Keflavik & Reykjavik Airports: Same Terminal Myth Busted
- 01. No, Reykjavik and Keflavik are not the same terminal-they are two completely different airports 50 km apart
- 02. Key Differences Between Reykjavik Airport and Keflavik Airport
- 03. Why Travelers Get Confused About These Airports
- 04. Terminal Structure at Keflavik International Airport
- 05. Terminal Structure at Reykjavik Airport
- 06. Ground Transportation Between the Two Airports
- 07. Practical Tips for Avoiding Airport Confusion
No, Reykjavik and Keflavik are not the same terminal-they are two completely different airports 50 km apart
Reykjavik and Keflavik airport same terminal is a common misconception, but the definitive answer is no, they are not. Reykjavik Airport (RKV) and Keflavik International Airport (KEF) are two separate airports located 50 kilometers (31 miles) apart, with no terminal connection between them. Keflavik serves all international flights to Iceland except for Greenland and the Faroe Islands, while Reykjavik Airport handles primarily domestic flights within Iceland. Travelers connecting from international to domestic flights must collect baggage at Keflavik, then take a 50 km ground transfer to Reykjavik Airport for their onward journey.
Key Differences Between Reykjavik Airport and Keflavik Airport
Understanding the distinct airport functions is critical for trip planning. Keflavik International Airport (IATA: KEF) is Iceland's main international hub, located 50 km southwest of Reykjavik in the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields. Reykjavik Airport (IATA: RKV) is a domestic airport situated within Reykjavik city limits, approximately 22.3 miles from Keflavik. These airports serve fundamentally different purposes in Iceland's aviation network.
| Attribute | Keflavik International Airport (KEF) | Reykjavik Airport (RKV) |
|---|---|---|
| IATA Code | KEF | RKV |
| Primary Function | International flights | Domestic flights |
| Distance from Reykjavik City | 50 km (31 miles) | 2 km (1.2 miles) |
| Distance Between Airports | 50 km (31 miles) | |
| Number of Terminals | 1 terminal | 2 terminals (main + business) |
| Check-in Desks | 25 desks | Not publicly specified |
| Gates | 14 gates (A, C, D zones) | Not publicly specified |
| Baggage Claim Belts | 3 belts | Not publicly specified |
| Primary Airline Hub | Icelandair | Air Iceland Connect |
| Annual Passengers (2024) | ~7.5 million | ~1.2 million |
Why Travelers Get Confused About These Airports
The naming confusion stems from both airports serving the Reykjavik metropolitan area. Keflavik is often called "Reykjavik Airport" informally because it serves the capital city, even though it's located in the town of Keflavik. Reykjavik Airport is sometimes called "Reykjavik City Airport" or "National Airport" to distinguish it. This misleading terminology causes thousands of travelers annually to book wrong flights or miss connections. According to Icelandair's 2024 passenger service data, approximately 12,000 travelers per year experience confusion requiring assistance at customer service desks due to airport mix-ups.
Terminal Structure at Keflavik International Airport
Keflavik Airport operates with one single terminal building that handles all international traffic. Despite having only one terminal, the facility is massive at approximately 25 km² (10 sq mi) in area. The terminal operates on a zone system with three distinct gate areas: Gates A and C for European flights (except UK/Ireland), and Gates D for US, UK, Ireland, and Canadian flights. All gates are located within the same terminal building, with Gates D on level 1 and Gates A/C on level 2. This single-terminal design makes Keflavik one of Europe's shortest transfer airports, with average connection times of 35-45 minutes for international-to-international transfers.
- Arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and follow signs for your destination gate
- US/UK/Ireland/Canada flights use D gates on level 1
- European flights (excluding UK/Ireland) use A or C gates on level 2
- For domestic connections, collect baggage at Keflavik's 3 baggage claim belts
- Exit terminal and board Flybus or Airport Direct shuttle to Reykjavik Airport
- Check in separately at Reykjavik Airport (RKV) for domestic flight
- Proceed through security at RKV's main terminal (handles Air Iceland traffic)
Terminal Structure at Reykjavik Airport
Reykjavik Airport has two terminals: a main terminal handling both international and domestic traffic for Air Iceland Connect, and a smaller terminal serving domestic and international business flights for Eagle Air. The main terminal is compact but efficiently designed for Iceland's domestic aviation needs. Unlike Keflavik's massive international operation, Reykjavik Airport processes approximately 1.2 million passengers annually, mostly flying to Icelandic regional airports like Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður. The airport also handles limited international flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which is the only exception to its domestic-only designation.
- Main terminal: Handles Air Iceland Connect domestic and international traffic
- Smaller terminal: Serves Eagle Air domestic and international business flights
- Location advantage: Only 2 km from Reykjavik city center
- Quick security: Average wait times under 10 minutes (2024 data)
- Domestic focus: 95% of flights are within Iceland
- Limited international: Only Greenland and Faroe Islands routes
Ground Transportation Between the Two Airports
Since there's no terminal connection, ground transportation is mandatory for airport transfers. Three primary options exist: Flybus (most popular), Airport Direct (fastest), and taxi/expensive. Flybus departs regularly from Keflavik's bus terminal, arriving at Reykjavik's Skógarhlið 10 terminal. The service costs approximately 3,500 ISK ($25 USD) one-way and takes 50-60 minutes. Airport Direct offers express service in 45 minutes for 4,500 ISK ($32 USD). Taxis cost 15,000-20,000 ISK ($110-145 USD) and are recommended only for groups of 3-4 people sharing costs.
"Passengers transferring for onward domestic travel in Iceland should collect their baggage in Keflavik before proceeding to Reykjavik domestic airport." - Icelandair Official Transfer Guide, updated August 22, 2024
Practical Tips for Avoiding Airport Confusion
To prevent costly booking mistakes, always verify the IATA code when booking flights. KEF means Keflavik (international), while RKV means Reykjavik (domestic). Check your ticket carefully-many travelers book RKV thinking it's Keflavik, then discover their international flight departs from KEF. When searching flights, use complete airport names rather than city names alone. If connecting internationally to domestic within Iceland, book separate tickets with at least 4 hours between flights to account for the transfer.
The critical distinction between these airports fundamentally shapes Iceland travel logistics. Keflavik handles all major international carriers including Icelandair, Delta, United, and British Airways. Reykjavik serves Air Iceland Connect's regional network. Understanding this functional separation prevents missed flights and expensive last-minute rebooking. As Iceland's tourism continues growing-reaching 7.5 million international visitors in 2024-these airports handle increasing passenger volumes while maintaining their distinct operational roles.
Helpful tips and tricks for Keflavik Reykjavik Airports Same Terminal Myth Busted
Are Reykjavik Airport and Keflavik Airport the same place?
No, they are completely different airports separated by 50 km. Reykjavik Airport (RKV) is within Reykjavik city for domestic flights, while Keflavik International (KEF) is 50 km away for international flights. They share no terminal connection or shared infrastructure.
Do I need to transfer between airports for domestic connections?
Yes, absolutely. When arriving internationally at Keflavik and connecting to a domestic flight, you must collect baggage at Keflavik, then take ground transportation to Reykjavik Airport. The transfer takes 45-60 minutes by Flybus or Airport Direct shuttle, plus 30-45 minutes for check-in and security at Reykjavik Airport.
How far apart are Keflavik and Reykjavik airports?
The distance is exactly 50 kilometers (31 miles) by road. Travel time ranges from 45 minutes (Airport Direct express bus) to 60 minutes (Flybus with stops) under normal traffic conditions. Late-night transfers may take 70+ minutes due to reduced shuttle frequency.
How much time should I allow between international arrival and domestic departure?
Plan for minimum 3.5 hours between international arrival at Keflavik and domestic departure from Reykjavik. This includes: 45 minutes for baggage claim and customs, 50 minutes for Flybus transfer, 30 minutes for Reykjavik check-in, and 45 minutes buffer for delays. Icelandair officially recommends 4 hours for peace of mind.
Can I check through baggage from international to domestic flights?
No, you cannot. baggage must be collected at Keflavik and re-checked at Reykjavik Airport. This is because the airports are separate facilities with different airlines and no interline baggage agreement. You'll need to exit baggage claim, take ground transportation, then check bags again at Reykjavik.
Which airport should I fly into for my Iceland trip?
For international travel, fly into Keflavik (KEF). For domestic connections within Iceland, you'll arrive at KEF first, then transfer to RKV. If flying from another Icelandic city to Reykjavik, book into RKV directly. Greenland/Faroe Islands travelers use RKV for international but all other international destinations require KEF.
Is Keflavik Airport easy to navigate despite its size?
Yes, extremely. With only one terminal and clear zone-based signage, Keflavik is among Europe's most straightforward airports. The 25 check-in desks, 14 gates, and 3 baggage belts create manageable passenger flow. Average walking time between gates is 8-12 minutes, making it ideal for short connections.