Region
Reykjanes Peninsula
50 km from Reykjavik
Keflavik: Iceland's Airport Town
Iceland's gateway town: home to the international airport and a convenient base for the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon.
Population
~19,000
Reykjanes Peninsula • Airport town
Quick Answer
Keflavik is the town beside Iceland's main international airport (KEF), about 5 km from the terminal and 50 km (45 minutes) from Reykjavik. Part of Reykjanesbaer, with around 19,000 residents, it works well for early flights or late arrivals, with the Blue Lagoon about 20 km away and the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula on its doorstep.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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 can be a base in any season, but access to volcanic areas and the Blue Lagoon can change. Check current operator notices and SafeTravel before setting out.
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.
A music stop without a separate admission budget
The Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ Roll at Hljomaholl lists free admission, checked September 10, 2026. Its timeline begins in 1920, with objects such as Gunnar Jokull Hakonarson’s drum kit from Trubrot’s Lifun album and Emiliana Torrini’s Jungle Drum video dress. This is a focused music-history stop rather than a general Iceland museum.
The operator lists weekdays 09:00–18:00 and weekends 10:00–17:00. Viking World in neighboring Njardvik is a separate museum with its own admission and schedule. Choose the one that interests you before planning the airport transfer; a short advertised drive is only one part of the time needed between flights.
Planning help
Keflavik FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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 a separate excursion from Keflavik. Check current road access and admission availability, then leave enough time for airport check-in, security and any passport control.
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. Compare the actual hotel rate and airport transfer: a town address does not mean the terminal is within walking distance.
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.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.