If you have found yourself with a layover at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, you may now be wondering what to do with your time….besides sleep! While options are a bit limited, you should be fine for a short visit.
Here are 5 things to do on a layover at Keflavik Airport:
1. Eat
Your flight may land, and you may be starving – but you should set your expectations accordingly. For an international airport, the dining here is lacking. Expect a food hall, a Joe and the Juice to-go kiosk, a cafe, a bar, and a sit-down restaurant serving Scandinavian fare. What is here may feel even pricier than airport prices elsewhere – it is. Nothing inside Security stays open overnight, but a general store pre-Security remains open 24 hours a day.
2. Shop
Take the time to browse – there are just a few shops. Blue Lagoon offers skincare inspired by the nearby natural springs, Rammagerdin is the quintessential place for local souvenirs, and 66 North has all the cold-weather gear you’ll need, depending on your final destination. The Duty-Free shops are worth a peek, and if you’re spending a few days in Iceland, you can shop here before heading into the real world, where the prices are even higher.
3. Go sightseeing
If you’ve got at least 8 hours between flights, consider heading into Reykjavik for some exploring. Or, skip the city and visit the nearby Blue Lagoon, the most famous geothermal spa in the country.
The bus is the most affordable option, though you may want to book it in advance, as the buses depart 30-45 minutes after each arriving flight. Otherwise, taxis are available but quite pricey. There is luggage storage if you want to travel lightly on your day trip.
This tiny capital was built for strolling, so dress for the weather, which ranges from chilly to windy and cold. Don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic church offering sweeping landscape views. Snap a picture at Harpa Concert Hall. The dramatic bay is the perfect backdrop for this modern structure. Pop into the National Gallery of Iceland for some history, or browse the art at Reykjavik Art Museum. Sample local fare like fermented shark – or for the faint-hearted, ask a local for their favourite coffee recommendation.
Don’t forget to hightail it back to the airport in time for your next flight!
4. WiFi
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet courtesy of the airport’s free unlimited WiFi.
5. Sleep
Unfortunately, sleeping here is a bit of a risk: many signs note that sleeping and camping are prohibited in the terminal’s public area, and the airport evidently has security guards who reinforce this. Once you have passed through security, the situation improves in terms of friendliness, but space is limited as the terminal is overcrowded at certain times of the day. The most comfortable spots are reportedly near Gates 7 and 10-15. The modern airport is full of tiles and glass, so it can get chilly – bring an extra layer, even if you’re skipping the nap. For guaranteed rest, you’ll have to pay up for a hotel. One within walking distance of the airport and three others offering complimentary shuttle service. See our Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Guide for details.
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Keflavik Airport. Visit our Keflavik Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.