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- Where are the car rental desks located at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)?
- How does car rental return work at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)?
- Flexible car rental deal types at Keflavik Airport (KEF)
- VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rent a car at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Landing at Keflavik International Airport puts you close to the kind of Icelandic scenery that makes people come here in the first place. Instead of treating KEF Airport simply as the place of arrival, pick up your rental car and turn it into the starting point of your journey.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is an immediate introduction to Iceland’s landscape without requiring a long drive from the airport. You could also make your way to the Blue Lagoon, where visitors come to relax in its warm geothermal waters surrounded by black lava fields. With a rental car, you can experience these places at your own pace, stop at viewpoints, take detours, and enjoy the journey along the way.
With VIP Cars, you can search, compare, and book the vehicle well-suited for your trip. From fuel-efficient economy and compact cars to spacious SUVs for families, and minivans/vans for longer journeys, you can browse through hundreds of affordable deals from top suppliers under one roof. And once you have the right car, your Iceland itinerary does not have to be limited to a fixed route - you have the freedom to decide what to explore, where to stop, and how far to go.
Where are the car rental desks located at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)?
Major international suppliers like AVIS, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar have their rental desks located inside the arrivals hall of KEF Airport. After clearing customs and baggage claim, travelers can simply follow the “Car Rental” signs inside the terminal to reach the counters.
Other suppliers including Sixt, Iceland Car Rental, Fara, and Enterprise operate from nearby airport-area offices. These companies generally provide complimentary shuttle transfers from the terminal to their pickup locations. Shuttle pickup points are located just outside the arrivals area.
For a quick pickup process, keep the following documents ready:
- Valid passport or an ID
- Valid driving licence
- Credit card in the main driver’s name
- Rental Confirmation Voucher
How does car rental return work at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)?
Most suppliers like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise have dedicated return areas either near the terminal or at their nearby airport offices. As you approach the airport, follow the “Car Rental Return” signs, which will direct you to the supplier’s parking zone. The exact return address and instructions are usually mentioned in the Rental Confirmation Voucher.
Before returning the vehicle, make sure to:
- Refuel the car if your booking includes a full-to-full fuel policy.
- Take your personal belongings from the car.
- Keep the rental agreement handy.
- Lock the car and hand over the keys at the rental desk. If the supplier offers self-service return, drop the keys in a secure key drop box.
Note: Some major suppliers like Sixt, Hertz, and Avis offer after-hours service. If you plan to return the car outside regular desk hours, it is recommended to confirm with the supplier during pickup.
Flexible car rental deal types at Keflavik Airport (KEF)
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Short-term car rental
Short-term deals are a practical choice for travelers spending just a few days (1 to 3 days) in Iceland. If you are visiting Reykjavik for a quick business trip or planning to explore the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle in a short time, a shorter booking is much more suitable than longer ones.
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Long-term car rental
Long-term bookings at KEF Airport make sense for travelers who want to experience Iceland beyond a quick city break. The Ring Road alone takes at least around 7 days to drive safely, and many travelers choose to stay longer to explore the country without rushing from one stop to another.
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Last-minute car rental
Last-minute bookings can be easier to find during Iceland’s quieter winter months (September to May), when fewer travelers are on the roads and rental cars have more availability. This deal works well for spontaneous trips or travelers with flexible plans who do not prefer a certain vehicle category. However, summer is a different story. June to August brings Iceland’s busiest travel season, and popular vehicles such as 4x4s and SUVs become less available as demand rises. If you are visiting during the summer, booking in advance is highly recommended.
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One-way car rental
A one-way car rental can be useful if you plan to explore Iceland in one direction rather than backtracking. However, one-way deals are available with selected suppliers only and depend on your preferred pickup and drop-off locations. One-way fee is also often included in the rental price for returning the vehicle to a different location. Some popular one-way routes include:
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Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
Time: 50 minutes
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Keflavik Airport to Vik
Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
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Keflavik Airport to Akureyri
Time: 5 hours to 5.5 hours
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Keflavik Airport to Hofn
Time: 5.5 hours to 6 hours
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Keflavik International Airport: Overview & passenger facilities
| Address: | Keflavik International Airport, 235, Iceland |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | KEF |
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s main international gateway and is located about 3 km from the town of Keflavik and around 50 km from Reykjavik. Unlike Reykjavik Airport, which primarily handles domestic flights, KEF serves international air travel and is a major hub for travelers arriving in Iceland.
In 2025, the airport welcomed over 8 million passengers and connected Iceland with 100 destinations through 28 airlines. The airport has a single passenger terminal with dedicated areas for arrivals, departures, shopping, dining, and boarding.
Passenger facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs
- Currency exchange in the arrivals hall
- Lost & found assistance
- Luggage lockers
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Duty-free shopping
- Travel and convenience stores
- Parking facilities
- Rental car services
- Public bus, shuttle, and taxi connections
- Passenger assistance services
- Flight information screens
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
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Book early for summer and Northern Lights trips
If you are visiting Iceland between June and August or planning a Northern Lights trip, booking your vehicle in advance gives you a better chance of finding your preferred ride at an affordable price. Demand can rise considerably during these periods, especially for popular vehicle categories such as SUVs or 4x4s.
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Choose a 4x4 for paved routes
A 4x4 can be a practical choice if you plan to explore beyond Iceland’s main towns and paved routes, as well as for certain rural journeys. If you are looking for 4x4 car rental options at KEF Airport, you can compare deals and choose one that fits your route.
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Consider where you will drive a luxury car
Luxury cars are a niche choice in Iceland and tend to suit travelers staying mainly around Reykjavik or planning a special occasion. The risk of gravel damage on some rural roads makes them less practical for longer countryside driving. If your itinerary includes long stretches of rural roads, consider a vehicle suited to those conditions instead.
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Check your supplier’s cross-border policy
Iceland has no land borders with other countries, so taking your vehicle outside the country usually involves a ferry or other special arrangement. Therefore, check with your supplier before booking, as restrictions, permissions, and additional charges differ.
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Follow Iceland’s driving rules
Drive on the right-hand side of the road and keep your headlights on at all times. Seat belts are compulsory for everyone in the vehicle, and using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Pay close attention to speed limits and road signs, especially when moving from the main highways to narrower rural roads.
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Keep buffer time for returning the car at the airport
If you are returning your vehicle at the airport, arrive at least 1 to 2 hours prior to your departure time. The return process can take some time, especially if an inspection is being done. Also, during peak season, there is a lot of rush at the airport. It is best to arrive early and complete your return process in time so you don’t miss your flight.
