For many visitors to Iceland, the journey begins—and often ends—at Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), a compact yet vital hub nestled just minutes from the city center. Unlike Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which serves long-haul international flights, RKV is the gateway to Iceland’s stunning interior: the Westfjords, the Highlands, Akureyri in the North, and the remote islands of Vestmannaeyjar and Grímsey.
If you’re flying domestically—or arriving on a regional flight from Greenland or the Faroe Islands—your trip will likely touch down at RKV. And if you’re staying at Hótel Reykjavík Saga, located at Lækjargata 12, 101 Reykjavík, you’re positioned for one of the smoothest, most convenient airport transfers in the entire country.
In this comprehensive, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Reykjavík Domestic Airport—including transport options, insider tips, security procedures, and how your stay at Hótel Reykjavík Saga enhances every step of your Icelandic adventure.
📍 Where Is Reykjavík Domestic Airport? A Strategic Urban Hub
Official Name: Reykjavík Domestic Airport
IATA Code: RKV
ICAO Code: BIRK
Location: Sólheimar 1, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
Distance from City Center: Just 3 km (1.9 miles) northeast of downtown—making it the closest commercial airport to any capital city in Europe.
Unlike sprawling international terminals, RKV is refreshingly human-scaled. The entire passenger terminal spans only two floors, with check-in counters, security, baggage claim, and a small café all within easy walking distance. There are no jet bridges—passengers walk directly from the terminal to the aircraft on the tarmac, adding a charming, old-school feel to your travel experience.
🔍 Did You Know? RKV was originally built in 1940 as a military airfield during WWII. Today, it handles over 200,000 passengers annually and is operated by Isavia, Iceland’s state-owned airport authority.
✈️ Airlines & Destinations Served from RKV
RKV primarily serves domestic routes, but also connects Iceland to select Nordic destinations:
| Airline | Key Routes |
|---|---|
| Icelandair | Domestic: Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Egilsstaðir, Vestmannaeyjar, Grímsey; International: Nuuk (Greenland), Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) |
| Norlandair | Domestic: Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Egilsstaðir, Hornafjörður, Flugstöðin (Westfjords); charter flights to remote highland airstrips |
| Mýflug | Domestic: Vestmannaeyjar, Grímsey, Höfn, and seasonal mountain flights |
💡 Pro Tip: Many travelers use RKV as a “jump-off” point for multi-destination itineraries—e.g., fly into KEF, take a 25-minute domestic flight to Akureyri, then return to RKV before departing internationally from KEF (via shuttle).
🚕 Transport from RKV to Hótel Reykjavík Saga: Fast, Easy & Stress-Free
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hótel Reykjavík Saga is its proximity to RKV—just a 10–12 minute drive (or ~25-minute walk, if you’re feeling adventurous). Here are your best options:
1. Taxi (Recommended for Convenience)
- Fixed fare from RKV to downtown: ISK 1,800–2,200 (~$13–$16 USD)
- Ride duration: 8–10 minutes, depending on traffic
- Taxis queue outside the arrivals hall—no pre-booking needed
- Bonus: Drivers often know local tips and can drop you right at the hotel’s entrance on Lækjargata
2. Flybus+ Shuttle (Budget-Friendly)
- Operated by Gray Line Iceland, the Flybus+ stops at Borgartún (a 5-minute walk from the hotel)
- One-way ticket: ISK 1,200 (~$9 USD)
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak hours
- Note: Not door-to-door, but extremely reliable and eco-conscious
3. Car Rental (For Independent Explorers)
- Several agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt) have desks at RKV
- Ideal if you plan to drive the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes, or the Ring Road after your domestic leg
- Parking at Hótel Reykjavík Saga: Limited on-site paid parking (book in advance via front desk)
4. Walking or Cycling (For the Adventurous)
- Distance: ~2.8 km (1.7 miles) via Sólheimar → Laugavegur → Lækjargata
- Scenic route past the National Museum of Iceland, Tjörnin Lake, and Hallgrímskirkja
- Bike rental available at Reykjavík Bikes (Laugavegur 24)—ISKR 1,500/day
📌 Key Insight: Since RKV has no immigration or customs (for domestic flights), you’ll be out of the terminal and on your way in under 10 minutes—making last-minute hotel check-ins entirely feasible.
🏨 Why Hótel Reykjavík Saga Is the Ideal Base for RKV Travelers
Nestled at Lækjargata 12, 101 Reykjavík, Hótel Reykjavík Saga isn’t just centrally located—it’s strategically located for seamless transit between RKV and the city’s cultural heart.
✅ Seamless Arrival & Departure Experience
- Early check-in (from 12:00 PM) and late check-out (until 4:00 PM, subject to availability) accommodate flexible flight schedules.
- Luggage storage available free of charge—even before check-in or after check-out.
- Front desk staff speak English, Icelandic, and several European languages and can assist with flight changes, taxi bookings, or last-minute itinerary tweaks.
✅ Modern Comfort Meets Icelandic Design
With 122 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel blends Nordic minimalism with warm, local textures:
- Standard Double Room (Annex Building): Quiet, cozy, perfect for solo travelers or couples.
- Studio Annex: Spacious with kitchenette—ideal for longer stays or self-catering convenience.
- Superior Double/Twin Rooms: Premium bedding, smart TVs, USB-C charging, and soundproofing for restful recovery after a flight.
All rooms feature:
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Tea/coffee makers with locally roasted beans
- Eco-friendly toiletries (Icelandic brand Sóley)
- Blackout curtains & premium linens
✅ Eldmóður Restaurant & Bar: Fuel Up Before or After Your Flight
Before heading to RKV, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Eldmóður, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The menu celebrates volcanic terroir with dishes like:
- Smoked Arctic char with dill crème fraîche
- Skyr pancakes with birch syrup & wild blueberries
- House-baked rye bread with fermented butter
For evening departures, grab a quick bite or craft cocktail at the bar—try the Midnight Sun Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime, and Arctic thyme syrup).
✅ Wellness & Recovery After Travel
After a short domestic flight—or a long international haul followed by a connecting hop—unwind in the hotel’s:
- Sauna & Steam Room (open 24/7 for guests)
- Fitness Center with cardio and strength equipment
- Relaxation Lounge with herbal teas and Icelandic literature
🗺️ Step-by-Step: Your RKV → Hotel Journey (Visual Guide)
- Land at RKV → Exit aircraft onto tarmac
- Enter Terminal → Clear security (minimal wait times—usually <5 min)
- Collect Baggage (if checked) → Walk out to arrivals hall
- Grab a Taxi (queue outside) or walk to Flybus+ stop (2-min walk)
- Arrive at Hótel Reykjavík Saga → Check in, drop bags, explore Laugavegur
- Optional: Grab coffee at Bryggjan Café (2-min walk) or browse vintage vinyl at Skífan Records
Total time from plane door to hotel lobby: as little as 20 minutes.
📅 Smart Tips for RKV Travelers Staying at Hótel Reykjavík Saga
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| ✅ Book your hotel before your domestic flight | Ensures guaranteed accommodation upon arrival—even if your flight is delayed |
| ✅ Download the Isavia app | Real-time flight status, gate info, and airport maps for RKV |
| ✅ Pack layers—even in summer | RKV sits near the sea; wind and microclimates can shift quickly |
| ✅ Keep ID + boarding pass handy | Domestic flights in Iceland require photo ID (passport or national ID card) |
| ✅ Ask the front desk about next-day tours | Many Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, or South Coast tours depart early from downtown—perfect if you land at RKV the night before |
📞 Final Checklist Before You Go
Before your trip, confirm:
- ✅ Your flight is operating from RKV (not KEF)—double-check IATA code!
- ✅ Hotel reservation at Hótel Reykjavík Saga (https://hotelreykjaviksaga.com)
- ✅ Contact number saved: +354-514-5000
- ✅ Download offline maps of Reykjavík (Google Maps works well even without signal)
🌋 Conclusion: RKV + Hótel Reykjavík Saga = The Perfect Icelandic Transit Pairing
Reykjavík Domestic Airport may be small, but its efficiency, location, and role in connecting Iceland’s dispersed communities make it indispensable. And when paired with a stay at Hótel Reykjavík Saga, you gain more than just convenience—you gain confidence, comfort, and culture, all within minutes of touchdown.
Whether you’re flying to the dramatic cliffs of the Westfjords, the geothermal wonders of the Highlands, or simply transiting through Reykjavík en route to an international departure, this hotel ensures your Icelandic journey starts and ends with elegance, ease, and authentic local spirit.
So pack your bag, book your flight, and let Hótel Reykjavík Saga be your anchor in the heart of Iceland’s vibrant capital.
“In Iceland, the shortest distance between two points is often a flight—and the best place to land is right where the city begins.” 🛫🇮🇸
