Your first hour after landing at Keflavik Airport
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is a compact, modern terminal, fast passport control, short walks, predictable luggage claim. From wheels-down to out-the-door typically takes 25–40 minutes. Once you step outside, 95% of campervan travellers follow the same three-step sequence: find the shuttle, ride to the depot, collect the vehicle.
Before you leave the terminal, do two things: buy an Iceland SIM (Nova or Síminn kiosks past arrivals, around €30 for 30 GB) and withdraw a small amount of cash from the ATM. You'll rarely need cash, Iceland is aggressively card-based, but it's useful for a few campsites and rural hot pools.
Finding your campervan supplier's shuttle
Almost every campervan company offers a free airport shuttle. Shuttles meet arrivals at the designated pickup bay just outside the main terminal, look for company signage, or text/WhatsApp the supplier on arrival. Transfers to the depot take 3–10 minutes. A handful of premium operators offer curbside vehicle drop-off directly at the terminal for an extra €30–60.
Pro tip: if you land outside business hours (midnight–6 AM), confirm 24/7 pickup availability when you book. Many suppliers offer contactless pickup with a key lockbox, but some charge a small out-of-hours fee.
The pickup process, what to expect at the depot
At the supplier's depot, plan for 30–45 minutes of counter time. You'll present your driving licence, passport, credit card, and booking voucher. The agent will walk you through the vehicle (gas system, fridge, heater, bed setup) and take photos of existing damage. In peak season (June–August), allow an extra 30 minutes, queues build up around major flight arrivals.
- Documents to have ready: passport, home-country driving licence (International Driving Permit if you're from outside EU/EEA), the credit card you booked with, and your voucher.
- Minimum age: most suppliers require 20+ for 2WD campers and 23–25+ for 4x4 models.
- Deposit hold: expect a €2,000–5,000 authorisation on your credit card, released after return.
Your first three stops after leaving the depot
Most experienced Iceland travellers follow the same first-hour routine: fuel, groceries, and a quick stretch. Here's the play:
- N1 or Orkan in Reykjanesbær (10 min): top off the tank before heading anywhere else. Fuel is cheapest near the airport.
- Bónus or Krónan supermarket (10 min from KEF): Iceland's budget grocery chains. You'll save 30–40% vs. Reykjavik or rural shops. Stock up on the essentials, bread, cheese, cured meats, yogurt, coffee, snacks, for 3–4 days.
- Blue Lagoon or Bridge Between Continents (optional, 20 min): worth detouring if you land in the morning and have time before heading further. Book Blue Lagoon tickets in advance.
