Planning a trip and trying to figure out which airlines that fly to Iceland are worth considering? Start with the quick picks below. Then we’ll break down direct routes by region and how to choose the right option for your budget, baggage, and travel style.
Quick Picks:
Flight routes to Iceland can change with the season, so it’s always worth checking the current schedule before you book. This guide compares the main airlines flying to Iceland, where they depart from, and what to consider before choosing.
The following are examples of strong airline options, not guarantees of year-round service. Some are direct routes, while others are one-stop options through major hubs.
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Best for |
Airline examples |
Why choose it |
Watch out for |
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Broad route network and Iceland expertise |
Icelandair |
Strong North America–Europe network through Iceland, plus the option to add an Iceland stopover on some itineraries |
Summer fares can rise quickly, and baggage rules vary by fare |
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Lower fares from Europe |
Wizz Air |
Often appealing to travelers who want the lowest possible starting price and can travel light |
Bags, seats, and extras can raise the final cost fast |
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Full-service flights from the US |
Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines |
Useful for travelers who already fly these airlines and want to earn miles through a loyalty program, cabin options, or easier US connections |
Many Iceland routes are seasonal, and schedules can shift |
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One-stop trips through major European hubs |
Lufthansa, SAS, Air France |
Helpful if you don’t have a direct option from your city and want reliable onward connections |
Connections add travel time, and short layovers can be stressful |
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Departures from Canada |
Air Canada |
A practical option for travelers starting from major Canadian cities when service is available |
Routes and schedules may vary, so availability is worth checking closely |
These are common airline examples, but routes and schedules can change
The best airline for your trip depends on a few practical factors. Think about your departure city, budget, travel season, and whether you care more about a direct flight to Iceland or a lower fare.
Before you book, compare the full cost. Verify whether the route is seasonal, add in baggage and seat selection, and decide whether a connection is worth the savings.
The next sections explain those tradeoffs more clearly, so you can narrow down the right option for your dates.
If you want the simplest route, start by looking at direct flights to Iceland from major USA hubs. Availability depends heavily on season, so the best choice often comes down to your departure city and travel dates.
Icelandair is usually the most consistent name in this category, while Delta and United Airlines operate direct US routes on selected schedules. American Airlines may appear in search results for Iceland, but check your exact dates carefully before treating it as a like-for-like direct option.
Best for: Travelers who want to cut down total travel time, especially on shorter trips or tighter itineraries.
Typical strengths:
Good to know:
Example routes: JFK–KEF, BOS–KEF, ORD–KEF, MSP–KEF.
To check what’s currently running from your city, use the KEF route map on FlightConnections.
From Europe and the UK, you’ll usually find the widest choice of direct flights to Iceland with Icelandair. Wizz Air is another option on some routes, especially if you’re focused on price. Airlines such as Lufthansa, SAS, and Air France often route through hubs such as Frankfurt, Copenhagen, or Paris.
The main trade-off is simple: fly direct for speed, or connect for more route options and, sometimes, a lower cost. If you’re comparing fares, look at the final price including bags and seat selection—not just the starting fare.
Best for: Travelers with flexible dates, especially those planning weekend city breaks from major European cities.
Typical strengths:
Good to know:
Example routes: LHR–KEF, CPH–KEF, CDG–KEF, FRA–KEF.
Budget fares offer significant savings for travelers with minimal luggage. Stock photo
Budget fares to Iceland can look appealing at first. But the real price often depends on bags, seat selection, and other extras.
Check the KEF route map first, then compare the final checkout price on the airline’s own site for your dates.
Low-cost tickets often add extra charges for:
Once those are added, the gap between a low-cost ticket and a full-service fare can shrink fast.
Best for: Travelers who can pack light and are happy to pay only for the extras they actually want.
Typical strengths:
Good to know:
Example routes: LGW–KEF, LTN–KEF, AMS–KEF, BVA–KEF.
If comfort matters more than the lowest fare, it’s worth looking into airlines with more robust premium cabin options. For Iceland trips, that usually means Icelandair’s Saga Premium, major US carriers like Delta, United, and American, or European airlines such as Lufthansa and Air France if you’re connecting through a hub.
Best for: Travelers who want more space, better onboard service, and a smoother overall trip.
Typical strengths:
Good to know:
Example routes: JFK–KEF, BOS–KEF, FRA–KEF, CDG–KEF.
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s main international gateway, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km (~31 miles) from central Reykjavík.
If you’re looking up airlines that fly to Iceland, KEF’s official list is the best place to start. After that, check the official airline websites for your dates, since routes and flight days can change by season. Below are some of the main airlines travelers are most likely to compare when flying to Iceland.
Icelandair’s Stopover program can add time in Iceland on a transatlantic trip without extra airfare. Stock photo
Icelandair is Iceland’s flagship airline and the country’s best-known international carrier. It connects Iceland with major cities in North America and Europe through Keflavík.
Best for: Travelers who want direct transatlantic flights, especially if they’d like to turn Iceland into a stopover rather than a layover.
Good to know:
Typical routes (examples): JFK–KEF, BOS–KEF, ORD–KEF, LHR–KEF, CPH–KEF, OSL–KEF.
Wizz Air keeps the base fare low, but bags and seat selection can add up fast at checkout. Stock photo
Wizz Air is a Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline with select routes between Iceland and Europe. It can be a good fit for travelers aiming to keep the base fare low and willing to travel light.
Best for: Budget travelers flying from Europe who can pack light and stay flexible with dates.
Good to know:
Bags, seat selection, and priority services can all cost extra, so compare the final checkout price, not just the advertised fare.
Wizz Air’s Iceland service may vary, so it’s worth checking the current KEF destination list before you book.
Typical routes (examples): VNO–KEF, WAW–KEF, BUD–KEF, GDN–KEF.
Delta can be a practical pick from select US hubs, especially for earning or using SkyMiles. Stock photo
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest major airlines in the United States. For trips to Iceland, it offers service from select US hubs, making it a practical option for travelers already flying within Delta’s network.
Best for: US travelers who want to earn or use SkyMiles, especially if they’re departing from a Delta hub.
Good to know:
Typical routes (examples): JFK–KEF, MSP–KEF, DTW–KEF.
As one of the largest airlines in the US, United can make it easy to connect to Keflavik in one booking. Stock photo
United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the United States. For Iceland, it offers service from select US hubs and can be a practical choice for travelers connecting from elsewhere in North America.
Best for: MileagePlus members and travelers who want easy North American connections in a single booking.
Good to know:
Typical routes (examples): EWR–KEF, ORD–KEF, IAD–KEF.
American is a major US airline that can work well for simple connections to Keflavik. Stock photo
The largest and most traveled airline in the world, American Airlines, was established in 1926. It’s less of a “go-to” for Iceland than Icelandair or some other transatlantic carriers, but it can work for mileage earning, redemptions, or simpler booking through American’s network.
Best for: Travelers who already use American and want to earn or redeem AAdvantage miles on an Iceland trip.
Good to know:
Typical routes (examples): DFW–KEF, PHL–KEF, AUS–KEF, IAH–KEF.
Lufthansa connects to Keflavik via Frankfurt and Munich. Stock photo
Lufthansa is Germany’s flagship airline and one of Europe’s main network carriers, operating since 1955. For Iceland, it offers direct routes to Keflavík (KEF) from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), with onward connections via its wider network.
Best for: Travelers in Central Europe looking to reach Iceland through a major German hub.
Good to know:
Lufthansa’s Iceland service is centered on Frankfurt and Munich, so most onward connections feed through those two airports.
Rail&Fly can be useful if you’re starting elsewhere in Germany, since it lets eligible travelers combine the train trip to the airport with the rest of the booking.
Typical routes (examples): FRA–KEF, MUC–KEF.
SAS is a practical option for flying to Keflavik from Scandinavia via Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. Stock photo
SAS is the main network airline of Scandinavia, serving Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. On Iceland routes, it flies to Reykjavík from or via Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), and Stockholm (ARN), making it a practical option for both Scandinavian departures and onward connections through the region.
Best for: Travelers departing from Scandinavia, or anyone looking for a simple connection through one of SAS’s main Nordic hubs.
Good to know:
Typical routes (examples): CPH–KEF, OSL–KEF, ARN–KEF.
Air France links Keflavik with Paris, making it a simple choice for routes through France. Stock photo
Air France is France’s flag carrier and one of the country’s main international airlines since 1933. It connects Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with Keflavík (KEF)—a practical option for travelers starting in France or connecting through Paris.
Best for: Travelers in Western Europe who want a straightforward connection through Paris.
Good to know:
Typical routes (examples): CDG–KEF.
PLAY Airlines ceased operations on September 29, 2025. If you were considering PLAY Airlines, the closest alternatives for traveling to Iceland are Icelandair and, on some European routes, Wizz Air.
Important note: This guide highlights the main airlines and routes travelers are most likely to compare. For a full list of carriers currently serving Keflavík, use KEF’s official list.
Direct flights to Iceland change with the season, so the list of departure cities isn’t fixed year-round. Some routes run all year, while others appear only in summer or on limited weekly schedules.
If you’re searching for direct flights to Reykjavík, start by looking for KEF, the code for Keflavík International Airport. It’s on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 km (~31 miles) from Reykjavík city center. Most international flights arrive there, not at Reykjavík Airport in the city.
To check live routes, start with your home airport or carrier and look for direct KEF service. Then confirm the exact dates on the airline’s own booking page, especially for summer routes.
If you’re looking for direct flights to Iceland from the USA, the list of departure cities can change by season.
Common departure cities (seasonal variations apply):
Summer usually brings the widest choice. If you’re checking what airlines fly to Iceland from the US, start with KEF’s destination list, then confirm on the airline’s own schedule.
Canada has several cities with direct flights to Iceland, but the list varies by time of year and airline.
Common departure cities (seasonal variations apply):
If you’re flying from Ottawa, it’s better to expect a connection—usually via Toronto or Montreal—than to plan around a direct route.
The UK is one of the easiest markets for direct flights to Iceland, with several departure options and especially strong coverage from London. If you’re flying from the capital, confirm the code carefully—“London” can mean more than one airport on this route.
Common departure cities (seasonal variations apply):
Mainland Europe is the broadest market for direct flights to Iceland, with service from a mix of major hubs and large city airports. That makes it one of the easiest regions to find a direct route, especially if you have some flexibility in where you depart.
Major direct routes operate from:
Check current direct routes from your city using:
For almost all international trips, you’ll fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), not Reykjavík Airport. KEF is Iceland’s main international airport, and the drive to Reykjavík usually takes about 45–60 minutes. Reykjavík Airport (RKV) mainly handles domestic flights within Iceland, along with a few regional routes.
If you’re researching direct airport routes to Iceland or planning arrival transfers, make sure you’re looking at KEF. Most international visitors land there first, then continue to Reykjavík by bus, rental car, taxi, or a pre-booked transfer.
The confusion usually comes down to the name Reykjavík. Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is used for most international arrivals, while Reykjavík Airport (RKV) is the city airport used mainly for domestic travel.
Looking to plan your next step after landing? It helps to know what’s near Keflavík town and how the wider air network works in our guide to Iceland’s airports.
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KEF vs RKV |
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Keflavík International Airport (KEF):
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Reykjavík Airport (RKV):
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KEF handles most international arrivals, while RKV mainly serves domestic and regional flights.
Getting into the city is straightforward. The trip to and from Keflavik usually takes about 45–60 minutes, though hotel drop-offs can add extra time.
Main ways to get to Reykjavík:
Once you’ve arrived and settled in Reykjavík, most trips head in one of three directions:
If you’re deciding what to do next, browse our Reykjavík pickup tours for guided departures from the city, or look into self-drive tours if you’d rather explore at your own pace.
Icelandair is often considered the best all-round option. It has the strongest Iceland-focused route network and offers its stopover program, but the best pick still depends on your departure city, budget, and baggage needs.
Yes, many routes are seasonal. Summer usually offers the widest choice of direct flights, especially from North America, while winter schedules are thinner on some city pairs. For a broader look at how timing changes the trip, see our guide to the best time to visit Iceland.
November is often one of the cheapest months to fly to Keflavík. January can also offer competitive fares, while holiday periods usually push prices up.
Nearly all international flights use Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Reykjavík Airport (RKV) mainly handles domestic flights and a small number of regional routes.
Yes. If you’re flying transatlantic with Icelandair, you can add a stopover in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare. The total trip cost can still vary depending on your dates and fare conditions, so it’s worth comparing the full itinerary before you book.
Yes. Delta sells flights to Keflavík (KEF), and its current route map shows service on some U.S.–KEF routes. It’s a practical option for travelers to earn or use SkyMiles, especially if they’re departing from a Delta hub.
No, Icelandair is not a Star Alliance member. It does have its own airline partnerships, including codeshare agreements and loyalty partnerships with other carriers.
Delta and United are the main U.S. airlines to watch for Iceland flights, particularly in the summer schedule. American Airlines also sells Iceland itineraries, though they may include connections rather than a comparable direct route. The exact airline mix can vary by city and year.
Not as a general rule. American Airlines sells flights to Iceland, but nonstop service is not something to assume as a broad, reliable option. Some American-booked Reykjavik fares may include connections, so it’s best to treat nonstop availability as route-specific rather than standard.
A direct flight from Boston to Keflavík is usually around 5 hours and 10 minutes. That makes Boston one of the quicker U.S. departure points for Iceland, though flight time can still shift slightly with wind and scheduling.
For summer travel, booking about 3 to 6 months ahead is a sensible target. Shoulder seasons usually give you a bit more flexibility, but prices can still move quickly on popular direct routes.
Yes, sometimes. Budget airlines can save you money, but only if the final total still looks good after bags, seats, and other extras are added.
Yes, many are. Major hubs in Europe and North America often have year-round service to Keflavík (KEF), especially with Icelandair. Many additional routes, particularly from smaller cities or leisure-focused destinations, are seasonal, with more flights in summer and fewer or none in winter.
Yes. PLAY Airlines ceased operations on September 29, 2025, and its flights were canceled after the shutdown. For travelers, the main practical point is simple: PLAY no longer serves Iceland, so any current route comparison should focus on other airlines instead.
Use a live route map first. FlightConnections’ KEF route map is a good starting point, then confirm the route on the airline’s own booking page before you book. That helps you see whether your city has a direct option or whether you’ll need to connect through a larger hub.
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