REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavik and Reykjavik Hotels
Book on Viator →Operated by Reykjavik Excursions · Bookable on Viator
Keflavík to Reykjavík, without the hassle. This transfer is built for real arrival-day needs: you get picked up near Keflavík Airport (KEF), then you move into Reykjavík with clear steps and on-board extras. It’s interesting because the service is designed around flight timing, so it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck waiting hours after landing.
I especially like the right-outside pickup at the airport and the way the process connects into Reykjavík’s bus system at BSÍ Bus Terminal. Two things I really appreciate are the free WiFi on board (handy for maps and sharing photos) and the USB charger ports in every seat. One thing to consider: your hotel drop-off can be a short walk away if your stop is the nearest bus stop, since you may switch from one bus to a smaller one at BSÍ.
In This Review
- Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go
- How the Keflavík Pickup Works at KEF Airport (service desk, buses outside, and mobile tickets)
- The On-Board Perks: WiFi, USB Chargers, and Why That Matters on Arrival Day
- Reykjavík Drop-Off at BSÍ Bus Terminal: The Two-Step Transfer You Should Plan For
- Timing Built Around Flights: What the 45-Minute Rule Feels Like in Real Life
- Price and Value: Why Around $40 Makes Sense for Keflavík Transfers
- Comfort, Cleanliness, and the Driver Moment (what to watch for)
- Tips That Make the Whole Transfer Feel Easy
- Who This Transfer Is Best For (and who might want something else)
- Should You Book This Keflavík Airport Transfer?
- FAQ
- Where do I get picked up at Keflavík Airport?
- How long does the transfer take?
- When does the bus depart after my flight lands?
- Is WiFi available during the ride?
- Are there USB chargers on the bus?
- How does the drop-off work in Reykjavík?
- Do I need food or drinks during the transfer?
- Can I use a mobile ticket?
- Is it refundable if plans change?
Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

- Flight-timed departures: the main bus is scheduled about 45 minutes after each incoming flight.
- Airport desk is visible: once you exit arrivals, the service desk is right there and buses sit outside.
- Color-coded shuttles in Reykjavík: your final drop-off bus matches the color on your ticket.
- On-board comfort tech: free WiFi plus USB chargers in every seat.
- Drop-off happens at BSÍ first: you’ll exit the Flybus and then board a smaller bus for your area.
- Carbon neutral transfer option: done in cooperation with Vaxa Technologies.
How the Keflavík Pickup Works at KEF Airport (service desk, buses outside, and mobile tickets)

This transfer is simple by design. At Keflavík International Airport (KEF), you exit the arrivals hall and can find the service desk quickly, because the buses are located right outside. If you already have your ticket on your phone (or printed), you can head straight out to the bus area instead of hunting around.
What makes this worth your time is how it reduces the typical airport stress: you’re not trying to decode which shuttle is yours while your bags are rolling. The service also monitors incoming flights, so the departure isn’t random. It’s set up so you’re moving to Reykjavík soon after your flight lands.
There’s also a staff presence on site, both at the airport setup and again when you arrive at BSÍ Bus Terminal. That matters if you land jet-lagged, or if your hotel isn’t listed exactly and you need the “closest bus stop” approach.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik
The On-Board Perks: WiFi, USB Chargers, and Why That Matters on Arrival Day
The bus comes with the kind of small comforts that save you from the usual travel scramble. Every seat has USB charger ports, and the bus includes free WiFi. That means you can charge your phone for navigation, keep your reservation details handy, and still have connectivity to check weather, bus stop locations, or your next bookings.
I also like how the WiFi fits the vibe of Iceland travel. You’re landing, you’re tired, and you want your first photos sent or your route planned without hunting for a signal. Even if you’re not using it constantly, it’s a nice safety net.
And since the transfer is about 45 minutes of driving to Reykjavík city areas, WiFi and charging aren’t just extras. They make that first stretch feel less like waiting and more like momentum.
Reykjavík Drop-Off at BSÍ Bus Terminal: The Two-Step Transfer You Should Plan For

Here’s the biggest practical detail: this service uses a two-step approach once you reach Reykjavík. The main portion brings you to BSÍ Bus Terminal, where you exit the Flybus. Then you board a smaller drop-off bus for your specific area.
The good news is that the smaller bus is clearly marked. It matches the same color as your ticket received at KEF Airport, and staff on site will assist if you get stuck. That color-coding system is meant to prevent the classic “which line is mine?” problem.
The trade-off is that a bus change can feel like a hassle with heavy luggage, especially in a busy terminal. Some people end up walking a bit to reach their exact hotel because the drop-off may be at the nearest bus stop rather than the hotel door. If you’re traveling with mobility constraints or very bulky bags, plan for that possibility and consider where the walk is from your assigned stop.
Timing Built Around Flights: What the 45-Minute Rule Feels Like in Real Life

The transfer is scheduled around arrivals, not around you standing with your thumb out. For KEF to Reykjavík, the scheduled departure is about 45 minutes after an incoming flight. So instead of “one departure per hour no matter what,” it adapts to the flight wave.
For you, that typically means fewer long waits after landing. Iceland’s airport operations are efficient, but weather and flight schedules can still shift. This design helps smooth out the most annoying part of arrival logistics: not knowing when your ground transport will actually leave.
It also helps with planning your first evening. If you’re landing with a tight itinerary, you’ll have a clearer sense of how quickly you’ll be in the Reykjavík area. You can still be flexible, but the timing rhythm reduces guesswork.
Price and Value: Why Around $40 Makes Sense for Keflavík Transfers

At $40 per person, this transfer sits in the “often cheaper than taxi” category, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a small group. The price can feel reasonable because you’re not paying for a private door-to-door service. Instead, you’re paying for a dependable system: airport pickup, a main bus ride into the city area, and then a final drop-off via the colored shuttle.
You’re also getting a bundle of “hidden-value” perks:
- WiFi on board so you can navigate and stay in touch
- USB charging so you’re not stuck at low battery levels
- A service that coordinates with flights so you don’t linger after landing
Food and drinks are not included, so don’t budget “free snack time” into the trip. But the transfer itself is short enough that you can treat it like transportation, not an experience meal.
One caution on value: if you end up with a longer walk from your stop to your hotel, your “deal” can shrink a bit. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth checking your hotel’s nearest bus stop on your booking details so you’re not surprised.
Comfort, Cleanliness, and the Driver Moment (what to watch for)

Most of the service experience is about the basics working as promised: the bus is where it should be, staff are on hand, and the connection at BSÍ is clear. People commonly describe the buses as clean and the rides as comfortable, which matters when you’re carrying luggage and stepping off a long flight.
That said, ground transfers are people + timing + a busy terminal. You might encounter situations where staff are a bit curt, or where instructions need you to ask twice. If that happens, it’s usually not about the bus ride itself—it’s about the explanation around the bus change.
Also keep your eyes open for the right vehicle match at BSÍ. Since the system depends on the color-coded shuttle, don’t walk away once you’ve confirmed your ticket color. If you’re unsure, step back and ask. The cost of asking once is way less than the cost of ending up at the wrong area.
Tips That Make the Whole Transfer Feel Easy

You’ll get the best experience if you do a little prep before you land:
- Have your mobile ticket ready before you exit arrivals. If your phone screen is dead, find a quick power option or keep the printed backup.
- Know your hotel’s stop situation. This service may drop you at a nearby bus stop, not a hotel front door.
- At BSÍ, plan on exiting the Flybus and transferring. Don’t treat it like the final step.
- Watch for the color-coded shuttle cue. The smaller bus is marked with the same color as your ticket.
- Keep your questions simple. If you need help, ask where the matching color shuttle boards for your drop-off area.
If you’re early in the morning, you’ll still be fine—just expect that your brain might be in “landing mode.” Let the process do the work. The system is set up to guide you, and staff are available to help you connect to the right bus.
Who This Transfer Is Best For (and who might want something else)

This is a great fit if you want a straightforward way to get between KEF and central Reykjavík without renting a car. It’s especially good for:
- First-timers who want an easy entry into Reykjavík’s transport network
- Budget-conscious travelers comparing against taxis
- People who like having WiFi and USB charging during the ride
- Solo travelers and couples staying in Reykjavík hotels near bus stops
It may be less ideal if:
- You need strict door-to-door service at the hotel entrance
- You have very limited mobility and can’t handle stairs, bus steps, or a short walk from a stop
- You’d rather avoid the bus-change step at BSÍ entirely
If you’re unsure, the decision comes down to how much walking you can handle from your likely bus stop.
Should You Book This Keflavík Airport Transfer?
Book it if you want dependable ground transport with the useful tech of WiFi and USB charging, and you’re comfortable with a two-step arrival flow (Flybus into BSÍ, then the smaller drop-off bus). For the price level around $40, it’s a smart value when you’re comparing it to taxis, especially once you factor in the airport pickup organization.
I’d skip it—or at least rethink it—if your hotel location would likely require a long walk from the drop-off bus stop, or if you can’t handle the logistics of switching buses at a busy terminal.
If your goal is to get to Reykjavík fast, keep your phone charged, and avoid rental-car headaches, this transfer is one of the more practical ways to start your Iceland trip.
FAQ
Where do I get picked up at Keflavík Airport?
You’re picked up at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), and the service desk is visible as soon as you exit the arrivals hall. The buses are located right outside the airport area.
How long does the transfer take?
The transfer is listed at about 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.), which covers the ride to Reykjavík and the connection at BSÍ Bus Terminal.
When does the bus depart after my flight lands?
For KEF to Reykjavík, the bus departs approximately 45 minutes after an incoming flight.
Is WiFi available during the ride?
Yes. The buses include free WiFi on board.
Are there USB chargers on the bus?
Yes. There are USB charger ports in every seat.
How does the drop-off work in Reykjavík?
You go to BSÍ Bus Terminal first, then you exit the Flybus and board a smaller drop-off bus. That smaller bus is marked with the same color as your ticket.
Do I need food or drinks during the transfer?
No food or drinks are included, so you’ll need to plan that separately.
Can I use a mobile ticket?
Yes. This experience uses a mobile ticket, and printed tickets also work if you already have one.
Is it refundable if plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The service also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.





























