Driving from Keflavík Airport to Vík
If you’re landing at Keflavík and heading to Vík, you’re about to take one of the best drives in Iceland. This isn’t just a straight shot from A to B, instead you'll find a road lined with waterfalls, black sand beaches, cliffs, and a few places that’ll make you want to slam on the brakes just to take it all in.
Doesn’t matter if you’re driving yourself or letting someone else take the wheel — this route is packed with must-see stops. There’s Seljalandsfoss, where you will get wet. Skógafoss, where the mist never stops. Then there’s Reynisfjara, where the waves don’t care if you’re paying attention or not. And that’s just the start.
I’ll walk you through all the ways how to get from Keflavík airport to Vík í Mýrdal, and what to see between Keflavík and Vík with every spot worth stopping for.
How to Get from Keflavík Airport to Vík í Mýrdal
There are a lot of ways to get from Keflavík Airport to Vík í Mýrdal, from renting a car to joining an organized tour. These are a few good options for travelers who want to get a front row seat to Iceland's South Shore.
Self-Drive
Renting a car is the most popular choice for travelers covering the 224 km (139 miles) from Keflavík Airport (KEF) to Vík í Mýrdal. This option provides flexibility to explore various attractions en route. The drive along Route 1, known as the Ring Road, takes approximately 3 hours without stops.
However, allocating 8-10 hours allows you to visit numerous sites along the South Coast.
Travel Reykjavík offers great Self-Drive Tours where everything from a rental car, insurance, accommodation, suggested itinerary, and 24 hour emergency support is all planned and organized for you.
Private Transfer and South Shore Tour
For those preferring not to drive, private airport shuttles are available from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík capital area. Combine that with a guided tour of the South Shore, you'll visit all major attractions with a guide who can tell you all about the destinations and share local stories and folklore. Allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery with a local without the responsibility of driving.
Travel Reykjavík also offers a 7-Day Journey around Iceland where you visit all major South Shore sites and continue on the ring road to discover beautiful attractions around the island.
Visit Iceland in Summer on a 7-Day Ring Road Journey
Private Tour with Pick-Up
Customized private tours offer personalized itineraries with pick-up services from Keflavík Airport. So that you can start your tour the minute you're through the airport. These tours can be tailored to include specific attractions and activities on both the Reykjanes Peninsula and South Shore. Travel Reykjavík offers completely customizable private tours for visitors that want to make their dream itinerary come to life, without the responsibility of having to keep your eyes on the road instead of the views. This is also a far more affordable option compared to taxi prices. If that's an option you've been considering I'd rather recommend the other options found here.
Keflavík Airport to Vík Map with Attractions
Main Attractions between Keflavík and Vík
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
Seljalandsfoss is a 60-meter (200 feet) tall waterfall renowned for the pathway that allows visitors to walk behind the flowing water. The path back there is rocky, muddy, and a bit slippery—probably not great for those who aren't steady on their feet. But if you can manage it, it’s worth every step. You will get wet. That’s just how it is.
The real star of this stop isn’t Seljalandsfoss, though. It’s Gljúfrabúi. It’s a short walk to the left of Seljalandsfoss, tucked behind a cliff. You’ll have to wade through a shallow stream to get inside, but it’s well worth it.
If you think you'll get wet at Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is something else. The mist doesn’t just spray, it soaks. It’s beautiful; moss-covered cliffs rising high around you, the heaviness of the water echoing off the rocks, and that perfectly placed huge rock right by the falls. If you're lucky you'll have it all to yourself, despite being right next to one of Iceland’s busiest waterfalls.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 170 km (106 miles), 2 hours 16 minutes drive.
- Parking Fees: Yes
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, with a width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (200 feet). Visitors can approach the base to feel the mist or climb adjacent stairs for a panoramic view from the top. This majestic waterfall is situated about 150 km (93 miles) from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 186 km (116 miles), 2 hours 20 minutes drive.
- Parking Fees: Yes
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is a black sand beach famous for its basalt sea stacks, powerful Atlantic waves, and the Reynisdrangar rock formations. Visitors are advised to exercise caution due to strong sneaker waves. The beach is located near Vík í Mýrdal, approximately 180 km (112 miles) from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 216 km (134 miles), 2 hours 40 minutes drive.
- Parking Fees: Yes
Dyrhólaey Promontory
Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter (394 feet) promontory offering stunning views of the coastline, including a massive arch-shaped rock formation. It's also a nesting site for puffins during the summer months. Dyrhólaey is located about 175 km (109 miles) from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 211 km (131 miles), 2 hours 35 minutes drive.
- Parking Fees: No
- Bathroom Fee: Yes
Víkurkirkja Church
Víkurkirkja is a picturesque church perched on a hill overlooking the village of Vík. Built in 1934, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean. The church is approximately 180 km (112 miles) from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 222 km (138 miles), 2 hours 45 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No
Visit the South Shore on a 7-Day Ring Road Journey
Other South Shore Attractions
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
In 1973, a U.S. Navy DC-3 plane crash-landed on the black sands of Sólheimasandur. The remains of the aircraft have become a popular photography spot. Access requires a 4 km (2.5 miles) hike from the parking area.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 195 km (121 miles), 2 hours 25 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No, and note that the car park is a 1,5-2 hour walk from the plane wreck.
Seljavallalaug Hot Spring
Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, built in 1923. Nestled in a valley, it's fed by natural hot springs, offering a unique bathing experience. A short hike, more of an elevated walk, is required to reach the pool in about 20 minutes.
There is no dedicated parking lot for pool visitors but once you hit Welcome Guesthouse Edinborg you continue along the Seljavellir dirt road until you can't go any further and then continue on foot for about 20 minutes.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 177 km (110 miles), 2 hours 15 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No, and note that there is no dedicated parking lot.
Skógar Museum
Skógar Museum showcases Iceland's cultural heritage with exhibits on traditional turf houses, artifacts, and tools. It's located near Skógafoss waterfall.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 186 km (116 miles), 2 hours 20 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Kvernufoss is a lesser-known 30-meter (98 feet) waterfall located in a secluded gorge near Skógar. A short hike leads visitors to this serene spot, where it's possible to walk behind the falls.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 187 km (116 miles), 2 hours 20 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No, park at Skógar Museum car park.
Loftsalahellir Cave
Loftsalahellir is a historical cave believed to have been used for parliamentary gatherings in the past. It offers insights into Iceland's medieval history and provides panoramic views of the Mýrdalssandur outwash plain.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 208 km (129 miles), 2 hours 30 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No, and note that there is no dedicated parking lot. Closest parking is 40 min walk away at Dyrhólaey.
Attractions near Keflavík
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a renowned geothermal spa known for its milky blue waters rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. It's located in a lava field near Grindavík, about 23 km (14 miles) from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 23 km (14 miles), 20 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No
Book your Private Airport Shuttle with Blue Lagoon
Active Volcano
The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced multiple volcanic eruptions in recent years, including the famous Fagradalsfjall eruption in 2021 and subsequent activity in 2022 and 2023, following eruptions at Sundhnúkur from December 2023 to December 2024. Visitors can hike to the eruption sites and witness the raw power of Iceland’s geothermal forces. The active volcano sites are about 30-40 minutes from Keflavík Airport, but the accessibility depends on ongoing volcanic activity and safety conditions.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 40 km (25 miles), 30 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: Surprisingly, yes.
Kleifarvatn Lake
Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, surrounded by volcanic hills and dramatic landscapes. The lake is unique because it has no visible outlets, with water levels controlled by underground fissures. The area is great for quiet nature walks, and it’s only about 30 km (19 miles) from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 50 km (31 miles), 45 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No, parking area coordinates are 63°55'48.4"N 21°59'38.6"W.
Seltún Geothermal Area
Seltún, part of the Krýsuvík geothermal system, is a steaming, colorful landscape filled with bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and mineral-streaked hills. Wooden walkways allow visitors to explore the area safely. The geothermal activity here is a clear sign of the intense underground heat that powers much of Iceland. Seltún is about a 40-minute drive from Keflavík Airport.
- Distance from Keflavík Airport: Approximately 55 km (34 miles), 50 minutes drive.
- Parking Fee: No, and note there are also free bathroom facilities on site.
Visit South Shore Attractions on a 7-Day Ring Road Journey
Iceland’s south coast is packed with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, towering cliffs—it’s all here. And the best part? It’s easy to visit, even if you’re just doing a day trip from Reykjavík.
You're in good hands with Travel Reykjavík
No matter if you want to drive or not, Travel Reykjavík has options for any type of travelers, from Self-Drives to Organized tours. No matter how you want to travel you can get a front-row seat to Iceland’s wild landscapes without having to worry about icy roads or gravel detours. Travel Reykjavík by Snæland Travel has been helping travelers tour Iceland for over 80 years, so you know you'll be in good hands.
If you're looking to stop at the Blue Lagoon you can read these 4 ways to get from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon, or this piece on Getting from Keflavík to Reykjavík to go directly to the city.