Overnight at Reykjavík ??

I did a similar one night layover both ways in 2023 for a trip to Paris but my savings were in the thousands for two tickets because we caught a business class ticket sale and got two tickets for $2,204. For $200, I am not sure that you will end up saving money after factoring in the hotel cost, the cost of transportation into the city from the airport and the cost of meals, etc. in Iceland. For our flight to Paris in October 2023, because there were no rooms available at the airport hotel, we stayed at the Konvin Hotel and it cost around $190 for the night. On the way home, the airport hotel had availability and the room was around $225 for the night in November. That being said, we had a great time in Reykjavík during our one day there, though I did have a to buy a hat, scarf and mittens because what I had was not getting the job done.

You won’t save money, but Reykjavik is a nice little city for a night.

To get from KEF into Reykjavik, the FlyBus is almost $40 pp each way as the city is 45 minutes away. Hotel in town will most likely run you a hair over $200. That said, the free walking tour and the food tours are both excellent and a great way to learn about Iceland as a whole. There are a lot of great free or cheap things to do. Walk up Pufa, go to the Sun Voyager, see Harpa inside and out, walk up rainbow road, visit the hand knitting association store, wander and see the murals and street art, visit a local pool in town etc. Sky Lagoon is in Reykjavik as well but you would need a city bus or taxi to get there. It costs much more than a local pool but both are great experiences.

So you see it just depends on what interests you.

Thank you.

I did my searches yesterday.

I forget what I looked at on google maps but i had thought the airport was closer to town. Sigh.

Typically incoming flights to Reykjavik arrive in the early morning. You'll likely be jet lagged as you're on the way to Europe. Most hotels will store your bags for you on early arrival, but then you have to occupy yourself until check in time (2pm ish or later). You would probably be too late to catch a morning departure for a Golden Circle tour (potentially an afternoon one, though) but you could explore the city proper. As already noted the main city center is 45+ minutes each way from the airport. If your onward flight to Zurich is in the morning, that is a very early start. I personally would want at least two nights for a layover there.

Also, look very closely at the Icelandair rate you're seeing in searches - often it's the basic economy which has zero checked bags, no seat selection, etc. and their carry on limit is pretty small (and on all flights, no food provided unless you purchase it). Considering you're taking items to Zurich, by the time you add on bags you might find the other flight options better meet your needs.

Yes - thank you CL. There are a lot of add-ons !