2026 layover guide
Reykjavík (KEF) connection time
At Keflavík International Airport, plan on at least 45 min for a same-terminal connection. Here's why, step by step.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Comfortable: 1 h 15 min
No terminal changes
Quick answer
Plan on at least 45 min for a same-terminal connection at KEF. You stay inside security for domestic connections.
- Same terminal
- 45 min (comfortable: 1 h 15 min)
- Hub airlines
- Icelandair
How long a layover do I need?
- Get off the plane and walk to your next gate15 min
- Be at the gate before boarding closes15 min
- Buffer for a small delay15 min
Our estimate, rounded up, not the airline's official minimum connection time. If both flights are on one ticket, the airline will rebook you if a delay makes you miss the second one. How we calculate this
Recommended layovers at KEF
Our estimates for common connections, rounded up. Comfortable times leave room for a late arrival.
| Connection | MinimumRecommended minimum |
|---|---|
Same terminal, no passport control Transfer security where required | 45 min Comfortable: 1 h 15 min |
Crossing passport control For example a U.S. flight to a Schengen flight | 1 h 20 min Comfortable: 2 h 15 min |
Separate tickets with checked bags No protection if you miss it | 1 h 45 min Comfortable: 2 h 30 min |
Airlines' official minimum connection times can be shorter: if you booked both flights on one ticket, the airline has already checked that the connection is legal and will rebook you if a delay makes you miss it.
Getting around KEF
Terminals
One terminal.
Changing terminals
A compact single terminal, so connections are short walks.
Passport control and transfers
Connections between North America and Europe pass Schengen passport control.
Tips for connecting at KEF
- •Icelandair's Stopover lets you spend up to seven days in Iceland without extra airfare.
Plan your trip through KEF
The airport guide, and the bag rules for the airlines you're likely to connect on here.
KEF connection FAQ
Airlines set their own official minimums at KEF and only sell connections that meet them, so a one-ticket itinerary is always "legal". In practice we recommend at least 45 min for a same-terminal connection.
Other airports
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Terminals and connection rules change, so check your airline's connection instructions before a tight layover.
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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