Leaving Iceland: Keflavík Airport Departures Guide (When to Arrive, Check-in, Tax-free)

Most international flights from Iceland leave from Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 50 km from Reykjavík. A large share of them depart in an early morning wave towards Europe, which means many travellers leave their hotel at four or five in the morning. Planning that last journey well makes a real difference.

This guide covers when to leave, how long everything takes at the airport, tax-free shopping and the small details that save stress on departure day.

Departure day at a glance

• Drive time Reykjavík to KEF: about 45 to 50 minutes in normal conditions; allow more in winter storms.
• When to be at the airport: we recommend at least 2.5 hours before an international flight, and 3 hours in the busy summer morning wave. Always follow your airline's advice.
• Busiest time: early morning, roughly 5:00 to 8:00, when many flights to Europe depart.
• One terminal: all international flights use the same terminal building, with check-in and bag drop on the departures level.
• Tax-free: keep your tax-free forms and receipts, and do the refund at the airport before you fly.
• Our transfer: Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport costs 20,500 kr per car for 1 to 4 people, any time of day or night.

When should you leave Reykjavík?

Work backwards from your departure time. For a typical European morning flight at 7:30, a comfortable plan looks like this:

1. 7:30 flight departs.
2. 5:00 you arrive at the airport, 2.5 hours before departure.
3. 4:10 pick-up at your hotel in Reykjavík, about 50 minutes on the road with a little margin.
4. 3:45 alarm, coffee and a last check of the room.

In summer the early morning wave is very busy, so add half an hour. In winter, check the road and weather forecast the evening before: wind on the Reykjanes peninsula can slow traffic, and on rare days the road is closed for a short time.

At the airport: step by step

1. Check-in and bag drop

Most airlines at Keflavík use self-service kiosks for check-in and bag tags, followed by a bag drop desk. If you checked in online, go straight to bag drop. Have your passport ready: it is checked for many destinations even if you have a mobile boarding pass.

2. Security

Security is in one central area after check-in. Liquids rules apply, so pack liquids in your checked bag or follow the current limits for hand luggage. Queues can be long in the morning peak; this is where most of your time goes.

3. Passport control

Iceland is in the Schengen area. Flights to other Schengen countries usually need no passport control after security. Flights to the UK, the United States, Canada and other non-Schengen destinations go through passport control on the way to the gate, so allow extra time.

4. Shops, food and the gate

After security you will find the departures hall with duty free shopping, Icelandic design shops, cafés and restaurants. Gates can be a long walk from the main hall, so check the walking time on the screens and do not leave it to the last minute.

Tax-free refunds

Visitors who live outside the EEA can usually claim back part of the VAT on goods bought in Iceland, such as wool sweaters and outdoor clothing. The basics:

• Ask for a tax-free form in the shop when you pay; there is a minimum amount per receipt.
• Keep the goods unused and in a place where you can show them if asked.
• Do the refund at the airport before you leave, following the tax-free signs. Allow extra time in the busy morning wave.
• Rules and minimum amounts can change, so check the details printed on your form.

Duty free: arrivals and departures

Keflavík is one of the few airports with a duty free shop in the arrivals baggage hall as well as in departures. Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, so many travellers buy it when they land. On departure, the duty free shop after security sells the usual mix of drinks, sweets, cosmetics and Icelandic products.

Your last Icelandic krónur

Iceland is almost cashless; cards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere, including taxis and coffee stands. If you have coins and notes left, spend them at the airport or keep them for your next visit. For more on money in Iceland, read our guide to money and tipping.

Afternoon flight? Stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way

The Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from the airport, so on a day with an afternoon or evening flight you can bathe on the way. Book your lagoon entry in advance, keep your luggage in the car or at the lagoon's luggage storage, and allow enough time to reach the airport afterwards. We offer a Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon to Keflavík transfer with time at the lagoon.

4–5 hours · private

Reykjavík → Blue Lagoon → KEF

Reykjavík hotel → Blue Lagoon (3–4 h) → Keflavík Airport

Car

1–4 people

31,500 kr

Van

5–7 people

41,000 kr

Book this tour

Returning a rental car

If you drove yourself, the rental car return areas are near the terminal, and many companies run shuttles from their offices. Allow time to refuel or charge, to photograph the car and to take the shuttle. In the morning wave, add at least 30 minutes to your plan.

Getting to the airport with us

• Fixed price per car, not per person, agreed before you travel
• Economy (Tesla) for 1 to 4 passengers, Van (Mercedes Vito) for 5 to 7, minibus for 8 to 16 on request
• Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and checks your flight before leaving
• 45 minutes of free waiting at the airport
• Pay 20% to book and the rest in the car by card or cash, or pay everything online
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up

We have been driving travellers around Iceland for ten years, and we go everywhere in the country, not only to Reykjavík. Early morning pick-ups are a normal part of our day, all year.

FAQ

How early should I get to Keflavík Airport?

How long does it take from Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport?

What time should I book my transfer for a 7:30 flight?

Is Keflavík Airport busy in the morning?

Can I get a tax-free refund at Keflavík Airport?

Is there duty free when arriving in Iceland?

Do I need passport control when leaving Iceland?

Can I visit the Blue Lagoon on my way to the airport?

Do you pick up at 4 am?