Quick Answer
The best way from Reykjavik University (Háskólinn í Reykjavík, Menntavegur 1) to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the Flybus departing from BSÍ Bus Terminal — the only realistic transfer hub for the university area. Door-to-door time is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the total cost is about 4,000–5,000 ISK (≈ $30–36 USD) including the short hop from campus to BSÍ.
The cheapest option is Strætó route 55 from BSÍ to KEF for roughly 2,000 ISK (≈ $15 USD), but it takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and runs only a few times a day. The fastest option is a taxi or private transfer (45–55 minutes, 20,000–30,000 ISK / ≈ $145–220 USD), and there is no train and no commercial flight between the two points.
Key transfer point: BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10 — about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from Reykjavik University.
Overview: Distance, Location & Why There Is No Train or Flight
Reykjavik University sits on the Vatnsmýri peninsula at Menntavegur 1, 101 Reykjavík, right next to Nauthólsvík geothermal beach and about 3 km from downtown Reykjavík. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, roughly 50 km (31 miles) southwest of the university.
The airport is not the same as Reykjavík Airport (RKV), the small domestic airfield at Vatnsmýri that is only about 1.5 km from the university campus. RKV handles domestic flights to Akureyri, Ísafjörður and Greenland — all international flights use KEF. Confusing the two is one of the most common mistakes students and visitors make.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | ≈ 50 km / 31 mi (via Route 41, Reykjanesbraut) |
| Driving time | 45–55 minutes in normal conditions |
| Main transfer hub | BSÍ Bus Terminal (2.5 km from campus) |
| Train service | None — Iceland has no railways |
| Direct flight | None — the distance is too short for commercial service |
| Recommended arrival at KEF | 2 hours (Schengen) / 3 hours (non-Schengen) before departure |
Why There Is No Train or Flight Option
Iceland has no passenger rail network at all, so any guide mentioning a "train from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport" is describing a route that does not exist. Likewise, there are no scheduled commercial flights between Reykjavík (RKV) and Keflavík (KEF) — the drive takes under an hour, so an aircraft would be slower once you add check-in and boarding.
This leaves five genuine options: Flybus, Airport Direct / other shuttles, Strætó route 55, taxi or private transfer, and rental car. Each is broken down below.
Flybus: The Default Choice for Most Travelers
Flybus, operated by Reykjavík Excursions, is the most widely used airport transfer in Iceland and the option most Reykjavik University students and staff take. It runs from BSÍ Bus Terminal to the KEF terminal door and is timed around actual flight departures.
Two Ticket Types
- Flybus (standard): departs from BSÍ Bus Terminal only. Cheapest and most predictable.
- Flybus Plus: includes a pickup from selected hotels and guesthouses in central Reykjavík before the bus continues to BSÍ. Note that Reykjavik University itself is not a standard pickup point — you would need to reach a listed hotel first, which usually cancels out the convenience.
Step-by-Step: Reykjavik University → KEF with Flybus
- Get from campus to BSÍ Bus Terminal (2.5 km / 1.6 mi).
- Walk: about 30–35 minutes along Vatnsmýrarvegur.
- Local Strætó bus: about 15–20 minutes, 630 ISK (≈ $5 USD) — check the live route map at straeto.is.
- Taxi: 5–10 minutes, roughly 2,500–3,500 ISK (≈ $18–25 USD).
- Book your Flybus ticket online in advance — seats on early-morning departures sell out in summer.
- Arrive at BSÍ 10–15 minutes early and show your e-ticket to the driver.
- Ride to KEF: about 45 minutes, with one possible stop at the Mjódd or a secondary pickup point.
- Get off directly at the terminal entrance — no further transfer needed.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Departure point | BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10 |
| Journey time (BSÍ → KEF) | ≈ 45 minutes |
| Door-to-door from campus | ≈ 1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min |
| Frequency | Every 30–60 minutes, scheduled around flight times; earliest departures around 03:00–04:00 |
| Price (one way) | ≈ 4,000–4,500 ISK (≈ $29–33 USD) |
| Price (round trip) | ≈ 8,000–9,000 ISK (≈ $58–65 USD) |
| Luggage | One large suitcase + one carry-on included in the hold |
| Onboard | Free Wi-Fi, USB charging, English-speaking driver |
Official timetable and booking: flybus.is. Airport operator information: Isavia – Keflavík Airport.
Airport Direct & Other Shuttle Operators
Airport Direct (now part of the Gray Line Iceland group) is the main alternative to Flybus. Its selling point is a slightly more flexible pickup network and a different departure terminal — Skarfabakki cruise-ship terminal or designated hotel stops — rather than BSÍ.
How It Compares to Flybus
| Factor | Flybus | Airport Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Main departure | BSÍ Bus Terminal | Skarfabakki / hotel pickups |
| Time to KEF | ≈ 45 min | ≈ 40–50 min |
| Price (one way) | ≈ 4,000–4,500 ISK | ≈ 4,000–4,500 ISK |
| Best for | Anyone able to reach BSÍ | Travelers staying near a pickup hotel or arriving by cruise |
| Convenience from Reykjavik University | Good (2.5 km to BSÍ) | Moderate (need to reach a listed pickup stop) |
A third, smaller operator is Gray Line Iceland itself, which sells combined transfers plus excursions (Blue Lagoon stopovers are a popular add-on). If you plan to stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to KEF, a combined bus ticket usually costs less than booking two separate services.
Bottom line: from Reykjavik University, Airport Direct rarely beats Flybus on convenience because you still have to travel to a pickup point. Choose it only if a hotel pickup happens to be near your route. See airportdirect.is for current schedules.
Strætó Route 55: The Cheapest Way to Keflavik Airport
Strætó route 55 is Iceland's public bus link between the Reykjavík area and Keflavík Airport. It is by far the cheapest option, but it is not designed around flight schedules, so it demands planning.
How to Use It from Reykjavik University
- Take a local Strætó bus from the campus area to BSÍ Bus Terminal (≈ 15–20 min, 630 ISK).
- Transfer to route 55 toward Keflavík / Flugstöð.
- Ride for roughly 60–70 minutes to the airport terminal stop.
- Walk directly into the departures hall — the stop is at the terminal.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total cost from campus | ≈ 2,000–2,600 ISK (≈ $15–19 USD) including the local connection |
| Total door-to-door time | ≈ 1 h 45 min – 2 h |
| Frequency | A few departures per day; reduced service on Sundays and public holidays |
| Payment | Strætó app or card; cash is generally not accepted on board |
| Luggage | Luggage compartment available on the coach; no extra fee |
| Best for | Students and budget travelers with flexible flight times |
Watch out: if your flight leaves before 08:00 or arrives after 22:00, route 55 is usually not an option. In that case, budget for Flybus or a taxi. Live timetables: straeto.is.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Fastest, Most Expensive
A taxi from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport takes 45–55 minutes and costs roughly 20,000–30,000 ISK (≈ $145–220 USD) for the whole car, not per person. Prices vary with time of day, luggage volume and whether you book a fixed-rate airport transfer in advance.
When a Taxi Actually Makes Sense
- Groups of 3–4: the per-person cost can drop to 5,000–7,500 ISK (≈ $36–55 USD) — competitive with Flybus.
- Very early or very late flights: taxis run 24/7 and do not depend on bus timetables.
- Heavy or oversized luggage: surfboards, bikes and multiple suitcases are no problem in a van.
- Reduced mobility or traveling with small children: door-to-door with no transfers.
- Tight connections: if you are already running late, a taxi is the only guaranteed fix.
Booking a Taxi in Iceland
Reykjavík's main taxi companies are Hreyfill and BSR. You can hail a cab on the street, use their apps, or pre-book an airport transfer. Pre-booking is strongly recommended for departures before 06:00 — the city is quiet and street hailing can take 15+ minutes.
Official taxi information: hreyfill.is.
Private transfers (pre-booked sedans or minivans with a named driver) typically cost 25,000–35,000 ISK (≈ $180–255 USD) and include a meet-and-greet at the terminal. They are the most comfortable option but rarely good value for a single traveler.
Rental Car: Best If You Are Continuing Around Iceland
Driving yourself is straightforward: from Reykjavik University, join Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) and follow it all the way to Keflavík Airport. There are no tolls on the route and no confusing junctions — it is essentially one long, well-signed road.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | ≈ 50 km / 31 mi |
| Driving time | 45–55 minutes |
| Route | Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) — direct |
| Fuel cost (one way) | ≈ 1,500–2,500 ISK (≈ $11–18 USD) for a compact car |
| Rental cost | ≈ 6,000–15,000 ISK per day (≈ $45–110 USD), depending on season and vehicle |
| Parking at KEF | Short-term and long-term lots directly at the terminal |
| Best for | Anyone doing a Ring Road trip or staying outside Reykjavík |
Things to Know Before You Drive
- Winter conditions: from October to April, check road status at road.is before leaving — Reykjanesbraut can close in storms.
- Fuel: most rental cars run on petrol or diesel; N1 and Orkan stations are the most common. Many are unmanned and require a chip-and-PIN card.
- Return timing: allow an extra 30 minutes for refueling and the rental return desk, which is in a separate building a short walk from the terminal.
- One-way rentals: if you are returning the car elsewhere, expect a drop-off fee.
Tickets & Cost Comparison: Which Option Wins?
Below is the single most useful table in this guide — every option side by side, priced in Icelandic króna with US dollar equivalents.
| Method | Door-to-door time | Cost (one way) | Transfers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flybus | 1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min | ≈ 4,500 ISK (≈ $33) | 1 (campus → BSÍ) | Most travelers — best all-round balance |
| Airport Direct | 1 h 15 min – 1 h 35 min | ≈ 4,000–4,500 ISK (≈ $29–33) | 1–2 | Travelers near a pickup hotel |
| Strætó route 55 | 1 h 45 min – 2 h | ≈ 2,000–2,600 ISK (≈ $15–19) | 1 | Cheapest option — flexible schedules only |
| Taxi / private transfer | 45–55 min | 20,000–30,000 ISK (≈ $145–220) | 0 | Groups, night flights, heavy luggage |
| Rental car | 45–55 min | 6,000–15,000 ISK/day + fuel | 0 | Ring Road trips and multi-day itineraries |
How and Where to Buy Tickets
- Flybus / Airport Direct: online in advance (cheapest and guarantees a seat) or at the BSÍ ticket desk.
- Strætó route 55: via the Strætó app or with a card on board — buy before boarding to avoid delays.
- Taxi: metered in the car, or fixed price if pre-booked.
- Rental car: book well ahead for June–August and the Christmas/New Year period.
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy a round-trip Flybus ticket if you are returning to Reykjavík — it is cheaper than two singles.
- Children often travel at a reduced fare or free on the airport coaches; check the operator's family policy.
- If you are 3–4 people, compare a taxi against 3–4 Flybus tickets — the taxi can win.
- Students with a valid Icelandic student card may find local Strætó discounts, though the airport route itself is not discounted.
Traveler Experience & Real-World Tips
The theory is simple, but Reykjavík has a few quirks that catch visitors out. Here is what actually happens on the ground.
What Travelers Consistently Report
- BSÍ is small and easy. Unlike a major European bus station, BSÍ has a handful of bays, a café and clear signage. Finding your Flybus takes two minutes, not twenty.
- Weather delays are real. Reykjanesbraut is exposed to strong wind and snow. In winter, allow an extra 30–45 minutes and check road conditions before leaving campus.
- Early flights are the biggest pain point. Flights to North America often leave between 05:00 and 08:00, meaning you need to be at KEF by 03:00–05:00. Flybus runs night departures, but book them days in advance.
- Late arrivals are the second pain point. If you land after midnight, route 55 will not be running — plan for Flybus's last coach or a taxi.
- The airport is genuinely 50 km away. Some first-time visitors assume Keflavík is a suburb of Reykjavík. It is not, and the drive takes close to an hour.
- KEF check-in queues get long in summer. In July and August, security lines can stretch well past 30 minutes.
A Realistic Timeline for a 10:00 Departure
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 06:30 | Leave Reykjavik University for BSÍ (taxi or local bus) |
| 06:50 | Arrive at BSÍ, board Flybus |
| 07:00 | Flybus departs |
| 07:45 | Arrive at Keflavík Airport terminal |
| 08:00 | Check in, bag drop, security |
| 09:30 | At the gate with time to spare |
Source for airport guidance and check-in recommendations: Isavia – Keflavík Airport.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Booking & Timing
- Book your airport transfer at least 48 hours ahead in June–August and over New Year.
- Aim to arrive at KEF 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before non-Schengen flights.
- Double-check whether your flight leaves from KEF (international) and not RKV (domestic) — they are 50 km apart.
Luggage & Transfers
- Flybus and Airport Direct include one large suitcase and one carry-on in the hold; extra bags may cost more.
- If you are moving out of student housing, consider a luggage storage service in central Reykjavík rather than hauling everything to BSÍ at once.
- Keep your passport and boarding pass in a small bag you take on the coach — the hold is not accessible en route.
Money & Payments
- Iceland is nearly cashless. Cards and mobile payments work everywhere, including on buses.
- Prices in this guide are in Icelandic króna (ISK) with USD equivalents for reference; exchange rates fluctuate, so confirm the current fare on the operator's site.
Weather & Safety
FAQs: Reykjavik University to Keflavik International Airport
Is there a train from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport?
No. Iceland has no passenger railway network, so there is no train service of any kind between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport. Any page mentioning a train on this route is incorrect. The realistic options are bus, taxi or rental car.
What is the cheapest way to get from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport?
Strætó route 55 from BSÍ Bus Terminal is the cheapest option at roughly 2,000–2,600 ISK (≈ $15–19 USD) including the local connection from campus. The trade-off is a journey of 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and only a few departures per day.
How long does it take to get from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport?
A taxi or rental car takes 45–55 minutes. Flybus takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes door to door, including the trip from campus to BSÍ. Strætó route 55 takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in total.
Is there a direct bus from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport?
No. There is no direct bus from the university campus itself. You must first reach BSÍ Bus Terminal (about 2.5 km away) or a designated hotel pickup point, and then continue on Flybus, Airport Direct or Strætó route 55.
How much does a taxi cost from Reykjavik University to Keflavik Airport?
Expect roughly 20,000–30,000 ISK (≈ $145–220 USD) for the whole vehicle, depending on time of day and luggage. For a group of three or four people this can work out cheaper per person than buying individual bus tickets.
Can I get to Keflavik Airport very early in the morning or late at night?
Yes, but not with the public bus. Strætó route 55 does not cover most night hours. Flybus operates early-morning and late-night departures timed to flight schedules, and taxis run 24 hours a day. Book either one in advance.
How early should I arrive at Keflavik Airport before my flight?
Arrive at least 2 hours before a flight within the Schengen Area and 3 hours before a flight outside it. In the peak summer months, add another 30 minutes because check-in and security queues are significantly longer.
Should I take Flybus or Airport Direct from the university area?
Flybus is usually the better choice from Reykjavik University because it departs from BSÍ, which is only 2.5 km from campus. Airport Direct relies more on hotel pickups, so unless one of its stops is convenient for you, Flybus is simpler and just as affordable.