“It’s like driving on the moon!” is a common phrase by foreign visitors when travelling the 40 km (25 miles) from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik. The straight, flat road leads through moss-covered fields of ancient lava which resemble desolate moonscape. Yet, the area has much more to offer than meets the eye.
Reykjanesbær is the closest town to the airport. Its name means Smoky Ness because of active geothermal activity of the area and the many plumes of steam. On the outskirts of town is the old turf farm of Stekkjarkot, now a museum, and beside it stands Íslendingur, a fully seaworthy replica of a Viking age ship.
This flatland of lava is interrupted by mountains close to Grindavík. Pillars of steam rise up before the Mt. Þorbjörn (243 m), coming from a geothermal power plant, and the well-known tourist attraction, Blue Lagoon. Behind the mountain lies the town of Grindavík, the biggest fish processing town on the peninsula with a museum dedicated to salted cod, The Salt Fish museum. Bacalao has been the premium export of Iceland through the centuries. Take time out to visit this village and experience rural Iceland with its charming harbour cafés, lighthouse and easy hiking trails. If you haven’t managed to get into the Blue Lagoon, the swimming pool in Grindavík is the perfect spot to freshen up and carry on. And it will probably be less crowded.
The road goes on through the large lava field dating back to around 7000 B.C. From its centre, 23 km from the airport, rises the strato volcano Mt. Keilir (379 m). Hafnarfjörður with its Viking Village and a large aluminum smelter on the outskirts is about 30 km from the airport. Drive straight and follow the signs for Reykjavík, turning right at the traffic lights. The drive leads past Costco and Ikea, through the suburb towns of Garðabær and Kópavogur. Follow the signs leading to your destination area in Reykjavík.
You will know you have reached Reykjavík when you see the beautiful landmarks of Perlan and Hallgrímskirkja church. Mt. Esja (914m) is the city mountain, gracefully acting as a backdrop to the Greater Reykjavík Area, beckoning you to travel further and discover the hinterland. Welcome to Reykjavík!
Useful information :
Reykjavík Excursions Flybus
Tel. 580 5400 – www.re.is / [email protected]
Buses depart from Keflavík Airport approximately 40 minutes after each flight arrival.
One way / Return ticket: 3 000 / 5 500 ISK; With hotel pick up: 4 000 / 7 000 ISK
Children 0–11: Free of charge
Teenagers 12–15: Half price
Iceland Excursion /Grayline Iceland – Airport Express
Tel. 540 1313 — www.icelandexcursion.is
Transfers must be booked in advance for guaranteed departure.
One way / Return ticket: 2 450 / 4 800 ISK With hotel pick up: 3 400 / 6 600 ISK
Children 0–11: Free of charge
Teenagers 12–17: Half price
Airport Direct
Tel: 497 8000 — www.airportdirect.is
Transfers to airport from the terminal located at Skógarhlíð 10.
One way / Return ticket: 2 500 / 5 000 ISK + 950 ISK for hotel connection
Strætó — Public transport
Tel: 540 2700 — www.straeto.is
Bus no. 55 runs between Reykjavík and Keflvaík Airport.
One way ticket: 1 880 ISK
DISCLAIMER: These prices are subject to change prior to the travel date. We suggest that you check the websites of the transport companies for more updated information.