Exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and nearby coastal towns by car is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your time in southwest Iceland. With car rental in Keflavik Downtown, you can pick up a reliable Hertz Iceland vehicle close to local accommodation, shops, and restaurants without needing to return to the airport.
Hertz Car Rental at Keflavik Downtown
Keflavík is the main town next to Iceland’s international airport, making it a practical base for travellers who want to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula at a slower pace before or after their flight. Unlike airport‑only pickups, Hertz Iceland also operates a Keflavik Downtown car rental station at Flugvellir 11, 230 Keflavik, so you can collect your car closer to local accommodation, shops, and the harbour.
With car hire in Keflavik Downtown, you can skip the extra trip back to the terminal and start your journey directly from town. Hertz makes car rental in Keflavik easy, comfortable, and flexible, so your downtown pickup feels like a smooth first step to coastal drives, nearby attractions, or the road towards Reykjavík.
- About 1 mile (1.5 km) from Keflavik harbour (approx)
- Takes around 5 minutes to reach Giantess Cave and the marina area (approx)
- Sits around 2.5 miles (4 km) from Viking World museum (approx)
- Around 30 miles (48 km) from Reykjavík via Route 41 (approx)
Hertz also operates a main station inside Keflavík International Airport (KEF), so if you wish to pick up your car at the Iceland airport, please make sure to book your rental with the KEF Airport location rather than Keflavik Downtown.
Hertz Car Hire at Keflavik Downtown Pickup Location
For Hertz Keflavik Downtown, you’ll find our rental desk at Flugvellir 11, 230 Keflavik, in the heart of Keflavik town rather than inside the airport terminal. This makes it a convenient option if you are already staying in Keflavik, meeting friends or family in town, or prefer to begin your trip from the local area instead of the arrivals hall at KEF.
After arriving in Keflavik, you can reach our downtown station with a short drive or taxi from your hotel or guesthouse, making Hertz Iceland car rental a simple way to start exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and nearby coastal attractions.
Collecting Your Hire Car at Keflavik Downtown
Online check‑in
With Hertz Iceland, you can take care of key rental details before you arrive, so pickup feels quicker and more convenient from the moment you reach our Keflavik Downtown station. It is a simple way to save time, move through the process more easily, and start your scenic drives from Keflavik town with less hassle.
Life is better when your journey starts without the wait. Check in your Hertz Iceland rental here
Faster pickup, more time for your trip
Waiting around at the start of your holiday is never ideal. With Hertz Iceland, pickup is designed to feel straightforward and easy, so you can collect your vehicle, get settled in, and head off sooner, whether you are travelling for a short coastal stay, a weekend break, or a longer road trip. From Keflavik Downtown, you can explore local cafés and the harbour, visit nearby attractions like Giantess Cave and Viking World, or follow Route 41 towards Reykjavík when you are ready to continue your journey.
Pick-Up Your Hire Car at Keflavík Downtown
Hertz Iceland – Keflavik Downtown Rental Desk
✓ Prime Location: Picking up your vehicle in town? Our Keflavik Downtown desk offers a relaxed, convenient starting point away from the busy airport crowds while still providing immediate access to the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Address: Flugvellir 11, 230 Keflavik, Iceland
Phone: +354 522 4400
Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
- Saturday – Sunday: CLOSED
*Opening hours differ on public holidays; please refer to our Google location profile for exact holiday opening times.
Collecting and Returning Your Hire Car at Keflavik Downtown
Where is the Hertz Keflavik Downtown car hire desk?
You will find our rental desk at the Hertz Iceland Keflavik Downtown station, located at Flugvellir 11, 230 Keflavik. When you arrive, simply come inside to our desk so we can confirm your booking details and get you ready for pickup.
Your car is parked just outside the Keflavik Downtown building in the Hertz parking area, so once the paperwork is complete you can walk straight to your vehicle and start your journey.
To reduce time spent on picking up your car, we advise you to prepare:
- Your reservation confirmation email
- Valid driver’s licence (held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental)
- A valid credit card in the main driver’s name
*We DO NOT take any deposit when renting out a car. The credit card information is held only for security purposes.
Your car is parked here:
We offer a ZERO excess rental car coverage package at our KEF airport rental desk. If you would like to maximize your rental car’s protection level, you can ask any of our station staff when picking up your vehicle.
We strongly advise you to read our rental requirements and Car protection coverages and Extras: items and price list before renting a car with Hertz Iceland.
Collecting the Car
- heck in at the Hertz desk: Share your booking confirmation, valid driver’s licence, passport or ID, and the credit card in the main driver’s name so we can verify your reservation and driver details.
- Confirm your vehicle: We will assign your car and, if available, talk you through any upgrade options that may suit your trip from Keflavik town.
- Review payment and rental terms: Complete any remaining payment requirements, then review the rental agreement before collecting your keys.
- Find and inspect your car: Head outside to the Hertz parking area at Flugvellir 11, locate your vehicle, and take a quick look around to note its condition before you set off.
- Drive out and follow local signs: Once you are settled in, simply follow the local road signs towards Keflavik harbour, the Reykjanes coast, or Route 41 for Reykjavík and the Ring Road.
How to get from Keflavik Downtown to Reykjavik City Center
After collecting your Hertz car at Keflavik Downtown, you can head toward Reykjavík city center:
- From Flugvellir 11, follow local roads out of Keflavik and join Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut), following the signs for Reykjavík – this is the main road linking Keflavik town with the capital.
- Stay on Route 41 for most of the drive, then follow local signs for city center / Miðborg as you approach Reykjavík. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.
What cars can I hire from Keflavik Downtown?
Whether you are staying in Keflavik, heading out for scenic coastal drives, or planning day trips from Keflavik town and the Reykjanes Peninsula, we offer a fleet that makes it easy to match your car to your plans, luggage, and comfort preferences.
- Economy small cars: A practical, affordable choice for short stays, lighter packing, and easy parking around Keflavik and nearby villages.
- Compact cars: Well‑suited to solo travellers or couples who want comfort without taking up extra space on the road.
- Mid-size sedans: A balanced option with more room for passengers and bags, ideal for Keflavik day trips and longer drives to Reykjavík or along the coast.
- Full-size sedans: A more spacious choice when you want extra comfort for family travel or a relaxed drive between Keflavik, Reykjavík, and other regions.
- SUVs and 4x4s: A 4×4 or SUV rental from Keflavik Downtown is a strong fit for seasonal travel, varied road conditions, and trips where extra confidence behind the wheel matters.
- Electric vehicles: A quieter, more modern way to travel, with options that suit drivers looking for a lower‑emission alternative while exploring Reykjanes and the capital area.
- Vans and larger vehicles: Helpful for groups, extra luggage, or anyone who wants to keep everyone travelling together from Keflavik.
Returning your car at Keflavik Downtown
When your trip is complete, simply return your car to the same Keflavik Downtown station where you picked it up, at Flugvellir 11, 230 Keflavik. Park your vehicle in the Hertz parking area just outside the building, remove all personal belongings, and return your keys at the desk or follow any self‑service drop‑off instructions provided for returns outside opening hours.
If you are still unsure how to get to the Keflavik Downtown return station, you are more than welcome to ask our staff members when you pick up your car, call our service centre during office hours, or send us an email – we are happy to assist you at all times.
How to extend your car hire booking at Hertz Keflavik Downtown
To extend your booking, call the Keflavik Downtown branch or Hertz Iceland support, or let our team know at pickup if you think you may need more time. Availability and any rate changes will depend on your rental dates and vehicle type.
Rental Policies
Before you pick up the keys, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with Hertz Iceland’s rental policies to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. Here are some essentials you need to know before hitting Iceland’s roads:
- Cancellation Policy: Prepaid bookings cancelled more than 3 days before pickup receive a full refund. Cancellations within 3 days or no-shows are non-refundable. Pay-on-arrival bookings can be cancelled up to the start of the rental.
- Driver’s Licence: A valid, physical licence held for a minimum of one year is required. Licences with English/Latin script are accepted as-is. If yours is in a non-English script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.
- Minimum Age: The minimum rental age is 20 for standard vehicle groups (economy, compact, intermediate). For most other vehicles, it’s 23, and select prestige/luxury models require drivers to be at least 25. There is no maximum age restriction.
- Additional Driver: Extra drivers can be added for a small daily fee. Any undeclared driver who drives the vehicle automatically voids the insurance coverage.
- Payment & Credit Card: A valid physical credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) in the main driver’s name is required at pickup. Debit cards are accepted under specific conditions.
- One-Way Rentals: One-way rentals are available but subject to a fee and location/vehicle availability restrictions.
Your local Keflavik self‑drive travel tips
- Check conditions before every drive: Weather and road conditions around Keflavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula can change quickly, so it is worth checking Road.is and SafeTravel before setting off, even for shorter coastal routes from town.
- Keep your headlights on at all times: In Iceland, headlights must be on day and night. You should also watch the speed limits, which are typically 50 km/h in towns like Keflavik, 80 km/h on rural gravel roads, and 90 km/h on paved rural roads unless signs say otherwise.
- Choose the right car for your route: A standard car works well for Keflavik, Reykjavík, the airport, and most main paved roads on Reykjanes, but Highland F‑roads require a proper 4×4 and are only open seasonally.
- Plan fuel or charging stops early: Fuel and charging are easy to find in Keflavik, at the airport area, and along Route 41, but become more limited as you head into quieter parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula and beyond. It helps to top up in town before longer stretches.
- Slow down on gravel roads and one‑lane bridges: Single‑lane bridges and sudden gravel sections can appear even on popular routes in southwest Iceland; reduce speed early, stay alert, and give yourself extra space on loose or uneven surfaces.
- Watch for sheep and strong wind: As you leave Keflavik and drive into more open areas, livestock can wander close to the road and wind can be very strong, especially near the coast. Park carefully and hold the car door firmly when getting in or out.
- Stay on marked roads only: Off‑road driving is prohibited in Iceland because it can seriously damage the landscape, including the fragile lava fields around Reykjanes, and it can lead to fines and unnecessary vehicle risk.
Unsure about what is the best car to rent for your Iceland vacation? Don’t know when the best time to visit Iceland is? Let us share with you our thoufhts:



Value-Added Services for Your Iceland Car Hire
When you go for the best car rental at Keflavík , you can tailor your journey with practical extras that add comfort, protection, and flexibility from the moment you arrive.
Whether you want car rental insurance Iceland options for extra peace of mind, GPS car rental Iceland support for easier route planning, or child seat car hire Iceland extras for family travel, we make it easier to match your rental to your trip.
Available add-ons may include:
- MAXCover: Enjoy an unburdened trip with our all-inclusive package that drops your self-excess to ZERO for covered damages (includes CDW, SCDW, Theft, Gravel, Sand & Ash, Tires, and Glass).
- Theft Protection: Lowers your liability if the vehicle is stolen.
- Child seats and boosters: Helpful for safer family travel.
- Collision Damage Waiver: Reduces your liability for damage to the vehicle.
Explore Nearby Locations within 15 miles from Keflavik
Blue Lagoon
- About 12 miles (19 km) from Keflavik Downtown (approx)
- free parking available on site
- Multiple active charging points nearby (approx)
- Open daily, hours vary seasonally
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, offering warm milky‑blue water, lava‑field views, and on‑site dining, making it a popular half‑day trip from Keflavik town by car.
Bridge Between Continents
- Around 11 miles (18 km) from Keflavik Downtown (approx)
- Free parking area
- Limited charging options in the immediate area (approx)
- Open year‑round, weather permitting
The Bridge Between Continents is a small footbridge spanning a fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, giving you an easy, family‑friendly stop that connects local geology with the story of Iceland’s Mid‑Atlantic Ridge.
Brimketill Lava Rock Pool
- Roughly 8 miles (13 km) from Keflavik Downtown (approx)
- Small roadside parking area (approx)
- No charging points on site (approx)
- Open year‑round, sea and weather conditions permitting
Brimketill is a natural lava rock pool on the edge of the Atlantic, known for its dramatic waves and coastal views, and is an atmospheric stop for photos when driving the Reykjanes coastline from Keflavik.
Frequently Asked Questions – Keflavik Downtown Car Rental
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Is Keflavik Downtown the right location if I want to pick up my car at Iceland’s international airport?
If you want to pick up your car inside Keflavík International Airport (KEF) when you land, you must book your rental with the KEF Airport location, not Keflavik Downtown. The Keflavik Downtown station at Flugvellir 11 is an alternative pickup point in Keflavik town, ideal if you are already staying locally or prefer to start your trip from town instead of the arrivals hall.
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Is Keflavik Downtown the right location if I want to pick up my car at Iceland’s international airport?
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Where do I pick up my rental car in Keflavik Downtown?
You can pick up your car with us at the Hertz Keflavik Downtown station, located at Flugvellir 11, 230 Keflavik. Our team is ready to assist you at the rental desk inside the building, and the cars are parked just outside in the Hertz parking area, which makes collection simple and quick once your paperwork is complete.
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Where do I pick up my rental car in Keflavik Downtown?
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What documents should I bring when collecting the car?
Please bring your valid driver’s licence, a physical credit card in the main driver’s name, and your booking confirmation. If you are arriving from Keflavík International Airport and shared your flight number when booking, that helps us understand your arrival time and support you if there are delays getting into town. Having everything ready at the desk makes your pickup quicker and more straightforward.
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What documents should I bring when collecting the car?
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How old do I need to be to hire a car from Hertz in Keflavik?
Most vehicles can be rented from age 20, while larger SUVs, vans, and luxury car rentals from Keflavik usually require drivers to be 23 to 25, depending on the category. Hertz Iceland also notes there is no maximum age limit, and if you are choosing a larger vehicle for an Iceland road trip starting from Keflavik, it is worth checking the age requirement for that class before booking.
Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – Whether you are 20 renting a compact car or 25 renting a luxury SUV, you are guaranteed a vehicle from our Newer, Reliable Fleet, meaning your car will be under 2 years old and expertly maintained.
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How old do I need to be to hire a car from Hertz in Keflavik?
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Do I need an international driving permit in Iceland?
Not always. If your licence is valid, printed in the Latin alphabet, and has been held for at least 12 months, it is generally accepted. If your licence uses another script, you should bring an International Driving Permit as well; this is one of the most useful details to know before a Keflavik car rental pickup.
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Do I need an international driving permit in Iceland?
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What driving rules should I know before driving from Keflavik?
In Iceland, you drive on the right, headlights must stay on at all times, and seat belts are required for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is only allowed with hands‑free equipment, and speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas like Keflavik, 80 km/h on rural gravel roads, and 90 km/h on rural paved roads unless signs say otherwise.
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What driving rules should I know before driving from Keflavik?
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Do I need a 4×4 rental in Keflavik or winter tyres in Iceland?
For Keflavik, Reykjavík, and popular main routes in summer, a 2WD is often enough, while in winter and for more remote travel on Reykjanes and beyond, a 4×4 is the better choice. F‑roads in the Highlands require a 4×4 by law, and driving a non‑4×4 vehicle there can void insurance; Hertz also states that winter tyres are included when required seasonally.
Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – Whether you opt for an efficient 2WD or a rugged 4×4, you can explore Iceland with confidence knowing our comprehensive Nationwide Support and customer service are always just a phone call away.
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Do I need a 4×4 rental in Keflavik or winter tyres in Iceland?
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What should I know about fuel and returning the car at Keflavik Downtown?
Hertz Iceland operates a full‑to‑full fuel policy, so you receive the car with a full tank and should return it full unless you bought a prepaid fuel option. For Keflavik Downtown, simply drive back to Flugvellir 11, park in the Hertz parking area outside the building, and return your keys at the desk or follow any self‑service drop‑off instructions available for returns outside opening hours.
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What should I know about fuel and returning the car at Keflavik Downtown?












































