Car rental in Keflavik

Keflavik (or Keflavík) is a small yet picturesque town on Iceland's southwest coast. Just 3 km away sits the country's main aviation gateway—Keflavik International Airport, which handles flights from over 90 countries worldwide. This makes car rental in Keflavik an extremely sought-after service.

Rent a vehicle through Localrent to comfortably experience Keflavik's authentic maritime atmosphere. You'll discover the stunning landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula and Atlantic coastline, visit unique local museums, exhibitions, and festivals. A Keflavik rental also provides quick access to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik (50 km distance).

Why Choose Localrent

Our service partners with local rental companies, enabling everyone to rent vehicles on favorable terms:

1. Best pricing with transparent billing. No hidden charges, fees, or commissions. The advance payment is only 15-20% of the total rental cost.
2. Low deposits with zero-deposit options available. We collaborate with companies willing to provide vehicles at competitive rates.
3. Wide vehicle selection. Choose from compact, fuel-efficient economy cars to spacious luxury vehicles with enhanced off-road capability.
4. User-friendly interface. Apply filters to quickly locate suitable vehicles or add extra services.
5. Full-term support. Localrent managers provide consultation, answer questions, and assist in emergencies. We'll ensure your Keflavik car rental delivers an entirely positive experience.

Now you know where to rent and how to book affordably without unnecessary complications. With Localrent, your Iceland journey becomes even more vibrant, fulfilling, and comfortable.

Requirements for Car Rental in Keflavik

Localrent has streamlined the rental process. To rent a car in Keflavik, you'll need:

• Valid driver's license
• Voucher (sent to your email after booking completion)
• Passport

A bank card is required for the advance payment (15-20%). The remaining balance can be settled by card or cash when collecting your vehicle in Keflavik. Specific conditions are detailed in each vehicle description.

Traffic Regulations

Iceland follows right-hand traffic. A mandatory requirement: headlights must be on at all times, regardless of season or time of day.

Speed limits:

• Urban areas: 30-50 km/h
• Outside urban areas: up to 90 km/h

Driving off designated roads (off-road) is strictly prohibited.When planning trips to mountain regions or remote areas, check weather forecasts in advance. During low visibility or heavy precipitation, certain roads may close.

Fuel Stations

The town has adequate fuel station coverage. Nearly all stations offer comprehensive services including cafes, shops, and restrooms. Attendants and cashiers are rarely present—service is fully automated. Menus display in English, and card payments are accepted. Fuel quality remains consistently high across all stations.

For mountain or remote area travel, fill your tank completely and bring a spare fuel canister. Away from towns, stations appear infrequently—sometimes over 150-200 km apart.

Parking

Throughout Keflavik, surrounding areas, and Iceland generally, parking is predominantly free. Exceptions include the town center, near attractions, and designated parking zones.

Red zones have the highest parking rates. Blue, green, and orange zones offer lower prices. All parking becomes free on Sundays. Review rates at nearby parking meters, where you can pay directly or through mobile applications.

How to Book a Car in Keflavik

With Localrent, car rental is always fast, convenient, and affordable. The process is straightforward:

1. Specify your city and vehicle pickup/return location. Select rental dates.
2. Use filters to set your preferred parameters: vehicle brand, engine and transmission type, insurance, payment method.
3. Review available options and select the vehicle meeting your requirements. Note age and experience restrictions listed in the vehicle details.
4. Add extra options as needed—child seat, additional driver, etc.
5. Provide primary driver's personal and contact information. The rental company manager will add the second driver's details (if applicable) to the contract during vehicle handover.
6. Review the final price and pay the 15-20% advance by card. You'll immediately receive an electronic voucher confirming your vehicle reservation.

Present the voucher, driver's license, and passport to the rental company manager when collecting your vehicle in Keflavik.

Attractions Accessible by Rental Car

You can explore Keflavik on foot in just one day. The following day, consider visiting Iceland's only Icelandic Rock 'n' Roll Museum (Rokksafn Íslands) and the town's main attraction—the Viking World Museum (Víkingaheimar). However, a rental vehicle unlocks the extraordinary sights that draw millions to Iceland:

1. Faxaflói Bay Cruise. Departures from Reykjavik's Old Harbor, easily reached by car. During the three-hour tour, observe striped and humpback whales, dolphins, puffins, and rare regional fauna up close.
2. Garður – a small town 10 km from Keflavik. Once a significant fishing port, it's gradually being reclaimed by the Atlantic Ocean. Near Garður stand two remarkably beautiful lighthouses. One operates as a museum of maritime treasures, with all exhibits recovered from sunken ships.
3. Blue Lagoon – Iceland's most popular geothermal resort. An open-air hot spring where healing waters maintain 38-40°C year-round. Special mineral salts promote overall wellness and rejuvenation.
4. Gullfoss – a two-tiered waterfall. The first tier drops 11 meters, the second 21 meters. The cascading powerful water flows create an unforgettable, breathtaking spectacle.
5. Strokkur Geyser. Shoots hot water up to 40 meters high. This amazing natural phenomenon consistently draws numerous tourists with its untamed beauty.

What else can you visit near Keflavik with a vehicle? Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Glymur, Hraunfossar, and Skógafoss waterfalls, Þingvellir National Park. You can also drive the Golden Circle, Iceland's popular tourist route showcasing the region's remarkable natural wonders.

Rental Locations: Vehicle Pickup Points

Keflavik Airport (KEF) is the most popular location among tourists seeking rental vehicles. Upon arrival, drive directly to your accommodation—the town sits just 3 kilometers away. Rental vehicles typically await in the P3 zone, designated for long-term parking. The airport also features P1 for short-term parking. All parking areas offer free passenger drop-off/pickup, limited to 15 minutes.

However, not all rental companies deliver vehicles to the airport. Some provide them only at their offices or deliver to town addresses. Select your preferred pickup and return location in advance on the Localrent website using the "Specify location" filter.

Keflavik Rental Tips

Keflavik and throughout Iceland feature moderate, calm traffic conditions. Local drivers rarely violate traffic regulations, don't cut off other vehicles, and almost never exceed speed limits.

Strong Wind Gusts

First-time Iceland visitors frequently encounter this challenge. A sudden wind gust can wrench doors from your grip, damaging both your rental and adjacent vehicles. Recommendation: whenever possible, park facing into the wind and maintain a firm grip on doors both in parking areas and open locations.

Respecting Private Property

The Keflavik surroundings contain numerous scenic photo opportunities. However, if you see private property signs, entry is strictly forbidden—even without fences or barriers, if a gravel track exists. Iceland enforces this rigorously. Remember: driving on gravel roads in a rental vehicle voids your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions