
- The bad news: winter storms can close Route 41 entirely. Always check road.is and vedur.is before an early departure.
Airport basics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Keflavik International Airport (KEF) / Flugstöð Leifs Eiríkssonar |
| Distance from Reykjavik | About 50 km (31 miles) via Route 41 |
| Drive time | 45–50 minutes in good conditions |
| Recommended arrival at KEF | 2.5–3 hours before departure (more in summer) |
| Operator | Isavia — official airport information |
Airport Coaches: Flybus & Airport Direct — The Best All-Round Choice
Two companies dominate the Reykjavik–Keflavik airport transfer market: Flybus (operated by Reykjavík Excursions) and Airport Direct (operated by Gray Line Iceland). Both work on the same two-stage model: a small shuttle collects you near your hotel, then a full-size coach with a luggage hold runs the highway to KEF.
How the two-stage pickup actually works
- Hotel pickup (Hlíðar / Miðborg). You choose a pickup point and a time slot when booking. Reykjavik's city centre is a bus-restricted zone, so large coaches cannot stop at every door — you will be assigned a nearby designated stop, usually within a 2–5 minute walk of your hotel.
- Shuttle to the hub. A minibus takes you to either BSÍ Bus Terminal (Flybus) or Skógarhlíð 9 (Airport Direct — this is inside the Hlíðar district, which is a real advantage if you are staying there).
- Coach to KEF. You transfer to the main coach. Luggage goes in the hold. The drive is about 45 minutes from BSÍ.
Flybus (Reykjavík Excursions)
- Products: "Flybus" = BSÍ ↔ KEF only. "Flybus+" = includes hotel/guesthouse pickup and drop-off.
- Frequency: Coaches run roughly every 30–60 minutes, with the first departures from BSÍ very early (around 03:30) to catch the first wave of morning flights, and the last in the late evening.
- Price (2025 guide): about 4,500 ISK (roughly $32) one way from BSÍ; about 5,500–6,500 ISK (roughly $40–47) with hotel pickup. Return tickets are cheaper than two singles.
- Booking: Online in advance is strongly recommended — see flybus.is.
Airport Direct (Gray Line Iceland)
- Products: Standard coach, plus a smaller "Premium" direct minibus service with fewer stops.
- Hub: BSÍ and Skógarhlíð 9 in Hlíðar — if your hotel is in Hlíðar you may be able to walk to the hub and skip the shuttle entirely.
- Frequency: Comparable to Flybus, roughly every 30–60 minutes through the day and early morning.
- Price (2025 guide): about 4,900 ISK (roughly $35) from the hub; about 5,900 ISK (roughly $43) with hotel pickup.
- Booking: See airportdirect.is.
Flybus vs Airport Direct at a glance
| Feature | Flybus | Airport Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Reykjavík Excursions | Gray Line Iceland |
| Main hub | BSÍ Bus Terminal | BSÍ + Skógarhlíð 9 (Hlíðar) |
| Coach time to KEF | ~45 min from BSÍ | ~45 min from BSÍ |
| Door-to-door total | 1 h 30 min – 2 h | 1 h 30 min – 2 h |
| One-way from hub | ~4,500 ISK (~$32) | ~4,900 ISK (~$35) |
| With hotel pickup | ~5,500–6,500 ISK (~$40–47) | ~5,900 ISK (~$43) |
| Blue Lagoon stop | Yes, on selected departures | Yes, on selected departures |
| Best for | Budget-conscious travellers happy to reach BSÍ | Hlíðar stays, or those who prefer a smaller vehicle |
Advantages and drawbacks
- Pros: reliable, frequent, plenty of luggage space, no need to navigate Route 41 yourself, and you can add a Blue Lagoon stop en route.
- Cons: the hotel shuttle loop can add 20–30 minutes if you are the first pickup; you must change vehicles once; seats sell out on summer mornings.
- Insider move: if you are staying in Hlíðar, walk to BSÍ (10–15 minutes) and buy the cheaper "from hub" ticket. You keep full control of your timing and skip the shuttle loop entirely.
Strætó Route 55 — The Cheapest Way to Keflavik Airport
Strætó is the public bus operator for the Reykjavik capital region and beyond. Its long-distance Route 55 (the "Fjörður" line) connects Reykjavik's Mjódd bus interchange with the town of Keflavík and the airport area. It is by far the cheapest option — and by far the least convenient.
How the route works, step by step
- Get from your hotel to Mjódd. From Hlíðar or Miðborg, take a city bus heading for Mjódd (typically 15–25 minutes). Use the official journey planner at straeto.is or the Klappið app to find the exact line and departure for your hotel address.
- Board Route 55 at Mjódd. Confirm the direction — you want the Keflavík-bound service.
- Ride roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes along Route 41, with stops at towns and settlements on the Reykjanes peninsula.
- Arrive at Keflavík. The bus serves the Keflavík town area and the airport vicinity; because route numbers, stops and timetables are periodically reorganised, check the exact airport stop on straeto.is before you travel.
Cost
- Strætó fares are zone-based. A single city fare is very cheap, but Route 55 crosses several zones, so expect roughly 1,800–2,200 ISK (about $13–16) as an adult single.
- You can pay on board or via the Klappið app. Cards are accepted; cash is not always welcome.
- Confirm the current fare at straeto.is — Strætó adjusts prices annually.
Realistic downsides
- Very few departures. Route 55 is a commuter service — often only a handful of trips per day, with an even thinner Sunday schedule. It is not built around flight times.
- Long door-to-door time. Allow 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min including the trip to Mjódd, the wait and the final walk or local bus to the terminal.
- No luggage hold. These are ordinary city buses with limited space for large suitcases — awkward at peak times.
- Not viable for early-morning or late-night flights. The service does not run overnight.
Verdict
Choose Route 55 only if you are travelling light, have plenty of time, and are genuinely optimising for the lowest possible fare. For almost every visitor, the 3,000–4,000 ISK saved is not worth the extra 1.5–2 hours and the stress of a sparse timetable.
Taxi & Private Transfer — Fastest, and Usually Only Worth It for Groups
A taxi is the fastest way from Hlíðar or Miðborg to KEF: 45–50 minutes, door to door, no changes, no waiting for a shuttle loop. It is also the most expensive option per person unless you are filling the car.
Typical prices (2025 guide)
| Service | Vehicle type | Price per vehicle | Per person (4 people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered taxi | Standard sedan | 21,000–25,000 ISK (~$150–180) | ~5,250–6,250 ISK (~$38–45) |
| Pre-booked private transfer | Sedan | 25,000–30,000 ISK (~$180–215) | ~6,250–7,500 ISK (~$45–54) |
| Pre-booked private transfer | Minivan / 6–8 seats | 30,000–35,000 ISK (~$215–250) | ~4,000–5,800 ISK (~$29–42) for 6 |
How the pricing works
- Icelandic taxis use a metered system with a higher tariff at night, at weekends and on public holidays. An 04:00 departure will cost noticeably more than a 14:00 one.
- Most reputable companies offer a fixed airport fare if you book ahead and state the destination — always ask for this rather than assuming the meter.
- Airport drop-off fees and luggage surcharges may apply on top.
When a taxi is actually the right call
- You are a group of 4 or more. Split four ways, a taxi costs roughly the same as Flybus+ per person — but takes half the time.
- Your flight leaves before 05:00. The earliest coaches exist, but a taxi removes all timing risk.
- You have young children, mobility needs or an unusual amount of luggage.
- You are travelling for business and time has a real cost.
- Route 41 is disrupted and you need a driver who knows the conditions and alternative routing.
When it is not
- Solo travellers or couples on a normal daytime flight. At 21,000–25,000 ISK (about $150–180) for one or two people, you are paying 4–6× the coach fare for a 45-minute saving.
Reputable operators
Hreyfill, BSÍ Taxi and Taxi 101 are the main Reykjavik companies. Your hotel reception can book a fixed-fare transfer, and most hotels in Hlíðar and Miðborg have a standing arrangement with a local firm.
Car Rental & Self-Drive to Keflavik Airport
Driving yourself is straightforward: pick up a car in Reykjavik or at KEF, follow Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) southwest, and you are at the terminal in 45–50 minutes. The question is not whether it is easy — it is whether it makes sense for a one-way airport run.
The route
- From Hlíðar or Miðborg, head for Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) — follow signs for Keflavík / Flugstöð.
- Stay on Route 41 for roughly 45 km. It is a wide dual carriageway with regular service stations.
- Follow airport signs for the terminal and the rental car return area.
- Allow extra time for refuelling and returning the vehicle — the rental return desks are a short shuttle or walk from the terminal depending on the company.
Costs to factor in
- Rental: from roughly 8,000–15,000 ISK (about $58–110) per day for a small car in low season, considerably more in July and August.
- Fuel: around 300–330 ISK per litre (about $2.20–2.40). A 50 km run costs roughly 1,000–1,500 ISK (about $7–11) — trivial.
- Airport parking / drop-off: KEF has paid short-term parking; rental returns have their own areas. Budget a few thousand ISK if you park rather than return.
- Tolls and insurance: Iceland has very few toll roads, but gravel and sand-and-ash insurance are worth considering if you plan to drive outside the Reykjanes peninsula.
When it makes sense
- You are doing a self-drive trip — Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes — and simply ending at the airport.
- You are a family of four or more with luggage and want flexibility.
- You want to stop at the Blue Lagoon or explore the Reykjanes peninsula on the way.
When it does not
- You are staying only in Reykjavik. City parking is expensive, the city centre has restricted driving zones, and a car sitting idle for three days is pure loss.
- You are nervous about winter driving. Route 41 is usually fine, but Icelandic wind and sudden snow squalls are a genuine hazard. Check road.is and safetravel.is before setting off.
Tickets & Full Cost Comparison: Hlíðar / Miðborg → Keflavik Airport
Everything you need for the final decision, in one table. All prices are per person unless stated, and are 2025 guide figures in Icelandic króna with an approximate US dollar equivalent.
| Option | Door-to-door time | Cost per person | Changes | Frequency | Book ahead? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flybus+ (hotel pickup) | 1 h 30 min – 2 h | 5,500–6,500 ISK (~$40–47) | 1 (shuttle → coach) | Every 30–60 min | Yes | Most travellers — best balance |
| Airport Direct (hotel pickup) | 1 h 30 min – 2 h | ~5,900 ISK (~$43) | 1 | Every 30–60 min | Yes | Hlíðar stays (Skógarhlíð hub) |
| Flybus from BSÍ only | 1 h 15 min – 1 h 45 min | ~4,500 ISK (~$32) | 0 if you walk to BSÍ | Every 30–60 min | Recommended | Cheapest coach option |
| Strætó Route 55 | 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min | 1,800–2,200 ISK (~$13–16) | 2+ | A few trips per day | No | Absolute lowest cost |
| Taxi | 45–50 min | 21,000–25,000 ISK per car (~$150–180) | 0 | 24/7 | Yes for early flights | Groups of 4+, pre-dawn departures |
| Private transfer | 45–50 min | 25,000–35,000 ISK per car (~$180–250) | 0 | On demand | Yes | Families, business, accessibility |
| Rental car | 45–50 min | Varies (fuel ~1,000–1,500 ISK) | 0 | 24/7 | Yes | Ongoing road trips |
Where to buy tickets
- Flybus: online at flybus.is, at BSÍ Bus Terminal, or through your hotel reception.
- Airport Direct: online at airportdirect.is or at the Skógarhlíð 9 / BSÍ desks.
- Strætó: on board or via the Klappið app — straeto.is.
- Taxis: by phone, through your hotel, or at a taxi rank in Miðborg.
Three money-saving notes
- Return tickets beat two singles. If you are flying back into KEF at the end of your trip, buy the round trip in one transaction.
- Skip the hotel pickup if you are in Hlíðar. Walking to BSÍ or Skógarhlíð saves roughly 1,000–1,500 ISK (about $7–11) per person and gives you full control of timing.
- Split a taxi if you are four. At four passengers, a 23,000 ISK (about $167) taxi works out at roughly 5,750 ISK (about $42) each — competitive with Flybus+, and twice as fast.
Traveller Experience: What Actually Happens on the Day
This section is the stuff that is not in the timetables — the small realities that catch people out on their first Reykjavik airport run.
The hotel shuttle loop is longer than you think
On Flybus+ and Airport Direct, the minibus does not come straight to you — it works a circuit of designated stops. If your hotel is the first pickup, you may spend 20–30 minutes crawling through Miðborg and Hlíðar before you even reach the hub. Budget this in. If you are the type who hates uncertainty, the walk-to-BSÍ option removes the variable completely.
The BSÍ transfer is easy — but busy at peak times
BSÍ Bus Terminal (Vatnsmýrarvegur 10) is a proper terminal with a waiting area, toilets and a small café. The shuttle drops you near the coach bays; you move your own bags. In July and August, and around the 04:00–06:00 departure cluster, it gets crowded and coaches fill up. Arrive at the bay early rather than assuming you will get the next one.
Where Hlíðar and Miðborg differ
- Hlíðar is the quieter, more residential district just east of the centre. Its big advantage: BSÍ is a 10–15 minute walk, and Airport Direct's Skógarhlíð 9 hub is inside the district. You can genuinely skip the pickup shuttle.
- Miðborg is the downtown core — Laugavegur, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa. It is a 20–25 minute walk to BSÍ, and coaches cannot stop freely on many central streets, so your pickup point may be a block or two away. Check the exact stop on your booking confirmation, not just the hotel name.
The Blue Lagoon stop is a genuine bonus
Several Flybus and Airport Direct departures allow a stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way to KEF, with luggage stored on the coach. It sits almost exactly on the Route 41 corridor, so it adds relatively little detour time — but you must book the specific "with Blue Lagoon" product, not the standard transfer. Check details at bluelagoon.com.
Winter reality check
Iceland's weather does not negotiate. Route 41 can close with very little notice, and wind gusts on the Reykjanes peninsula are strong enough to affect high-sided vehicles. In winter:
- Check road.is for road status and vedur.is for forecasts the night before.
- Allow an extra hour of buffer on top of your normal planning.
- Coaches and taxis handle winter conditions better than a small rental car.
The pre-dawn flight problem
Iceland's long summer days and short winter days mean flight schedules cluster heavily around early morning departures. A 06:30 flight means leaving your hotel around 03:30–04:00. The earliest Flybus departures are designed for exactly this, but you must book them in advance — and if you miss the 04:00 coach, your next option is an expensive taxi.
Practical Tips Before You Leave Your Hotel
Timing
- Work backwards: aim to be at KEF 2.5–3 hours before departure in summer, 2 hours in winter. Add your transfer time on top.
- From a Hlíðar or Miðborg hotel, that means leaving roughly 4–4.5 hours before an international departure if you are using a coach, or about 3.5 hours if using a taxi.
- Summer (June–August) is peak season. Everything is busier and roads near the airport are congested. Add 30 minutes.
Booking
- Book your airport transfer at least 24 hours ahead. Morning coaches genuinely do sell out in peak season.
- Give your exact hotel address and the designated pickup stop, not just the hotel name.
- For very early flights, book a taxi the night before rather than trying to hail one at 03:30.
Luggage
- Coaches (Flybus, Airport Direct) have proper luggage holds — no practical limit for normal holiday luggage.
- Strætó Route 55 does not. If you have a large suitcase, this route is a poor fit.
- If you are moving between hotels in Iceland, look into luggage transfer services so you are not hauling everything to the airport yourself.
Money and payment
- Iceland is effectively cashless. Card and contactless work everywhere, including on buses and in taxis.
- Prices quoted in ISK are the real prices; the USD figures in this guide are approximate conversions for reference only.
Weather and clothing
- Reykjavik and Keflavik can have completely different weather at the same moment. The airport sits on an exposed peninsula and is often windier and colder.
- Keep a warm layer and a waterproof shell in your hand luggage, not the suitcase.
Backup plan
- Save your transfer company's phone number and your booking reference offline.
- If a coach is delayed or cancelled in bad weather, a taxi or a hotel-arranged private transfer is the standard fallback — have a rough idea of the cost (21,000–25,000 ISK / about $150–180) so you are not caught out.
FAQs: Reykjavik (Hlíðar / Miðborg) to Keflavik Airport
Is there a direct bus from Reykjavik city centre to Keflavik Airport?
Yes. Both Flybus and Airport Direct run direct coaches from BSÍ Bus Terminal (and from their respective hubs, including Skógarhlíð 9 in Hlíðar) to Keflavik Airport. With the hotel-pickup product, a shuttle collects you near your hotel first. The coach leg itself takes about 45 minutes. The Strætó Route 55 public bus also reaches Keflavík, but it is a commuter service with very few daily departures and is not designed around flight times.
How long does it take to get from a Hlíðar or Miðborg hotel to Keflavik Airport?
Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours door to door with Flybus+ or Airport Direct hotel pickup, and 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes if you walk to BSÍ and take the coach from there. A taxi or private transfer takes 45–50 minutes. The cheapest public bus option takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes in total.
What is the cheapest way from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport?
Strætó Route 55 is the cheapest, at roughly 1,800–2,200 ISK (about $13–16) per adult. However, it requires getting to Mjódd first, runs only a few times a day, has no luggage hold, and takes 2.5–3.5 hours door to door. For most travellers, the best value is actually Flybus from BSÍ at around 4,500 ISK (about $32) — only slightly more expensive but dramatically faster and far more reliable.
How much is a taxi from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport?
Expect roughly 21,000–25,000 ISK (about $150–180) per vehicle for a standard metered taxi, and 25,000–35,000 ISK (about $180–250) for a pre-booked private transfer, depending on vehicle size. Night, weekend and public holiday departures attract a higher tariff. Prices are per car, not per person — so a group of four splits it to roughly 5,250–6,250 ISK (about $38–45) each, which is competitive with the airport coach.
Can I get from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport at night or very early in the morning?
Yes, but your options narrow. Strætó Route 55 does not run overnight. Flybus and Airport Direct operate very early departures — the first coaches leave around 03:30 to serve the morning flight bank — but you must book these in advance, as they fill up. Taxis run 24/7 and are the safest option if your flight leaves before 06:00 and you do not want to depend on a coach slot.
Do I need to book the airport bus in advance?
It is not strictly mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. During summer (June–August) and around the early-morning departure cluster, coaches do sell out. Booking online also guarantees your pickup time slot and designated stop, and return tickets bought in advance are cheaper than two separate singles. Book at flybus.is or airportdirect.is.
Is there a train or a domestic flight from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport?
No. Iceland has no passenger railway network at all — there is no train, metro or tram anywhere in the country. There is also no domestic flight between Reykjavik and Keflavik: Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) handles flights to other parts of Iceland, not to KEF, which is only about 50 km away. Your realistic options are coach bus, public bus, taxi/private transfer, or rental car.
How early should I leave my hotel for a flight from Keflavik Airport?
Work backwards from your departure time. Aim to be at KEF 2.5–3 hours before an international flight in summer and at least 2 hours in winter. Then add your transfer time: about 1.5–2 hours if you are using a hotel-pickup coach, about 1 hour if you are taking a taxi, and up to 3 hours if you are using the public bus. In practice, most travellers from Hlíðar or Miðborg should leave their hotel roughly 4–4.5 hours before departure when using a coach.