Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Guide (KEF)

(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / September 2025)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I saw a completely bizarre scene: a security guard pacing up and down angrily and rudely telling people to sit up, barking, ‘this isn’t a hotel! Hey! Get up!’ – sleeplessinseattle

KEF Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport (code: KEF).

What to Expect

Keflavik Airport consists of a single terminal with two buildings: South Building (main passenger hub) and North Building (additional gates). Keflavik is modern and compact, with standard amenities. You’ll find a few (pricey) eateries and shops, and a general store is open 24 hours in the landside (public) area. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are currently no lounges that economy-class passengers can pay to use.

Sleeping in Keflavik airport

Sleeping in Keflavik Airport is generally easier after security, where recent travellers report armrest-free seating, padded benches and some couch-like seats in quieter areas. Overnight security checks do happen, so keep your boarding pass handy; before security, sleeping is less predictable and travellers have sometimes been told not to lie on the floor. The terminal can also get surprisingly cold, even in summer, so bring an extra layer. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in Keflavik Airport. or read the latest traveller reviews.

If you want to take a pass on sleeping in the airport overnight, there is a hotel located within a 2-minute walk from the main terminal. Several other nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones; but informal spots with recliner chairs can be found scattered around the airside near the windows.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

Airport Hotels

Quick Facts

Nearest Hotel: On airport grounds
Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
Day Rooms: No
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When sleeping in a chair or on the floor feels unappealing, there are a few hotel options nearby. There is no transit hotel inside the terminal, but one hotel sits directly on airport grounds, and several others are within a short drive. Some hotels offer airport transfers, either free or paid.

More hotel options are available in Reykjavík, but staying there requires a bus ride into the city, which may not be practical for short overnight stays or early departures.

Airport Hotel Aurora
(0.2 mi / 0.3 km) Mid-range hotel. Three-minute walk to the terminal.

Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
(1.2 mi / 1.9 km) Mid-range hotel. Airport drop-off is available for Marriott Bonvoy members.

Flyers Hotel
(2.0 mi / 3.2 km) Budget hotel.

Konvin Hotel by Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
(2.2 mi / 3.5 km) Budget hotel.

Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport
(2.3 mi / 3.7 km) Mid-range hotel.

Hotel Keflavik
(2.4 mi / 3.9 km) Upscale hotel. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.

Hotel Berg
(2.2 mi / 3.5 km) Upscale hotel. Free airport drop-off available. The hotel confirms this is a drop-off service rather than a two-way shuttle.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

At the time of this update, pay-per-use lounges were not available. If this information is incorrect, click here to update this airport guide.

Airline Lounges

Icelandair has a very nice-looking lounge called the “Saga Lounge” that features padded rest loungers and showers. However, the lounge is only accessible to Icelandair Saga Class and Economy Comfort flyers, Saga Gold and Silver members, as well as certain American Express, Mastercard, Alaska Airlines and Lufthansa Elite/Gold Status flyers. Location: Airside, North Building, near Gate D20.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate according to flight schedules. There are no confirmed 24-hour restaurants. The 10/11 Convenience Shop (landside, Arrivals/Departures area) is open 24 hours and is the most reliable option overnight for snacks, drinks, and basic food items.

Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available airside near restrooms. On the landside, tap water is generally considered safe and high quality, based on traveller reports at the time of this update.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Store your luggage at the airport, with rates at ISK 1,500/$11 USD (small bag), ISK 2,000/$15 USD (large bag) for 24 hours. Maximum storage time is three days. Twenty-six lockers are available. Rates are also available for odd-sized items (bicycles, instruments, etc.). Location: 500m from the Departure side of the terminal, located between Enterprise and Avis car rentals. You can take the car rental bus, which departs every 15 minutes. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB charging points are widely available throughout the terminal, with numerous shared charging stations.

Showers

A traveller reported access to a shower in a family room near the D gates (August 2022). Another shower is available inside the Icelandair Saga Lounge. See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi / Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Keflavik Airport. Connect to the “Kefairport-FreeWifi” network and log in to access. No registration required!

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside. Several machines in the departure hall dispense multiple currencies. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s withdrawal limits and international fees before travelling.
Currency Exchange – Arion Bank offers currency exchange services in the arrivals and departures areas. Service is reported to be available 24 hours.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a small selection of Icelandic brands and specialty shops, including 66°North, Blue Lagoon, Elko, Optical Studio, Penninn Eymundsson, and Rammagerðin Iceland Gift Store. Opening hours generally follow flight schedules.

Family Services – The following family-friendly facilities are available:
Children’s Play Area – A small play area is available in the South Building (near Gate C).
Family Washrooms – Family restrooms are located on the second level.
Strollers – Strollers are available for use throughout the terminal at no charge.

Information Desk – An Information Desk is available landside near Exit E. Additional information points are located throughout the terminal, though staffing may vary.
SIM Cards – A reader reports that tax-free Nova SIM cards are sold in the duty-free area near baggage claim in the arrivals hall (August 2022).
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas, including one located beside the restrooms in the departure hall.

Related Pages: Things to do at Keflavik Airport

Layover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Keflavik Airport Layover Sightseeing guide.

Airlines

Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Baltic • Air Canada • Air Greenland • Atlantic Airways • Austrian Airlines • British Airways • Czech Airlines • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • Edelweiss • Eurowings • Finnair • Iberia Express • Icelandair • Jet2.com • Lufthansa • Neos • Norwegian • Play • SAS • Transavia • United Airlines • Vueling • Wizz Air.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Flybus is located just outside the terminal. The bus leaves 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight; however, it is advised that passengers check the terminal screens for actual bus departure times or talk with customer service at the Flybus information desk in the arrival hall. Flybus will also connect you from your hotel back to the airport. Just make a request at your hotel the day before departure.

Airport Direct provides transfer services to the city centre, including hotel drop-offs/pick-ups. The service operates 24 hours a day. Coach service or premium service to a maximum of eight passengers is available. For rates and more information, visit the Airport Direct website.

Local Bus No. 55 connects the airport to the city center; for more information regarding schedules, the route and fare rates, visit the Straeto website.

Car Rentals

The following companies have car rental companies on-site: Avis • Budget • Hertz • Europcar.

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside the terminal.

Last updated: 2026-01-12

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.

Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Guide