Ultimate Guide to Keflavik Airport: Land, Grab, Drive!

Welcome to Iceland! You’ve survived the in-flight fish option, watched three episodes of that Netflix show you only sort of like, and now you're touching down at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) with wide eyes and dreams of waterfalls. But before you conquer glaciers or soak in a geothermal tub with strangers, let’s talk logistics—because the smoother your arrival, the quicker you'll be on Icelandic roads with a steaming hot dog in hand.

At Zero Car Rental, we believe the best way to start your Iceland adventure is simple: Land, Grab, Drive. Let us show you how to do exactly that—without the drama, the queues, or the mystery of "which insurance do I need if an elf scratches my bumper?" (Spoiler: We cover that.)

Tips on car rentals, keybox pickups, and seamless travel experience upon landing

Let’s start with the big question: "How do I get my car without battling a crowd of grumpy, jet-lagged tourists?"

Here’s how you do it, the Zero way:

1. Skip the counter, embrace the keybox

At Zero Car Rental, there’s no desk, no line, and no bored staff trying to upsell you gravel insurance. Instead, we have a beautiful little invention called the keybox, waiting for you like a loyal Icelandic sheepdog.

Your key is ready the moment you land. Just walk over to the Zero Car / Blue Car Rental shuttle, hop on (it’s free and runs often), and hop off at our delivery office—we’re the second stop. Look for the Zero sign (and maybe take a selfie, it’s kind of iconic). Your keybox code will have already been emailed to you. Punch it in. Boom. Car obtained. You’re now 12 minutes from the open road.

2. No upsells. Ever.

We don’t believe in surprises (unless it's the Northern Lights). Your booking includes full insurance with no excess, 24/7 roadside assistance, unlimited mileage, and no deposit required. The only thing we’ll ever try to convince you to do is drive safely.

3. Fuel up, chill out

Before you leave the airport area, there are a few fuel stations close by. Grab a coffee, maybe a kleina (Iceland's version of a donut), and get your playlist ready. We recommend some Sigur Rós or Björk for that dramatic first drive.

Pro tip: Always fill up before returning the car to avoid those awkward "you brought it back with fumes" conversations.

Best restaurants and lounges at Keflavik Airport

Let’s be honest: no one arrives in Iceland thinking "I can’t wait to hang out in the airport." But if you do find yourself with some time to kill at KEF before picking up your car or on the way out, it’s not a bad place to fuel your stomach.

1. Joe & the Juice: For the health-conscious Viking

Yes, it's a chain. But it’s also the only place where you can get a kale smoothie while listening to Scandinavian electro-pop. Grab a sandwich and a juice, and pretend you’re in Copenhagen for a minute.

2. Loksins Bar: For the traveler who earned a drink

"Loksins" means "finally" in Icelandic. As in: "Finally, I made it through security and now I need a beer." Local craft brews and Icelandic schnapps? Don't mind if we do.

3. Mathúss: The fancy food court you didn’t expect

This is where you go if you want to sample some Icelandic delicacies like lamb soup or smoked Arctic char, and then follow it up with a decent espresso. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? Also yes.

4. Saga Lounge (if you’re fancy or just exhausted)

Flying business class or have a lounge pass? Slide into the Saga Lounge for Icelandic skyr, soup, wine, and a shower that doesn’t smell like a locker room. Great views of the lava fields too.

Navigating Keflavik Airport: essential services and amenities

KEF isn’t a mega-hub, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in Nordic efficiency and geothermal charm. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Customs & baggage claim

Customs is usually a breeze. Iceland is not in the EU, so you may get a few more questions if you’re bringing in suspicious amounts of cheese. But generally, it’s fast. Baggage claim is right after and the car rental shuttle pickup point is well-marked as you exit.

2. Free Wi-Fi (because how else will you find your keybox code?)

KEF offers fast and free Wi-Fi. No registration required. Just click, connect, and download that offline map you forgot about.

3. SIM cards and currency

Need a local SIM? If you are from Europe, do not fret! It is quite likely that you can used data the same as in your local country. Just double check with your phone operator before you leave.

Pro tip: Most Icelanders pay for everything from parking to hot dogs using a card or mobile app. You’re more likely to need a charging cable than a fistful of krona.

4. Luggage storage

Planning to explore Reykjavík before grabbing your car? Or have a few hours before your flight back home? KEF offers luggage storage near the arrivals area. Great for that "I want to go to the Blue Lagoon but don’t want to bring my suitcase into the hot spring" situation.

5. Family amenities

KEF is surprisingly family-friendly. There are play areas for kids, plenty of clean bathrooms with changing stations, and enough space to avoid major stroller collisions.

6. Transportation options (besides us, obviously)

Of course, we think renting a car is the best way to see Iceland (because it is). But just so you know:

Airport buses like Flybus go to downtown Reykjavik.

Taxis are available, but they’re eye-wateringly expensive.

Public transport exists, but it’s not exactly tourist-friendly.

Bonus section: Your Zero checklist before you hit the road

Here’s what to double-check before you blast off into Iceland’s dramatic landscape:

•  Car key in hand? (From the keybox. No excuses.)
•  Rental agreement in your email? (No paperwork, just digital peace of mind.)
•  Insurance? (Already included. You’re welcome.)
•  Map loaded or GPS ready?
•  Snacks acquired?
•  Bluetooth connected? Let the road trip playlist begin.
•  Weather forecast checked? (Iceland is moody—prepare accordingly.)
•  Headlights on? (They should be. Always.)
•  Familiar with Icelandic road signs? (Hint: The sheep on the yellow sign is not just for decoration.)
•  Know how to open the fuel cap? (You’d be surprised.)
•  Picked up your duty-free? Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, so if you fancy a bottle of wine or your favorite spirits, buy them at the duty-free before you exit the arrivals hall—it’s tax-free and significantly cheaper.

⚠️ Important: Iceland has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Please enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive. Your safety—and that of others—comes first.

And just like that, you're ready. No queuing, no negotiating, no weird insurance forms in Comic Sans.

Final thoughts: Iceland, with zero stress

Keflavik Airport may be your entry point, but your journey truly begins when you pick up your car and start exploring. With Zero Car Rental, the experience is designed to be as easy, quick, and painless as possible. No long lines. No hidden fees. Just you, your fully insured ride, and an entire island of epic adventures waiting to be discovered.

So when you land in Iceland, skip the drama. Land. Grab. Drive.

Visit zerocar.is for your next rental and read more about our stress-free process here. If you're still wondering why people love us, our glowing reviews are right here.

Happy driving, and don’t forget to wave at the sheep!