The Reykjavik Capital Area from A-Z
Welcome to Iceland! Whether it is your first visit or a long-awaited return, this guide covers the essentials: how to travel from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík, what to see and do in the city, how to get around, and which day trips to include on your itinerary.
Reykjavík travel essentials
- Main international airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
- Distance from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík: Approximately 50 km
- Travel time: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your transfer
- Best ways to reach Reykjavík: Airport bus, taxi, rental car, or public bus
- Best way to explore central Reykjavík: On foot
- Popular day trips: The Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Reykjanes Peninsula
Getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
Keflavík International Airport is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 50 km from Reykjavík city center. The journey usually takes around 45-60 minutes.
Here are the main ways to travel from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík:
Airport buses
Airport transfer services such as Flybus and Airport Direct operate between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík. Depending on the ticket you choose, you can travel to a central bus terminal or connect to selected hotels and designated bus stops.
Booking in advance is a good idea, particularly during busy periods although tickets may also be available when you arrive.
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal 24 hours a day. This is one of the easiest door-to-door options, but it is generally more expensive than travelling by bus.
Rental cars
A rental car gives you the freedom to explore beyond Reykjavík at your own pace. The drive into the city takes you through the otherwordly lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula - a rather dramatic welcome to Iceland.
If you are staying in central Reykjavík and mainly taking organized day tours, you may not need a car during your stay. Explore our car rental options here.
The best things to do in Reykjavík
Reykjavík may be compact but the city fits plenty of art, history, food, music and geothermal bathing into a small space. Many of its best-known attractions are within walking distance of Center Hotels.
Explore Reykjavík's museums and culture
Start with Reykjavík’s most recognisable landmark, Hallgrímskirkja church, before wandering towards colourful Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur.
For Icelandic history, art and nature, visit places such as:
- The National Museum of Iceland
- Reykjavík Art Museum
- The Settlement Exhibition
- Perlan – Wonders of Iceland
- Harpa Concert Hall
Not sure where to begin? Read our guide to five museums in Reykjavík.
Eat and drink like a local
Reykjavík’s food scene ranges from fine dining and creative Nordic cooking to food halls, bakeries and the much-loved Icelandic hot dog.
Try local favorites, explore the cafés around the city center or follow your nose into one of Reykjavík’s excellent bakeries. Coffee and something warm from the oven is practically a survival technique on a breezy Icelandic day.
Discover more in our food guides:
Visit a geothermal pool or spa
Swimming pools are a big part of everyday Icelandic life. For a local experience, visit a public pool such as Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, Vesturbæjarlaug or Laugardalslaug. Most include hot tubs where Reykjavík locals soak, chat and occasionally solve the world’s problems before breakfast.
For a more luxurious geothermal experience, book a visit to Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Both are outside central Reykjavík and advance booking is strongly recommended.
Guests staying at selected Center Hotels can also enjoy our own spa facilities in the heart of Reykjavík.
The best day trips from Reykjavík
Reykjavík makes an excellent base for exploring Iceland. Many of the country’s best-known natural attractions can be visited on an organised day tour, so you can chase waterfalls by day and still be back in the city for dinner.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s classic day trip. The route includes Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
It is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to experience Icelandic history, geothermal activity and dramatic landscapes in one day.
Read our Golden Circle day-trip guide.
The South Coast
A South Coast tour typically includes powerful waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, black-sand beaches and views of glaciers and volcanoes.
This is a longer day trip, but the scenery delivers from start to finish.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often described as “Iceland in miniature”, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula brings together mountains, lava fields, fishing villages, beaches and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano.
Choose this tour if you enjoy varied landscapes, photography and a slightly quieter adventure.
Reykjanes Peninsula
Located between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, the Reykjanes Peninsula is known for rugged coastlines, lava fields and geothermal landscapes.
Conditions in this geologically active region can change, so always check current travel advice and road conditions before setting out.
Whale watching from Reykjavík
Whale-watching tours depart from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, making this one of the easiest nature experiences to add to a city break. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Learn more in our guide to wildlife adventures in Iceland.
Ready to explore? Browse and book day tours from Reykjavík.
Getting around Reykjavík
Central Reykjavík is compact and easy to explore without a car.
Walking
Walking is often the best way to experience the city centre. Laugavegur, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the Old Harbour and many museums, restaurants and shops are all relatively close together.
Remember that Icelandic weather likes to improvise. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a waterproof layer close at hand.
Public buses
Reykjavík’s public bus system is called Strætó. The Klappið app can be used to plan routes, follow buses and purchase tickets. Contactless payment is also available on buses.
Find current ticket and travel information on the Klappið website.
Driving and parking
If you rent a car, pay attention to Reykjavík’s different parking zones, charges and operating hours. Parking rules vary by location, so check nearby signs before leaving the car.
Our guide to parking in Reykjavík makes the whole business much easier.
What to pack for Reykjavík
Icelandic weather can change quickly – sunshine, rain and wind sometimes share the same afternoon.
Pack layers that are easy to add or remove, including:
- A waterproof and windproof outer layer
- Warm base and mid-layers
- Comfortable, water-resistant shoes
- A hat and gloves
- Swimwear for pools, spas and lagoons
- A reusable water bottle
For more tips, read our complete Iceland packing guide.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Reykjavík
How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavík?
Keflavík International Airport is approximately 50 km from Reykjavík city centre. The journey generally takes around 45–60 minutes by car or airport transfer.
Do you need a car in Reykjavík?
No. Central Reykjavík is compact and easy to explore on foot. Public buses, taxis and organised tours can take you farther afield. A rental car is useful if you want to explore Iceland independently.
How many days should you spend in Reykjavík?
Two or three days gives you time to explore Reykjavík’s main attractions, museums, restaurants, pools and nightlife. Add extra days if you want to take day tours from the city.
What are the best day trips from Reykjavík?
The Golden Circle and South Coast are the most popular choices for first-time visitors. Snæfellsnes offers varied scenery, while Reykjanes is ideal for dramatic geothermal landscapes close to the capital.
Is Reykjavík walkable?
Yes. Most of central Reykjavík’s main attractions, shopping streets, restaurants and cultural venues can be reached on foot.
Stay in the heart of Reykjavík
From airport arrival to geothermal pools, local food and unforgettable day tours, Reykjavík is an easy city to make your own.
Stay with us in the city centre and use Reykjavík as your base for the adventure. If you need ideas, directions or help booking a tour, just ask our team. We know the neighborhood – and we are always happy to share it.