Can you store luggage at reykjavik airport

Where to drop items at KEF: the storage desk sits in the Arrivals hall near ground-transport/car-rental counters; typical opening hours cover early morning to late evening (check the KEF website for exact daily times). Expect public storage services and staffed counters rather than free lockers. Typical rates range from €6–€12 per item per 24 hours for standard carry-on/suitcase size; oversized pieces may incur extra fees or require prior arrangement. Bring official ID and the booking/receipt given at drop-off; staff will weigh or measure unusually large pieces.

If arriving/departing via RKV (domestic airfield): there is generally no permanent baggage-hold at the terminal. Options nearby: BSÍ bus terminal left-bag counters in the capital, commercial short-term storage outlets on Laugavegur, or participating hotels that accept guest bags. Typical transfer time from RKV to downtown is 10–20 minutes by taxi; plan transport and add 30–45 minutes total for drop-off/pick-up when scheduling onward travel.

Practical rules and suggestions: pre-book with apps/services such as Bounce, Stasher or local providers to lock in price and a guaranteed slot; read size/weight limits and insurance coverage before drop-off. Do not hand over passports, large sums of cash, or irreplaceable documents – keep valuables with the traveller. Retain the claim ticket and verify opening/closing times for the pick-up day; expect staff to request ID when collecting. For overnight connections, confirm whether the facility stores items overnight and whether access is available outside standard hours.

Left-baggage options near RKV: immediate recommendation

Pre-book a city drop-off or ask accommodation to hold items for the day; typical fees range €6–€18 per item per 24 hours and most commercial points sit 1–3 km from the terminal code RKV (roughly 10–40 minutes on foot or 5–15 minutes by taxi).

Available choices & price guide

• Third-party networks (Stasher/Bagbnb-style platforms): pay-per-item, door-to-door partners, online booking and receipts; insurance commonly 200–1,000 EUR depending on provider.
• Hotel/hostel short-term hold: often complimentary for guests; non-guests usually charged ~€5–€10 for same-day drop.
• Independent lockers or staffed depots in the city centre: small to large compartments, coin/card payment, hourly and daily tariffs available.

Practical preparation (what to bring and how to pack)

• Use a compact daypack for essentials – recommended model: best waxed canvas backpack for abrasion and weather resistance.
• Protect against Icelandic weather with a folding rain protector – see best articulating umbrella.
• Lock small suitcases with a TSA-style cable or padlock; photograph contents and receipt barcode before handing over.
• Keep passports, electronics and medications on person; declare high-value items if the provider offers higher insurance limits.

Step-by-step for a same-day drop

1. Search local storage platforms for “RKV” or central Reykjavík pickup points and compare price + insurance level.
2. Reserve a slot with a timestamp; check opening hours–many sites operate 08:00–20:00 but verify for weekends/holidays.
3. Label each item clearly, secure zips, remove external straps that can snag, and retain the provider’s receipt code until retrieval.
4. On return, inspect seals and contents before leaving the facility; note the retrieval deadline to avoid extra daily charges.

Lockers vs staffed left-baggage at KEF and RKV

Keflavík (KEF): a staffed left-baggage desk operates in the arrivals hall close to the baggage claim; there are no self-service lockers in the terminal. Service hours align with scheduled international arrivals and departures, so availability outside peak flight windows is limited. Typical fees commonly quoted fall roughly between ISK 1,000 and ISK 1,800 per item per 24-hour period; card payments are accepted in most cases. Bring the claim receipt and ID for retrieval; verify exact location, hours and current rates on KEF’s official information desk or website before travel.

RKV: the small domestic terminal (RKV) does not offer public lockers or a dedicated staffed left-baggage counter. For short waits, some airlines will temporarily hold a checked item at their check-in desk (policies vary by carrier), otherwise use hotel concierge services, specialist downtown bag-storage providers, or a commercial luggage-transfer firm that collects from terminals or city addresses. When booking third-party storage, confirm opening hours, maximum hold time and declared-value/insurance terms.

Exact terminal locations: lockers and baggage desks at KEF and RKV

Recommendation: Use the staffed baggage office in Keflavík (KEF) Arrivals for hold services; RKV (domestic) has no permanent lockers or dedicated baggage office, so check with airline counters or city storage options for short-term needs.

KEF – precise spot: Landside, Arrivals level (ground floor) immediately after passport control and baggage reclaim. The desk is located next to the Ground Transport / Bus counters and adjacent to the car‑rental area; signage reads “Baggage Storage” or “Left‑bag office.” This is a staffed service handling oversized items and multi‑day holds rather than a bank of coin lockers. Typical access: enter Arrivals, follow signs for buses/car hire, the office sits on the left before the main exits to the transport forecourt. Confirm current opening hours, fees and payment methods at the arrivals information desk or via the operator’s website (isavia.is).

RKV – precise spot: Small single‑terminal domestic building with check‑in and gates in close proximity. No dedicated baggage desk or locker bank exists landside or airside. For short waits, approach the airline check‑in counter or the ground‑handling desk inside the terminal; acceptance is at their discretion and often limited to same‑day holds. For multi‑day requirements, central Reykjavík options (stationary storage near BSÍ bus terminal or commercial left‑baggage services) are the usual alternative.

On collection and security: Obtain a numbered receipt and photograph the tag; present ID at pickup. Verify opening times and per‑item fees before handing over items, and confirm accepted payment methods. For the latest location maps and live updates consult isavia.is or the arrivals information desk upon landing.

Operating hours and access: pick-up times, overnight access and after-hours procedures

Recommendation: Retrieve items during the operator’s published opening hours; if arrival or departure falls outside those times, secure prior written approval for after-hours collection or choose a 24/7 self-service option.

Self-service units located landside (near arrivals, ground-transport hubs or public concourses) typically offer continuous access; staffed left-baggage counters follow fixed shifts and frequently close overnight. Verify the exact opening hours on the provider’s website or booking confirmation before leaving items.

If a deposit point is located airside, access for collection requires a valid boarding pass and travel ID for the same day; after security closes there is normally no re-entry for baggage retrieval unless terminal operations authorize an escort or special access.

After-hours retrieval procedure: retain the booking reference and receipt, note locker number or counter name, take a clear photo of items and packing, then call the provider’s emergency line (number shown on receipt) or terminal operations. Expect an administrative surcharge for on-call staff and longer verification checks by security.

Overnight policies differ by operator: self-service compartments allow 24/7 pick-up, while staffed desks usually permit collection only during the next staffed shift. For multi-day deposits confirm weekend and holiday closures, declared maximum storage periods and the provider’s policy for uncollected items (commonly transferred to lost-&-found after a defined retention period).

Security and documentation checklist before leaving items: keep the receipt/booking code, keep photographic proof, record terminal and exact location, ensure deposited items comply with prohibited-items rules, and leave a local contact number for emergency access requests.

Pricing and payment: short‑term vs long‑term rates, accepted payment methods

Prefer the staffed left‑baggage at KEF for brief stays (hours to a single day); opt for third‑party lockers or weekly tariffs for multi‑day deposits to reduce daily cost.

Short‑term vs long‑term pricing (typical ranges)

Accepted payment methods & practical tips

Most staffed desks and locker terminals accept Visa and Mastercard (chip & PIN and contactless). Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly supported at card readers; standard debit cards accepted. Cash (ISK) is occasionally accepted at staffed desks but not guaranteed; rely on card payments.

Prepaid online services require card or PayPal at booking; some third‑party platforms add a non‑refundable service fee. Request a printed or emailed receipt at drop‑off for claims or refunds. ID matching the booking is commonly checked for long‑term deposits; oversized or high‑value items may require a signed declaration and extra fee.

After‑hours retrieval often carries an aftercare charge (flat fee ISK 500–1,500) or is not available without prior arrangement; confirm access rules and hold times before handover. For equipment locations and terminal maps that can affect payment terminal placement see locating the air compressor on a freightliner a complete guide.

Size limits, prohibited items and how to pack your bag for terminal storage

Prefer items that fit a large locker – roughly 80×50×35 cm and up to ~25 kg – unless handing over at a staffed left‑baggage desk that accepts oversized pieces after prior confirmation.

• Typical locker dimensions (guide only):
  • Small: ~35×30×45 cm – fits backpacks and small cabin bags.
  • Medium: ~55×40×45 cm – fits standard carry‑on suitcases.
  • Large: ~80×50×35 cm – fits checked‑size suitcases and larger duffels.
• Weight guidance: many automated lockers and counters accept up to 20–25 kg per item; heavier pieces usually require a staffed counter and may incur extra fees.

Prohibited or strongly discouraged contents

• Explosives, fireworks and ammunition.
• Flammable liquids and gases (petrol, lighter fluid, large aerosol containers, camping gas canisters).
• Corrosives, toxic chemicals and radioactive materials.
• Illegal substances and protected wildlife products.
• Large compressed cylinders (scuba tanks, oxygen cylinders).
• High‑capacity spare lithium batteries and loose power banks – remove and carry on person.
• Cash, passports, ID documents, bank cards, irreplaceable jewelry and highly valuable electronics – keep with you or declare and insure at the staffed desk if accepted.
• Perishable food and live animals.

Packing checklist and techniques

1. Measure and weigh: record external dimensions and weight before arrival; compare with the locker or desk specifications published by the facility.
2. Divide valuables: place small valuables (watches, jewellery, passports, cash) in a daypack kept on person; do not rely on general storage for irreplaceables.
3. Protect fragile items:
   • Wrap glass, ceramics and screens in bubble wrap or thick clothing layers.
   • Use a small cardboard insert or rigid box inside the suitcase for extra rigidity.
   • Label contents “FRAGILE” when handing to a staffed desk; automated lockers cannot guarantee special handling.
4. Secure liquids and aerosols:
   • Place toiletries in sealed zip‑lock bags; drain pressurised cans partially if allowed, or carry them personally if flammable.
   • Place all creams, shampoos and perfumes in a separate waterproof pouch.
5. Electronics and batteries:
   • Switch off and power down devices; remove detachable batteries and keep them with you.
   • Store laptops and tablets in padded compartments; consider a felt or neoprene sleeve.
6. Waterproofing and tamper evidence:
   • Line the main compartment with a heavy‑duty waterproof bag or plastic sheet.
   • Use zip ties or tamper‑evident seals on external zippers; photograph seals before leaving the item.
7. Inventory and proof:
   • Photograph items and produce a short written inventory; include serial numbers for electronics.
   • Keep the storage receipt and note the locker number or reference code; photograph the locker and its surroundings on drop‑off.
8. Labeling:
   • Attach an external luggage tag with name and phone number and place a duplicate inside the bag.
   • If using a staffed desk, state any fragile contents and declare high‑value items when required by the service terms.
9. Insurance and liability:
   • Check the provider’s liability limits on the receipt; purchase travel insurance or additional declared value coverage for items exceeding that limit.
   • For valuables that exceed the provider’s declared cover, opt to keep them on person or use a specialised insured service.

Final workflow before drop‑off: measure and weigh, remove passports/cash/spare batteries, waterproof and pad fragile goods, take photos and inventory, secure with locks/seals, keep the receipt and contact details for claims.

If lockers are unavailable: nearby alternatives, hotel hold options and booking tips

Primary recommendation: reserve a vetted third‑party bag‑storage slot (Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero, Nannybag) at least 24 hours before arrival and pick a location within walking distance of KEF or the main city bus terminal (BSI) to minimise transit time.

Typical pricing and coverage: expect roughly €5–€12 per bag per day or hourly rates around €1–€2 with a daily cap; most partners include basic insurance (commonly €500–€1,000 per item). Always check the exact liability limit before booking and convert to ISK if needed for comparison.

How to book and check in: search by airport code (KEF) or BSI on the provider app, filter by opening hours, reserve a time slot and save the booking code. At drop‑off present the booking code and photo ID, sign a simple receipt/waiver, keep the tag/barcode and photograph it. Confirm maximum accepted dimensions if bags are oversized.

Hotel hold options: city‑centre hotels near BSI and the main shopping street commonly accept bag holds. Guests usually get free storage; non‑guests may be charged a small fee (typical range €3–€10 per bag). Request a stamped confirmation or email note with expected pickup deadline and ask about after‑hours access rules before handing over items.

Late pickup and long‑term stays: arrange an explicit after‑hours retrieval plan with the provider if flights or transfers fall outside normal hours. For multi‑day or weekly storage, negotiate a reduced rate and obtain a numbered receipt listing contents, start and end dates, and the contact number for emergency retrieval.

Security and packing checklist for third‑party vendors: remove passports, large sums of cash and irreplaceable documents; photograph contents and exterior of each bag; use a cable or TSA‑style lock; attach a label with a local contact phone number; retain the booking confirmation and barcode on the phone and as a printed copy.

Comparison and booking tips: prioritise providers that show precise street addresses, live availability and card/contactless payment; read recent Trustpilot/Google reviews for handling complaints and claim response times; select refundable bookings when schedules are uncertain and verify whether insurance covers water damage, theft and loss during transfer.