London to Reykjavik is a short-haul hop by long-haul standards — you can fly non-stop to Iceland in around three hours, and there’s genuine competition on the route to keep fares honest. This guide covers who flies it, what a fair return costs in pounds, and when to book for the northern lights or the midnight sun.
Route: London (LHR / LGW / LTN) → Reykjavik Keflavík (KEF)
Distance: approximately 1,890 km (1,175 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 3h 00m – 3h 15m northbound
Direct flights: Yes — Icelandair and British Airways fly non-stop from Heathrow, Icelandair also from Gatwick, and easyJet flies non-stop from Gatwick and Luton.
Fares from London to Reykjavik (GBP)
Iceland has two busy seasons: the summer peak (June–August) for the midnight sun and hiking, and the winter holidays plus the northern-lights window (late September–March) for aurora hunters. Fares are highest in July–August and around Christmas; the quietest, cheapest weeks fall in late autumn and January outside the holidays. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | low-medium |
| February | medium (aurora) |
| March | medium |
| April | medium |
| May | medium-high |
| June | high |
| July | very high |
| August | high |
| September | medium |
| October | low-medium |
| November | low |
| December | high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 3 hours):
- Icelandair — the flag carrier, non-stop from Heathrow and Gatwick; the most frequent service and handy if you want a free Iceland stopover on a wider trip.
- British Airways — non-stop from Heathrow, full-service with a checked bag on most fares.
- easyJet — non-stop from Gatwick and Luton; usually competitive headline fares, hand-baggage-only unless you add a bag.
This is a rare medium-haul route where the non-stop options are also the cheapest, so there’s little reason to take a connection. Note that PLAY, the low-cost Icelandic carrier, ceased operations in September 2025 and no longer flies the route.
When to book & how to save
- Book 1–3 months ahead for the best fares; Iceland’s popularity means summer and Christmas seats sell early.
- Travel in the shoulders — late September to March (outside the holidays) is cheapest and still gives you aurora chances; January and November are the quietest.
- Compare all-in with bags: easyJet’s lead fares exclude checked luggage, so once you add a bag the fare can meet Icelandair’s — always compare the total.
- Use the Icelandair stopover if you’re heading onward to North America; you can break the journey in Reykjavik for up to seven nights at no extra airfare.
- Be flexible on London airport — Gatwick, Luton and Heathrow all serve KEF, and prices can differ by £30–£50.
Arriving in Reykjavik
Flights land at Keflavík International (KEF), about 50 km southwest of the city — the domestic Reykjavík airport (RKV) is separate and used for internal flights. The easiest way into town is the Flybus or a shared airport coach (about 45–50 minutes, roughly £20–£25 one-way), which meets every arrival. A taxi is available but expensive at around £120–£150. Many visitors pick up a hire car at the airport, as it’s the practical way to explore the Ring Road and the Blue Lagoon sits right on the route between KEF and the city.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Reykjavik?
The non-stop flight takes about 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes northbound, and a little less coming back with the winds. It’s a short-haul-length journey despite Iceland feeling like a remote destination, so there’s no overnight flying involved.
Are there direct flights from London to Reykjavik?
Yes. Icelandair flies non-stop from Heathrow and Gatwick, British Airways flies non-stop from Heathrow, and easyJet flies non-stop from Gatwick and Luton. On this route the direct flights are also the cheapest, so a connection is rarely worth it.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Reykjavik?
A typical economy return runs about £120–£190 depending on the season. Good deals dip to around £80–£100 in the quiet autumn and January weeks, while July, August and the Christmas holidays push toward £250.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Reykjavik?
November and January (outside the Christmas and New Year holidays) are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid July and August, the summer peak, and the Christmas holidays, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from London to Reykjavik?
Icelandair (Heathrow and Gatwick), British Airways (Heathrow) and easyJet (Gatwick and Luton) all fly the route non-stop. Icelandair is the most frequent and offers a free stopover if you’re continuing to North America; easyJet usually has the lowest lead fares.
Which airport do I fly into in Reykjavik?
You arrive at Keflavík International (KEF), about 50 km from the city and Iceland’s main international gateway. Don’t confuse it with the small domestic airport in the city centre, Reykjavík (RKV), which handles internal and Greenland/Faroe flights only.
How far in advance should I book London to Reykjavik flights?
Aim to book 1 to 3 months ahead. Iceland is a popular short break, so summer and Christmas seats go early and fares climb closer to departure. Off-peak, you can sometimes still find good deals a few weeks out.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to price a little lower than Friday-to-Sunday city-break slots. Shifting a weekend trip by a day, or flying out midweek, save a little on a return.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
