Keflavik Airport KEF Airport Traveler Guide

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.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, there are several transportation options available to get you to your destination:

• Car Rentals: Keflavik Airport has several car rental facilities located within the terminal. Major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt are available. You can book your rental car online in advance or in person upon arrival. It is advisable to book ahead, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
• Taxis: Taxi services are readily available at Keflavik Airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the arrivals hall. Fares are based on the distance traveled, and it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. A typical taxi ride to Reykjavik city center takes about 45 minutes.
• Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Flybus and Airport Direct offer a more affordable transportation option. These services have designated pickup areas outside the arrivals hall. They may have restrictions on luggage size and weight, so it's advisable to check these details beforehand. Flybus and Airport Direct provide regular services to Reykjavik and other major destinations.
• Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles provide a convenient and comfortable way to reach your destination. These shuttles have set pickup areas and fares, and can be booked in advance or upon arrival. They offer services to various hotels and key locations in Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland.
• Public Transportation: Public transportation options at Keflavik Airport include bus services operated by Strætó and Reykjavik Excursions. These buses have designated pickup areas outside the arrivals hall and offer affordable transportation to various destinations across Iceland. Tickets can be purchased online, at the airport, or directly from the bus driver. The travel time to Reykjavik city center is approximately 45 minutes.

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.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: Keflavik Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office at Keflavik Airport can assist in locating and returning your belongings.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Keflavik Airport features designated children's areas where kids can play and burn off energy before their flight.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• Medical Center: Keflavik Airport has a medical center on site with trained professionals available to provide care for those in need of medical assistance.
• Airport Lounges: Keflavik Airport features several lounges, including the Icelandair Saga Lounge and the Keflavik Airport Lounge. These lounges offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. Some lounges also provide workstations, a full bar, and shower facilities for those needing to freshen up before a long journey.

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.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Keflavik Airport (KEF) is located in Keflavik, Iceland.
• Terminals: The airport has two terminals: one for international flights and another for domestic flights.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include Icelandair, Delta Air Lines, and British Airways. For a complete list of airlines, visit the KEF Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Keflavik Airport handles approximately 25,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport operates over 100 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from KEF are London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and New York City.
• Hub Status: Keflavik Airport serves as a hub for Icelandair and is a key stopover destination for travelers between North America and Europe.

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:

• IATA Code: KEF
• Airport Website
• Phone: +354 425 0600
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Keflavik Airport, 235 Keflavik, Iceland

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

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