Iceland is served by 2 major airports including Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Budget airlines: Icelandair, PLAY, easyJet. Peak season: June to August. Best deals: September–October (Northern Lights) and February–March.
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.
Iceland went from a niche destination to one of Europe's most popular in barely a decade, and the flight options have expanded to match. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is your only realistic gateway, served by two Icelandic carriers and a growing roster of international airlines. But Iceland flights have their own pricing logic — seasonal swings are extreme, stopover deals are genuinely valuable, and the timing of your booking matters more here than for almost any other European destination. This guide covers everything you need to know to get to Iceland without emptying your wallet before you even arrive.
Iceland offers landscapes that don't exist anywhere else in Europe: active volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal hot springs, black sand beaches, waterfalls cascading off basalt cliffs, and the Northern Lights. Reykjavik is a compact, walkable capital with an outsized food and nightlife scene. The Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula are all accessible as day trips from the capital. And Iceland's position in the mid-Atlantic makes it a natural stopover between North America and Europe.
Cheapest flights: January (after New Year), February (outside school holidays), November. Expect fares 40-60% lower than July/August peaks.
Keflavik is Iceland's sole international airport for scheduled passenger flights. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it's 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. The airport handles approximately 7-8 million passengers annually — a remarkable number for a country of 380,000 people. Virtually all international flights arrive and depart from KEF.
Important note: Reykjavik also has a domestic airport (RKV) right in the city centre, used for domestic flights to Akureyri, Egilsstadir, and other towns. International flights do not operate from RKV. Don't confuse the two when booking.
KEF has one terminal that's been expanded multiple times. It's functional but can feel chaotic during peak summer when multiple transatlantic flights arrive simultaneously. Key things to know:
Icelandair is Iceland's legacy carrier and the airline most associated with the country. They operate from a hub at KEF, connecting North America and Europe with Iceland as a stopover point. This hub model is central to understanding Iceland flights.
Network:
Stopover deal: Icelandair offers a free stopover in Iceland (up to 7 days) on transatlantic tickets at no extra airfare cost. If you're flying between North America and Europe, you can break your journey in Iceland. This is genuinely excellent value — you effectively get an Iceland visit "free" as part of your transatlantic ticket. Search for flights with the "Stopover" option on icelandair.com.
Fare tiers:
PLAY launched in 2019 as a budget alternative to Icelandair after WOW Air's collapse. They operate an Airbus A320neo/A321neo fleet with a classic low-cost model: low base fares, everything else extra.
Network:
PLAY pricing to KEF (typical low-season one-way):
PLAY vs Icelandair: PLAY's base fares are typically 30-50% cheaper than Icelandair's lowest tier. But once you add a cabin bag (EUR 25-45), seat selection (EUR 10-25), and checked luggage (EUR 30-55), the gap narrows. For a week-long trip with checked luggage, compare the total cost of PLAY with add-ons versus Icelandair Economy Standard. Icelandair sometimes wins.
Iceland flight pricing is more volatile than most European destinations because demand swings dramatically between seasons:
Tuesday and Wednesday departures are cheapest for Iceland, following the standard pattern. But there's an Iceland-specific wrinkle: red-eye flights are extremely common on the KEF route, especially from North America. These overnight arrivals (landing 5-7 AM) can be cheaper and let you start your first day immediately after landing — Iceland is famously one of the few destinations where jet lag works in your favour if you're coming from North America eastbound.
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa sits between KEF and Reykjavik (20 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes from Reykjavik). Many shuttle services offer a Blue Lagoon stop. You can book a Flybus+Blue Lagoon combo, stash your luggage at the spa's luggage storage, bathe, then continue to Reykjavik. Pre-book your Blue Lagoon time slot — walk-ins are rarely available. This is an excellent way to use your arrival day, especially if you land early on a red-eye.
PLAY's marketing highlights the base fare prominently. But a round trip with a cabin bag, seat selection, and one checked bag can add EUR 80-150 to the total. Run the comparison with Icelandair's Economy Standard (which includes a cabin bag and checked bag) before assuming PLAY is cheaper. On routes where both airlines compete, the total-cost difference is often only EUR 20-40.
A beer in a Reykjavik bar costs ISK 1,500-2,000 (EUR 9-13). A bottle of wine in a restaurant starts at ISK 6,000 (EUR 38). The state-run Vinbudin liquor stores are expensive and have limited hours. The KEF duty-free shop sells spirits, wine, and beer at roughly 50% less than Icelandic retail. Buy your trip's alcohol supply when you land. Locals wheel out cases. You won't look out of place with a bag of duty-free bottles.
Iceland's weather is unpredictable year-round. Even in July, temperatures can drop to 5°C with wind. The walk from the terminal to your shuttle or rental car isn't far, but the wind at KEF (on an exposed peninsula) can be brutal. Pack a wind/waterproof layer in your carry-on, not your checked bag. You'll want it immediately.
Summer arrivals at KEF can be chaotic, with multiple wide-body flights landing within an hour. Shuttle buses fill up. Pre-booking guarantees your seat and is ISK 200-400 cheaper than walk-up pricing. It takes 30 seconds to book online. Do it when you book your flight.
If you're flying between North America and Europe, check Icelandair's stopover fare before booking a direct flight on another airline. Adding 2-4 days in Iceland to your transatlantic routing costs no extra airfare (you pay only for accommodation and activities in Iceland). Even PLAY offers connection possibilities through KEF, though without the formal stopover marketing.
Many visitors book 2-3 days thinking they can "do" Iceland. The Golden Circle and South Coast alone need 2 full days to do properly. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is another day. If you want to see the north (Akureyri, Myvatn, Husavik) or drive the Ring Road, plan at least 8-10 days. Don't waste an expensive flight on a trip that's too short to justify it.
Copenhagen is the most connected Scandinavian hub and has frequent flights to KEF on Icelandair, PLAY, SAS, and others. If your origin city doesn't have a direct KEF route, routing through CPH is often the cheapest and most convenient option. Budget carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian) serve CPH extensively from across Europe, making a self-connect viable. Allow at least 3 hours between flights if self-connecting (separate tickets, need to re-check in).
London has the widest selection of KEF flights from any European city: Icelandair from Heathrow, PLAY from Stansted, easyJet from Gatwick/Luton (seasonal), Wizz Air from Luton. If you can get to London cheaply (Ryanair from southern/eastern Europe, for example), connecting to a PLAY or Wizz Air flight to KEF can undercut direct fares from your origin. London Stansted is the best self-connect airport as PLAY operates from there and the terminal is compact.
Atlantic Airways operates between the Faroe Islands and KEF. If you're combining Iceland and the Faroes (an increasingly popular pairing), routing through Vagar Airport (FAE) can work well. SAS and Atlantic Airways connect Copenhagen to the Faroes, and from there it's a short hop to KEF.
If you're based in Europe and want to visit both Iceland and North America, use Icelandair's stopover the other way around: fly from your European city through KEF to a North American destination, stopping in Iceland en route. This works for any Icelandair transatlantic route. The stopover is free for up to 7 days — you only pay for Iceland accommodation. It's one of the best-value travel hacks for combining two trips.
If your Iceland trip focuses on the north (whale watching in Husavik, Myvatn nature baths, Dettifoss waterfall, Asbyrgi canyon), consider flying domestically to Akureyri (AEY) from Reykjavik's domestic airport (RKV). Icelandair operates multiple daily flights, taking 45 minutes versus 5-6 hours of driving. The domestic flight costs ISK 10,000-20,000 (EUR 65-130) one-way. Combined with a KEF arrival, you can start your Ring Road trip from the north and work southward, avoiding backtracking.
Bottom line: Flying to Iceland is straightforward — KEF is the only option and competition between Icelandair and PLAY keeps fares in check. The biggest savings come from seasonal flexibility (winter fares are half of summer), early booking for peak periods, and smart use of the stopover option if you're crossing the Atlantic anyway. Don't forget the duty-free on landing, pre-book your shuttle, and pack a windproof layer in your carry-on.
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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 |
| Code | Airport | City |
|---|---|---|
| KEF | Keflavík International Airport | Reykjavík |
| RKV | Reykjavík City Airport | Reykjavík |
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.
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.
Fly during shoulder season (September–October (Northern Lights) and February–March) to save 30-50% on airfare to Iceland compared to peak season prices.
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.
Compare prices across all major airlines.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
Use Icelandair's free stopover program to add up to 7 days in Iceland at no extra airfare cost.
Passengers flying between North America and Europe on Icelandair can stop in Iceland for up to 7 days without paying additional airfare. This effectively makes Iceland a free add-on to any transatlantic trip. Book through Icelandair.com and select the stopover option during the booking flow. The program works on both economy and business class tickets and has been instrumental in Iceland's tourism boom.
Book summer flights to Iceland by March to save 25 to 40 percent on peak season fares.
Iceland has limited seat capacity with only two main carriers serving most routes. June through August flights from the US sell out early and prices climb steeply from April onward. A New York-to-Reykjavik return averages $550 in February for June travel versus $800 when booked in May for the same dates. Setting Google Flights alerts for Keflavik from November onward catches the best release fares.
Stock up at Keflavik duty-free on arrival to save 50 to 70 percent on alcohol and groceries.
Iceland's alcohol and grocery prices are among the world's highest, with a beer in a Reykjavik bar costing 1,500 to 2,000 ISK (11 to 15 USD). The arrival duty-free shop at Keflavik after baggage claim sells wine, beer, and spirits at 50 to 70 percent below Icelandic retail prices. This is not just a convenience but a genuine budget strategy that every visitor should take advantage of.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November through January, excluding the Christmas and New Year holiday period, offers the lowest fares to Iceland, with round-trip tickets from the US averaging $280 to $480 and PLAY one-way fares from Europe starting from 50 EUR. Winter flights carry a higher risk of weather delays, so build flexibility into your itinerary. For a balance of affordability and weather, early May and late September offer fares 30 to 40 percent below the June through August peak while still providing reasonable daylight and road conditions.
From the US, round-trip fares to Keflavik average $280 to $480 in winter, $320 to $520 in spring and autumn, and $550 to $950 in peak summer. Icelandair and PLAY compete on most transatlantic routes, with PLAY offering lower base fares but charging for baggage and seat selection. From the UK, easyJet and PLAY offer one-way fares from 40 GBP in low season to 120 to 200 GBP in summer. Including all fees, Icelandair often provides better total value for trips requiring checked luggage.
Icelandair includes a checked bag, offers the free stopover program, and has a more established network, making it better value for longer trips with luggage. PLAY has lower base fares but charges for all extras including bags, seats, and meals. For a weekend carry-on trip, PLAY can save 30 to 50 percent. For a week-long visit with checked bags and a stopover, Icelandair typically costs the same or less once all fees are added, with better flexibility for changes and cancellations.
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