Planning a trip to Iceland? Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, a little preparation goes a long way.
From getting from the airport to Reykjavík, to staying safe on the roads and finding the best travel resources, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Arriving in Iceland
Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Almost all international visitors arrive through Keflavík International Airport, located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavík.
It’s Iceland’s main international hub, and it’s modern, efficient, and easy to navigate.
Quick facts:
- Airport code: KEF
- Location: Near the town of Keflavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Drive time to Reykjavík: 40–50 minutes
- Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
- Plug type: European 2-pin (Type C/F)
- Time zone: GMT (no daylight saving)
New Entry/Exit System at KEF
As part of the Schengen area reforms, KEF has begun rolling out the new electronic Entry/Exit System (EES). This system replaces the manual stamping of passports for travellers entering or leaving the Schengen zone from non-Schengen countries.
What you should know:
- From 12 October 2025, self-service kiosks will begin registering arriving travellers via fingerprints and facial recognition.
- The full implementation at KEF is expected to be completed by April 2026. kefairport.com
- Ensure your passport is valid (less than 10 years old, and valid for at least 3 months after departure) and person in the passport is the one travelling.
💡 Tip: Keep your passport easily accessible on arrival — the process may be quicker with the new EES system.
Getting from the Airport to Reykjavík
You have several options, depending on your budget and travel style:
1. Airport Transfer Bus (Budget-Friendly)
The most popular choice for travellers is the Flybus or Airport Direct, both of which operate between the airport and central Reykjavík.
- Buses meet every arriving flight — even late at night.
- Journey time: around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- You can be dropped off at BSÍ Bus Terminal or near your hotel (if included).
- Tickets can be booked online or at the airport arrivals hall.
Websites:
2. Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis are available outside arrivals, but they’re expensive — usually around 20,000–25,000 ISK (£110–£140) to Reykjavík.
Private transfers are more comfortable if you’re travelling as a group or arriving very early or late.
3. Hire a Car
If you’re planning to explore beyond Reykjavík, we highly recommend hiring a car before you go. It’s often cheaper to book online in advance, and you’ll have more choice when it comes to vehicle types and insurance options.
Most major car rental companies have desks inside the arrivals terminal at Keflavík Airport, making pick-up easy and quick once you land.
💡 Important: Most car hire companies in Iceland require a credit card in the same name as the main driver to take a safety deposit. Debit cards aren’t usually accepted for this purpose, so make sure you have a valid credit card ready.
If you’re visiting in winter, consider hiring a 4×4 vehicle — the extra grip and clearance make a big difference on icy or snow-covered roads.
Weather & What to Expect
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable. You can experience sunshine, wind, rain, and snow all in a single day.
- Summer (June–August): Mild temperatures (10–15°C), 24-hour daylight.
- Winter (November–March): Cold (-1 to 4°C), short days, best chance for Northern Lights.
- Spring/Autumn: Great for fewer crowds and balanced daylight.
Always check the forecast before heading out — especially if you’re driving.
Useful website: www.vedur.is — Iceland’s official weather service.
Driving in Iceland
If you plan to explore by car, driving is the best way to see Iceland’s incredible scenery — but it’s important to drive carefully.
✅ Top driving tips:
- Headlights must be on at all times (day or night).
- Off-road driving is strictly illegal.
- F-roads (mountain roads) are for 4×4 vehicles only.
- Always check road conditions before driving — especially in winter.
Essential websites:
- www.road.is – road conditions and closures
- www.safetravel.is – safety updates, travel alerts, and trip registration
Accommodation
Reykjavík offers a wide range of options — from cosy guesthouses and city hotels to apartments and budget hostels.
Outside Reykjavík, expect smaller hotels and guesthouses, often family-run. Always book ahead in summer, as popular areas fill up quickly.
💡 For unique stays, look at:
Hot Springs & Lagoons
No trip to Iceland is complete without soaking in a geothermal lagoon. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, located between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport — perfect for your first or last day.
Other great options include the Sky Lagoon (just outside Reykjavík) and Secret Lagoon in Flúðir.
💡 Book in advance during peak months.
Useful Apps & Resources
Stay connected and safe with these handy tools:
- Aurora Forecast – to check Northern Lights activity
- Vedur App – live weather updates
- 112 Iceland App – for emergency assistance
- Google Maps / Maps.me – for offline navigation
- Safetravel.is Alerts – for real-time safety updates
Emergency Information
- Emergency number: 112 (for police, fire, and medical)
- You can also use the 112 Iceland App, which lets you send your location directly to emergency services even if you have weak signal.
- Pharmacies: Look for “Apótek” signs in towns and cities.
- Hospitals: Most major towns have clinics or emergency centres.
Money & Payments in Iceland
One of the best things about travelling in Iceland is how easy it is to pay for things — you’ll barely need cash at all.
Almost everywhere accepts credit and debit cards, including small cafés, petrol stations, and even public toilets in some areas.
Currency
- The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
- Notes come in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 ISK denominations.
- Coins are 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 ISK.
💡 There’s usually no need to exchange large amounts of cash — most travellers get by using cards and mobile payments.
Cards & Contactless Payments
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted (Amex is accepted in some places but not all).
- Contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay) work in most shops and restaurants.
- For car hire, a credit card in the driver’s name is usually required for the safety deposit.
Tipping & Service Charges
Tipping isn’t expected in Iceland — staff are paid fair wages, and service is included in the price.
If you receive exceptional service, it’s fine to round up or leave a small amount, but it’s completely optional.
ATMs & Cash
ATMs (called hraðbanki in Icelandic) are available in all towns and at Keflavík Airport, but most people find they rarely need them.
If you do take out cash, you can use it for things like:
- Small local markets or festivals
- Public toilets that don’t take cards
- Rural cafés or guesthouses (rare, but possible)
Prices & Budget Tips
Iceland is known for being expensive, but there are ways to make your money go further:
- Shop at Bonus or Krónan supermarkets for groceries.
- Make your own packed lunches for road trips.
- Refill water bottles with tap water — it’s some of the purest in the world.
- Save on lagoon visits by trying Secret Lagoon or Hvammsvík Hot Springs instead of pricier options.
Departure Tips
If you’re returning to Keflavík Airport:
- Arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure — security is usually quick, but queues can build at peak times.
- There’s duty-free shopping on both arrival and departure, and it’s generally cheaper than city prices.
- Keflavík is a small airport with a few shops and eateries, but be aware that many outlets close around 16:30–17:00, so don’t rely on grabbing a full meal later in the evening.
- Fill up your hire car before returning it — petrol is cheaper in Reykjavík than near the airport.
💡 If you’re flying early in the morning, consider staying near Keflavík the night before to make your departure stress-free.
Health & Safety Essentials
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates, clean air, and excellent public health services. That said, its wild landscapes and unpredictable weather mean it’s always worth being prepared.
Medical Care
Iceland has high-quality medical care. Hospitals and clinics (heilsugæsla) are found in all major towns, and Reykjavík has several large facilities, including the National University Hospital (Landspítali).
💡 If you’re from the UK or EU, bring your GHIC or EHIC card — it gives you access to essential healthcare at the same cost as locals. For others, make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation, just in case.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are easy to find in towns and cities — look for the word “Apótek” on signs.
They stock common medicines, first-aid supplies, and over-the-counter remedies.
In smaller towns, pharmacies might close early or only open a few hours a day, so plan ahead if you need prescriptions filled.
Water & Food Safety
You can drink tap water anywhere in Iceland — it’s some of the cleanest and purest in the world. There’s no need to buy bottled water.
Food hygiene standards are very high, and you’ll rarely need to worry about food safety. Just remember:
- Some small villages have limited restaurant options in winter.
- Supermarkets close early (usually between 18:00–20:00).
Outdoor Safety
Iceland’s nature is wild and beautiful — but it demands respect. Weather and terrain can change fast.
✅ Stay safe by:
- Checking safetravel.is for alerts before heading out.
- Keeping to marked trails — never go off-road.
- Dressing for sudden weather changes (layers, waterproofs, sturdy shoes).
- Never turning your back on the sea — waves can be unpredictable and strong.
If you’re heading into remote areas, register your trip plan at safetravel.is/travel-plan so rescuers can locate you in an emergency.
Animals & Wildlife
Iceland doesn’t have any dangerous wildlife — no snakes, bears, or venomous insects!
You might meet friendly horses, puffins, or curious sheep along the way — just remember not to approach or feed them.
💡 Final Tip
The best way to stay safe in Iceland is simple: be aware, stay prepared, and respect nature.
Check the weather, take your time on the roads, and don’t take unnecessary risks for photos.
The landscape is incredible — and it’s even better when you experience it safely.