Car Rental at Keflavik Airport (KEF)

Leifur Eiríksson International Airport (KEF)

Summarise (click here)
  • Car rental inside Keflavík International Airport (KEF) with the Thrifty desk located in the arrivals hall
  • Open 24/7, ideal for early or late flight arrivals
  • Wide choice of vehicles, including 4×4 SUVs and economy cars
  • No shuttle required – pick up your car immediately after landing
  • Transparent pricing with options suited for Iceland travel
  • Booking in advance recommended to secure the best rates and vehicle choice
  • Average pickup time: Once through customs and baggage claim, most travellers are on the road within 30–45 minutes, often quicker during quieter arrival periods.

Start your Iceland journey fast, easy, and convenient with Thrifty Iceland car rental at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Whether you’re travelling with family, exploring the Ring Road, or chasing northern lights, our 4×4 car rental options and family-friendly vehicles give you the freedom to explore Iceland your way.


Why Choose Thrifty at Keflavík Airport

  • On-site pickup in the arrivals hall at KEF — no shuttle required.
  • Wide range of rental cars: from compact city-friendly models to 4×4 vehicles for Iceland’s roads.
  • Transparent, all-inclusive rates and 24/7 service — ideal for flight arrivals at any hour.
  • Excellent value for both solo travellers and groups/families — vans, minivans and full-size options available.

‘Thrifty Car Rental Iceland offers rental cars directly inside Keflavik Airport.’

Your Iceland adventure begins the moment you touch down. With Thrifty at Keflavik Airport, you can pick up your rental car inside the terminal and be on the road immediately.


Available Rental Cars at Keflavík Airport

At the KEF location you’ll find a full fleet tailored to your journey:

  • Compact & 2WD cars — fuel-efficient, easy to handle for city/short trips.
  • 4×4 SUVs — perfect if you plan to drive the Ring Road, explore F-roads (when allowed) or search for winter routes.
  • Minivans & 9-seat vehicles — designed for families, groups, or travellers with extra luggage.

All vehicles are modern, well-maintained and ready for Iceland’s varied terrain and weather. Pre-booking strongly recommended to secure preferred models and best rates.


What You Need at Pickup

To ensure a smooth and fast car pickup experience, bring the following:

  • Valid driver’s licence (held for at least 1 year)
  • Credit or debit card in the main driver’s name
  • Booking confirmation or reservation number

Pro tip: If your flight is delayed or landing late at night, update your arrival time with Thrifty ahead of time to ensure staff readiness.


Arrival & Pickup Process – Fast & Convenient

When your flight lands at Keflavík International Airport (KEF):

  1. Clear passport control and baggage claim
  2. Walk into the arrivals hall – the Thrifty car rental desk is located right inside (no shuttle bus needed)
  3. Present your driver’s licence, credit/debit card, and booking confirmation
  4. Receive your keys and directions to your vehicle (located directly opposite the terminal)

Average Pickup Time (Typical)

Most travellers report that once you’re through customs and baggage claim, you can expect to pick up your rental car and be on the road in about 30–45 minutes if traffic and customs are smooth — sometimes quicker if lines are short.

Tip: Timing can vary depending on arrival volume at KEF. Booking online, completing any online check-in steps ahead of time, and having your documents ready speeds up the process.


Location & Opening Hours

Thrifty Keflavík Airport (KEF)

📍 Address: Keflavík International Airport Arrivals Hall, 235 Reykjanesbær, Iceland.
🕓 Opening hours: 24/7 — we are ready when your flight lands.


Ready to Book?

Head to www.thrifty.is and secure your rental car at Keflavík Airport (KEF). Book early to lock in availability and preferred vehicle type for your Iceland adventure.

FAQ – Renting a Car at Keflavik Airport

Available cars

Toyota Land Cruiser or similar | Automatic | 5-Seater | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

Toyota Land Cruiser or similar | Automatic | 5-Seater | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

FFAR | Group: I (FFAR)

  • 4 Passengers
  • 5 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Dacia Duster or similar | Manual | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

Dacia Duster or similar | Manual | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

CFMN | Group: E2 (CFMN)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
Ford Transit 9 seater or Similar | Manual | 2WD | Minivan & Passenger Van

Ford Transit 9 seater or Similar | Manual | 2WD | Minivan & Passenger Van

LVMN | Group: Q (LVMN)

  • 9 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Hyundai i30 Wagon or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Large Luggage Space

Hyundai i30 Wagon or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Large Luggage Space

CWAN | Group: T1 (CWAN)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

IFAI | Group: N3 (IFAI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Hybrid
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Kia Ceed Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD

Kia Ceed Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD

DWAI | Group: R1 (DWAI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • Traction Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD

Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD

DGAI | Group: B3 (DGAI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
KIA Sorento or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

KIA Sorento or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

SFAN | Group: O2 (SFAN)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

SFDI | Group: O6 (SFDI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Hybrid
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

IFAR | Group: O (IFAR)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
Land Rover Defender Hybrid or similar | Automatic | Luxury 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

Land Rover Defender Hybrid or similar | Automatic | Luxury 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

PFAI | Group: L6 (PFAI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Hybrid
  • 22+ years

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 77 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
Mazda CX-30 or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Small SUV

Mazda CX-30 or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Small SUV

JGAR | Group: C6 (JGAR)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Airbags
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

SFAI | Group: O3 (SFAI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 23+ years
Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Renault Captur Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Small SUV

Renault Captur Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Small SUV

CGAI | Group:P6 (CGAI)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • Hybrid
  • 20+ years

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 38 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | Luxury 4×4

Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | Luxury 4×4

UGDC | Group: V1 (UGDC)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 4 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 23+ years

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
small car rental iceland

Toyota Aygo or similar | Manual | 2WD | Small Car Rental

MBMN | Group: Z (MBMN)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 1 Large
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 3 Doors
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
  • Adjustable Steering
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar | Automatic | 2WD

Toyota Corolla Sedan or similar | Automatic | 2WD

IDAR | Group: N (IDAR)

  • 5 Passengers
  • 3 Large
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 20+ years
Additional Features
    Toyota Land Cruiser 7-seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

    Toyota Land Cruiser 7-seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Allowed on F-roads

    FVAN | Group: H (FVAN)

    • 7 Passengers
    • 1 Large
    • Automatic
    • Airconditioning
    • 5 Doors
    • Petrol or Diesel
    • 23+ years
    Additional Features
    • 4 Wheel Drive
    • Adjustable Steering
    • Cruise Control
    • Electronic Stability Control
    • Bluetooth
    • USB
    • Power Steering
    • Power Windows
    • Remote Locking
    • Airbags
    Toyota Yaris or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Small Car Rental

    Toyota Yaris or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Small Car Rental

    EDAN | Group: Y (EDAN)

    • 3 Passengers
    • 2 Large
    • Automatic
    • Airconditioning
    • 5 Doors
    • Petrol or Diesel
    • 20+ years
    Additional Features
      Toyota Yaris or similar | Manual | 2WD | Small Car Rental

      Toyota Yaris or similar | Manual | 2WD | Small Car Rental

      EDMN | Group: A (EDMN)

      • 5 Passengers
      • 2 Large
      • Manual
      • Airconditioning
      • 5 Doors
      • Petrol or Diesel
      • 20+ years
      Additional Features
      • Adjustable Steering
      • Airbags
      • Fog Lamps
      VW Golf or similar | Manual | 2WD | Compact Car Rental

      VW Golf or similar | Manual | 2WD | Compact Car Rental

      CDMN | Group: B (CDMN)

      • 4 Passengers
      • 3 Large
      • Manual
      • Airconditioning
      • 4 Doors
      • Petrol or Diesel
      • 20+ years
      Additional Features
      • Adjustable Steering
      • ABS
      • Power Steering
      • Power Windows
      • Remote Locking
      • Airbags
      VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Minivan & Passenger Van

      VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Minivan & Passenger Van

      LVAN | Group: D1 (LVAN)

      • 9 Passengers
      • 2 Small Bags
      • 5 Large Bags
      • Automatic
      • Airconditioning
      • 5 Doors
      • Petrol or Diesel
      • 23+ years
      Additional Features
      • 5 Large, 2 Small
      • Traction Control
      • Bluetooth
      • Power Steering
      • Power Windows
      • Remote Locking
      • Airbags
      VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Minivan Allowed on F-roads

      VW Caravelle 9 seater or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | Minivan Allowed on F-roads

      FMDN | Group: D2 (FMDN)

      • 9 Passengers
      • 2 Small Bags
      • 7 Large Bags
      • Automatic
      • Airconditioning
      • 5 Doors
      • 23+ years
      Additional Features
      • 7 Large, 2 Small
      • 4 Wheel Drive
      • Bluetooth
      • Power Steering
      • Power Windows
      • Remote Locking
      • Airbags
      VW Golf or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Compact Car Rental

      VW Golf or similar | Automatic | 2WD | Compact Car Rental

      CDAN | Group: B2 (CDAN)

      • 5 Passengers
      • 3 Large
      • Automatic
      • Airconditioning
      • 5 Doors
      • Petrol or Diesel
      • 20+ years
      Additional Features
      • Adjustable Steering
      • Electronic Stability Control
      • ABS
      • Power Steering
      • Power Windows
      • Remote Locking
      • Airbags