REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport
Book on Viator →Operated by Reykjavik Excursions · Bookable on Viator
KEF transfers can feel like a puzzle. The payoff here is a hotel pickup that lines you up for the Flybus route, plus onboard Wi‑Fi once you’re on the main bus.
What I like most is the value: this is usually a lot cheaper than taxis in Iceland, and it can be a genuinely low-stress way to start or end your trip. The main thing to consider is the two-step transfer (shuttle to BSÍ, then Flybus to KEF), which can get chaotic when schedules bunch up.
In This Review
- Key Points I’d Focus On Before You Go
- Hotel Pickup to BSÍ: The Part That Sets Your Whole Trip Tone
- The Transfer Switch: Small Shuttle to BSÍ, Then Flybus to KEF
- Boarding the Flybus: What’s Actually Helpful in the Moment
- Ride Time to Keflavík Airport (KEF): Comfort Meets the Real Iceland Drive
- Arrival at KEF: Where You Get Off and How to Roll to Check-In
- Price and Value: Why This Beats Taxi Pricing in Iceland
- Timing Tips That Prevent the Common Headaches
- Who This Transfer Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Backup Plan)
- Should You Book This KEF Airport Transfer?
- FAQ
- How early is pickup before the departure time?
- Do I need to print my ticket or confirmation?
- Is there Wi‑Fi on the Flybus?
- What is the route like from Reykjavik to KEF Airport?
- Where does the service drop off at KEF?
- How much does it cost and how long does it take?
- Is free cancellation available?
- Are service animals allowed?
- How many people can be on the bus at once?
Key Points I’d Focus On Before You Go

- Hotel pickup starts 30 minutes before departure so you can plan around your flight and your own room-key chaos.
- Two buses, one trip: a smaller shuttle to BSÍ, then the Flybus coach onward to KEF.
- Mobile ticket goes straight to the driver with no need to print anything.
- Wi‑Fi onboard on the Flybus makes the 1 hour-plus ride easier to handle.
- On-time and comfy wins: clean coaches, comfortable seats, and drivers who help with directions and bags.
- Crowds and luggage matter at BSÍ: seats and baggage space can be tight when lots of people connect.
Hotel Pickup to BSÍ: The Part That Sets Your Whole Trip Tone

This transfer starts with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel (or a designated pickup point near it). You choose your departure time based on your flight schedule, and pickup begins 30 minutes before the time shown for departure.
This is the first reason people like the service: you’re not dragging luggage across Reykjavik while you’re half-awake and half-freezing. The buses are also clearly marked with the Flybus logo, which helps when the weather is doing its best impression of a washing machine.
The other big win is simplicity at the front end. You show the driver your booking confirmation (no printout required). That small detail saves you from the classic travel moment: standing in the cold, holding a phone that’s at 3% battery, searching for a PDF you swear you downloaded.
One caution: the pickup process depends on you being at the right place. If you arrive late or stand at the wrong end of the street, you can lose time fast. Iceland is friendly, but it is not slow.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik
The Transfer Switch: Small Shuttle to BSÍ, Then Flybus to KEF
Here’s the setup that’s easy to miss if you only read the headline. You typically ride a smaller shuttle to the main Reykjavik bus terminal at BSÍ, then you transfer to the Flybus coach that goes onward to KEF.
For many people, this is a fair trade. It means the first hop can come closer to your hotel, then the main coach takes over for the airport run. For others, it’s the source of stress. BSÍ can be busy, and you’ll be dealing with luggage, seat assignments, and people moving quickly.
So I’d treat the BSÍ portion like a mini mission. Keep your booking info handy. Watch for the Flybus sign and follow staff directions once you get there. If you’re traveling as a family or with heavy bags, give yourself extra slack—this part is where delays become noticeable even if the road ride itself is smooth.
Also, be prepared for the reality of bus logistics. There are seat and luggage limits, and on packed days, not everyone gets the exact outcome they hoped for. If your goal is maximum certainty with minimal fuss, pack lighter than you think you need. You’ll thank yourself at the terminal.
Boarding the Flybus: What’s Actually Helpful in the Moment

Once you reach the Flybus side of the transfer, boarding is where the experience either feels easy or turns into a crowd story. The best-case version is fast: the Flybus departs on time from the terminal, you find a seat, and then you connect to the Wi‑Fi onboard.
Most people love that this part is straightforward. Show confirmation to the driver, board when the bus arrives, and settle in. The ride tends to be comfortable, with clean, comfortable coaches and seating that works for longer airport days.
But there are two practical things to keep in mind:
- Arrive early at the pickup point. If your bus is 5 to 15 minutes off, the schedule will still move. The transfer windows don’t pause for anyone’s surprise.
- Don’t assume seat availability for every scenario. If you’re carrying bulkier luggage, plan to keep it organized so it can fit where the crew expects.
If you want a simple mindset: treat boarding like a short sprint, not a long sit-and-wait.
Ride Time to Keflavík Airport (KEF): Comfort Meets the Real Iceland Drive

The ride from Reykjavik toward KEF is listed at about 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.). In practice, road conditions can change your timing, but this is still a fairly direct path compared with many airport options.
The coach portion is where you get the most peace of mind. People consistently describe the journey as on time and the ride as smooth. You’re also not trapped in the stress of finding your own way through parking lots and terminal terminals.
What matters most for you on this leg is comfort and distraction. The coaches are described as clean, seats are comfortable, and Wi‑Fi works once you’re onboard. On a rainy or windy day, that’s not a luxury. It’s how you keep energy for check-in, security, and the first meal that won’t be airline food.
Arrival at KEF: Where You Get Off and How to Roll to Check-In

When the Flybus arrives, you exit at the designated departures area for Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you’ll take your luggage into the terminal.
This part is usually simple because the bus is designed for this job: you don’t arrive at some random curb. You get to the departures area, then you walk in with your stuff like a normal person who still has all their documents.
One detail worth respecting: don’t plan your check-in timeline right up to the edge of boarding time. Even when buses run well, you’ll still have the normal KEF rhythm—luggage, lines, and any last-minute security surprises.
Also, if your flight is very early or you’re connecting from another segment, build in a buffer for the BSÍ transfer and boarding crowd. The drive is often predictable. The handoff is where unpredictability shows up.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik
Price and Value: Why This Beats Taxi Pricing in Iceland

At $45 per person, this is priced as an economical airport transfer. That matters in Iceland, where taxis can feel like they’re priced for people carrying a suitcase made of gold.
What makes this value work is the combination of:
- Door-near pickup from Reykjavik hotels or designated points
- A main coach ride that’s built for airport travel
- Practical perks like Wi‑Fi and comfortable seating
Is it the cheapest option out there? Maybe, depending on what you already plan to do. But for a lot of travelers, this cost feels justified because it saves time, reduces friction, and lowers the risk of missing your flight due to navigation or timing mistakes.
A good rule of thumb: if you’re traveling with luggage and you’re not in the mood to problem-solve public transit at 5:00 a.m., this is often the better deal.
Timing Tips That Prevent the Common Headaches

The biggest recurring theme in the experience is not the road. It’s timing at the start and timing at the transfer.
Here’s how I’d handle it:
- Be at your pickup point early, not exactly at pickup time. Pickup starts 30 minutes before, and that doesn’t mean the bus waits forever.
- If you’re using Google Maps to find your nearest stop, do it the day before. People get turned around by stop numbering and street angles when the weather is bad.
- If your ticket time seems different from the readiness time, read it twice. One mismatch can make you stand at the wrong place at the wrong moment.
Weather is also a factor. The experience notes it requires good weather. If weather gets rough, you might be offered a different date or a full refund—so keep an eye on your confirmation details.
Finally, travel light if you can. At BSÍ, luggage volume is the difference between sitting calmly and moving bags while you’re trying not to tread on someone else’s winter boots.
Who This Transfer Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Backup Plan)

This service fits best if you want:
- an easy start and finish to your Iceland trip
- a practical option for airport access without taxi stress
- clear bus branding (Flybus logo) and a mobile ticket
It also works well for solo travelers. Many people call it a good value when they want reliability and comfort without paying for a private ride.
Where it might not fit as well is if you’re extremely time-sensitive and can’t handle any transfer stress. The two-step process (shuttle to BSÍ, then Flybus to KEF) means you’re relying on two moving parts on the way out of town.
If that’s you, build extra buffer time. Keep your booking info ready. And consider making sure you’re not depending on a last-second miracle at BSÍ.
Should You Book This KEF Airport Transfer?
If you want a cost-effective, comfortable, and mostly straightforward way to get from Reykjavik to KEF, I think this is worth booking. The best experiences come from people who show up early, keep their confirmation accessible on their phone, and plan for the BSÍ handoff like it’s part of the ride.
I’d skip or add caution if you’re the type who hates crowds or you’re traveling with bulky luggage and tight connections. In those cases, the bus can still be a good value—you just want more time in your schedule and a lighter bag plan.
If you do book, you’ll probably have a much better day by treating the shuttle + BSÍ transfer as the main event, not the drive. The rest is just Iceland roads and an airport drop-off.
FAQ
How early is pickup before the departure time?
Pickup starts 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. You should be ready at your designated pickup location at that time.
Do I need to print my ticket or confirmation?
No. You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and you can show the driver your booking confirmation on your mobile device.
Is there Wi‑Fi on the Flybus?
Yes. When you board the Flybus at the terminal, you can connect to the onboard Wi‑Fi.
What is the route like from Reykjavik to KEF Airport?
You’re picked up near your Reykjavik hotel, then taken on a smaller shuttle to BSÍ bus terminal for a transfer. After that, you board the Flybus coach to Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
Where does the service drop off at KEF?
The Flybus arrives at the designated area for departures. From there, you exit the bus and proceed into the airport terminal with your luggage.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The price is $45.00 per person, and the duration is about 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.).
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. Service animals are allowed.
How many people can be on the bus at once?
The maximum is 53 travelers for this activity.


































