Arriving late or leaving early from Reykjavik airport? Here are our tips for sleeping near the airport.
If you’re landing late at Keflavik airport, Reykjavik’s international airport, you’re well advised to take advantage of one of the many accommodations nearby, as the capital is 50 km away. Perhaps you’re only in Iceland for the duration of a connecting flight, which takes place early the next morning? Good reason to look for a place to stay near Reykjavik KEF airport.
Is Reykjavik Keflavik airport open at night?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kollawat Somsri
Reykjavik KEF airport is open 24 hours a day, but sleeping is not allowed. You can, of course, rest while you wait for your flight to board. However, as the hall is not heated at night, the wait may be uncomfortable. You won’t be able to sleep, as staff regularly wake up people who are lying down. Saga Lounge cardholders are no luckier: at best, the lounge is only open from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., so it’s best to look for accommodation in the evening. So it’s best to look for accommodation nearby.
Stay in a hotel near Reykjavik international airport
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kristi Blokhin
Reykjavik’s international airport is at Keflavik, because Icelanders have made use of the infrastructure that remained available following the closure of the American base. Many military buildings have been converted into housing or accommodation. Newly-built hotels often follow the same architectural style. It’s like being in an American camp!
Hotels near the airport include :
Aurora Star
Located 100 m from the airport, it serves breakfast from 5 a.m. and has an on-site restaurant.
Base Hotel
Offers hotel- and youth hostel-style rooms. A little further from the airport, it offers shuttle services for a fee.
Eldey Airport Hotel
Located 7 km from the airport. It features an outdoor Jacuzzi and infrared sauna.
BB Hótel
Walking distance to Langbest dinner restaurant. Free airport shuttle service.
Start Keflavik Airport
Youth hostel with dormitories and private rooms. Breakfast served from 3:30 am.
Where to stay near Reykjavik Keflavik airport?
Keflavik
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Tomasz Jan
The village from which the airport takes its name is around ten kilometers away. Situated by the sea, it has the charm of a fishing village. Here you’ll find all the shops you need for your Iceland tour and souvenir shopping. Rock fan? A visit to the Rock & Roll Museum is a must. It’s no coincidence that it was established here: many Icelandic rock bands formed here between 1960 and 1970. There’s a good choice of accommodation here:
- Jazz: On the seafront, in the village center. Free airport shuttle service.
- Berg: very close to the port. Rooftop pool and free shuttle service.
- Keilir: family-run, in Keflavik’s central thoroughfare. Free shuttle service.
In Keflavik, many locals rent out one or more rooms, usually with breakfast included. These people often make use of platforms such as Booking or Airbnb. In rural areas, farm stays can be found at heyiceland.is/accommodation. Most B&Bs close to the airport are located in the center of Keflavik, such as :
- KEF Guesthouse: this small establishment is located on the site of a former army building, now a police station. The historic spirit has been preserved.
- Guesthouse 1×6: geothermal pool in the garden.
- B&B Guesthouse: shared kitchen and free transfer to and from the airport.
This is just a sample, so don’t hesitate to consult our hotel comparator.
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Sandgerdi
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergio Ponomarev
This charming fishing village is located on the west coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. It can be an excellent starting point for a visit to this region of fumaroles, hot springs and geological faults. There’s also an apartment with jacuzzi. Only six kilometers from the airport, it’s a good accommodation solution if you want to stay close by.
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Gardur
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Daniel Bay Jensen
If you like birdwatching and discovering local species, this village is an excellent vantage point, as is the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula.
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Vogar
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Fotokon
Between Keflavik and Reykjavik, this small village is a good base for a first or last day’s visit to Iceland. A hot spring and a museum make for a pleasant late afternoon.
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Grindavik
If you’ve put blue lagoon on your itinerary, you can base yourself in nearby Grindavik, where you can reach the airport in around 20 minutes. The small coastal town boasts several restaurants serving fresh fish and crab specialties.
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Choosing to sleep in Reykjavik
However, you can also decide to spend the night in Reykjavik, after landing in Keflavik. Several bus companies run between the city center and the airport, and can also drop you off or pick you up at your hotel. This will allow you to discover the capital and enjoy its festive atmosphere in the evening. Here are some of the nicest and most practical neighborhoods for finding accommodation.
The 101 or historic district
It resembles a village with its colorful old houses. This is where the town’s main points of interest are located.
Lake Tjörnin district
It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the center, but you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.
Close to RKV domestic airport
Although the capital is a little far from its main airport, it does have a domestic airport (RKV), located not far from the city center. You’ll need just ten minutes by car to reach it.
Don’t hesitate to use our hotel comparator to choose the one that suits you best.
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Where can I park at Reykjavik airport?
If you’ve rented a car to visit Iceland, you’ll have no trouble returning it to a parking lot near the airport. Most of the major car rental companies manage their fleets in the immediate vicinity of the airport. You’ll only have to walk ten minutes or so to the Keflavik boarding area, or just a few meters to the RKV domestic airport.