Most travelers arriving in Iceland will pick up their rental car at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), the gateway to the island and your starting point for exploring one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. Renting a car directly from the airport is incredibly convenient, but if it’s your first time, a few key details can make your arrival smoother and stress-free.
Here are 5 must-know tips for a seamless airport car rental experience, plus a bonus tip at the end!
1. Keflavík Airport (KEF) is not in Reykjavík – Plan accordingly
This might sound obvious, but it catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard: Keflavík Airport is located about 50 km (30 miles) from Reykjavík. It’s a common mistake to search for car rentals in "Reykjavík" and accidentally book a vehicle in the city, not at the airport.
To avoid confusion, always look for listings that say “Keflavík Airport,” “KEF,” or “Keflavík International Airport.” Blue Car Rental, for example, has a dedicated KEF office just minutes from the terminal.
Want to understand the layout better before your trip? Our car hire delivery guide at Keflavík International Airport breaks down exactly how the process works and where you’ll meet your rental car.
Need help with airport navigation or understanding the route into Reykjavík? Don’t miss our guide to driving from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík.
2. Book Your Airport Rental Car in Advance
KEF is busy, especially in the summer months and during early-morning flight arrivals. Last-minute walk-up rentals can be expensive or completely unavailable. To guarantee the best price and the vehicle you need (especially automatics or 4x4s), reserve early.
You’ll also have the option to input your flight number, which allows the rental company to track delays and hold your booking. A crucial feature for late-night arrivals. Blue Car Rental does this as part of our streamlined pickup service. And you can also get a car at any time using Blue Car Rental key box delivery, available at any time all year round.
New to car rentals in Iceland? We recommend checking out our 10 Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Iceland in 2025 for insider advice before you book.
3. Understand the Airport Pickup Process (On-site vs. Shuttle)
Keflavík is small, but rental car logistics can vary. Some companies have on-site desks inside the terminal, while others (like Blue Car Rental) operate from nearby facilities via a free shuttle.
If your rental says "meet & greet" or "shuttle pickup," read your confirmation email carefully. Don’t worry, signage at KEF is clear, and helpful staff are available. Blue Car Rental provides a smooth shuttle service, meeting you at arrivals and taking you to our office within minutes.
For full clarity on how this works, explore our Kef Airport car rental guide, it breaks down the entire process from baggage claim to driving off.
And once you have your car, why not explore the incredible surroundings right away? Here are a few best-kept secrets near Keflavík Airport to discover before even reaching Reykjavík.
4. Have Your Documents Ready at Pickup
Want to get through the rental counter quickly and start your road trip? Be prepared:
- Driver’s License: A valid license in Latin/Roman characters is usually sufficient. If not, bring an International Driving Permit.
- Credit Card: Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for a deposit.
- Booking Confirmation: Keep a digital or printed copy handy.
- Flight Number: If you didn’t add it during booking, let the staff know at pickup.
- Questions: Jot down anything you’re unsure about—fuel type, road rules, insurance, etc.
And if you're still comparing car types for your trip, check out why renting a Tesla in Iceland might be perfect for you. Silent, efficient, and ideal for Iceland’s roads!
5. Check the Car (and Take Photos) Before Driving Off
It’s easy to rush out of the lot, but a quick inspection can save you headaches later:
- Walkaround with the agent or note existing damage yourself.
- Photograph any scratches, dents, or glass chips.
- Test lights, wipers, and features—especially important in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
- Check fuel level, tire tools, and ask about quirks or controls.
The best advice when renting a car in Iceland is to have a full coverage insurances and by them directly from the car rental company. Not a third party, where you need to claim the excess liability amount later. Luckly Blue Car Rental offers both a liability waiver and roadside assistance waiver, where you can have a zero worry car rental experience in Iceland.
Pro tip: Take your time, especially if arriving during a busy travel season. If you're unsure about driving in Iceland for the first time, start by brushing up on the basics of Iceland road trips in our first-time renter’s guide.
Bonus Tip: Fuel Up and Plan for Return
There’s an N1 gas station just minutes from the airport, making it easy to top up before returning your car. Be sure to ask about drop-off procedures. Many companies, including Blue Car Rental, offer 24/7 returns and key drop boxes.
Allow a little buffer time on the way back to avoid rushing at check-in. And if you're wondering whether to return full or not, verify fuel policy at pickup (most rentals require “full to full”).
Pro tip: If you're curious about the best time to travel to Iceland, this blog breaks down the pros and cons of each season, helping you time your return trip perfectly!
Conclusion
By keeping these key tips in mind, renting a car at Keflavík Airport becomes simple, stress-free, and smooth. From booking early to understanding the pickup process, these small preparations make a big difference.
At Blue Car Rental, our friendly KEF team is here to get you on the road quickly. Whether you’re heading straight to Reykjavík, exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, or wondering “Where exactly is Iceland on the map?” (we’ve got you covered there, too!).
So, buckle up, start your engine, and begin your Iceland adventure the moment you land.
