Aerial View of Keflavik Airport

Keflavik Airport KEF

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Keflavik Airport (KEF) Guide

Discover Keflavik Airport, Iceland's primary gateway and a marvel of modern design, known for its unique art installations that celebrate Icelandic culture. This guide simplifies your travel through KEF, offering essential information for a seamless journey. Whether you're here to admire the art or catching a flight, we've streamlined everything you need to know.

Need a detailed KEF Airport guide? Our concise resource has you covered, from flight updates to amenities like dining and shopping. Ease your travel worries with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

KEF Airport, also known as KEF, has one main terminal with two concourses: the North and South concourses. The North concourse has gates 1-10 and the South concourse has gates 20-31. Major airlines such as Icelandair, Delta, and British Airways operate out of both concourses.

When you arrive at KEF, you will enter the main terminal building where you will find check-in counters, baggage drop-off areas, and security checkpoints. After passing through security, you can access both concourses from the main terminal. The North concourse is located to the left and the South concourse is located to the right.

Inside the concourses, you will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. The North concourse has a duty-free store, a coffee shop, and a convenience store. The South concourse has a restaurant, a bar, and a souvenir shop. There are also ATMs, currency exchange booths, and a pharmacy located throughout both concourses.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has only one terminal, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. All gates and facilities are located within the same building, making it easy to navigate and access all areas of the airport. Passengers can easily walk from one end of the terminal to the other in just a few minutes. There is no need for a shuttle bus or train to get between terminals since there is only one terminal at Keflavik Airport.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

When it comes to picking up and dropping off passengers at Keflavik Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, curbside parking is strictly prohibited, so you'll need to plan accordingly. However, the airport does offer a convenient cell-phone waiting area where you can park for free while you wait for your arriving passenger.

When dropping off passengers, you'll want to make sure to follow the signs and drop them off at the designated areas. There are separate drop-off zones for domestic and international flights, so be sure to pay attention to the signs to avoid any confusion. If you need to park for a longer period of time, there are several parking options available, including short-term and long-term parking lots.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're driving to Keflavik Airport, you'll find several parking options available to suit your needs. There are both short-term and long-term parking lots located close to the terminal building, making it easy to park and walk to your gate.

In addition to the on-site parking options, KEF also offers a cell phone waiting area for those picking up arriving passengers. This area is located near the airport entrance and allows drivers to wait for their party to arrive before proceeding to the terminal.

For those requiring handicapped parking, there are designated spots available in all parking lots and garages. These spaces are located close to the terminal building and are clearly marked for easy identification.

If you're looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for travelers.

Get details about KEF Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at the airport in Iceland, there are several transportation options available to get you to your destination.

If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities located at the airport, including major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. You can easily book your rental car online or in person upon arrival.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of the arrivals hall. Fares are based on distance traveled, and it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning your journey.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Flybus and Airport Direct are available. These services have designated pickup areas outside of the arrivals hall and may have restrictions on luggage size and weight.

Airport shuttles are another option, offering a convenient and comfortable way to get to your destination. These shuttles typically have set pickup areas and fares, and can be booked in advance or upon arrival.

Finally, there are public transportation options available at Keflavik Airport, including bus services operated by Strætó and Reykjavik Excursions. These buses have designated pickup areas outside of the arrivals hall and offer affordable transportation to various destinations in Iceland.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be exhausting, especially when you have to spend hours on a flight. However, the right accommodation can make all the difference. There are several hotels located near the airport that offer a range of amenities and services to suit all types of travelers. From the convenience of the Aurora Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott to the unique lodging experience offered by Rent Campervans, there's an option for everyone. For a peaceful retreat, consider the Family Villa, or for a luxury experience, check out the Smart Luxury accommodation. To view all the options and make your booking, visit our the airport Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Keflavik Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy before their flight. For a quick bite, we recommend checking out Joe & The Juice located in the departure hall. Their fresh juices and sandwiches are the perfect option for a healthy and delicious meal on the go. If you have a bit more time, head over to the Leifur Eiriksson Bar & Restaurant for a sit-down meal. This restaurant offers a variety of Icelandic cuisine and has a cozy atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

When it comes to shopping, KEF has plenty of options to choose from. For souvenirs and gifts, we recommend checking out the Icelandic Market located in the departure hall. Here you will find a variety of Icelandic-made products such as wool sweaters, ceramics, and jewelry. For those looking for duty-free shopping, head over to the Duty-Free Store located in the departure hall. Here you will find a variety of tax-free products such as alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at KEF Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

Keflavik Airport, located in Iceland, offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected with loved ones or catch up on work while waiting for their flight.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found service at KEF can assist in locating and returning your belongings.

Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's areas where kids can play and burn off energy before their flight. Additionally, special-needs services are available to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.

For banking needs, there are ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. The airport also has a medical center on site with trained professionals available to provide care for those in need of medical assistance.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at KEF Airport in Iceland.

One of the easiest ways to get flight status information is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can simply locate their flight on the display and check the status.

Another way to stay updated is by using airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer their own apps that allow passengers to check flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. Passengers can download the app for their airline and set up alerts to receive notifications via text, email, or push notifications.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours prior for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during peak travel periods, such as holidays and weekends. Passengers should also take into account any additional time needed for security and customs procedures.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to Keflavik Airport is by car or taxi. There are also several bus services available that operate between the airport and various locations in Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland. Passengers can also take advantage of the airport's parking facilities, which offer both short-term and long-term parking options.

Getting Oriented

Passengers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented at Keflavik Airport. The maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Passengers can also use the maps to plan their route through the airport and locate important services, such as restrooms and baggage claim areas.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at KEF, passengers should arrive early, follow all security and customs procedures, and keep an eye on their flight status. Passengers should also pack their carry-on bags carefully, making sure to follow all airline and TSA regulations regarding liquids, gels, and other prohibited items. In addition, passengers should be prepared for any unexpected delays by packing snacks, water, and other essentials in their carry-on bags.

Airport Facts & Stats

Keflavik Airport, located in Iceland, is the largest airport in the country and serves as a hub for several airlines. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and another for domestic flights.

On average, Keflavik Airport handles around 25,000 passengers daily with over 100 daily flights. The airport serves over 80 destinations worldwide and is a popular stopover destination for travelers flying between North America and Europe.

The top five destinations served by KEF are London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and New York City. The airport is also a hub for several airlines including Icelandair, WOW air, and Delta Air Lines.

Airport History

KEF Airport, located in Iceland, has a rich history dating back to World War II. It was originally built by the United States military in 1942 as a military airport, known as Naval Air Station Keflavik. The airport played a crucial role in the Cold War, serving as a strategic location for the US military to monitor Soviet activity in the North Atlantic.

After the end of the Cold War, the airport was transferred to Icelandic control in 2006 and renamed Keflavik International Airport. Since then, the airport has undergone significant renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting Iceland.

Some significant events in the airport's history include:

  • 1942 - Naval Air Station Keflavik is built by the United States military
  • 1951 - The airport is expanded to include a 10,000-foot runway
  • 1971 - A new passenger terminal is built to accommodate the growing number of travelers
  • 2006 - The airport is transferred to Icelandic control and renamed Keflavik International Airport
  • 2017 - The airport sets a new record for passenger traffic, with over 8 million passengers passing through its doors
  • 2020 - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport experiences a significant decrease in passenger traffic

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Keflavik Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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