How Long Does It Take to Fly to Iceland?
Quick Answer
5–7 hours from the US East Coast. Flights from New York (JFK) to Reykjavik (KEF) take about 5 hours 15 minutes nonstop, while West Coast departures take 7–9 hours with a connection.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Flying to Iceland from the United States takes 5–7 hours from the East Coast or 7–9 hours from the West Coast (with a connection or longer nonstop). Nonstop flights from New York to Reykjavik-Keflavik (KEF) clock in at about 5 hours 15 minutes, making Iceland one of the closest European destinations to the US.
Flight Times from Major US Cities
| Departure City | Approximate Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 5 hr 15 min | Nonstop to KEF |
| Boston (BOS) | 5 hr 00 min | Nonstop to KEF |
| Washington, D.C. (IAD/DCA) | 5 hr 45 min | Nonstop to KEF |
| Chicago (ORD) | 6 hr 30 min | Nonstop to KEF |
| Denver (DEN) | 7 hr 15 min | Nonstop to KEF (seasonal) |
| Seattle (SEA) | 7 hr 30 min | Nonstop to KEF (seasonal) |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 8–9 hr | 1 stop (typically BOS or JFK) |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 8–9 hr | 1 stop |
| Miami (MIA) | 7 hr 30 min | Nonstop to KEF (seasonal) |
All times represent flight time only, not including layovers.
Airlines Flying to Iceland
Icelandair is the dominant carrier, offering nonstop flights from more US cities than any other airline. Icelandair operates from JFK, BOS, IAD, ORD, DEN, SEA, MSP, and several other gateways, with seasonal routes expanding in summer.
PLAY is Iceland's low-cost carrier, offering budget nonstop flights from BWI (Baltimore), BOS, and JFK. Fares start lower but baggage and seat selection cost extra.
Delta Air Lines operates seasonal nonstop flights from JFK and MSP to Reykjavik.
United Airlines offers seasonal nonstop service from Newark (EWR) to KEF.
The Icelandair Stopover Program
One of Iceland's biggest travel perks is the Icelandair Stopover program. On any transatlantic Icelandair ticket, you can stop in Iceland for up to 7 days at no additional airfare. This makes Iceland an easy add-on to any European trip.
For example, fly JFK to Reykjavik (5 hours), spend 3 days exploring the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, then continue to London, Paris, or Copenhagen on the same ticket.
Factors That Affect Flight Time
Wind patterns play a significant role on North Atlantic routes. Westbound flights (returning to the US) benefit from the jet stream and are typically 30–60 minutes shorter than eastbound flights to Iceland.
Seasonal route availability changes your options. Summer (May–September) offers the most nonstop routes from the most US cities. Winter service is more limited, concentrated on East Coast gateways.
Connection points for non-nonstop itineraries are usually Boston, JFK, or a European hub. One-stop flights through Europe (London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam) can push total travel time to 10–14 hours.
What to Know Before You Fly
- Iceland is in the UTC+0 time zone year-round (no daylight saving time). East Coast travelers gain 4–5 hours.
- Red-eye flights are common. Most US-to-Iceland flights depart in the evening and arrive early morning, which works well with Iceland's long summer daylight.
- Keflavik Airport (KEF) is about 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik by car or bus.
- No visa required for US citizens for stays up to 90 days (Schengen Area rules apply).
Tips for Booking Flights to Iceland
- Book 2–3 months ahead for the best fares. Summer prices spike, so early booking saves significantly.
- Compare Icelandair vs. PLAY — PLAY's base fares are cheaper, but add-ons for bags and seats can close the gap.
- Consider shoulder season (May or September) for lower fares, fewer crowds, and still-decent weather.
- Check for Icelandair Stopover deals if you're heading to mainland Europe anyway.
- Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) are usually the cheapest departure days.