Wanting to check in at 9 am to a hotel close to the Reykjavik Airport after overnight flight

Posted by Jaz (Vancouver, BC) on 05/20/26 10:38 PM

Hello All,

I read an old post from 2023 about staying near the airport. I will be arriving in July at 7:40 am after an overnight flight and need an early check in so I can rest. I have one night and then will be leaving the next morning on an 8:45 am flight.

Would you still recommend the Aurora Hotel for proximity to the airport? I don’t really want to travel on a shuttle the following day to the airport unless one of you highly recommends a hotel that is worth a bit of distance. It would be nice to get some exercise the day I am there too.

The hotel prices are really high. Is this what we have to pay for convenience?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Jane

Posted by CL

Salem, Oregon, USA

05/20/26 11:18 PM

4125 posts

The hotel prices are really high. Is this what we have to pay for
convenience?

Iceland is expensive, July is busy, and it's basically the only airport hotel so, yes. Unless the Aurora specifically allows for early check in, you'd need to book two nights. If your onward flight is to the US and you have bags to check, three hours ahead to the airport is advisable. If you stay at the Aurora you can sleep in longer :) You could also stay in Keflavik town there are many more hotels but I don't know about taxi/shuttle services.

Posted by KD

05/20/26 11:58 PM

1890 posts

Maybe this is your plan, but usually if you want to check into a hotel early in the morning, you would need to reserve the room for the night before and let your hotel know that you won't actually be arriving until early morning. That way you can check in as soon as you arrive. So you actually need to book a 2 night stay. (Unless this is some unique hotel that caters to early morning arrivals.)

Posted by Mardee

Duluth, MN🌲

05/21/26 12:28 AM

12417 posts

Iceland is expensive, July is busy, and it's basically the only airport hotel

No there are several airport hotels there. I think the Aurora may be the closest one, but there are several others that are in the near vicinity and are easy to get to from the airport. When I’m there in July with my daughter, we’re spending our last night at the Marriott courtyard airport hotel because we have an early flight out. In fact I’m using points for that so it’s free.

Posted by mikliz97

Snohomish, WA

05/21/26 02:57 PM

3997 posts

You will be landing in Keflavik, not Reykjavik, which is 45 minutes away.

If you want to stay by KEF, then the Aurora Hotel is the closest. It is literally a 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the terminal. We have stayed there a few times for early morning flights heading home. With you only having about 24 hours, this is what I would opt for. Unless you book the night before, you won't be able to check in upon arrival, but they do hold your bags so you can drop those and head into Reykjavik for the day. Then just head back in the evening. You could take a taxi and the flat fee for that is 22,500kr, or about $180 US dollars or you could take the Flybus which is about $39. We have done both and they are fine. With the Flybus, you make a quick transfer at the central bus terminal, but it is quick and easy especially without luggage.

Since you want some exercise, that is why I suggest heading into Reykjavik. The city has a lot to offer and that would get you out in the fresh air and you can walk to your hearts content.

Yes, hotel prices in Iceland are high, especially in the summer. This summer is especially high as the eclipse in August has people traveling there for more than just a week or two, so your July trip could easily be impacted by that.