Region
Reykjanes Peninsula
50 km from Reykjavik
Keflavik Iceland: Airport Town & Reykjanes Guide
Iceland's gateway town—home to the international airport and convenient base for exploring the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon.
Population
~19,000
Reykjanes Peninsula • Airport town
Keflavik (officially part of Reykjanesbaer municipality) is where most visitors first touch Icelandic soil. Beyond the airport, it's a genuine town with its own character, museums, and easy access to the Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic landscapes.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-02-01
Keflavik offers convenient accommodation for early/late flights and is the gateway to Reykjanes geothermal attractions.
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Official sources to check
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 are year-round destinations. The Blue Lagoon operates daily, and the volcanic landscapes are dramatic in any season.
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.