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Car hire in Keflavik – Gateway to Iceland
Keflavik (which means Driftwood Bay in the Icelandic language) and the nearby capital city of Reykjavik comprise the hub of a multi-faceted tourist region replete with natural attractions and a growing number of interesting sights. Firmly positioned at the forefront of the ecotourism industry, Iceland today tops the holiday list of many an intrepid traveller, including hikers, bikers, road-trippers and landscape photographers.
The word 'peaceful' springs to mind when describing the glorious land and seascapes of Iceland, which is quite understandable seeing that vast stretches of the country's interior consist largely of uninhabited terrain, not to mention the fact that the island has the lowest levels of population density in Europe. Home to some of the planet’s largest glaciers, as well as the world’s oldest parliament (founded in 930), Iceland (particularly Keflavik and its environs) is a land of lava fields and soaring fjords, of black beaches and hot springs set in the shade of snow-covered cliffs. In short, it’s a place of outdoor adventures and countless possibilities in a unique environment just below the Arctic Circle and in close proximity to Greenland.
The island’s geothermal waters and other manifestations of volcanic activity are well utilised to provide locals and visitors alike with almost 200 naturally-heated swimming pools located in magnificent settings around Keflavik and elsewhere across Iceland. And when planning your trip, be well aware that the days in summer are long with almost 24 hours of sunshine, while in winter they seem much shorter with many hours of less daylight, which means that visiting Iceland in low season is a different type of travel experience altogether.
More good news for people visiting Iceland with their car hire in Keflavik is the fact that the local area is largely uninhabited with fewer than 200,000 people residing in the capital Reykjavik and its environs, so getting around by car is normally smooth and trouble-free with light traffic and few of the unexpected obstacles found in most other destinations.
First-time visitors are often awestruck by the island’s gargantuan nature, a seemingly endless expanse of moss-topped lava fields blanketing the surrounding Reykjanes Peninsula as far as the eye can see. The whole Keflavik and Reykjavik area was settled by Norsemen from Scandinavia and Celts from the British Isles in the 9th and 10th centuries and records show that the town of Keflavik itself was already a well established settlement with a thriving fishing industry by the early Middle Ages, despite only being officially founded centuries later.
Auto Europe is one of the world's leading car hire companies with over 28,000 pick-up locations in more than 190 different countries, giving you plenty of options for your rent a car in Keflavik. From Mini, Compact, Intermediate and Full-size category cars to Luxury vehicles, motorhomes, stylish SUVs and classy convertibles, Auto Europe caters for all budgets large or small by offering the right car at the right price, whether it’s for a relaxing weekend break in Reykjavik or an exciting trip around Iceland's famous Ring Road.
Online reservations can be made through our booking engine or by asking our car rental specialists for assistance. Check out the comments of other clients who recently experienced the high quality of Auto Europe's products and services in Iceland on our Keflavik car hire reviews and Iceland car hire reviews pages.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Keflavik, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Keflavik
It's the fact that we work with all the world's top car hire providers that enables Auto Europe to offer the widest choice of locations in and around Keflavik, meaning that our many customers can pick up their vehicle at the airport or in the heart of the city centre and be on their way in just a few minutes. Our high-speed search engine is designed to help travellers make the right choice by carrying out an extensive search in order to find the best vehicle and the most convenient pick-up point for their trip by simply keying in their dates and selecting their preferred collection station from our interactive map.
Keflavik Airport
Keflavik and the Icelandic capital Reykjavik are both well served by Keflavik Airport, which was built by the U.S. military during World War II. Since its main terminal building opened in 1987, the airport has grown enormously with more airlines (currently over thirty) and an ever-increasing flow of passengers, whose annual numbers are expected to reach 10 million in due course. The most important airlines operating at Keflavik International Airport include American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, United Airlines, Austrian, easyJet, Lufthansa and British Airways with flights to and from places as far and wide as Los Angeles, Brussels, New York, Geneva, Orlando, Toronto, London, Boston, Dallas, Manchester, Chicago, Washington, Frankfurt and Moscow.
The supplier desks for the rentals are all located in the arrivals hall of the terminal with pick-up and drop-off of the vehicles located at the dedicated parking area next to the bus pick-up area and the P2 parking house.
Keflavik Airport (KEF)
Website: isavia.is
Address: Keflavíkurflugvöllur, 235 Keflavík, Iceland
Telephone: +354 425 6000
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Keflavik
As a leading international car hire company founded as far back as 1954, Auto Europe offers the best choice of pick-up and drop-off locations (over 28,000 in total) in more than 190 popular destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years' experience dealing with the most prestigious global and local car rental companies operating in the industry, our standards of service are the highet you'll find and prices without doubt the cheapest on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Keflavik
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Keflavik. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please call our reservations team for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Keflavik?
Yes. Travellers arriving at the pick-up point to collect their car hire in Keflavik will be required to present a valid credit card (ie Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express) in the name of the main driver registered on the rental contract. Without a credit card, you will run the risk of not being able to get your vehicle and start your trip as planned. Please note that your credit card must have enough funds on it in order for the supplier to place a hold for a deposit, as is customary all over the world and not just in Iceland. This deposit will promptly be released back on to your credit card once the vehicle has been returned to the car hire station in exactly the same condition as when it left. It's easy to find out which credit cards are accepted when making a quick search in the Auto Europe booking engine. In the results, you just need to click on the blue and white 'i' icon and all the credit card info relating to your chosen vehicle will instantly pop up.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Keflavik?
When you rent a car in Keflavik, you'll find that all our rates include the minimum amount of legally required car hire coverage, comprising liability insurance, collision-damage waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP) with or without excess. Please note that because CDW does not cover damage all parts of the vehicle, it's best to pay a little more and fully cover yourself with our Full Damage & Theft Protection cover. For more information on the type of coverage that comes with your cheap car rental in Keflavik, just make a quick search in our booking engine and you'll find all the relevant details (including CDW deductibles, Liability Insurance coverage and Theft Protection deductibles) simply by clicking on the blue and white 'i' icon in the results. consult the “Additional Information” section under “Info Icon” during the booking process.
When you arrive in Keflavik to collect your vehicle, you might be offered additional insurance in the form of Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Super CDW, Sand and Ash Protection, Road Assistance etc. by the local car rental staff, which is entirely optional and normally surplus to your requirements. Unfortunately, Auto Europe cannot refund the money for any such insurance taken out directly with the local supplier.
How is the traffic in Keflavik?
Keflavik is a small town of a few thousand people and, as such, traffic problems rarely occur, even during the morning and evening rush hours. With Keflavik International Airport very close by, there's sometimes an increase in traffic on the main Route 41 thoroughfare which connects the town with Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, located just 30 miles to the north-east. Please take a look at our Iceland Driving Guide for lots of useful information relating to getting around the Keflavik and the rest of Iceland by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Keflavik?
Besides the airport where plenty of short- and long-term parking spaces are available, Keflavik has a good range of parking options in the town centre or along the long, scenic seaside promenade, while many of the local hotels have on-site car parks or parking agreements with the local council. Other parking options exist at the many tourist attractions located in and around Keflavik, including Viking World and the ever-popular Blue Lagoon.
Do I need extra equipment for my car hire in Keflavik during winter?
Yes. Depending on the time of year, whenever you book a low-cost car hire in Keflavik you'll need to make sure that the vehicle is loaded with extra equipment in order to cope with any extreme weather conditions during your trip. From the 1st of November until the middle of April every year, all vehicles (including rental cars) must have winter tyres installed with a minimum tread of 3mm (1/11th of an inch). The winters in Keflavik and other parts of the island can be quite challenging for motorists, especially for those not used to driving in cold and icy conditions. The weather in Iceland can change rapidly, so it's important to adapt your speed according to the conditions whilst taking extra care on the road. We also suggest keeping a couple of spare blankets in the boot of the car in case of an accident or breakdown. And you need to plan your journey in advance, paying close attention to the local weather forecast. Furthermore, if you’re planning to visit the north of the island, try to travel in a group of at least two cars just in case something happens and you need assistance. You'll also need to make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before setting off.
When booking your car rental in Keflavik online, check to see if any of the suppliers are offering free winter tyres which comes up in the search results with the message Winter Tyres Included. Not all the local suppliers offer free winter tyres, so keep an eye out for our special seasonal package when making your reservation. This option will give you extra peace of mind during the rental period and you'll be able to relax in the knowledge that you’ll be fully prepared for driving in and around Keflavik during the winter period.
Can I drive off-road with my car hire in Keflavik?
No, it is illegal to drive off-road in Keflavik and elsewhere in Iceland. Because the Icelandic countryside is so pristine and unique, the local authorities take off-roading very seriously with hefty fines often imposed and sometimes even imprisonment! And motorists need to take extra care when travelling around the Icelandic highlands, crossing rivers or driving on snow, as this can be dangerous for inexperienced drivers. SUV 4x4 vehicles are required for visiting the island's interior, which is only accessible during the summer months. For instance, driving on F-Roads, Road 35 (Kjolur) and Road 550 (Kaldidalur) is only allowed with a 4X4 vehicle. However, all vehicle types are allowed to drive on the island's famous Route 1, which is also known as the Ring Road.
Can I hire a campervan in Keflavik?
Yes. Auto Europe has a wide choice of campervan hire in Iceland and Keflavik is one of the main centres collecting a self-contained vehicle of that sort. Motorhome holidays in Keflavik are growing in popularity due to rising cost of hotels. Plus, theres the added attraction of being able to circumnavigate the island on the amazing Route 1 'Ring Road' which adds plenty of excitement for families and groups of friends travelling together in the same vehicle. You can book your campervan in Keflavik online with a few clicks of the mouse on the Auto Europe website, or simply by asking our rental specialists for assistance.
Keflavik Travel Guide
Wherever you go and whatever you do in Iceland, the chance are you'll be passing through Keflavik because that's where the island's international airport is located. In recent years the city has grown in stature as a tourist destination with the opening of several new attractions, including the Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll (a must for music fans) and Viking World featuring a life-size reconstruction of an ancient longship as used by the Vikings.
Best day trips with my car rental in Keflavik
There's a good selection of things to do with your car rental in Keflavik, with the best parts of the island accessible by road, particularly Iceland's spectacular coastal regions thanks to the wonderful Route 1 Ring Road.
The Ring Road
A long, leisurely drive along Iceland’s famous Route 1 known as the Ring Road is one of the best ways to appreciate the extent of the country's diverse and contrasting landscapes. Running for 860 miles around much of the island, this modern two-lane roadway passes a succession of glaciers, snow-covered mountains and lunar-like landscapes offering some of the world's most memorable vistas.
Vatnajökull National Park
Established in 2008, Vatnajökull in the south-east of Iceland is one of the largest national parks in Europe and an area most notable for its mammoth ice cap covering an area three times the size of Luxembourg. The whole park is bursting with eye-popping vistas, particularly the south side which is characterised by a series of majestic mountain ridges covered with glaciers descending down onto fertile lowlands.
Gullfoss
One of Iceland’s most amazing natural attractions is Gullfoss (which means ‘Golden Falls’), a pleasant 2-hour drive north-east of Keflavik. Visitors cannot help but be totally awe-struck by the thundering layers of icy water cascading down over the glistening rockfaces below, providing head-spinning views and some truly spectacular photo opportunities.
Westfjords
Accessible by car from Keflavik, a sweeping spectrum of unparalleled vistas awaits visitors to the wonderful Westfjords region of north-west Iceland. Lying in close proximty to Greenland (just 180 miles away and visible on a clear day), the whole area has a wealth of tourist appeal such as waterfalls, long golden beaches and healthy regional cuisine.
What to do in Keflavik
Due to its idyllic location on the Reykjanes Peninsula and very close proximity to the airport, Keflavik is an excellent base from which to explore the west coast of Iceland and the nearby capital, Reykjavik. It is also within striking distance of many of the island's most popular tourist attractions, some of which are mentioned below, meaning that you'll have plenty of possibilities to see as much of Iceland as possible with your car hire in Keflavik.
- Blue Lagoon: A short drive south-east of Keflavik (just 13 miles) brings you to one of Iceland’s most unique natural attractions - the beautiful and very alluring Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by moon-like lava fields, this ethereal setting with its mineral-rich geothermal waters is the perfect place to chill out and chat to the locals in a relaxing and very soothing environment.
- Reykjavik: Some of Iceland’s most treasured tourist attractions are located in the capital, Reykjavik, just 30 miles north-east of Keflavik. The city's tourist highlights include the superb National Museum with its extensive collection of priceless artefacts and the Settlement Exhibition where modern Iceland meets the Vikings. Other must-sees are the Culture House, Wilderness Centre and Langjökull Ice Cave.
- Reykjanes Peninsula: Keflavik is situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, one of the most picturesque parts of south-west Iceland. The whole area has an active volcanic system under its surface which accounts for the large number of hot springs and geothermal activity found in and around the town.
- Duus Museum: Located close to the modern marina overlooking Keflavík Bay, the extensive Duus Museum is a fascinating cultural centre portraying many aspects of the local history, as well as a concert hall and a series of exhibitions covering a range of subjects such as fine art and the region's many natural attractions.
- Viking World: One of Keflavik's key tourist attractions is Viking World, the centrepiece being the 'Íslendingur' Viking ship, a replica of the famous 9th-century Gokstad ship excavated in Norway in 1882. The building also features a regional restaurant and exhibitions depicting Iceland's importance over the centuries.
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