New York to Reykjavik is one of the shortest transatlantic hops you can make — a non-stop of about five and a half hours — and it’s a genuine bargain route thanks to steady competition. This guide covers who flies it non-stop, what a fair return fare looks like in dollars, and when to book to land one of the frequent cheap seats.
Route: New York (JFK / EWR) → Reykjavik Keflavík (KEF)
Distance: approximately 4,200 km (2,610 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 5h 35m – 5h 50m eastbound; roughly 6h on the return
Direct flights: Yes — Icelandair flies non-stop from both JFK and Newark, Delta flies non-stop from JFK, and United flies non-stop from Newark. Many are seasonal-heavy but the route runs year-round.
Fares from New York to Reykjavik (USD)
Iceland’s peak is the summer (June–August), when the days are long and the crowds arrive, plus a smaller bump around the winter Northern Lights season. Spring and autumn are the value windows. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | low-medium |
| February | — | medium (Northern Lights) |
| March | — | medium |
| April | — | medium |
| May | — | medium-high |
| June | — | high |
| July | — | very high |
| August | — | very high |
| September | — | medium-high |
| October | — | medium |
| November | — | low-medium |
| December | — | medium-high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: the cheapest we’ve tracked on a hand-baggage fare is around $300 return, and a genuinely good price is about $429 (hand baggage, no checked bag). Add a checked bag or travel in peak summer and expect to pay more. Anything under roughly $350 is worth booking quickly.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 5½ hours eastbound):
- Icelandair — the mainstay, non-stop from both JFK and Newark; the network carrier for Iceland and a common way to add a free stopover en route to Europe.
- Delta — non-stop from JFK to Keflavík, strongest in the summer schedule.
- United — non-stop from its Newark hub to Keflavík.
One-stop (occasionally cheaper, about 9–14 hours total):
- European carriers via a hub — connecting itineraries through cities such as London, Copenhagen or Frankfurt can occasionally beat the direct fare, though on such a short route the non-stop almost always wins on both time and price.
With three carriers flying non-stop, New York–Reykjavik is one of the few transatlantic routes where the direct flight is usually also the cheapest — a rare and welcome combination.
When to book & how to save
- Book 1–3 months ahead for the best fares; summer sells out earliest, so book those trips sooner.
- Target spring and autumn (April–May, September–October) for the lowest fares and thinner crowds; winter is great value if you’re chasing the Northern Lights.
- Watch the hand-baggage fares: the headline prices are usually cabin-bag only — if you need a checked bag, add it and compare the all-in cost.
- Use the free stopover: Icelandair lets you break a Europe-bound trip in Reykjavik for no extra airfare, effectively giving you two destinations for one fare.
- Be flexible on airport: JFK and Newark both have non-stops, so check both when you search.
Arriving in Reykjavik
Flights land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik — the city itself has no international airport. The easiest way in is the Flybus or a similar airport coach to the BSÍ bus terminal, taking about 45 minutes for roughly 30–35 dollars each way; a private transfer or taxi runs considerably more. If you’re renting a car, the pickup is right at the airport and the drive into the city takes about 45 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Reykjavik?
Non-stop flights take about 5 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 50 minutes eastbound (New York to Reykjavik), and around 6 hours on the return. It’s one of the shortest transatlantic crossings, which is part of what keeps the fares low.
Are there direct flights from New York to Reykjavik?
Yes. Icelandair flies non-stop from both JFK and Newark, Delta flies non-stop from JFK, and United flies non-stop from Newark. On such a short route the non-stop is almost always cheaper and faster than any connection.
How much does it cost to fly from New York to Reykjavik?
A typical economy return runs about $320–$600 depending on the season. The cheapest we’ve tracked is around $300 on a hand-baggage fare, and a good price is about $429 with cabin bag only. Peak summer and checked-bag fares sit toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Reykjavik?
January, November and the shoulder months (April, May, September, October) are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid July and August, the busiest and most expensive stretch, when long summer days draw the biggest crowds.
Which airlines fly from New York to Reykjavik?
Icelandair (non-stop from JFK and Newark), Delta (non-stop from JFK) and United (non-stop from Newark) operate this route. Icelandair also offers a free Reykjavik stopover on trips continuing to Europe, which can effectively add a second destination at no extra airfare.
Which airport do I fly into in Reykjavik?
All international flights land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 50 km southwest of the city. Reykjavik’s small in-town airport handles domestic and Greenland/Faroe flights only, so your transatlantic ticket will always route through Keflavík.
How far in advance should I book New York to Reykjavik flights?
Aim to book 1 to 3 months ahead. Summer trips sell out earliest and should be booked sooner, while spring, autumn and winter fares are steadier — but with sales appearing regularly on this competitive route, it pays to grab a good price when you see one.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be a little cheaper than a Friday–Sunday trip, and flying out and back on weekdays save a little on a return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare.
Is a checked bag included in the fare?
Not always. The lowest fares on this route are usually hand-baggage only, so the headline price you see may not include a checked bag. If you need to check luggage, add it during booking and compare the all-in total — a slightly higher fare that includes a bag can work out cheaper than a “light” fare plus a paid bag.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — check the live fare before booking.
