Flights to Reykjavik: The Complete Guide
Reykjavik is the primary gateway to Iceland’s glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and the Northern Lights. Almost all international travelers arrive via Keflavik International Airport (KEF), the country’s main hub located about 45 minutes from the capital. While Reykjavik has a smaller domestic airport (RKV) near the city center, it serves internal routes and Greenland. To find the best flights to Reykjavik, you need to navigate seasonal price swings and a growing list of trans-Atlantic carriers. This guide breaks down how to secure the best fares, choose the right airline, and manage your arrival efficiently.
Which airport should you fly into?
There are two airports associated with Reykjavik, but for international arrivals, you will almost always use Keflavik.
- Keflavik International Airport (KEF): Located 31 miles (50 km) southwest of Reykjavik. This is the only airport handling long-haul international flights.
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV): Located within the city limits. This airport is strictly for domestic flights within Iceland and short hops to Greenland or the Faroe Islands. Do not book international arrivals here.
Best time to book flights to Reykjavik
Timing your booking is critical for Iceland. On average, the best time to book flights to Reykjavik is between 12 and 16 weeks before your departure date.
If you are traveling during the peak summer months (June through August), extend that window. Booking 5 to 6 months in advance is recommended for summer travel to avoid the price hikes associated with the summer solstice. For the winter season, including Northern Lights hunting in November or February, booking 2 to 3 months out usually yields competitive rates. Last-minute deals are rare for Iceland due to high demand and limited seat capacity.
Cheapest months to fly to Reykjavik
The cheapest flights to Reykjavik are typically found in the shoulder and off-peak seasons.
- November to March: Excluding the Christmas and New Year period, these months offer the lowest fares. January and February are historically the cheapest months to fly.
- May and September: These months offer a balance of manageable flight prices and decent weather.
- Avoid July: This is the most expensive month to fly. Demand from American and European tourists peaks during the summer holidays, driving prices to their annual highs.
Direct flights vs connecting flights
The choice between a direct flight and a connection depends on your point of origin and budget.
Direct Flights Major hubs in North America and Western Europe offer frequent direct service. From the US East Coast (NYC, BOS), direct flights are roughly 5-6 hours. From London, it is a quick 3-hour hop. Direct flights save time but usually carry a premium price, especially during peak season.
Connecting Flights If you are flying from the US West Coast or Central Europe, a connection can sometimes lower your total cost. Most connections happen through London, Oslo, or Copenhagen. For North American travelers, using a "Stopover" program allows you to stay in Iceland for several days on your way to mainland Europe without extra airfare costs. This is often the most cost-effective way to see Reykjavik if Iceland is not your only destination.
Best airlines flying to Reykjavik
Several carriers serve Iceland, ranging from low-cost options to full-service legacy airlines.
- Icelandair: The national flag carrier offering extensive routes across North America and Europe with a popular free stopover program.
- PLAY: A low-cost Icelandic airline providing budget-friendly, no-frills connections between major US and European hubs.
- Delta Air Lines: Operates seasonal and year-round direct flights from major US hubs like New York (JFK) and Minneapolis.
- United Airlines: Provides direct seasonal service from Newark (EWR) and Chicago (ORD) for North American travelers.
- EasyJet: Offers consistent low-cost connections to Reykjavik from various UK and European cities.
Getting from the airport to the city center
There is no train service in Iceland. You must rely on road transport to get from Keflavik (KEF) to downtown Reykjavik.
- Airport Shuttle (Flybus or Airport Direct): These are the most common methods. They depart roughly 35-40 minutes after every flight arrival.
- Cost: 3,800 ISK – 5,500 ISK ($27 – $40 USD).
- Duration: 45 minutes to the BSI Bus Terminal; longer if you opt for a hotel drop-off.
- Public Bus (Strætó): Route 55 connects the airport to the city. It is cheaper but less frequent and slower than shuttles.
- Cost: Approx. 2,280 ISK ($16 USD).
- Taxi: Available 24/7 outside the terminal. It is expensive unless you are traveling in a group of four.
- Cost: 18,000 ISK – 25,000 ISK ($130 – $180 USD).
- Car Rental: Most major agencies operate at KEF. This is the best move if you plan to leave the city to explore the Golden Circle or South Coast.
- Rideshare: Note that Uber and Lyft do not operate in Iceland. You must use taxis or pre-booked private transfers.
Flight duration from major cities
Knowing the air time helps you plan your arrival day. Most flights from North America are "red-eyes," arriving early in the morning.
- London: 3 hours 10 minutes
- New York: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Chicago: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Los Angeles: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Paris: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Berlin: 3 hours 45 minutes
(Note: There are currently no direct flights from Sydney or Dubai. Travelers from these regions typically connect via London, Copenhagen, or Helsinki, adding roughly 15-20 hours to the total travel time.)
Tips for finding cheap flights to Reykjavik
Use these practical strategies to lower your travel costs.
1. Use the Stopover Advantage If you are traveling between North America and Europe, book through Icelandair. They allow you to add a multi-day stay in Reykjavik for no additional airfare. You essentially get two trips for the price of one.
2. Track Prices via Google Flights Flights to Reykjavik fluctuate based on fuel costs and seasonal demand. Set up price alerts 4-6 months before your trip. When the price dips below the "green" threshold on Google Flights, book immediately.
3. Fly Mid-Week Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the cheapest days to fly to Iceland. Weekend flights (Friday and Sunday) see a surge in demand from European "city break" travelers, which jacks up the prices.
4. Be Flexible with Your Airport If you are flying from the US, check flights from Stewart International (SWF) in addition to JFK and Newark. Budget carriers sometimes use these alternative airports to offer significantly cheaper flights to Reykjavik.
5. Factor in Luggage Costs The "cheapest flights to Reykjavik" often come from budget airlines like PLAY. These fares are bare-bones. Once you add a carry-on and a checked bag, the price may equal or exceed a full-service carrier. Always calculate the total cost with bags before hitting the buy button.