Wondering how to get from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon? Well I've made it easy for you and rounded up your options.
After your flight touches down at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), many travelers opt to start their Icelandic adventure with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. It's probably the most iconic place in Iceland and well worth the visit. The lagoon is located in a rugged black lava field, only a 20-minute drive from the airport, making it an ideal first stop to refresh and relax after a long flight immediately after arriving in Iceland.
Here’s your complete guide on how to get from KEF airport to the Blue Lagoon, with all the transport options you can consider choosing from.
KEF to Blue Lagoon Quick Tips
The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík. This makes it incredibly convenient to stop there after landing. The drive covers roughly 23 kilometers (14 miles) and takes about 20 minutes by car or private shuttle.
1. Private Airport Shuttle #1
Booking a Private Airport Shuttle with a 2 hour stop at the Blue Lagoon is the most convenient option you'll find. Your driver greets you at the airport, drives you to the Blue Lagoon and waits for you, keeping your luggage safely stored in the car while you relax.
2. Keep up with volcanic activity
Recent volcanic activities in the area can affect routes to the Blue Lagoon and access to the lagoon.
3. Public shuttle buses have limited departure times
Flybus and Destination Blue Lagoon have limited departure times from KEF to Blue Lagoon. The regular KEF to Reykjavík tickets do not include a stop at the Blue Lagoon.
Comparison of Options
Airport (KEF) to the Blue Lagoon, as described in your document:
*Please note that the prices are estimates and are subject to change.
Why Start Your Iceland Visit at the Blue Lagoon?
Starting your visit to Iceland at the Blue Lagoon saves you time and money. You'll save time by visiting directly after landing rather than making a separate trip from Reykjavík, located 40 minutes away, saving you the added cost of a Reykjavík-to-Blue Lagoon round trip transportation.
Take it from someone that travels to and from Iceland frequently, that starting your trip at the Blue Lagoon is a really relaxing way to shake off travel fatigue. If you thought, it was just a blue-colored spa you'd be wrong. In fact, the mineral-rich waters, heated by geothermal energy, are famed for their healing properties. So, you'll feel much better and ready for your visit to Iceland.
- Insider Tip: The Blue Lagoon is incredibly popular and often sells out, so it’s essential to book your admission tickets in advance.
Book your Private Airport Shuttle with Blue Lagoon
The Route to Blue Lagoon
As of January 2025, the Grindavíkurvegur (route 43), the main access road to the Blue Lagoon, is now open again after being closed after seismic activity in the area. So, if you’re driving yourself, make sure that you do not follow outdated navigation data. When driving from Keflavík International Airport to the Blue Lagoon follow Reykjanesbraut (route 41) and simply turn into Grindarvíkurvegur, road 43, and follow the road signs to the famous Blue Lagoon.
- To keep updated on access and best route to the Blue Lagoon during volcanic activity in the area visit the Blue Lagoon's Official Website.
1. Private Airport Shuttle
For maximum convenience, booking a private airport shuttle with a stop at the Blue Lagoon is a highly recommended option (actually a #1 option). When you pre-book a private transfer, your driver will meet you at the airport arrivals hall, monitor your flight for delays, help with your luggage and keep it safe as you visit the Blue Lagoon for 2 hours, then safely drop you off at your hotel in Reykjavík.
It's honestly the most convenient and reliable option.
Key Features
- Duration: 20 minutes to Blue Lagoon + 2 hour stop + 40 minutes to Reykjavík.
- Convenience: No waiting for other passengers as it's private, then a direct drop-off at your hotel afterwards.
- Service: The driver waits while you relax at the Blue Lagoon, with your luggage safely stored in the vehicle.
- Pricing: KEF to Reykjavík starts at around $170 USD (depending on group size and provider).
Airport Shuttle Iceland - Recommended Provider
Airport Shuttle Iceland by Snæland Travel is known for its reliable service and direct access to a local support team. They offer private rides with stops at the Blue Lagoon and no hidden fees for luggage or flight delays.
Pros
- No waiting time — driver is ready upon your arrival.
- No luggage limitations.
- Ideal for families and groups.
- Door-to-Door convenience.
- Book directly online.
- 5% Return Fare Discount.
Cons
- Higher cost compared to public shuttle buses.
Book your Private Airport Shuttle with Blue Lagoon
2. Rental Car
If you're traveling on a Self-Drive Tour, you can easily drive from KEF airport to the Blue Lagoon and even explore major sights on the Reykjanes Peninsula afterwards like Kleifarvatn, Seltún Geothermal Area and of course any volcanic activity around. It's the ultimate freedom if you've already decided to self-drive around Iceland.
Now, if you are just landing and considering renting a car only to drive from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík with a stop at the Blue Lagoon, I recommend considering a Private Airport Shuttle instead as the cost might be about the same or possibly higher as you'll need to pay for the full 24h, finding parking in Reykjavík is no joke, and you'll need to consider how to get to your hotel from the rental car drop off point.
Key Features
- Duration: 20 minutes to Blue Lagoon + 2 hour stop + Flexibility to Explore the Peninsula + 40 minutes to Reykjavík.
- Self-Drive: Convenient 20 min drive to the Blue Lagoon if you're traveling Iceland independently or on a Self Drive Tour.
- Navigation: Make sure to get updated information on the best route to the Blue Lagoon during volcanic activities in the area.
- Pricing: Start at around $90 USD/day
Pricing
Okay, let's get into the nitty gritty of car rental prices. If you simply do a google search for car rental prices in Iceland, you might see something like $40 USD/day - I don't want to be too pessimistic, but you've probably hit the jackpot if you can rent at those rates.
The more realistic prices will start around $90 USD/day and might include basic insurance and unlimited milage. But prices can climb quickly — especially during the busy travel months or if you opt for a larger SUV or 4x4. If you’re planning to explore Iceland’s rugged backroads and highland trails, those larger vehicles are often well worth the splurge (and necessary in some cases).
Many car rental companies offer optional insurance packages, and while they may seem like an extra expense, coverage like gravel protection or sand and ash insurance can be a lifesaver in Iceland’s unpredictable environment. The country’s windy conditions and volcanic terrain have been known to cause damage even to the most careful drivers.
Here's a quick view of fees to consider when renting a car in Iceland:
- Basic insurance rates
- Charges for an extra driver
- Extra insurance fees for gravel, sand, ash insurance etc.
- Milage rates - if not unlimited
- Fuel approx. $2 USD per liter (around $9 per gallon). You can follow up-to-date gas prices in Iceland here.
A little careful planning can help you avoid surprise fees and make the best informed decision of how to get from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon.
Car Rental Companies at Keflavík Airport
When you arrive at Keflavík International Airport, you’ll find four well known car rental companies, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Europcar, conveniently located right inside the terminal, making it a breeze to pick up your vehicle and hit the road. But don’t worry — if your rental isn’t directly at the terminal, most companies offer self-service key pick-ups, complimentary shuttles to nearby rental offices, or other handy ways to get you to your car without much hassle.
Just make sure to choose the right vehicle for your itinerary — I can tell you from first-hand experience, if you’re planning to head into the highlands in summer or simply driving the ring road in winter, a 4x4 can make all the difference!
Pros of a rental car for Blue Lagoon
- Full control over your schedule.
- Opportunity for scenic stops on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Cons of a rental car for Blue Lagoon
- Finding parking and parking fees in Reykjavík.
- Winter driving conditions can be challenging.
- Getting from drop-off point to your hotel in Reykjavík.
Is there still parking at the Blue Lagoon after the eruption?
As of December 2024, there is new parking at the Blue Lagoon within the protective barriers. The parking lot was built following the eruption in November the same year when the old parking lot was destroyed by flowing lava.
Today the parking lot is located within protective barriers that direct the lava flow away from the Blue Lagoon facilities.
3. Shuttle Buses
For the budget conscious traveler both Flybus by Reykjavík Excursions and Destination Blue Lagoon offer rides to the Blue Lagoon from KEF airport. Flybus caters to early arrivals with a single departure time at 7:30 while Destination Blue Lagoon has four departure times through the day. The shared shuttle buses are a good budget choice if you don't mind giving up some flexibility.
Key Features of Shuttle Buses
- Frequency: Departures every 30-60 minutes.
- Duration: 30 minutes to the Blue Lagoon.
- Booking: Book one ticket for the Blue Lagoon and another one for Reykjavík.
- Pricing: Around $30 USD for a one-way trip.
Pros
- Affordable pricing.
- Good option for budget conscious for solo travelers.
- Comfortable with onboard Wi-Fi.
Cons
- Fixed schedules — less flexibility.
- Limited departure times.
- May require waiting for the next bus.
- May require booking multiple tickets.
- You'll need to store your luggage at the Blue Lagoon.
Flybus - Recommended Local Provider
Flybus, operated by Reykjavík Excursions, is a budget friendly option that departs once a day at 7:30 from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon and one of the KEF Airport to Reykjavik bus options. If you have an early arrival and opt for Flybus you'll notice that the ticket includes a ride into Reykjavík after your stop. All you must do is choose a scheduled departure time from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík (or back to Keflavík if you're on a short Stopover). You can pre-book your tickets online or grab them at the Reykjavík Excursions ticket counter at the airport.
One thing to note is your luggage - The bus operator includes a standard luggage allowance of two large bags per person. However, once you are dropped off at the lagoon, you'll need to store your larger luggage at the Blue Lagoon luggage storage for a fee while you visit.
- Insider Tip: The regular Flybus or Flybus+ tickets do not include a stop at the Blue Lagoon. If you plan on returning with the Flybus from the Blue Lagoon you'll need to book tickets with 24h notice.
Destination Blue Lagoon - Recommended Local Provider
Destination Blue Lagoon is the official partner of the Blue Lagoon and operated by Hópbílar (a Gray Line sister company). The Blue Lagoon shuttle has four departure times a day, leaving Keflavík Airport at:
- 07:30
- 09:30
- 12:30
- 16:30
You can pre-book your tickets online or get them at the service desk of Airport Direct (yes that's right Airport Direct) in Keflavík airport arrivals hall. Luggage limits are standard and once at the lagoon, you'll need to store your larger luggage at the Blue Lagoon luggage storage for a fee while you visit. While swim bags that fit in the lockers are allowed inside the changing rooms.
Both Flybus and Destination Blue Lagoon provide easy transportation options from Keflavík to the Blue Lagoon. If you want to combine a Blue Lagoon visit with a ride to Reykjavík on a single ticket, then Flybus is a great choice. However, Destination Blue Lagoon has the edge with four departure times in a day compared to the one that Flybus offers.
4. Taxi KEF to Blue Lagoon
If you didn’t pre-book a Private Airport Shuttle or a Bus ride to the Blue Lagoon, taxis are available outside Keflavík Airport 24/7. While convenient, taxis are the most expensive option for traveling, even short distances. You can find more in-depth taxi prices from KEF to Reykjavík here.
Key Features
- Duration: 20 minutes to Blue Lagoon
- Availability: Immediate, no pre-booking needed.
- Pricing: Starts at around $85 USD for a one-way trip to the Blue Lagoon.
Pros
- Private and direct service.
- Great for last-minute plans.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options.
- No upfront pricing—fares are metered
Seismic Activity at the Blue Lagoon
The Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its volcanic activity, most recently in 2024 and 2025. Due to these seismic events the Blue Lagoon does have temporary closures to ensure everyone's safety. The official Blue Lagoon website provides up-to-date information on any disruptions due to seismic events here.
You can check the air quality around the Blue Lagoon and all of Iceland at Loftgæði.is and follow up on seismic activity around the Blue Lagoon at The Icelandic Met Office.
Let's Sum it Up
The Blue Lagoon is definitely one of the most (if not the most) iconic destinations in Iceland. It's also the perfect start to your Icelandic adventure. Getting from Keflavík International Airport to the Blue Lagoon can be tricky so let's sum up your options. Airport Shuttle Iceland is private and the most convenient option with door-to-door service and a driver that will wait with your luggage while you visit the lagoon. The shuttle buses, Flybus and Destination Blue Lagoon, offer more budget friendly options but are limited to 1-4 departure times each day and do not hold your luggage while you wait. Other options include rental cars which make sense if you plan on a few days self-drive in Iceland, and taxis which is the most expensive option but good for last-minute decisions.
Whatever option you choose, don’t forget to book your Blue Lagoon entry tickets in advance and check for any updates on seismic activity.
Book your Private Airport Shuttle with Blue Lagoon
If you're looking to head straight to the city you can read these 5 ways to get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík city, or this piece on Getting from Keflavík to Vík í Mýrdal if you're heading along the south coast.