Layover guides
Reykjavik layover guide
A short layover of a few hours can easily include a quick trip into Reykjavik, where you can see the colourful houses of the old harbour and the striking Hallgrímskirkja tower. The city centre is only about 45 minutes away by shuttle bus.
KEF · Keflavík International Airport
37 km to the centre
Fastest way into the city: about 40 min
Leave the airport with at least 5 hours
How long is your layover?
6 hours is too short to leave the airport
Passport control, the trip into the city and the way back would leave less than 2 hours. Stay at the airport and rest.
If you stay, you can relax in the comfortable lounges, browse the duty‑free shop, or grab a coffee at the airport café; a short walk brings you to the small art exhibition near Gate A.
About 3 hours in the city
Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
Flybus Airport Shuttle → BSÍ Bus Terminal (city centre) · about 45 min-
1
about 1 hourReykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Modern art museum housed in a historic harbor building, offering rotating Icelandic exhibitions.
0.9 km-
2
about 1 hour
National Museum of Iceland
Iceland’s history displayed in chronological exhibits, located on Suðurgata in the city centre.
- Back to the airport · about 40 min
Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Open this layover as a plan About 7 hours in the city
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Flybus Airport Shuttle → BSÍ Bus Terminal (city centre) · about 45 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Modern art museum housed in a historic harbor building, offering rotating Icelandic exhibitions.
- 0.9 km
-
2
about 1 hour
National Museum of Iceland
Iceland’s history displayed in chronological exhibits, located on Suðurgata in the city centre.
- 1 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Hallgrímskirkja
A landmark church with a tower offering city views, situated at Hallgrímstorg.
- 2.2 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Geothermal beach with warm water, plus locker rooms and showers on Nauthólsvegur.
- Back to the airport · about 40 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
A night in the city and a full day of sightseeing
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Flybus Airport Shuttle → BSÍ Bus Terminal (city centre) · about 45 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Modern art museum housed in a historic harbor building, offering rotating Icelandic exhibitions.
- 0.9 km
-
2
about 1 hour
National Museum of Iceland
Iceland’s history displayed in chronological exhibits, located on Suðurgata in the city centre.
- 1 km
A night in the city-
3
about 1 hour
Hallgrímskirkja
A landmark church with a tower offering city views, situated at Hallgrímstorg.
- 2.2 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Geothermal beach with warm water, plus locker rooms and showers on Nauthólsvegur.
- Back to the airport · about 40 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Times are estimates. Visa rules depend on your nationality: check official sources and your airline before you leave the airport.
Getting into the city
Flybus Airport Shuttle
→ BSÍ Bus Terminal (city centre) · about 45 min
Runs every 15‑30 min, tickets bought online or at the airport kiosk
Airport Express (Reykjavík Excursions)
→ BSÍ Bus Terminal · about 45 min
Every 30 min, pay with card on board
Airport Taxi
→ City centre · about 40 min
Available 24 h, pay by card or cash, book at the desk
Good to know
Leaving the airport
You must clear passport control before leaving the airport; visa requirements depend on your nationality and should be confirmed with official sources.
Left luggage
Left‑luggage lockers are available in the arrivals hall for a small fee.
If you stay at the airport
If you stay, you can relax in the comfortable lounges, browse the duty‑free shop, or grab a coffee at the airport café; a short walk brings you to the small art exhibition near Gate A.
A quick bite
Try a quick skyr snack from the kiosk near the arrivals hall, Iceland’s creamy dairy specialty.
Written with AI using Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Check details before you travel. Wikivoyage: Reykjavík
Layover tips
Buy a single‑ride bus ticket from the driver or via the 'Strætó' app
Allow extra time in winter as roads can be icy
Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas
Questions about a layover in Reykjavik
How long should I stay in the airport before my next flight?
Arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before departure for international flights.
Can I store my carry‑on luggage at the airport?
Yes, there are coin‑operated lockers in the arrivals area.
Is Wi‑Fi free at the airport?
Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminal; you may need to register with your email.
Do I need a separate ticket to go into Reykjavik?
No, the same bus ticket you buy for the shuttle also covers travel within the city centre.
See the city guide and ready-made day-by-day plans, or let Triptime AI plan your days.
Plan 3 days in Reykjavik