What is the population of Keflavik?

Keflavik (officially Reykjanesbaer, including neighboring Njardvik) has approximately 19,000 residents and is one of Iceland's larger towns.

Is Keflavik the airport town?

Yes, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's main international gateway, located about 5 km from the town center.

How far is Keflavik from Reykjavik?

Keflavik is about 50 km from Reykjavik, approximately 45 minutes by car via Route 41.

How far is the Blue Lagoon from Keflavik?

The Blue Lagoon is about 20 km from Keflavik (15-20 minutes), so it works well for airport layovers.

What is Keflavik's military history?

The US Naval Air Station Keflavik operated here from 1951-2006 as part of NATO. The former base area is now being developed for civilian use.

What attractions are in Keflavik?

Key attractions include the Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll, Viking World museum, and nearby Reykjanes Peninsula geothermal areas.

Should I stay in Keflavik?

Keflavik is practical for early flights or late arrivals. Hotels are generally cheaper than Reykjavik, and the Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes attractions are nearby.

What services does Keflavik have?

Keflavik has supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and all essential services. It's a full-service town, not just an airport area.

Keflavik: Iceland's Airport Town

Name: Keflavik, Iceland
Address: IS

Iceland's gateway town: home to the international airport and a convenient base for the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~19,000

Reykjanes Peninsula • Airport town

Keflavik (officially part of Reykjanesbaer municipality) is where most visitors first arrive in Iceland. Beyond the airport, it's a working town in its own right, with museums and short drives to the Blue Lagoon and the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic landscape.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Keflavik offers convenient accommodation for early/late flights and is the gateway to Reykjanes geothermal attractions.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Reykjanes Peninsula

50 km from Reykjavik

Population

~19,000

Reykjanesbaer municipality

Known for

International Airport

Iceland's main gateway since 1987

Top Attractions near Keflavik

Blue Lagoon

Famous geothermal spa, 20 minutes away

Viking World

Viking ship museum and settlement exhibit

Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll

Iceland's music history

Reykjanes Geopark

UNESCO Global Geopark with volcanic sites

Bridge Between Continents

Walk between tectonic plates

Gunnuhver Hot Springs

Powerful geothermal area

How to Get to Keflavik

From the airport: 5 minutes by car or taxi to town center.

From Reykjavik: 45 minutes by car via Route 41, or airport buses (Flybus, Airport Direct).

Best Time to Visit Keflavik

Keflavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula work in any season. The Blue Lagoon operates daily, and the volcanic sites stay open year-round.

Naval Air Station Keflavik

Keflavik's modern history is closely tied to its military past. The US Navy operated Naval Air Station Keflavik here from 1951 to 2006 as a key NATO outpost guarding the North Atlantic during the Cold War. After the base closed, much of the former area was redeveloped for civilian use, including housing and the Asbru innovation district, though the airport continues to support occasional NATO air-policing missions.

Planning help

Keflavik FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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