Find the cheapest flights from New York to Reykjavik in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: New York (JFK) → Reykjavik (KEF)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 7h 12h (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €380 | medium |
| February | €320 | low |
| March | €340 | low |
| April | €420 | medium |
| May | €480 | medium |
| June | €580 | high |
| July | €650 | high |
| August | €620 | high |
| September | €490 | medium |
| October | €400 | low |
| November | €340 | low |
| December | €520 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Icelandair (direct): from €450 — Icelandair offers free stopover in Iceland on transatlantic tickets – book a multi-city itinerary to explore Reykjavik en route to Europe at no extra airfare.
- PLAY Airlines (direct): from €320 — Book early for best prices on PLAY Airlines.
- United Airlines (direct): from €480 — Book early for best prices on United Airlines.
- Delta Air Lines (connecting): from €500 — Book early for best prices on Delta Air Lines.
- British Airways (connecting): from €520 — Book early for best prices on British Airways.
Booking Strategy
The New York to Reykjavik route sees its lowest prices from late October through March, with February offering the sweet spot at €300-380 roundtrip. Icelandair and PLAY Airlines dominate the direct market, with PLAY consistently undercutting Icelandair by €50-150 on comparable fares. Book direct flights 6-8 weeks ahead for summer travel (June-August) when prices climb to €550-700. For winter trips, 4-6 weeks ahead usually secures the best deals. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights with ‘flexible dates’ to visualize the price curve – the route responds strongly to day-of-week and advance booking timing. If your dates are flexible, consider flying Newark (EWR) instead of JFK – PLAY operates from both and prices can differ by €30-60. Avoid booking connecting itineraries through major European hubs unless direct flights are sold out, as they rarely offer savings on this route.
Route Tips
- Keflavik Airport (KEF) is 50km from Reykjavik – budget 45-60 minutes and €25-30 for the Flybus to city center, or pre-book a private transfer for groups to split costs.
- Icelandair allows a free stopover in Iceland when booking a connecting flight to another European city – you can visit Reykjavik at no extra airfare.
- US citizens need a valid passport (6 months validity recommended) but no visa for Iceland – Iceland is part of the Schengen Area with 90 days allowed.
- If flying PLAY Airlines, factor in checked bag costs (€45 each) when comparing prices – their base fare is carry-on only.
- Download the Reykjavik Excursions app for real-time bus schedules from KEF, or check the Strætó bus system for public transport options.
- Consider visiting in September-October or April-May for the Northern Lights, smaller crowds, and lower prices than summer peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from New York to Reykjavik?
The direct flight from New York (JFK) to Reykjavik (KEF) takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Icelandair and PLAY Airlines operate year-round direct service, with flight times ranging from 5h 15m to 5h 45m depending on winds. If booking connecting flights through European hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, or London, expect total travel times of 7-12 hours with a 1-4 hour layover. Delta and United also serve this route, with United offering seasonal direct summer flights.
How much does it cost to fly from New York to Reykjavik?
Roundtrip prices range from €300 to €700 depending on season and airline. The cheapest deals (€300-400) are available in February, March, November, and October during off-peak season. Shoulder months (April, May, September) see prices around €420-500. Summer peak (June-August) commands €550-700, with July being the most expensive month. PLAY Airlines typically offers the lowest direct fares at €320-450, while Icelandair ranges €450-650, and US carriers like United and Delta run €480-700 for connecting itineraries.
Are there direct flights from New York to Reykjavik?
Yes, direct flights are available and operated by three airlines: Icelandair (year-round, 1-2 daily departures), PLAY Airlines (year-round, 4-5 weekly departures), and United Airlines (seasonal, summer only). The flight departs from JFK or EWR (Newark) and arrives at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. Direct service takes 5h 30m, making Reykjavik one of the fastest European destinations from New York due to Iceland’s position on the transatlantic corridor.
What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Reykjavik?
February is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Reykjavik, with average roundtrip fares of €320 including taxes. This is followed by March (€340), November (€340), and October (€400). The absolute lowest prices appear in late February through mid-March, when PLAY Airlines runs promotions at €299-349 roundtrip. Avoid July and August when prices peak at €620-650 average. For a balance of good weather and reasonable prices, late April or late September offers temperatures of 5-12°C with fares around €420-480.
Which airlines fly from New York to Reykjavik?
Five airlines serve this route: Icelandair (year-round direct, the legacy carrier with most frequencies), PLAY Airlines (year-round direct, budget carrier with low base fares), United Airlines (summer seasonal direct), Delta Air Lines (connecting via Amsterdam/Paris), and American Airlines (connecting via London). Icelandair offers the most schedule flexibility with multiple daily departures, while PLAY targets price-sensitive travelers willing to pay extra for checked bags. US carriers typically price higher than the Icelandic options unless using connecting itineraries.
What airport do I fly into in Reykjavik?
You will fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik city center. The airport is the main international gateway for Iceland. To reach downtown Reykjavik, you have three options: the Flybus airport bus (€25-30, 45 minutes to BSÍ bus station in city center, then optional transfer), a Gray Line bus (€30, door-to-door hotel transfers available), or a taxi (€160-180, 40 minutes). The cheapest option is the Flybus, which departs 35-40 minutes after each arrival. There is no train service.
How far in advance should I book New York to Reykjavik flights?
For New York to Reykjavik, book 6-8 weeks in advance for summer travel (June-August) when the 8,000+ daily tourists drive fares up. For winter travel (November-March), 4-6 weeks ahead is sufficient as demand is lower. The optimal booking window for this route is Tuesday through Thursday, 6 weeks before departure – this is when airlines release their discounted inventory. Avoid booking less than 2 weeks ahead unless you’re flexible on airline and willing to pay premium last-minute rates (€700+). Setting price alerts on Google Flights for this specific route is highly effective.
Is it cheaper to fly from New York to Reykjavik on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek is significantly cheaper on this route. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. For example, a €400 roundtrip in February could cost €340 on a Tuesday, rising to €420 on a Friday. The cheapest day to depart New York is Wednesday, with returns on Tuesday offering the best value. Weekend departures (Friday-Sunday) command a premium of 15-25% due to leisure traveler demand. If your schedule allows, a Tuesday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday itinerary will save you the most money on this particular route.
Data updated: 2026-03
