Reykjavik city center is about 50 km northeast of Keflavik Airport. The Flybus shuttle is the most popular transfer option.

About Reykjavik City Center

Reykjavik's city center is a compact, walkable district of corrugated-iron houses painted in bright colors, anchored by the striking Hallgrímskirkja church—a 74-meter-tall concrete landmark whose facade evokes basalt column formations found across Iceland. The view from its tower encompasses the entire city and, on clear days, the Snæfellsjökull glacier 120 km away.

Laugavegur, the main shopping street, runs through the center with Icelandic design shops, wool stores, bookshops, and the city's best restaurants serving New Nordic cuisine built around local ingredients—lamb, Arctic char, skyr, and rye bread baked in geothermal earth. The nightlife scene is legendary for a city of 130,000, with bars clustered along Laugavegur and side streets that don't fill up until midnight on weekends.

Harpa Concert Hall, a crystalline waterfront structure, anchors the Old Harbour area where whale-watching tours, puffin-viewing boats, and the Marshall House art center operate. The city's geothermal swimming pools—Sundhöllin, Vesturbæjarlaug, and the new Sky Lagoon—are essential Icelandic cultural experiences where locals socialize in naturally heated water year-round.

Nearby Landmarks

Hallgrímskirkja Harpa Concert Hall Laugavegur Sun Voyager Old Harbour

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $150-180
Time 45-50 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit arrivals and board the Flybus shuttle. It goes to BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik (45 min). The Flybus+ option includes a minibus transfer to your hotel. Book online for a small discount.

Flybus (Reykjavik Excursions)

Cost $28 (BSI) / $35 (hotel dropoff)
Time 45-60 min
Frequency Coordinated with flight arrivals, every 30-45 min

Outside arrivals hall, follow shuttle signs

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $150-180 45-50 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Bus/Shuttle $28 (BSI) / $35 (hotel dropoff) 45-60 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Flybus and other airport shuttle services run to match all flight arrivals, including late-night and early-morning flights. A taxi costs ISK 17,000-22,000 ($120-155) and operates 24/7. There is no public bus from the airport at night. Reykjavik's bar scene peaks after midnight on weekends (Fridays especially).

Luggage Tips

Flybus has large luggage compartments. The bus drops off at BSÍ bus terminal or directly at hotels (Flybus+ option). Reykjavik's compact center means most hotels are a short walk from the drop-off. Luggage storage is available at BSÍ terminal and some hostels.

Accessibility

Keflavik Airport is fully wheelchair accessible. Flybus has limited wheelchair capacity—contact Reykjavik Excursions in advance. Taxis can accommodate wheelchairs. Reykjavik's center is flat with paved sidewalks, though winter ice can be treacherous. Hallgrímskirkja has elevator access. Geothermal pools vary in accessibility.