Transportation from Reykjavik Airport to Hotel: Cost Comparison

Arriving at Keflavik International Airport and need to reach your Reykjavik hotel? You have three main choices: a shared coach, a metered taxi, or a pre-booked private transfer. Each comes with a clear trade-off between cost and door-to-door convenience, and the best option depends on your budget, group size, and arrival time. This comparison uses official operator prices and verified traveler data to help you decide which transfer fits your trip.

Last checked: 2026-07-06

Airport served: Keflavik International Airport (KEF) · Distance to Reykjavik city centre: 50 km (31 miles) · Travel time: 45–60 minutes · Most budget-friendly option: Flybus public coach at 3,299 ISK one-way · Most convenient option: Private taxi or pre-booked transfer, door-to-door · Official airport transfer brand: Flybus

How do I get from Reykjavik airport to a hotel?

The 50‑kilometre drive from Keflavik Airport to central Reykjavik can be covered by three primary modes: the Flybus coach, a metered taxi, or a pre‑booked private transfer. Each option serves a different balance of cost, convenience, and flexibility.

Option 1: Flybus coach

Flybus is the dedicated airport shuttle operated by Reykjavik Excursions. A standard ticket costs 3,999 ISK per adult one‑way and brings you to the BSÍ bus terminal in central Reykjavik. From there, Flybus+ (an add‑on service for 5,199–5,499 ISK) transfers you via minibus to your hotel door. The total journey with Flybus+ runs about 75 minutes due to the intermediate shuttle. (Icelandia)

Option 2: Taxi

Metered taxis line up outside the arrival hall and drive directly to your hotel. A standard fare from Keflavik to Reykjavik city centre is most often quoted at 20,000–25,000 ISK (roughly 137–196 USD) for the 45‑to‑50‑minute trip. However, some Iceland travel guides note that fares can climb to 22,500–35,000 ISK during peak travel periods and late‑night arrivals. (Iceland Highlights)

Option 3: Private transfer

Pre‑booked private transfers offer a fixed, all‑inclusive price for a sedan or van that meets you at arrivals. Prices for a standard sedan start at roughly 18,000–23,000 ISK (around 141–181 USD) one way, often undercutting the top end of metered taxi fares. For groups of 4–7, larger van transfers are quoted around 36,900 ISK. (Guide to Iceland)

Is Flybus cheaper than a taxi?

Cost comparison: Flybus vs taxi

On a per‑person basis, Flybus is dramatically cheaper. A single adult pays 3,999 ISK (≈29 USD) for the coach, while a taxi costs 20,000–25,000 ISK for the whole vehicle. That makes the taxi roughly 5 to 6 times more expensive for a solo traveller. Even when a taxi is shared by two people, the per‑person cost remains about 10,000–12,500 ISK, still three times the Flybus fare. (Reykjavik Excursions blog)

Value for money

The price gap narrows for groups. Splitting a 20,000 ISK taxi among three or four people brings the per‑person cost to 5,000–6,667 ISK, which is closer to the Flybus+ hotel‑drop‑off price of 5,199 ISK. At that point, the convenience of a direct, private ride may justify the slight premium. (Iceland Highlights)

How much is a taxi from Reykjavik Airport to City Centre?

Typical taxi fare range

Multiple sources place a standard metered taxi from Keflavik to Reykjavik city centre at 20,000–25,000 ISK one way. This covers the 45‑to‑50‑minute drive under normal traffic. (Guide to Iceland)

Factors affecting cost

Weekend and holiday surcharges can push the fare into the 22,500–35,000 ISK range. Night‑time and very early morning trips also attract higher metered rates. Some taxi companies offer a fixed‑price airport transfer for around 20,000 ISK, which protects against surge pricing. Center Hotels advises its guests that fixed‑price taxis are “around 20,000 ISK”. (Center Hotels blog)

What is the best transportation from Reykjavik airport to hotel?

Best for budget

Without question, the Flybus standard ticket at 3,999 ISK gives the lowest door‑to‑terminal cost. If saving money is the priority and you are comfortable with a 10‑minute shuttle transfer from BSÍ to your hotel, Flybus is the smart choice. The public bus Line 55 (Strætó) is even cheaper at about 2,400 ISK, but departs infrequently and takes longer. (Reddit r/VisitingIceland guide 2024)

Best for convenience

A metered taxi or pre‑booked private transfer wins on ease. You walk out of arrivals, get into a waiting vehicle, and are dropped directly at your hotel lobby. No bus‑terminal stop, no waiting for a shuttle. For travellers with large luggage, mobility concerns, or late‑night arrivals (when buses run less frequently), the premium is warranted.

Best for families

Families with children often find private transfers the most practical. Flybus+ charges 2,000 ISK for children aged 6–15, but the total cost for a family of four on Flybus+ (two adults, two children) would be about 15,998 ISK (3,999 + 3,999 + 2,000 + 2,000 + shuttle add‑on). A private taxi at 20,000–25,000 ISK per vehicle is comparable in price and far simpler: no shuttle change, more space, and car seats can be requested in advance. (Full Suitcase)

Is it worth booking an airport transfer?

Advantages of pre‑booking

Booking a transfer (whether Flybus, taxi, or private) before you arrive locks in the price and guarantees a seat during busy arrival periods. This is especially valuable during peak tourist season, when taxi queues at Keflavik can be long. Flybus tickets purchased online are often slightly cheaper than at the airport counter. (Icelandia)

When to book on arrival

If your flight arrives outside peak hours (e.g., early morning or late evening), you can usually find taxis immediately without a wait. In those cases, there is little downside to hailing a cab on the spot. However, during the middle of the day or after a delayed flight, a pre‑booked transfer removes uncertainty.

Quick comparison: taxi vs Flybus vs private transfer

Pros and cons