Renting a Car at Reykjavik Airport

Last updated: April 2026

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's sole international airport, located 50 km from Reykjavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Icelandic operators Blue Car Rental, Lava Car Rental, and Lotus Car Rental share the space. Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is one of the world's greatest road trips — 1,322 km circling the entire island.

🎯 Quick Tip

For the Ring Road, rent a 4WD — not for Route 1 itself (which is mostly paved), but for the Highland F-roads to places like Landmannalaugar and Askja that require river crossings. Standard 2WD cars are prohibited on F-roads, and insurance is voided if you attempt them.

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Airport Pickup Tips

KEF rental desks are in the arrivals hall — turn right after customs. Present your passport, license, and credit card. An IDP is not required for Iceland. Check the weather forecast before choosing your vehicle — winter storms (October-April) can make roads impassable for anything without studded tires. Ask about the SCDW (Sand and Ash Damage Waiver) — Iceland-specific coverage for volcanic debris.

Icelandic conditions are brutal on vehicles — check for sand-blasted paint on lower panels, stone chip damage on the windscreen, and verify the wiper blades are intact (Icelandic wind destroys wipers). Test the heating system and the four-wheel-drive engagement. If renting in winter, verify the tires are studded.

Explore Reykjavik by Car

Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is one of the world's great road trips — 1,322 km of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and lunar landscapes. Pick up at Keflavík airport and start your adventure.

Top drive from Reykjavik: Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss

Full Reykjavik Car Hire Guide →

Getting from Reykjavik Airport to the City

KEF is 50 km from Reykjavik (45 min via Route 41). For the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), take Route 1 east then Route 36/35 (1.5 hours from KEF). For Vík (south coast), take Route 1 east (2.5 hours from Reykjavik). For Akureyri (north), Route 1 full day (4.5 hours from Reykjavik). For Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Route 1 north then 54 (2.5 hours from Reykjavik).

Blue Car Rental and Lava Car Rental operate from Keflavík town, 3 km from KEF, with free shuttle. Blue Car includes SCDW (sand/ash protection) free in all bookings — a €15-20/day savings. Lava Car specializes in modified 4x4s for highland exploration and offers camping equipment packages.

What to Know Before Driving from KEF

Iceland drives on the right. Speed limit: 90 km/h on paved rural roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads, 30-50 km/h in towns. Speed cameras are common. Highland F-roads are gravel tracks requiring 4WD — river fording is required on some routes. Single-lane bridges: the car closest has priority. Sheep wander onto roads without warning (especially August-September during roundup season). Headlights are mandatory 24/7.

Iceland's weather changes every 15 minutes. Check road.is and vedur.is before every drive. Highland F-roads are closed until mid-June — don't attempt them before official opening dates. Iceland has no motorways — Route 1 is a two-lane road. Single-lane bridges are marked with signs; the car closest to the bridge has right of way. Carry emergency supplies: blanket, water, snacks.

Fuel Stations Near KEF

N1 and Orkan stations are on Route 41 between KEF and Reykjavik. Fuel: approximately ISK 350/L (among Europe's most expensive). Fill up at every opportunity — distances between stations outside the capital area can exceed 100 km. The N1 in Keflavík town (3 km from KEF) is the closest station. Some remote stations are unmanned — a credit card with PIN is required.

Local Driving Tip

A 4WD is essential for F-roads in the highlands — standard rental insurance never covers gravel damage or river crossings. Even on Route 1 (the Ring Road), single-lane bridges are common and the vehicle on the bridge has right of way.