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Car Rental at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Looking for a reliable Iceland airport car rental provider?

Collect your vehicle directly inside Keflavík Airport and start your journey immediately. Höldur Car Rental, the official Europcar franchisee in Iceland, makes it easy to collect your rental car at Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

With 8,000+ vehicles, more than 20 pick-up locations across Iceland and local experience dating back to 1966, we combine convenient airport car rental with the local knowledge to help you choose the right vehicle for your trip.

Book your rental

Höldur Car Rental and Europcar service location at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland

Collect Your Rental Car Inside Keflavík Airport

You'll find the Höldur/Europcar service desk in the arrivals hall at Keflavík International Airport, just a short walk from the baggage claim area.

After collecting your luggage and clearing Customs, follow the signs for Höldur and Europcar. There is no airport shuttle to catch or off-site rental centre to reach, so you can complete your rental process at the airport before walking to your vehicle.

Have your driving licence, booking confirmation and required payment method ready when you arrive. Our team can also help you with your rental agreement, optional protection and the main features of your vehicle before you set off.

Built Around Your Flight

Our airport location operates in line with scheduled arriving flights, making it easier to collect your vehicle whether you land early in the morning, late at night or at any time in between.

There's no need to coordinate shuttle departures or wait for transportation to an off-site depot before collecting your rental car.

Start Exploring Iceland Sooner

Keflavík Airport is the gateway to some of Iceland's most popular destinations. The Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes Peninsula and Reykjavík are all within easy driving distance.

Collecting your vehicle at the airport means you can begin your Iceland road trip immediately after arriving.

Simple, Stress-Free Collection

Convenient airport collection
No off-site transfer required
Friendly local team
Fast access to your vehicle
Start your journey directly from Keflavík Airport

Pick-up and Drop-off at Keflavík Airport

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Once you've collected your luggage:

Follow the signs to the Höldur/Europcar desk in the arrivals hall.
Have your driving licence, booking confirmation and required payment method ready.
Complete your rental agreement and review any additional protection or extras.
Our team will explain the main features and controls of your vehicle.
Walk to the designated vehicle area and begin your Iceland journey.

Returning Your Rental Car

Returning your vehicle is straightforward:

Refuel or recharge your vehicle according to the terms of your rental agreement.
Follow the signs to the Höldur/Europcar return area at Keflavík Airport.
Park in the designated return area and complete the return inspection with our team.
Hand over the keys and confirm any final details.
Check the vehicle carefully for personal belongings before leaving.

If you need to return your vehicle outside staffed hours, contact us in advance to confirm the available after-hours return procedure.

rental cars parked at keflavik international airport

keflavik-airport-car-hire

Map of Keflavík International Airport Area

Keflavík Airport Opening Hours

Our Keflavík Airport desk is open in line with arriving flight schedules. During the peak summer season, we operate 24/7. In winter, our hours are adjusted to align with scheduled flights, running from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM.

If you're arriving outside staffed hours, contact us in advance so we can arrange your pick-up.

Choose the Right Rental Car for Your Iceland Trip

The best rental car for Iceland depends on your route, the season you're travelling and who you're travelling with.

Your trip	Recommended vehicle
Reykjavík and mainly paved roads	Passenger car
Ring Road during summer	Passenger car or estate car
Winter travel	SUV or 4x4, depending on your route
Highlands and F-roads	Approved 4x4
Family or group travel	Minivan or larger vehicle
Lower-emission travel	Electric vehicle
Longer camping or self-drive trip	Camper or motorhome

Compact passenger rental cars ready for collection at Keflavík International Airport

Economy & Compact Cars

Passenger cars are a practical choice for Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and many summer journeys around Iceland. They are particularly well suited to travellers who plan to stay mainly on paved roads.

Estate car rentals at Keflavík International Airport in Iceland

Estate & Station Wagons

A great balance of comfort and capability for families and longer trips on the Ring Road. Spacious and reliable, these vehicles are ideal for travellers looking to explore Iceland comfortably.

4x4 SUV rental vehicles for exploring Iceland's Ring Road, winter roads and Highlands

4x4 Vehicles

A 4x4 can provide additional traction and ground clearance when travelling in winter or on more challenging roads. If your itinerary includes the Highlands or F-roads, you must use a suitable approved 4x4 vehicle.

Modern electric rental vehicles available from Höldur Car Rental at Keflavík Airport

Electric Vehicles

Our electric vehicles are a good option for travellers who want to explore Iceland with lower-emission transport. Iceland has a well-developed charging network, although it's important to plan your charging stops when travelling further from the main towns.

Minivan rental in Iceland

Minivans and Group Vehicles

Travelling with family or a larger group? A minivan gives you more space for passengers and luggage, making longer journeys more comfortable.

Camper van and motorhome rentals at Keflavík Airport for Iceland road trips

Campers and Motorhomes

For travellers planning a longer self-drive adventure, campers and motorhomes offer the flexibility to combine transport and accommodation as you explore Iceland.

Explore all our vehicles

As Iceland's official Europcar franchisee, Höldur combines local knowledge dating back to 1966 with Europcar's international service standards.

Driving from Keflavík Airport

Reykjavík is around 45 minutes from Keflavík Airport in normal driving conditions, via Route 41. The road is straightforward, but Icelandic weather and road conditions can change quickly, particularly during winter.

Route 41

Route 41 is the main road connecting Keflavík with Reykjavík. Follow the signs towards Reykjavík and always adjust your driving to the conditions.

Speed Limits

Speed limits vary according to the type of road and are clearly signposted. On paved rural roads, the maximum is generally 90 km/h, while lower limits apply in urban areas and on other roads.

Always follow the posted speed limit and drive according to the conditions.

Headlights

Headlights must be used at all times in Iceland, both day and night.

Weather and Road Conditions

Before setting off, check current weather and road conditions, particularly if you're travelling during winter or continuing beyond Reykjavík.

Check Road.is for road conditions and closures and Vedur.is for weather forecasts.

Fuel and Charging

There are fuel stations around the Keflavík and Reykjavík areas, but services become less frequent as you travel into more remote parts of Iceland. Plan your fuel or charging stops before longer journeys.

For more information, read our Driving in Iceland guide →

Popular Rental Cars at Keflavik Airport (KEF)

What to Know Before Driving in Iceland

A little preparation can make your Iceland road trip more comfortable.

Drive on the right: Icelandic vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast before longer journeys.
Check road conditions: Use Road.is for current road conditions, closures and travel information.
Plan your fuel or charging stops: Services can be further apart in rural and remote areas.
Choose your vehicle carefully: Your route and the season should influence which vehicle you rent.
Understand your protection: Check what's included in your rental and consider whether additional protection is appropriate for your trip.
Know your route: Some roads, including F-roads, have specific vehicle requirements and seasonal restrictions.

Read our complete Driving in Iceland guide →

Popular Destinations from Keflavík

Keflavík Airport is a convenient starting point for exploring Iceland. Depending on your itinerary, you can head towards Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the South Coast or the Reykjanes Peninsula shortly after collecting your car.

Blue Lagoon geothermal spa near Keflavík Airport, a popular first stop on an Iceland road trip

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is approx. 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport, making it a popular first or final stop on an Iceland trip. Its geothermal waters and volcanic surroundings make it a memorable introduction to Iceland.

Read our Blue Lagoon guide →

Reykjavík city centre and Harpa Concert Hall, easily reached from Keflavík International Airport

Reykjavík

Around 45 minutes from Keflavík in normal conditions, Reykjavík is Iceland's capital and a natural starting point for many road trips. Explore the city's restaurants, harbour, museums and cultural landmarks before continuing your journey.

Explore Reykjavík →

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's best-known self-drive routes, taking in Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.

Read our Golden Circle driving guide →

Skógafoss waterfall on Iceland's South Coast, a popular self-drive destination from Keflavík Airport

South Coast

Continue east from Reykjavík to discover the South Coast's waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glaciers and dramatic coastal landscapes.

Explore our South Coast travel guides →

Explore Iceland road trips

Make the Most of an Iceland Stopover

Many travellers passing through Keflavík International Airport have several hours, an overnight stay or even a full day available between flights.

If you want to rent a car in Keflavík during a stopover, collecting your vehicle directly at the airport allows you to make the most of your time in Iceland without relying on public transport or organised tours. With a vehicle ready shortly after landing, you can explore some of Iceland's most popular attractions at your own pace before returning to the airport.

Popular stopover destinations include:

Blue Lagoon for a relaxing geothermal spa experience
The Reykjanes Peninsula with lava fields, geothermal areas and dramatic coastal scenery
Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, located around 45 minutes from the airport
The Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss

Whether you have a few hours or a full day between flights, collecting your rental car at Keflavík Airport gives you the flexibility to experience more of Iceland before continuing your journey.

Iceland Stopover Car Rental at KEF

Planning a stopover? Read our guide to 24 Hours in Iceland: KEF Layover Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car at Keflavík

Is Höldur located inside Keflavík Airport?

Yes. Our service desk is located inside the arrivals hall at Keflavík International Airport. If you're searching for KEF Airport car rental, you can collect your vehicle directly inside the terminal without using an off-site shuttle service.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive in Iceland?

It depends on your itinerary and the season. A standard vehicle can be suitable for Reykjavík and many paved routes during summer. For winter travel, a 4x4 may be a better choice depending on your route and conditions. If you're travelling on F-roads in the Highlands, you must use an appropriate approved 4x4 vehicle.

Read our guide to choosing a rental car in Iceland

Can I drive F-roads in a normal rental car?

No. F-roads are Highland roads with specific vehicle requirements. You must use a suitable approved 4x4 vehicle, and many F-roads are only open during part of the year.

Learn more about driving Iceland's F-roads

Is insurance included with my rental?

Basic protection is included with every rental. Additional protection options are available depending on your needs, including options for gravel, sand or ash damage and zero excess.

Read our vehicle protection guide for a full explanation of what's included and the additional options available.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

You'll need a valid driving licence, your booking confirmation and the required payment method. Make sure your licence meets the requirements for driving in Iceland before you travel.

Can I return my rental car outside staffed hours?

After-hours returns may be available. Contact us in advance with your flight details so we can confirm the procedure for your rental.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland?

Drivers must be at least 20 years old for most vehicle categories, while some larger or specialist vehicles have a minimum age of 23. A valid driving licence held for at least one year is also required.

Why Rent with Höldur at Keflavík Airport?

Choosing a rental car is an important part of planning an Iceland road trip. At Höldur, you get the convenience of airport collection combined with decades of experience helping travellers explore Iceland by car.

Local expertise since 1966
We've been helping travellers get around Iceland for more than six decades.

8,000+ vehicles
Choose from a wide range of cars, 4x4s, electric vehicles, minivans, campers and motorhomes.

20+ locations across Iceland
Pick up or return your vehicle at locations including Keflavík, Reykjavík, Akureyri and Egilsstaðir.

Official Europcar franchisee in Iceland
Enjoy Europcar's international service standards combined with Höldur's local Icelandic knowledge.

Support throughout your journey
Our team is here to help you make the most of your Iceland road trip.

Ready to Start Your Iceland Road Trip?

Collect your rental car at Keflavík International Airport and start exploring Iceland from the moment you land.

With 8,000+ vehicles, more than 20 locations across Iceland and local experience since 1966, Höldur is here to help you choose the right vehicle for your journey.

Book your rental car at Keflavík Airport