The definitive comparison of ground transport options along the 50 km corridor from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to the Reykjavík Capital Area. Weighing cost, speed, and convenience.
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Excellent! You land during operational hours with light luggage. Route 55 is by far the cheapest option for you, and since you are staying near BSÍ or have a free transfer, it's highly recommended.
A complete operational breakdown of options along the Keflavík Airport corridor.
| Metric | Strætó Bus (Route 55) | Flybus (Reykjavík Excursions) | Airport Direct (Gray Line) | Private Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way Fare | 2,400 ISK (to Reykjavík) |
3,999 ISK (to BSÍ) 4,999 ISK (Flybus+ to Hotel) |
~4,200 ISK ($30) +~$10 for Hotel delivery |
20,000 - 40,000 ISK (Flat/Metered) |
| Child Fares | 0 ISK (Ages 0-11) 1,200 ISK (Ages 12-17) |
0 ISK (Ages 0-4) 1,999 ISK (Ages 5-15) |
0 ISK (Ages 0-3) 50% discount (Ages 4-15) |
Standard vehicle rate |
| Journey Duration | 75 - 90 minutes | 45 minutes to BSÍ (+30 mins hotel feeder) |
45 minutes to Terminal (+30 mins hotel feeder) |
30 - 45 minutes |
| Frequency | 85 to 120 minutes (Fixed schedule) |
Flight-synchronized (Departs 35-45 mins post-land) |
Hourly schedule (Aligned with arrivals) |
On-demand (24/7) |
| Luggage Holds | None (internal cabin racks) | Included (under-bus hold) | Included (under-bus hold) | Trunk capacity |
| Delays | No protection (must wait) | Guaranteed seat on next bus | Permits booking exchange | Taxi driver monitors flight |
A major point of confusion for tourists is the physical separation between the commercial shuttle bays (directly outside arrivals) and the municipal Strætó bus stop, which requires a short walk.
A crucial operational detail for travellers is that out of the 12 daily departures of Route 55 from Keflavík Airport, only 5 trips run the full distance directly to the BSÍ Terminal in downtown Reykjavík. The other 7 runs terminate prematurely at the Fjörður transit hub in Hafnarfjörður.
No need to panic! Disembark the bus at Fjörður, cross the same platform, and board Strætó Line 1 (runs every 15-30 mins). Line 1 runs directly into downtown Reykjavík (stopping near City Hall and Harpa). Your Route 55 zone ticket covers this transfer automatically within its 75-minute window; just request a physical transfer slip (skiptimiði) if you paid cash/contactless card onboard.
Is the public bus worth the extra hassle? Let's quantify the financial trade-off:
Dividing the monetary savings of 1,599 ISK by the 40 minutes of additional travel time yields an effective savings rate of approximately 2,398 ISK per hour. Choosing Route 55 essentially pays you 2,398 ISK/hour in saved expenses. For long-term budget travellers and families, this savings adds up dramatically.
For 2 adults and 2 children under 12, Route 55 costs exactly 4,800 ISK total (children travel free). Standard Flybus would cost 7,998 ISK, and Flybus+ would reach 11,996 ISK. Public transit cuts the family's transfer costs by over 50%!
Yes. Regional public buses like Route 55 feature physical point-of-sale card terminals managed by the driver. You can pay onboard using contactless credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard), mobile wallets (Apple Pay/Google Pay), or cash in ISK.
Yes. The Flybus departures from Keflavík Airport are flight-synchronized and depart 35 to 45 minutes after every flight arrival. If your flight is delayed, your ticket is automatically valid on the next departing coach.
Yes, but with restrictions. Bicycle transport is only permitted on weekdays and is restricted to five specific scheduled runs: 06:27, 14:54, 15:54, 16:54, and 17:54 departures from KEF Airport. Space is subject to boarding availability (first-come, first-served).
No. Ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft, and Bolt do not operate in Iceland. If you want on-demand private transit, you must hire a local licensed taxi from the terminal rank or book one in advance.
