Car rental in Reykjavík? You'll land at Keflavík (KEF).
Most travelers searching for “car rental in Reykjavík” are actually flying into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) — Iceland's main international gateway, about 50 km southwest of the city. It's one of the most common mix-ups in Iceland travel, so here's a quick orientation.
The two airports, explained
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) — where you land
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km (45 min) southwest of Reykjavík. This is the airport for all transatlantic and intercontinental flights — from North America, Europe, and beyond. Foreign departure boards often label it “Reykjavík (KEF)” or simply “Reykjavík”, which is where the confusion starts.
Reykjavík Airport (RKV) — the domestic one downtown
A small airfield in the center of Reykjavík, serving domestic flights to Akureyri, the Westfjords, and international routes to the Faroe Islands and Greenland only. If you booked a flight from outside Iceland, you are not landing here.
So how do you get your rental car?
Simple — pickup is at our Keflavík (KEF) area base. Here's how it works with Ring Road Cars:
- 1
KEF-area pickup details confirmed
Your KEF-area pickup and return details, including the meet-up point, are confirmed in your booking.
- 2
Out-of-hours pickup on request
We are open 04:00–20:00; outside those hours a pickup is available on request, agreed in advance, for €75, shuttle included, or €150 after 12:00 on 24 and 31 December (rental terms 40(b)), and the instructions are sent before travel.
- 3
Coming from Reykjavík? Flybus or taxi to KEF
From the city, the Flybus / airport coach gets you to KEF in about 45 minutes. A taxi works too — we're happy to help arrange one. We do not deliver cars to Reykjavík; a return in Reykjavík can be agreed in advance as a one-way rental (€50, rental terms 40(o)).
- 4
Walkaround, photos and 360° video
Walk around the car with us and check it: we photograph it, record a 360° video and send both to you. Report any damage that is not on the Vehicle Condition Report before you leave the office (rental terms 10).
Common questions
Is Reykjavík Airport the same as Keflavík?
No — they are two separate airports. Keflavík International Airport (KEF, IATA code KEF) handles almost all international flights to Iceland and sits about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík. Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is a small downtown facility that serves domestic routes to Akureyri and the Westfjords, plus flights to the Faroe Islands and Greenland. If you flew from abroad, you landed at Keflavík.
How far is Keflavík from Reykjavík?
Keflavík International Airport is roughly 50 km (about 45–50 minutes by road) southwest of central Reykjavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The drive along Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) is straightforward and signposted.
Can I pick up or drop off my rental car in Reykjavík?
Pickup is in the KEF area, confirmed with your quote or booking; we do not deliver cars to Reykjavík. A return in Reykjavík can be agreed in advance as a one-way rental for €50 (rental terms 40(o)). From the city, take the Flybus / airport coach (about 45 min) or a taxi to KEF — we're happy to help arrange a taxi. If you arrange a pickup outside opening hours (on request, agreed in advance: €75, shuttle included, or €150 after 12:00 on 24 and 31 December; rental terms 40(b)), instructions are sent before travel.