Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Lounges

The Ultimate Guide to Reykjavík Airport (RKV)

Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is often the source of confusion for first-time visitors to Iceland. Unlike the sprawling, international Keflavík Airport (KEF) located 50 kilometers away in the lava fields, RKV is situated directly in the heart of the capital city. It is a vital hub for domestic travel, Greenland expeditions, and private aviation. This guide provides everything you need to know to navigate this unique urban airfield.

Overview

History and Significance

Reykjavík Airport is one of the oldest aviation sites in Iceland. The first flight from the current airport area took place in 1919, but formal construction began during World War II. Built by the British Army in 1940, the airport was a strategic necessity for the Battle of the Atlantic. After the war, it was handed over to the Icelandic government and has since served as the primary gateway for internal travel.

While Keflavík (KEF) handles almost all international commercial flights, RKV remains the lifeline for Iceland’s remote communities. For residents in the Westfjords, North Iceland, or the Eastfjords, RKV is the "bus terminal of the skies."

Size and Layout

The airport is small by international standards, featuring two main active runways. Because it is surrounded by the city-bordered by the suburban neighborhood of Skerjafjörður and the Öskjuhlíð hill-it cannot expand further. This proximity to the city center makes it one of the most convenient airports in the world, as you can literally walk from the terminal to downtown Reykjavík in 15-20 minutes.

Annual Passengers

RKV handles approximately 400,000 to 500,000 passengers annually. While this number is small compared to KEF’s millions, the frequency of flights is high. On a clear day, Twin Otters and Dash-8 aircraft depart almost every hour for destinations like Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður.

Significance

Beyond domestic travel, RKV is the primary base for:

• Air Iceland Connect (Icelandair): The main domestic carrier.
• Norlandair: Serving smaller northern outposts and Greenland.
• Emergency Services: The Icelandic Coast Guard and emergency medical flights (medevac) are based here.
• Private Aviation: Wealthy travelers and business charters often use RKV to avoid the drive from Keflavík.

Terminal Information

Navigating RKV is refreshingly simple compared to the labyrinthine terminals of major global hubs. However, it is important to note that the airport is divided into two separate terminal buildings depending on which airline you are flying.

1. The Main Terminal (Icelandair / Air Iceland Connect)

The largest building serves Icelandair’s domestic routes.

• Layout: A single-story building with a central check-in area.
• Check-In: There are self-service kiosks and staffed desks. Because these are domestic flights, the "liquid rule" is generally more relaxed, and you often only need to arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
• Security: Security screening at RKV is remarkably fast. There are rarely lines longer than ten people.
• Gates: Once past security, there is a single departure lounge with a few designated gate areas. Since you walk onto the tarmac to board the planes, "gates" are simply numbered doors.

2. The Eagle Air Terminal (Mýflug / Private Charters)

Located on the eastern side of the airfield (behind the bus station/BSÍ area), this smaller terminal serves Eagle Air (Ernir) and private charter flights.

• Note: If you are booked on a flight to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) or Höfn, double-check your ticket. You may need to go to this separate building, which is about a 5-minute drive from the main terminal.

Security Procedures

• ID Requirements: For domestic flights, a government-issued ID or passport is required.
• Screening: You do not usually need to remove shoes unless they have heavy metal shanks, but laptops and large electronics must come out of bags.
• International Flights (Greenland/Faroe Islands): If you are flying to Greenland from RKV, you will undergo a more rigorous customs and passport control process. Ensure you have your passport ready.

Navigation Tips

• Don't arrive too early: Arriving two hours early is unnecessary and will leave you bored in the small waiting area. 45-60 minutes is the "sweet spot."
• Walking to the Terminal: If you are staying in the 101 (Downtown) area, you can walk to the airport via the path through the Hljómskálagarður park and along the airfield fence. It is a beautiful, flat walk.

Transport Connections

RKV’s biggest selling point is its accessibility. You are effectively in the city.

Taxi

• Availability: Taxis are always lined up outside the main terminal during flight arrivals.
• Cost: A ride to the city center (Laugavegur area) costs roughly 2,500 - 3,500 ISK ($18-$25 USD).
• Time: 5 minutes.
• Companies: Hreyfill (+354 588 5522) or BSR (+354 561 0000).

Public Bus (Strætó)

• Route: Bus Route 15 stops near the airport.
• Cost: 570 ISK for a single fare.
• Payment: You can pay via the "Klappið" app or with exact change in cash (drivers do not give change).
• Pro Tip: Use the website straeto.is or their app to track the bus in real-time.

Walking and Biking

• Walking: From the BSÍ Bus Terminal, it is a 10-minute walk. From Hallgrímskirkja, it is about 20 minutes.
• Biking: There are designated bike paths leading directly to the terminal entrance.

Rideshare

• Note: Uber and Lyft do not operate in Iceland. Do not try to book them. You must use taxis or public transport.

Rental Cars

Several rental agencies have desks inside the terminal (Europcar, Hertz, Avis). This is a popular spot to pick up a car if you spent your first few days in the city and are now heading out to the Ring Road.

Facilities

Because the airport is small and primarily serves domestic travelers, the facilities are functional rather than luxurious.

Lounges

• Icelandair Saga Lounge: There is no Saga Lounge at Reykjavík Airport. The famous Icelandair lounge is located only at Keflavík (KEF). However, the departure area offers comfortable seating and a quiet atmosphere.

Restaurants and Cafés

• Kaffitar: The main terminal features a high-quality café/bistro. They serve excellent Icelandic coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light hot meals (like soup of the day).
• Vending Machines: Available for after-hours snacks and drinks.

Shops

• Duty-Free: There is a very small duty-free shop, but it is only accessible to passengers flying to/from Greenland or the Faroe Islands. Domestic passengers cannot purchase duty-free alcohol or tobacco.
• Gift Shop: A small selection of Icelandic magazines, books, and basic souvenirs is available near the check-in desks.

WiFi and Charging

• WiFi: Free, high-speed WiFi is available throughout the terminal. No registration is required; just look for the airport network.
• Charging: There are a limited number of "charging poles" and outlets located near the seating benches in the departure lounge.

Luggage Storage

• There are no luggage lockers inside the RKV terminal.
• Recommendation: If you need to store bags, head to the BSÍ Bus Terminal (10-minute walk or 2-minute drive), which has a large bank of lockers in various sizes.

Currency Exchange

• There is no dedicated bank or currency exchange desk. There is an ATM (Landsbankinn) that accepts international cards and dispenses Icelandic Króna (ISK).

Tips for Digital Nomads

For those working on the go, RKV is actually one of the most pleasant "office" environments in the city because it is rarely crowded.

Remote Work Spots

• The Café Area: The tables at the Kaffitar café are the best place to set up a laptop. They are sturdy, and the staff generally doesn't mind if you stay for an hour or two as long as you’ve purchased a coffee.
• The "Quiet Corner": To the far left of the check-in desks, there is often a quieter seating area used by people waiting for arrivals.

WiFi Quality

The WiFi is exceptionally stable. It is sufficient for Zoom calls, uploading high-res photos, or heavy coding work. Because the airport has low foot traffic, the bandwidth is rarely throttled.

Power Outlets

Outlets are the biggest challenge. They are mostly located along the walls or near the base of the structural pillars.

• Strategy: Look for the "work bar" style tables near the windows which sometimes have integrated plugs. Always carry a European (Type F) adapter.

Productivity Recommendations

• Noise: The airport is very quiet. There are no constant "paging" announcements like in larger airports. It’s an ideal spot for deep work.
• Meeting Spots: If you need to have a professional meeting, the nearby Icelandair Hotel Natura (a 3-minute walk from the terminal) has a stunning lobby with plenty of workspace, a fireplace, and more extensive food options.

Nearby Accommodation

Since the airport is in the city, you have hundreds of options, but these are the ones specifically convenient for an early morning flight.

1. Icelandair Hotel Natura

• Distance: 300 meters (3-minute walk).
• Vibe: Modern, eco-friendly, and aviation-themed.
• Why stay here: It is the closest possible hotel. It features a great restaurant (Satt), an indoor pool, and a cozy library. It’s perfect for those who want to wake up 45 minutes before their flight and walk to the gate.

2. Bus Hostel Reykjavík

• Distance: 800 meters (10-minute walk).
• Vibe: Budget-friendly, social, and quirky.
• Why stay here: If you are a backpacker or budget traveler, this is the most affordable option near the airfield. It also houses "Buzz Bar," a great spot for a local craft beer.

3. Hótel Loftleiðir (Part of Hotel Natura)

• Note: This is often used interchangeably with Hotel Natura, but it’s worth noting for its history-it was built specifically to house transatlantic passengers in the 1960s.

4. Guesthouse Galtafell

• Distance: 1.2 km (15-minute walk).
• Vibe: Traditional Icelandic house, very charming.
• Why stay here: Located in the quiet "Thingholt" neighborhood, it offers a more local, residential feel while still being within walking distance of the domestic terminal.

Essential Tips for Travelers

1. Don't confuse RKV with KEF

This is the most common mistake.

• KEF (Keflavík): International flights (USA, UK, Europe).
• RKV (Reykjavík): Domestic flights and Greenland. If your ticket says "Reykjavík" but your flight is with Delta, United, or British Airways, you are almost certainly flying out of Keflavík, not this airport.

2. Weather Delays

Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle. Domestic flights are more susceptible to wind and visibility delays than the heavy international jets at KEF.

• Advice: Always check the airline’s website or the flight board at isavia.is before heading to the airport if there is a storm.

3. The "City Airport" Experience

One of the best parts of flying into RKV is the view. If you are flying in from the north (Akureyri), try to get a window seat on the right side of the plane. You will get a breathtaking "flightseeing" tour of the city, including a bird's-eye view of Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa Concert Hall, before touching down.

4. Accessibility

The terminal is entirely on one level, making it very accessible for travelers with limited mobility. Wheelchair assistance is available, but it is best to notify the airline (Icelandair or Eagle Air) 24 hours in advance.

5. Check-in Deadlines

For domestic flights, the check-in closes 15 minutes before departure. However, if you have checked bags, you must drop them at least 30 minutes prior. This efficiency is a breath of fresh air for those used to the 3-hour wait times at major international hubs.

6. Food and Drink

While the Kaffitar café is excellent, it does close early (usually around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending on the flight schedule). If you have a late evening flight, grab food in the city center before heading to the airport.

Conclusion

Reykjavík Airport is a relic of a simpler time in aviation, offering a stress-free experience that feels more like a train station than an airport. Its location in the heart of the city makes it an architectural and logistical anomaly that benefits travelers immensely. Whether you are hopping over to the Westman Islands for the day or embarking on a bucket-list trip to the glaciers of Greenland, RKV provides a seamless, friendly, and uniquely Icelandic start to your journey.