About flights from Reykjavik (KEF)
Keflavík International Airport sits about 50km southwest of the capital — and honestly, that drive through lava fields alone tells you you're somewhere unlike anywhere else. KEF punches well above its weight for a country of 370,000 people. With 96 direct routes across 29 countries, it's a genuinely serious international hub. Not just a stopover — a real hub. I've always found airports like this fascinating. Small country, massive reach. That 76/99 connectivity score? That's not luck. That's Iceland positioning itself as a bridge between North America and Europe, and it works.
Quick stats for KEF
- Direct destinations: 96
- Countries served: 29
- Continents reached: 2 of 6
- Average flight distance: 2,969 km
- Longest non-stop: Portland (PDX) — 5,996 km (~7h 30m)
- Shortest non-stop: Akureyri (AEY) — 283 km (~21 min)
- Reach score: 76/99
Why fly to Reykjavik?
The transatlantic connections here are the real story. The US alone has 16 direct routes from KEF — Delta, Alaska Airlines, Norwegian, all competing for those seats. Canada adds another 7 routes, with Air Canada in the mix. So if you're routing between continents, Iceland isn't just a destination, it's a genuinely smart layover strategy. The longest direct flight stretches all the way to Portland, Oregon — 5,996 km. That's a proper transcontinental haul, and it surprises people every time. On the European side, the UK leads with 14 routes, Spain follows with 7, and France adds 5 more. British Airways covers London. Finnair connects you onward to Helsinki. The options are legitimately solid for a country most people think of as remote. Oh, and the shortest route? Akureyri, just 283 km north. Perfect if you want to explore Iceland itself without renting a car for a 4-hour drive.
Longest non-stop flights from KEF
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Reykjavik:
- Portland, USA (PDX) — 5,996 km, approximately 7h 30m
- Miami, USA (MIA) — 5,889 km, approximately 7h 22m
- Seattle, USA (SEA) — 5,810 km, approximately 7h 16m
- Denver, USA (DEN) — 5,727 km, approximately 7h 10m
- Vancouver, Canada (YVR) — 5,683 km, approximately 7h 6m
Short-haul flights from KEF
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Reykjavik:
- Akureyri, Iceland (AEY) — 283 km, approximately 21 min
- Kulusuk, Greenland (KUS) — 707 km, approximately 53 min
- Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands (FAE) — 801 km, approximately 1h
- Qaqortoq, Greenland (JJU) — 1,253 km, approximately 1h 34m
- Glasgow, United Kingdom (GLA) — 1,350 km, approximately 1h 41m
Top countries by direct connections from KEF
Keflavík International Airport connects to 29 countries. Here are the most served:
- USA — 16 destinations (Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver and 12 more)
- United Kingdom — 14 destinations (Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol and 10 more)
- Spain — 7 destinations (Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas and 3 more)
- Canada — 7 destinations (Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal and 3 more)
- France — 5 destinations (Basel, Switzerland/Mulhouse, Lyon, Nice, Paris and 1 more)
- Germany — 4 destinations (Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich)
- Poland — 4 destinations (Gdansk, Katowice, Warsaw, Wroclaw)
- Greenland — 4 destinations (Ilulissat, Kulusuk, Nuuk, Qaqortoq)
Where to fly from Reykjavik
Flights to USA
Reykjavik has 16 direct routes to USA:
- Boston (BOS) — 3,874 km
- New York (JFK) — 4,163 km
- New York (EWR) — 4,177 km
- Baltimore (BWI) — 4,435 km
- Detroit (DTW) — 4,482 km
- Pittsburgh (PIT) — 4,486 km
- ...and 10 more destinations
Flights to United Kingdom
Reykjavik has 14 direct routes to United Kingdom:
- Glasgow (GLA) — 1,350 km
- Belfast (BFS) — 1,386 km
- Edinburgh (EDI) — 1,387 km
- Newcastle (NCL) — 1,532 km
- Leeds (LBA) — 1,634 km
- Manchester (MAN) — 1,654 km
- ...and 8 more destinations
Flights to Spain
Reykjavik has 7 direct routes to Spain:
- Bilbao (BIO) — 2,617 km
- Madrid (MAD) — 2,892 km
- Barcelona (BCN) — 2,982 km
- Alicante (ALC) — 3,209 km
- Malaga (AGP) — 3,272 km
- Tenerife (TFS) — 4,021 km
- ...and 1 more destination
Tips for travelers at KEF
Don't underestimate the airport-to-city distance — it's a real 45-50 minute drive depending on traffic. The Flybus is your easiest option and connects directly to central hotels, which I'd recommend over taxis unless you're splitting the cost with a group. Book it in advance during peak summer season, seriously. Weather is the wildcard at KEF. Winter flights can face delays from wind and ice — Iceland's weather moves fast. Check your airline's app before you leave your accommodation. Arrive early. Not airport-early. Actually early. Security here is efficient but the terminal gets genuinely busy in summer mornings.
Airlines operating from KEF
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Keflavík International Airport:
4Y, AC, AS, AY, BA, BT, DL, DN, DY, EW, FI, GL, HV, IB, LH, LO, LS, NO, OS, RC, SK, TO, TS, U2, UA, VY, W4, W6, WK, WS
Frequently asked questions about flying to Reykjavik
How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik city center?
You can take the Flybus shuttle (about 45 minutes, €15-20), rent a car, or book a taxi/ride-share for around €50-70. The Flybus is the most budget-friendly option and drops you at your hotel or a central location.
What's the best time to fly to Reykjavik?
Summer (June-August) offers long daylight hours and mild weather, while winter (November-February) is perfect if you want to see the Northern Lights. Shoulder seasons (May and September) give you good weather with fewer crowds and better prices.
How many destinations can I reach directly from Keflavík?
Keflavík International Airport has 96 direct destinations, making it a major hub for reaching Europe, North America, and beyond without a connection. This makes Iceland a convenient stopover point for transatlantic travelers.
Do I need a visa to enter Iceland?
EU/EEA citizens don't need a visa, but US, Canadian, and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
What's a useful tip for Keflavík Airport?
The airport is quite compact and easy to get through, but it gets busy during peak hours—arrive early and download the airport app for real-time flight info. Pro tip: grab some Icelandic króna at the ATMs before heading into the city, as some smaller places don't accept cards.
Is Keflavík Airport expensive compared to other European airports?
Yes, Iceland is generally pricey, so expect higher prices for food, drinks, and services at the airport than most European hubs. However, prices are comparable to Scandinavian airports, and booking transport in advance (like the Flybus) can save you money.
Plan your trip from Reykjavik
Browse the complete list of 96 destinations below to find your next flight from Keflavík International Airport. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.