Welcome to Iceland! Arriving at Keflavík Airport (KEF) is very straightforward. Because the airport is located about 45 minutes from Reykjavík, using the Flybus service is a popular and efficient way to reach the city.
Here is the step-by-step procedure for your journey.
1. Upon Arrival at Keflavík Airport
- Passport
Control: Follow the signs toward passport control. As a visitor from
the USA, you will join the "All Passports" or
"Non-Schengen" line. If you have a biometric passport, you may
be able to use the automated e-gates, which are faster.
- Baggage
Reclaim: After passport control, you will walk through the duty-free
shop area—you are allowed to purchase items here if you wish—before
reaching the baggage claim carousels.
- Customs:
Once you have your luggage, you will pass through customs. If you have
nothing to declare, head through the Green Channel.
- Arrivals
Hall: You are now in the public arrivals hall. You will find ATMs, a
convenience store (10-11), and car rental desks here. If you need a SIM
card or local currency, this is a good place to handle it, though credit
cards are accepted almost everywhere in Iceland.
2. Finding the Flybus
- Locate
the Desk/Exit: Once you exit into the arrivals hall, look for the Flybus service
desk or signage.
- Boarding:
The main Flybus coaches are located just outside the terminal building.
They are synchronized with all arriving flights. If your flight is
delayed, they will wait for you.
- Tickets:
If you have booked in advance (recommended), have your digital
confirmation ready. You can also purchase tickets at the airport or at
self-service kiosks.
3. Traveling to Grand Hotel Reykjavik
- The
Main Journey: The coach will take you from the airport to the BSÍ
Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík. This ride takes approximately 45
minutes.
- Hotel
Drop-off (Flybus+): To get directly to the Grand Hotel Reykjavik,
ensure you have booked the Flybus+ service (or added hotel drop-off
to your ticket).
- The
Transfer: Upon arrival at the BSÍ Bus Terminal, you will likely
transfer from the large coach to a smaller shuttle bus. This shuttle is
specifically designated to drop passengers off at various hotels and
designated bus stops around the city.
- Inform
the Driver: When you board the shuttle at the BSÍ terminal, make sure
to inform the driver that you are going to the Grand Hotel Reykjavik - Sigtún
28. They will ensure you are on the correct shuttle and drop you off as close
to the hotel as possible.
Helpful Tips
- Booking:
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance.
This guarantees your seat and streamlines the process.
- Be
Ready: Have your booking confirmation easily accessible on your phone.
- Stay
Connected: The Flybus offers free Wi-Fi, which is a great way to check
your messages or look up information about Reykjavík while you travel to
the hotel.
- Water:
If you are thirsty, don't buy bottled water! Icelandic tap water is some
of the purest in the world; you can fill an empty bottle at any tap,
including the ones at the airport.
Are you planning on doing any specific tours or excursions
during your stay in Reykjavík?
