⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
International → Domestic
75
minutes
International → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the primary aviation hub for Iceland, currently undergoing a multi-billion ISK phased expansion to modernize its infrastructure and increase capacity. As of early 2026, the airport operates from a single large terminal complex divided into distinct wings: the North Building and the South Building, connected by a central commercial spine. A massive new 27,000-square-meter central hub building is presently under construction to further integrate these structures, which may result in temporary walkways and signage changes for transiting passengers.
The terminal's layout is organized by gate zones to manage the flow of Schengen and non-Schengen traffic efficiently. Gates A (A11–A16) are located on the upper level of the North Building, while the South Building houses Gates C (C21–C36) for Schengen destinations and Gates D (D21–D36) on the lower level for non-Schengen flights, such as those to the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. Passengers heading to Zone D must clear passport control, which is situated at the transition point between the upper and lower levels of the South Building.
Amenities at KEF are designed to showcase Icelandic culture while providing world-class travel services. The 'Commercial Spine' on Level 2 features extensive 24/7 duty-free shopping, including specialized outlets for Icelandic outdoor brand 66°North and Blue Lagoon skincare. Premium travelers can access the Icelandair Saga Lounge, known for its panoramic airfield views and fireplace, or utilize shared lounge areas in the D-gate zone. The arrivals area on Level 1 is also being modernized in early 2026, featuring expanded baggage claim carousels and upgraded facilities for car rental services and convenience shopping.
Ground transportation is well-integrated with the capital city of Reykjavík, located approximately 45 minutes away. Flybus and Airport Direct coaches depart frequently from clearly marked stops immediately outside the Arrivals Hall, providing direct links to the city's central bus station and major hotels. For those visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula, the famous Blue Lagoon is just a 20-minute drive from the terminal. Multiple on-site parking lots (P1-P4) cater to both short-term and long-term needs, with a free shuttle service connecting the more distant lots to the terminal entrance. Travelers are generally advised to arrive three hours before international departures to account for peak transatlantic flight banks.
🔄 Connection Tips
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the primary aviation hub for Iceland and a major transatlantic gateway. For international travelers, the most critical tip is understanding the 'Schengen boundary' within the single terminal; if you are connecting between a North American flight and a destination in Europe (outside of Iceland), you will need to pass through passport control at the D-gates. Arriving at least 3 hours before departures is standard during the peak morning and afternoon 'waves' to navigate the potential queues. A unique tip for travelers is that KEF handles only international flights; if you are connecting to an Icelandic domestic destination (like Akureyri or Egilsstaðir), you must take a 45-minute bus or taxi transfer to Reykjavík Airport (RKV) in the city center.
Ground transportation is well-developed; the 'Flybus' and 'Airport Direct' shuttles meet every scheduled arrival and provide a reliable link to the Reykjavík BSI terminal and major hotels. For those wishing for more independence, numerous car rental agencies are located at a centralized off-site facility accessed via a short shuttle ride. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading directly to the Blue Lagoon, which is located just 20 minutes from the terminal. Arriving at least 90 minutes before European departures is typically sufficient to navigate the thorough but generally fast security screening.
Facilities at KEF are world-class, featuring free high-speed Wi-Fi, numerous airline lounges including the Icelandair Saga Lounge, and a diverse variety of dining options serving fresh Icelandic seafood. The regional climate is subarctic and extremely volatile, with strong winds and localized fog common year-round that can lead to sudden flight groundings. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight, always allow for a minimum 4-hour buffer to account for potential regional delays and terminal navigation. KEF provides a professional and remarkably scenic arrival experience, reflecting the unique geological beauty and adventurous spirit of the land of fire and ice.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Borgarfjörður Airport (BGJ) serves Borgarfjörður eystri in Iceland's Eastfjords and functions as a remote community airfield rather than a conventional commercial airport. The airport's value comes from geography: it offers an alternative to the mountain road approach and supports local access, medical contingencies, charter activity, and specialized regional logistics in an exposed coastal environment.
Facilities are minimal, as expected for a small Icelandic airstrip. Travelers should expect only basic shelter and handling, with very limited on-site services. The airport is closely tied to local village life and tourism patterns, especially in summer when hikers, birdwatchers, and visitors to the Eastfjords are drawn to the area.
Weather and remoteness shape almost every part of the airport experience. This is a place where visibility, wind, and road conditions in the surrounding fjords matter at least as much as the scheduled or charter flight itself. BGJ is useful because it shortens access to a spectacularly isolated place, but it rewards cautious planning rather than casual assumptions.
🔄 Connection Tips
Borgarfjörður Airport (BGJ) operates in Iceland's challenging Eastfjords environment where weather variability significantly impacts small aircraft operations, requiring extreme flexibility for any travel planning that depends on this remote coastal airfield. The airport's location at 65.5°N latitude subjects it to rapidly changing Arctic weather patterns, with morning fog common at inland fjord locations that typically lifts by midday but can persist during unstable weather systems. Combining BGJ access with onward travel to Reykjavík requires robust contingency planning, as the entire Eastfjords region experiences weather independence from southern Iceland, creating scenarios where flights operate normally from Keflavík while Borgarfjörður remains completely weathered-in. Wind conditions prove particularly challenging due to the airport's exposed coastal position, where downdrafts from surrounding mountains and channeling effects through the fjord create turbulence that can ground small aircraft even during seemingly acceptable weather periods. Ground infrastructure at Borgarfjörður Airport reflects its role as a remote community airfield serving fewer than 100 year-round residents, with manual luggage handling, no terminal facilities beyond basic shelter, and complete dependence on pre-arranged local transportation connections.
Vehicle access requires coordination with Bakkagerði village contacts or guesthouse operators, as no commercial taxi services operate in this isolated location 75 kilometers from Egilsstaðir via mountainous Road 94. Alternative ground transportation involves a 1.5-hour mountain drive that becomes particularly hazardous during weather disruptions, with the route crossing a high mountain pass that experiences snow and ice conditions making winter travel inadvisable without 4WD vehicles and Arctic driving experience. Road closures occur frequently during storm periods, creating situations where both aviation and ground transportation become simultaneously unavailable, potentially stranding travelers for multiple days. Successful utilization of Borgarfjörður Airport demands understanding its role as a specialized access point for Iceland's most isolated fjord community rather than a reliable transportation link suitable for tight scheduling constraints.
The airport's strategic value peaks during June-August when puffin watching at nearby Hafnarhólmi colony attracts international visitors, but even summer operations remain subject to sudden weather changes typical of sub-Arctic maritime climates. Itinerary planning must accommodate potential 2-3 day delays due to weather, with flexible accommodation bookings and alternative activities planned for extended stays in Bakkagerði village. The airport serves as an exceptional shortcut for accessing Eastfjords hiking terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities that would otherwise require arduous mountain driving, but this convenience comes with acceptance of potential schedule disruption that can cascade through entire Iceland travel plans. Emergency evacuation capabilities remain limited to weather-permitting aviation or dangerous mountain road conditions, making travel insurance and emergency communication planning essential.
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