For the vast majority of international visitors to Iceland, the journey begins—and often ends—at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km (31 miles) southwest of downtown Reykjavík. As Iceland’s primary air gateway—handling over 9 million passengers annually—KEF is a modern, efficient hub that connects the world to this volcanic island nation.
But here’s the truth many first-time travelers miss: your airport experience doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning—and the perfect city-center base—you can turn transit time into part of the adventure.
Enter Hótel Reykjavík Saga, nestled at Lækjargata 12, 101 Reykjavík, in the vibrant heart of the capital. This stylish 4-star hotel isn’t just convenient—it’s strategically engineered for seamless KEF arrivals and departures. In this exhaustive, we’ll walk you through every phase of your KEF journey—from landing to luggage drop-off to exploring Reykjavík—and show you exactly why staying at Hótel Reykjavík Saga elevates your entire Icelandic experience.
📍 Keflavík International Airport (KEF): Facts, Layout & First Impressions
IATA Code: KEF
ICAO Code: BIKF
Operator: Isavia (Icelandic state-owned airport authority)
Расположение: Keflavík, Reykjanes Peninsula, 50 km from Reykjavík city center
Terminals: One main terminal building (split into Schengen & Non-Schengen zones), with separate baggage claim, customs, and arrivals halls
✈️ What to Expect Upon Arrival
- Immigration & Customs: Efficient but thorough. EU/EEA citizens use automated e-gates; non-EU travelers queue at manned counters. Average wait: 5–15 minutes (longer during peak summer months).
- Baggage Claim: Typically fast—most flights see bags on carousel within 15 minutes of aircraft door opening.
- Duty-Free & Retail: Nordics’ largest airport duty-free (by volume), plus local brands like Icelandic Wool, Sóley, и Mývatn Skyr.
- Free Wi-Fi: “KEF-Free-WiFi” available throughout the terminal—no login required.
- Charging Stations: Abundant USB-A/C ports and power outlets near gates and seating areas.
💡 Insider Tip: Download the Isavia App before departure. It provides real-time flight status, gate changes, security wait times, and indoor maps of KEF—including exact locations of restrooms, baby changing stations, and prayer rooms.
🚍 Transport Options from KEF to Hótel Reykjavík Saga (Lækjargata 12)
This is where most travelers make a critical choice—and where Hótel Reykjavík Saga shines. Let’s break down all options, with realistic timing, cost, and convenience:
| Option | Cost (One-Way) | Продолжительность | Плюсы | Минусы |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flybus+ (Gray Line) | ISK 2,900 (~$21 USD) | ~45–50 min | Direct to Borgartún (5-min walk to hotel); includes free city center shuttle; eco-friendly | Not door-to-door; requires short walk or taxi from stop |
| Airport Direct Shuttle (Reykjavík Express) | ISK 3,200 (~$23) | ~40–45 min | Drops off at major hotels—including near Lækjargata (ask for “Saga Hotel” drop-off) | Slightly pricier; limited frequency late at night |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | ISK 14,000–18,000 (~$100–130) | ~35–40 min | Door-to-door; 24/7 availability; luggage assistance | Most expensive; surge pricing during peak hours |
| Car Rental (e.g., Avis, Hertz, Blue Car Rental) | From ISK 8,000/day (~$58) + fuel | ~35 min drive | Total flexibility; ideal for multi-day itineraries | Parking in downtown = ISK 400–600/hour; hotel parking limited & must be pre-booked |
| Public Bus (Strætó Route 55) | ISK 490 (~$3.50) | ~65–75 min | Cheapest option; runs 24/7 | Requires transfers; not luggage-friendly; slow in traffic |
✅ Why Flybus+ Is the Smart Choice for Hótel Reykjavík Saga Guests
Here’s the golden detail:
The Flybus+ stops at Borgartún, which is just a 5-minute walk (350 meters) from Hótel Reykjavík Saga. Simply exit the bus, cross Hverfisgata, turn left onto Lækjargata, and you’re there.
And if you book your hotel in advance, the front desk can:
- Provide printed pickup instructions
- Arrange a complimentary meet-and-greet (upon request, subject to availability)
- Hold your luggage if you arrive early or depart late
📌 Real-Time Example: A flight landing at 10:30 PM → clear immigration by 10:45 PM → board Flybus+ at 11:00 PM → arrive at Borgartún at 11:45 PM → walk to hotel, check in, and be in bed by midnight. Seamless.
🏨 Hótel Reykjavík Saga: Your Ideal Post-KEF Sanctuary
With 122 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, Hótel Reykjavík Saga is more than accommodation—it’s your launchpad for Iceland’s capital. Located at Lækjargata 12, it sits at the intersection of Reykjavík’s historic core and its modern pulse—just steps from Laugavegur (main shopping street), Hallgrímskirkja, and the harbor.
✅ Key Advantages for KEF Travelers
1. Flexible Check-In/Check-Out
- Standard check-in: 3:00 PM
- Early check-in (from 12:00 PM) & late check-out (until 4:00 PM) available upon request
- Free luggage storage—critical if your flight arrives at 7 AM and your room isn’t ready
2. Room Types Built for Travel Comfort
All rooms feature:
- Premium hypoallergenic bedding & blackout curtains
- Smart TVs with Netflix, YouTube, and satellite channels
- USB-C + universal power outlets (no adapter needed for US/EU plugs)
- Tea/coffee makers with locally roasted beans (from Kaffi Ísland)
- Soundproofing for peaceful rest after long-haul flights
Top Picks for Jet-Lagged Travelers:
- Улучшенный двухместный номер: Spacious (22–25 m²), ergonomic seating, premium bath amenities
- Studio Annex: Full kitchenette + separate living area—ideal for families or extended stays
- Стандартный двухместный номер с 2 отдельными кроватями: Perfect for friends or colleagues traveling together
3. Eldmóður Restaurant & Bar: Recharge Like a Local
After a transatlantic flight, nothing beats a nourishing, locally sourced meal. At Eldmóður, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Nordic cuisine meets volcanic terroir:
- Breakfast buffet (7:00–10:30 AM): Skyr bowls, smoked salmon, rye bread, house-baked pastries
- Lunch/Dinner specials: Arctic char with dill-caper sauce, lamb shank with root vegetables, vegan “moss tart” (inspired by Icelandic lichen)
- Signature cocktails: Glacial Mule (Icelandic vodka, ginger beer, lime, birch syrup), Northern Lights Spritz (Aperol, sparkling wine, elderflower, sea buckthorn)
🍽️ Pro Tip: Ask for the “Jet Lag Recovery Plate”—a curated combo of protein, complex carbs, and electrolytes, developed with input from local nutritionists.
4. Wellness & Recovery Facilities
- 24/7 Fitness Center: Treadmill, elliptical, weights, yoga mats
- Sauna & Steam Room: Open to guests 24 hours—perfect for detoxing after a long flight
- Relaxation Lounge: Quiet space with herbal teas, Icelandic literature, and noise-canceling headphones
🗺️ Step-by-Step: Your KEF → Hotel Journey (Optimized for Efficiency)
- Pre-Flight Prep
- Download Isavia App + Google Maps (offline Reykjavík map)
- Pre-book Flybus+ ticket online (saves 10% vs. on-site purchase)
- Email hotel: “Will arrive [date/time] on [flight #]. Please hold luggage.”
- At KEF
- Clear immigration → collect bags → exit arrivals hall
- Walk 2 mins to Flybus+ counter (Terminal 1, Level 0, near Gate 10)
- Show e-ticket → board bus (departures every 15–30 mins, 24/7)
- En Route to City
- Sit back—buses have Wi-Fi, charging ports, and reclining seats
- Watch the dramatic Reykjanes landscape: lava fields, geothermal vents, and the Atlantic horizon
- Arrival in Downtown
- Disembark at Borgartún (last stop before city center)
- Walk 350m: Borgartún → Hverfisgata → Lækjargata 12
- Enter hotel lobby—staff will greet you by name (if you shared your booking details)
- Post-Arrival
- Check in, freshen up, grab coffee at Bryggjan Café (2-min walk)
- Optional: Book a Golden Circle Express Tour for the next morning—many operators pick up from downtown hotels
📅 Smart Tips for KEF Travelers Staying at Hótel Reykjavík Saga
| Tip | Почему это важно |
|---|---|
| ✅ Book your hotel before your flight | Guarantees a confirmed address for visa support letters (if needed) |
| ✅ Use “KEF” + “Reykjavík hotel” in Google Maps | Avoid confusion with RKV (Domestic Airport) |
| ✅ Pack a light jacket—even in summer | KEF is coastal; wind chill is real, and planes are cold |
| ✅ Keep passport + boarding pass handy | Required for immigration и hotel check-in (Iceland law) |
| ✅ Ask front desk about Blue Lagoon transfers | Many tours include pickup from downtown hotels—no need to return to KEF |
📞 Final Checklist Before You Depart
Before your trip, verify:
- ✅ Flight lands at KEF (not RKV)—double-check IATA code!
- ✅ Hotel reservation confirmed at https://hotelreykjaviksaga.com
- ✅ Save hotel contact: +354-514-5000
- ✅ Download offline maps + Isavia app
- ✅ Pack reusable water bottle (Icelandic tap water is the purest in the world!)
🌋 Conclusion: KEF Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore—It Can Be the Start of Something Extraordinary
Keflavík International Airport is Iceland’s global front door—but your experience beyond the terminal defines your trip. By choosing Hótel Reykjavík Saga as your base, you transform transit from a logistical hurdle into a smooth, stylish, and deeply Icelandic welcome.
You’re not just staying in Reykjavík—you’re staying in the rhythm of the city: where history meets innovation, where volcanic energy fuels creativity, and where every walk down Lækjargata feels like stepping into a story still being written.
So land at KEF with confidence. Let the city embrace you. And let Hótel Reykjavík Saga be the place where your Icelandic journey truly begins.
“The best adventures start not with a plane taking off—but with a door opening in the heart of the city.” 🛫🇮🇸
