Keflavik Layover Guide (KEF)
What are you looking for in KEF?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money
Keflavik Airport (KEF), also known as the Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, is a significant airport in Iceland. It is located 3.1 km ( 1.7 nautical miles) west of Keflavik and 50 km (30 mi) southwest of Reykjavík. The airport was first opened in 1942. Keflavik was famous for being known as home to Iceland’s best musicians. Also, it is home to an incredible selection of attractions and experiences, from its museums to the premier cultural complex.
Can you leave Keflavik Airport (KEF) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to visit Keflavik during a layover. But some travelers will require visa according to their nationality. (more info).
Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing
Iceland Organized Tours
Active Volcano Hike and Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Hike up to Geldingadalir to observe the mesmerising Fagradalsfjall volcano for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take advantage of the convenience of a pickup service and begin your journey to the Geldingadalur valley. Admire the lunar vistas and geological wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula along the journey. Then start your journey into the bleak surrounding area. Get as close as you can safely to the edge of the ever-growing lava field for a thrilling journey. Admire the awe-inspiring fire fountains and vibrant orange lava rivers. » book this tour
5-Day Golden Circle & More Camping Adventure
Enjoy a 5-day/4-night camping journey that brings you to some of the most beloved locations, or náttruperlur / natural pearls, as they like to call them. You’ll learn and experience so much more when you tour the Reykjanes peninsula, Snaefellsnes, Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Skaftafell, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with an experienced guide by your side. » book this tour
Olcano Eruption Site Hike and Geothermal Tour
On this day trip from Reykjavik, explore the Geldingadalur Valley and its volcanic vistas. Travel to Fagradalsfjall Volcano by bus and join a guided hike to witness the lava pouring. Lake Kleifarvatn, Valhnkamöl Boulder Ridge, and the Gunnuhver Hot Springs are all great places to photograph. Begin with a pickup in Reykjavik before embarking on a lovely trip with breathtaking scenery. Take in the black sand beach and surrounding mountains at Lake Kleifarvatn. Put on your best hiking shoes and head to Geldingadalur Valley to witness live volcanic activity from the Fagradalsfjall Volcano. » book this tour
Iceland Things to do / Sightseeing
The Gaintness in the Mountain
The Giantess in the Mountain is a large art piece based on a children’s book by Icelandic author Herdis Egilsdottir. A trail leading here can be found right adjacent to Keflavik Harbour. This is a fun activity to do in which you can spend 15-30 minutes watching and listening to a sleeping, snoring, and farting Giantess. Everything is enormous, which offers you something to do. It is well worth a visit, especially if you are with children.
Time required: 2 to 3 hours.
Airport to here: 5 minutes via Private transport.
Viking World
The Viking Ship spending can be found at Viking World (the Icelander). Icelander was built in 1996 as an identical duplicate of the legendary Gokstad ship, a spectacular archaeological find of an almost undamaged Viking ship discovered in Norway in 1882. Viking World also serves as the home of the Smithsonian Institution’s Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga millennium display. The Norse settlement and explorations of undiscovered areas are explored in this exhibition.
Time required: 3 to 4 hours.
Airport to here: 8 minutes via Private transport.
Reykjanes Art Museum
The Duus Museum is Keflavik’s most important cultural complex, with a smattering of facilities around the town’s shoreline. The Reykjanes Art Museum is one of them, a wonderful gallery that houses some of the region’s finest masterpieces. The minimalistic hall with hardwood floors and perfectly organized sloping walls will wow you upon arrival. Colorful paintings hang on them, which are accentuated by the warm lighting inside the facility. These gorgeous pieces were created by local and national artists and depict life in Iceland and other related themes. Take your time looking at these paintings and marveling at each brushstroke.
Time required: 2 to 3 hours.
Airport to here: 5 minutes via Private transport.
Anchor Statue
The Anchor Statue, located near the Duus Museum complex, is another popular beach site in Keflavik. This sculpture is dedicated to the sailors who perished at sea, tragedies that Icelanders are all too familiar with. Views of the bay and the ocean are available while you’re here. These rock sculptures, which appear to be silently staring at the distant seas, are abstract portrayals of Keflavik residents. It’s a memorial garden with a little piece of grass, benches, and a massive anchor in the middle.
Time required: 1 to 2 hours.
Airport to here: 4 minutes via Private transport.
Fishing Pier
You can expect various beachfront attractions during your vacation to Keflavik because it is located next to the northern Atlantic Ocean. These locations may not be as flashy as those in major towns, but they have a simple charm enhanced by Iceland’s untamed surroundings. The local fishing pier in Keflavik, which also functions as a park, is one of these attractions. It’s on a little spit of land that juts out into the sea, making it accessible to anglers and the Coast Guard. You’ll have unobstructed views of the neighboring coastlines, including the villages of Njardvik and Vogar, from the pier.
Time required: 2 to 3 hours.
Airport to here: 7 minutes via Private transport.
Svarta Pakkhúsið Gallery
The interesting Svarta Pakkhsi Gallery is located near the Anchor Statue Park. However, this isn’t the typical gallery that most people envision; instead, it’s more like a store. It’s one of the greatest sites to find excellent souvenirs for your Iceland trip. Beautiful products handcrafted by Keflavik’s experienced artisans can be found on the shelves and tables. Clay and glass sculptures, elegantly designed clothing, handcrafted jewelry, home decor items, and more are among them.
Time required: 3 hours to Half day.
Airport to here: 4 minutes via Private transport.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
It’s impossible to visit Iceland without seeing its famous geothermal springs.The picturesque Gunnuhver Hot Springs, located less than 30 minutes south of Keflavik, is one of them. The steaming vents, mud pools, and the hot springs are all markers of volcanic activity in this active geothermal area. However, unlike the others in Iceland, this one is unsuitable for human consumption. If you ever fell into the vents, you’d die fiery.
Time required: 2 to 3 hours.
Airport to here: 26 minutes via Private transport.
Valahnúkamöl
Valahnkamöl is the best representation of Iceland’s rugged and gorgeous environment. Located on the island’s southwesternmost tip. As a result, the 420-meter-long shoreline is often battered by storms and waves from the Atlantic. The result is a rocky beach with spherical stones formed by erosion and weathering. Looming cliffs stand sentinels, keeping an eye out for approaching storms or seafarers. These qualities combine to create a frightening seascape that most people prefer to view from a distance. On the other hand, many landscape photographers travel to Valahnkamöl to capture magnificent images that will undoubtedly be featured in their portfolios.
Time required: 2 to 3 hours.
Airport to here: 17 minutes via Private transport.
Things to Do in Keflavik Airport (KEF)
Relaxing and Sleeping
Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are lounges at the Keflavik Airport (KEF). Icelandair has a very nice looking lounge in the main terminal called the “Saga Lounge” that features padded rest loungers and showers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online
Hotel and Sleeping
"Airport Hotel Aurora", "Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport", "Hotel Keflavik", "Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport" are available near the Keflavik Airport (KEF). » view all or book an airport hotel online
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Recliner chairs can be found scattered Airside near the windows.
WIFI/Internet and SIM Card
WIFI/Internet: Unlimited free WiFi is available at Keflavik airport. Connect to the “Kefairport-FreeWifi” network and log in to access.
SIM/eSIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell siminn SIM cards. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Keflavik Airport (KEF) sim/eSim page.
Transportation to/from airport
Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal of the Keflavik Airport.
Train: There is no train service available.
Bus: Flybus is located just outside KEF airport. The bus leaves 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. (more info).
Shuttle: Various companies such as "BB Hotel Keflavik Airport", "Hotel Berg", "Hotel Keiler", and "Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport" are offering the shuttle services.
Car rentals: "Avis", "Budget", "Hertz" and "Europcar/Bilaleiga Akureyrar" are the car rental services at the Keflavik Airport. » view available cars or rent a car now online
Parking: A parking area is available near the Keflavik Airport (KEF).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Storage Luggage service is available at 500m from the Departure side of the terminal, located between Enterprise and Avis car rentals. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).