Although Keflavík Airport is the largest airport in Iceland and a major hub, it has only one terminal.

Cheap hotels near Keflavík Airport

The airport is small, so it's very easy to navigate, and you only need to arrive 90 minutes before your departure time. On the other hand, the clarity of the terminal is redeemed by the lack of seating in the public area. However, once through security, the situation is better and there are plenty of seats, especially at departure gate "A".

Passport control for departures to and arrivals from non-Schengen countries tends to be very fast and well organised. Waiting times are usually in the order of minutes.

All non-Schengen departures are from departure gate 'D'.

Transfer between flights

Icelandair and even the low-cost airline PLAY offer relatively good fares from Europe to North America with a connection in Keflavik.

Despite the frequent overcrowding in the terminal, it is one of the most convenient and, above all, fastest connecting airports for trips to the USA.

35 minutes will be enough for a comfortable transfer.

Europe and Greenland (excluding UK and Ireland) -> USA/Canada

Exit the aircraft at departure gates A or C, where you can either head out of the airport or through passport control to departure gate "D".

The longest walking distance between gates A/C and D is approximately 13 minutes.

Queues for passport control are usually around 5 minutes for European passport holders who can use the automated gates. For others, the queue can be around 15-20 minutes.

• Average transfer time - 15 to 35 minutes
• Passport control - yes
• Security check - no
• Baggage on transfer - will be automatically transferred

United Kingdom/Ireland <-> USA/Canada

Whichever way you are connecting, you will always exit the aircraft directly into the departure gate D area, from where you will continue on to the next flight.

• Average transfer time - 3 to 5 minutes
• Passport control - no
• Security check - no
• Transfer baggage - will be automatically transferred

On our website you will also find practical information for travelling to America.

• ESTA to the USA - prices and how to fill out
• ETA to Canada - prices and how to fill in
• How to get from airports to downtown - New York JFK, Newark EWR, Stewart SWF, Boston BOS, Toronto YYZ, Chicago ORD, Baltimore BWI

USA/Canada -> Europe and Greenland (excluding UK and Ireland)

Upon arrival, you will disembark at departure gate area D, where you must always go through passport control.

Once through passport control, you will check the departure board for your gate number, which will be displayed approximately 90 minutes before departure.

Until then, you can spend your time in the central area with shops and restaurants.

• Average transfer time - 15 to 35 minutes
• Passport control - yes
• Security check - no
• Baggage on transfer - will be automatically transferred

Europe/Greenland <-> Europe/Greenland

Connections between flights to/from Schengen area countries are rare in Keflavik due to its location, but the same procedures apply during connections to/from Greenland.

All flights to Greenland depart from gates A or C.

You will also always get off the plane directly at departure gates A or C. So just find the appropriate connecting gate and move to it without any checks.

• Average transfer time - 3 to 10 minutes
• Passport control - no
• Security check - no
• Transfer baggage - will be automatically transferred

Are you planning a trip to Greenland? Read our experience and practical tips:

• What to see in Greenland
• Visas and travel documents for Greenland
• How much does it cost in shops and restaurants
• Transportation in Greenland
• The best places to stay

For a map of the Keflavik Airport terminal, visit the airport's official website: isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport/maps.

Where to go when changing planes?

Long layovers in Keflavik are quite common, how to have fun during them?

If you're making an overnight transfer, you won't have much fun in Iceland and we'd recommend staying in one of the hotels nearby.

During the day, if you have more than 8 hours to make your connection, it's worth heading outside the airport.

The ideal destination is the Blue Lagoon, a thermal lake only about 30 minutes away from the airport, which can be reached by bus in addition to a rental car.

The capital Reykjavík, 60 minutes away, can be an equally good destination and can be reached by bus.