Iceland Travel: 4 Stops from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík
This 252.4 km route spans Iceland's most accessible regions, covering the distance between Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík with connections to nearby attractions. The route highlights Iceland's compact geography and showcases why a rental car provides flexibility for exploring the country's diverse landscapes within short driving distances.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Iceland as a Stopover Destination
- End
- Gas Prices at Costco
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Iceland as a Stopover Destination — Strategic North Atlantic location between North America and Europe makes Iceland ideal for breaking long-haul flights while exploring dramatic landscapes.
- Keflavík International Airport — Iceland's main international airport, located 45-50 minutes from Reykjavik, featuring modern facilities and duty-free shops open early.
- Blue Lagoon Location — Geothermal spa surrounded by black lava fields where mineral-rich warm waters offer therapeutic bathing experiences unique to Iceland's volcanic geology.
- Gas Prices at Costco — Membership warehouse offering significantly cheaper fuel than regular stations, essential for budget-conscious road-trippers exploring Iceland's remote regions.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Iceland Air and Play Airlines offer free stopover programs—fly to Iceland and continue to Europe with no extra cost. Round trip from Northeast US can be ~$275 per person.
- Transport
- Keflavík International Airport is 45-50 minutes from Reykjavik. Take a bus (~$25 per person) instead of taxi (~$100+) into the city.
- Tip
- Blue Lagoon is very close to Keflavík Airport, making it perfect to visit at the start or end of your trip due to proximity.
- Timing
- Visit shoulder season (March-May or September-October) for the best balance: possible Northern Lights sightings, some snow/wildlife, fewer crowds than summer.
- Timing
- Summer (mid-June) has midnight sun making sleep difficult—bring blackout curtains or eye mask. Winter has only 3-5 hours of daylight but best Northern Lights visibility.
- Transport
- Rent a car for flexibility and affordability (~$30/day, $120 for 4 days). Cheaper than buses and taxis, and allows independent sightseeing.
- Save money
- Buy groceries at Bonus supermarket (pink pig logo) near airport to save on food costs. Shop immediately after arrival if possible.
- Save money
- Get gas at Costco in Iceland—cheapest option. US Costco card works. Buy liquor at duty-free instead of in-country.
- Save money
- Drink tap water straight from glaciers—it's safe, refreshing, and free. Avoid buying bottled water.
- Save money
- At paid parking lots (like waterfalls), ask departing tourists for their 24-hour parking tickets to reuse instead of buying new ones.
- Tip
- At airport checkout, use VAT tax refund service with receipts from Icelandic products purchased—available at airport.
- Transport
- Bring waterproof jacket, rain boots, and waterproof gear—weather is unpredictable year-round with frequent rain and high winds.
Video on this route
10 Things to Know BEFORE You Visit ICELAND! | Ultimate Iceland Travel Tips 🇮🇸