How much is the bus from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik?

Iceland has, unfortunately, gained something of a reputation for being an expensive country to visit. Nevertheless, depending on where you’re from, the reality might not be as costly as you initially feared. One area that represents good value for money is public transport, which is good news for anyone planning on using Airport Direct by Gray Line Iceland to take care of their transfer. So, let’s take a look and find out how much the bus is going to cost on a journey from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik.

Not all buses are created equal…

The cost of a bus journey from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik varies according to what kind of bus you plan to take. A regular bus linking the two places is operated by Strætó, the company that also runs city buses in Reykjavik and services throughout the Icelandic countryside. The bus you’ll need to look for is the number 55 service.

It begins its journey at Keflavik Airport – you’ll need to locate the stop nearby on Kjóavellir as it’s not right outside the terminal building. From here, it heads into the nearby town of Keflavik. Afterwards, it calls in at Hafnarfjördur. Some services terminate at the Fjörður shopping centre while others continue on to Reykjavik.

This bus is cheap: a single ticket costs a very reasonable 2280 ISK (just over 15 euros) for an adult. Children aged 11 years and under ride for free while there is a 50% discount for young people aged between 12 and 17 years old, the elderly and people in receipt of disability benefits. Typically, though, the journey time is 1 hour and 15 minutes, which makes this a relatively slow option, especially when you factor in the wait time – at some periods during the day the buses depart more than two hours apart.

There’s a better option and it’s called Airport Direct by Gray Line Iceland

Here at Gray Line we appreciate that time is precious, and that’s most definitely the case when you’re on holiday – or about to start it. We understand that many travellers will be willing to pay a little more to reach the city more quickly. For an attractive fare of just 27 euros, we speed up the process of getting into Reykjavik. As with the Strætó service, youngsters between 12 and 15 are charged a half fare and kids less than 11 ride free.

So what does that extra outlay get you? Firstly, travel with Airport Direct by Gray Line Iceland and you’ll be on a comfortable coach that travels straight to the Reykjavik Terminal on the outskirts of the capital. There’s plenty of space for your luggage. Meanwhile on board, you’ll not only find comfortable seats but also WiFi, which is a big help if you need to make any last minute arrangements.

You’ll save more by booking a return trip

Often in life we prefer to keep our options open but when travelling, savings can be achieved by making certain arrangements up front. After all, as you already know your return flight time, it makes sense to pin down your return transfer to the airport. It’s one less thing to think about when you’re in Reykjavik having fun.

Gray Line offers a 15% discount to passengers who book a return transfer rather than a one way ride between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik. You’ll save 8 euros per adult on the standard cost of a return transfer to and from the Reykjavik Terminal bringing the total cost of your ride to just 46 euros per person.

In Reykjavik, you’ll have the option of transferring onto a feeder service to get you closer to your chosen accommodation. This Smart Bus feeder service is the most efficient way of delivering you to your final stop, as you won’t waste time driving around parts of the city that you don’t need to be in while fellow passengers are dropped off. Adding this option costs a few euros more but you might decide it’s worth it for the convenience.

The cost of additional luggage

Sometimes, it’s necessary to bring other items of luggage and depending on the nature of this you may be asked to pay an additional fee. For instance, a golf bag or extra suitcase can be carried for 11 euros; a bicycle costs 19 euros on top of the standard fare. Items such as a child seat are free of charge.

Consider upgrading to a premium service

Some travellers will happily pay extra for a private transfer, but depending on your group size the total cost of doing so could actually work out cheaper than a shared transfer. A private transfer shortens any waiting time and ensures that you are free to start your Reykjavik sightseeing as soon as possible. Why is this an especially attractive option if you are travelling as part of a group? The fare per person is adjusted so that you each pay less when sharing a vehicle.

Travelling as part of a group of between one and four people using the private transfer will cost 165 euros in total. The price per person falls even more for parties of between five and eight people – to as little as 23.20 euros per person for groups of eight travellers. That represents extraordinary value when compared to the per person adult fare when booking a standard transfer.

How about using taxis or a rental car?

Private transfers are often similar in price to organising a taxi transfer. A number of companies serve the Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik route. However, if you find yourself arranging a taxi on arrival then it’s possible that at peak periods you could have a significant wait until you reach the head of the queue.

For travellers planning to explore beyond the capital area, a rental car might be something you’re looking into. That said, if you’re planning on being based in downtown Reykjavik, the need to find a parking space and absorb the cost of leaving the car in the city overnight can be a downside to having your own set of wheels.

Because of this, it’s well worth figuring out what your itinerary is likely to be before opting for a rental car. Much of downtown Reykjavik is easily walkable, with a reliable city bus service if you need to venture further afield. Dedicated shuttles to popular visitor attractions can also be arranged, so you may prefer to ditch the idea of a self-drive.

Depending on how far you plan to travel during your time in Iceland, it could be more cost-effective to grab one of Gray Line’s transfers and rent a car from the city for a day or two. Alternatively, you might do away with the need for a hire car altogether. Tours depart frequently for popular destinations such as the Golden Circle, the south coast or Snaefellsnes, so you won’t be missing out.

Booking is straightforward

With instant confirmation and online booking, getting your Airport Direct by Gray Line Iceland transfer organised is easy. Simply choose your date and time, select the number of passengers and pay using any major credit card. When you step out into the arrivals hall at Keflavik Airport, just present the electronic travel voucher, hand over your luggage and hop on board. It’s as straightforward as that.