Is a 1½ hr layover in Keflavik long enough?

KEF · Keflavik Nas · Keflavik, Iceland
Probably Enough

Yes, 1½ hours is probably enough for a layover at KEF (Keflavik).

Very comfortable, with time to browse duty-free or grab food between flights.
Concourses
2
Max Transit
20m
Avg. Security
15m
Primary Hub
Icelandair
Schengen → Schengen
40min
Schengen → Non-Schengen
45min
Non-Schengen → Schengen
45min
Non-Schengen → Non-Schengen
45min
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Icelandair's whole schedule is built around tight transatlantic connections, so signage and staff are well-practiced at moving connecting passengers quickly — follow the 'Transfer' signs immediately on arrival.
If your itinerary crosses from a non-Schengen to a Schengen flight (or vice versa), budget extra time for passport control, which can have long lines during the morning arrival bank.
The terminal is small enough that even a 'gate change to the far end' rarely takes more than 10-12 minutes on foot.
Duty-free shopping fills the central corridor and can slow foot traffic during peak banks between 6-9am and 3-6pm.
PLAY and Icelandair use different check-in areas, so allow a few extra minutes if switching airlines rather than staying on one carrier's connection.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
There is no train or shuttle at KEF — the entire terminal is walkable, with the two concourses connected by a central hall of shops and lounges. Passengers transferring between a non-Schengen flight (e.g., North America) and another non-Schengen flight (e.g., UK) or a Schengen flight must pass through passport control and often a security re-screen, which is where most of the connection time is actually spent, not the walk itself.
Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at Keflavik Nas (KEF)?

Very comfortable, with time to browse duty-free or grab food between flights.

What is the minimum connection time at KEF?

Minimum connection times at Keflavik Nas: Schengen-to-Schengen is 40 minutes, Non-Schengen-to-Non-Schengen is 45 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 1½ hours connection at KEF on an international flight?

1½ hours clears the 45-minute international minimum connection time at Keflavik Nas, but you should still head directly to your gate. There is no train or shuttle at KEF — the entire terminal is walkable, with the two concourses connected by a central hall of shops and lounges. Passengers transferring between a non-Schengen flight (e.g., North America) and another non-Schengen flight (e.g., UK) or a Schengen flight must pass through passport control and often a security re-screen, which is where most of the connection time is actually spent, not the walk itself.

How much time do I need for a layover at KEF?

We recommend at least 55 minutes for a comfortable connection at Keflavik Nas. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 15 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 20 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at KEF?

Icelandair and PLAY both have dedicated transfer desks in the main hall for passengers who misconnect, and Icelandair in particular is used to rebooking due to its hub-and-spoke transatlantic model, often onto the next bank a few hours later. Outside of Icelandair's own network, other airlines' passengers should go to their carrier's ticket desk or the general transfer assistance counter near the concourse split.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER