Car rental in Reykjavík? You'll land at Keflavík (KEF).
Most travellers 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) south-west 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 centre 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
Online check-in if available
If online check-in or after-hours pickup is available for your rental, 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 to or from Reykjavík.
- 4
360° handover video
Vehicle condition is documented before you drive away. Damage charges need condition evidence and an itemised repair basis before payment is taken.
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, the Westfjords, and 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 the Route 41 / Route 43 is straightforward and signposted.
Can I pick up or drop off my rental car in Reykjavík?
Pickup and return are confirmed with your quote or booking in the KEF area. We do not deliver to or from Reykjavík city. 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 online check-in or after-hours pickup is available for your rental, instructions are sent before travel.