Flights to Iceland: Complete Guide

Almost all international visitors to Iceland land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50km from Reykjavík. Icelandair has long been the dominant carrier, offering transatlantic flights that can include a free stopover in Reykjavík — a unique deal for US and Canadian travelers. PLAY is a newer Icelandic budget carrier offering competitive European fares, while easyJet and other low-cost carriers have added Icelandic routes in recent years.

Iceland is a year-round destination with very different appeal by season. Summer (June–August) offers the midnight sun, warm enough temperatures for the Highlands, and the full Ring Road experience. Autumn (September–October) brings the Northern Lights and dramatic landscapes as winter approaches. Winter is the peak season for aurora hunting and ice cave exploration. All seasons are viable for car rental road trips — summer is most popular, but winter driving requires a 4WD vehicle and experience with arctic conditions.

Keflavík Airport has been expanded substantially to handle Iceland's tourism boom, with a new terminal building adding much-needed capacity. The airport is modern, well-organized, and relatively easy to navigate, though it can feel crowded during peak summer departure waves. Duty-free shops at KEF are popular — alcohol and groceries in Iceland are extraordinarily expensive, so many visitors stock up at the airport duty-free on arrival. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is conveniently located between Keflavík and Reykjavík, making it an ideal first or last stop.

Reykjavík City Airport (RKV) is a small domestic airport in central Reykjavík that handles flights to Akureyri, Ísafjörður, and the Westman Islands. It does not receive international flights but is useful for travelers wanting to reach northern or western Iceland quickly without driving. Eagle Air and Icelandair's domestic subsidiary connect Reykjavík to remote parts of the country where driving times would exceed 5–6 hours. For the Westfjords or Akureyri, a domestic flight can save a full day of driving each way.

The Icelandair stopover program remains one of aviation's best deals for transatlantic travelers. Passengers flying between North America and Europe can add up to seven days in Iceland at no additional airfare cost. This effectively makes Iceland a free add-on to any transatlantic trip, and the program has been instrumental in driving tourism growth. PLAY offers a similar concept with lower base fares but fewer included amenities — baggage and seat selection are extra, in typical low-cost carrier fashion.

Timing matters enormously for Iceland flights. Summer fares (June–August) can be double winter prices, and the midnight sun period sees the highest demand. The best value sweet spots are early May (before peak season begins, with long daylight hours already) and late September (Northern Lights beginning, autumn colors, and fares dropping sharply). Winter flights (November–February) are cheapest but weather can cause cancellations and delays — build flexibility into your itinerary if flying in winter.

Seasonal Price Guide

Average round-trip airfares to Iceland vary significantly by season. Book during low-demand months to save up to 50%.

Months	Avg Price	Demand
June–August	$550–950	High
February–March	$350–550	Medium
September–October	$380–600	Medium
November–January	$280–480	Low
April–May	$320–520	Medium
Christmas/New Year	$500–800	High

Major Airports

Code	Airport	City
KEF	Keflavík International Airport	Reykjavík
RKV	Reykjavík City Airport	Reykjavík

Airport Details

KEF — Terminal Info

Transit tips: Icelandair operates KEF as a transit hub between North America and Europe with connections designed around transatlantic timing. Minimum connection time is 45 minutes for international-to-international. The airport is compact enough for quick transfers between gates.

Getting to the city: FlyBus to BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík takes 45–50 minutes (ISK 3,499/~$25). Gray Line and Airport Direct also operate shuttles with hotel drop-off options. Taxis cost ISK 16,000–20,000 (~$115–145). Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall.

RKV — Terminal Info

Transit tips: Domestic only — no international connections. Flights to Akureyri (45 min), Ísafjörður (40 min), and Westman Islands (25 min). Useful for saving long drives in limited vacation time.

Getting to the city: The airport is in central Reykjavík — a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi to most hotels. Bus routes 5 and 15 stop nearby. No special transfer needed.

Booking Tips

1. Use Icelandair's free stopover — If flying between North America and Europe, add up to 7 days in Iceland at no extra airfare. Book through Icelandair.com and select the stopover option during booking. This works on both economy and business class tickets.
2. Compare PLAY vs Icelandair carefully — PLAY's base fares are lower but charge for bags, seats, and meals. For a week-long trip with checked luggage, Icelandair's included bags and free stopover often make it better value overall.
3. Book summer flights by March — Iceland's peak season has limited seat capacity — only two airlines serve most routes. June–August flights from the US sell out early, and prices climb steeply from April onward. Booking by March saves 25–40%.
4. Buy duty-free on arrival — Alcohol, snacks, and dairy products are 2–3x more expensive in Icelandic stores than at KEF duty-free. The arrival duty-free shop is after baggage claim — stock up on wine, beer, and staples before leaving the airport.

Getting Around Iceland

Flying isn't always the best option for getting around Iceland. Here are the alternatives:

With no railways, driving is the primary way to explore Iceland. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the island in about 1,300km. Domestic flights save significant time for Akureyri (45min vs 5h drive), Ísafjörður (40min vs 6h drive), and the Westman Islands (25min vs ferry). In winter, domestic flights are especially valuable when roads may be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly to Iceland cheaply from Europe?

Yes, PLAY is Iceland's budget carrier and offers competitive fares from London, Paris, Amsterdam, and other European cities to Keflavík. EasyJet also operates routes from the UK. Prices vary enormously by season — winter midweek flights are often cheapest.

Is Icelandair's stopover deal still available?

Yes, Icelandair offers free stopovers of up to 7 days in Iceland for passengers flying between North America and Europe. This is an excellent way to add Iceland to a transatlantic trip at no extra flight cost.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights are visible from late August through April when nights are dark enough. Peak aurora season is September–March. You need clear skies and darkness, which are most common in rural areas away from Reykjavík's light pollution.

How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavík?

Keflavík (KEF) is about 50km from central Reykjavík, roughly 45 minutes by car or bus. The FlyBus and other airport shuttles run to central Reykjavík and BSÍ bus terminal, where connections to guesthouses are available.