Cheap flights to Reykjavik
Set your departure airport and maximum budget: SniperAir tracks prices to Reykjavik and alerts you the moment a deal matching your criteria appears.
Quick summary
Country
Iceland
Continent
Europe
Airport
KEF
Currency
Icelandic krona (ISK)
Time zone
UTC+0 all year
Deals already spotted to Reykjavik
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
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Why track Reykjavik with SniperAir
The world's northernmost capital
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Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and largest city, with about 140,000 inhabitants and a capital region of around 250,000, roughly two thirds of the country's population, according to Wikipedia (EN, FR). At 64° north it is considered the northernmost capital of a sovereign state, per Wikipedia (EN, DE, FR, ES). Its name means "smoky bay", after the steam from nearby hot springs. The city is compact, colourful and turned to the sea, and works as a base for the Golden Circle, hot springs and the south coast. Flight prices to Iceland vary a lot with season and airlines, and a SniperAir alert saves you from comparing every day: you set your budget, we compare new fares with the real price history of the route and notify you.
Airport and getting into town
Keflavík (KEF) and Reykjavik's domestic airport (RKV)
Keflavík International (KEF)
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is about 50 km south-west of Reykjavik according to Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN); Wikipedia (DE) gives 40 km, so we only give an order of magnitude. It is the country's main airport: most international journeys pass through it, according to Wikipedia (EN). Buses from several companies link the airport with the BSÍ terminal in Reykjavik in 40 to 50 minutes according to Wikipedia (DE), and the Reykjanesbraut road leads to the capital region. Reykjavik's small airport (RKV), about 2 km from the city centre, only handles domestic flights plus some flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands, according to Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN); it serves Akureyri among others.
KEF to Reykjavik distance: 50 km (Wikipedia EN, Wikivoyage EN) or 40 km (Wikipedia DE); bus time 40 to 50 min (Wikipedia DE). RKV is a domestic airport: international tickets arrive at KEF. No transfer fare is given.
For a return trip to another Icelandic town such as Akureyri, the domestic flight leaves from RKV, near the centre. Watch KEF for international flights; Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO) and Tromsø (TOS) can be tracked in parallel if you combine several Nordic destinations.
Landmarks
A rocket-like church, a glass hall and colourful streets
Reykjavik's old town is small and walkable, with houses clad in brightly coloured corrugated metal, according to Wikivoyage (EN). The six places below are illustrated; other sights are described further down in text only.
Hallgrímskirkja
This Lutheran church, at the top of a hill in the city centre, is Reykjavik's emblem and one of the tallest buildings in the country according to Wikipedia (DE, FR). Its tower can be visited and gives views over the whole city; entry to the tower is paid, per Wikivoyage (EN).
The city from above
From above, Reykjavik looks like a chessboard of small houses with red, blue and green roofs, between the hill and the harbour. Wikivoyage (EN) suggests allowing at least a couple of hours just to wander the streets.
Harpa
This concert hall and conference centre on the harbour was the first big project of the waterfront redevelopment under way since the 2000s, according to Wikipedia (FR, EN). It is the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera per Wikipedia (DE); its glass facade changes with the light.
Sun Voyager
This steel sculpture shaped like a stylised ship stands on the seafront, facing the bay and the mountains across the water. It is much loved in the evening, when the low sun lights the water, especially in summer.
Tjörnin and the Fríkirkjan church
Tjörnin ("the Pond") is a small lake in the heart of the city where locals feed the ducks, according to Wikivoyage (EN). City Hall juts out over the water, and the south end of the lake links to the Vatnsmýri bird reserve.
The colourful rooftops
Reykjavik's houses are clad in corrugated metal of every colour, a distinctive trait of the city per Wikivoyage (EN). In the good season daylight can last late into the evening.
Other sights, not pictured: Austurvöllur square, between Parliament and the cathedral, very busy whenever the weather is good; Perlan, a domed building on the Öskjuhlíð hill built on former hot-water tanks, with views over the city; the 871±2 exhibition, built around ruins dated to about 870, according to Wikivoyage (EN); and Viðey island, reached by boat. According to the legend, Iceland's first permanent settlement was founded there by Ingólfur Arnarson around 870 or 874 per Wikipedia (EN, DE).
Museums and culture
Museums: settlement, art and heritage
The National Museum of Iceland
Near the university campus, it tells the country's story from settlement to today, with a café and a shop, according to Wikivoyage (EN). Check opening hours before you go.
The 871±2 exhibition
Built around Iceland's oldest archaeological ruins, dating to about 870, this interactive exhibition presents the beginnings of human settlement, according to Wikivoyage (EN).
Reykjavik Art Museum
Spread over several buildings, including Kjarvalsstaðir in Klambratún park, it presents Icelandic art, according to Wikivoyage (EN). The museum of the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson is in Laugardalur (Wikipedia FR, DE).
The Einar Jónsson museum
Just in front of Hallgrímskirkja, it is devoted to this Icelandic sculptor according to Wikipedia (FR). It makes a good complement to a visit to the hill.
Food and drink
Lamb soup, fresh fish and hot dogs
Kjötsúpa and Icelandic dishes
Kjötsúpa, a spicy vegetable soup with lamb, is the most local street food according to Wikivoyage (EN). Fish is very fresh: you find it at the city's fishmongers and at the harbour flea market, Kolaportið, open at weekends.
Hot dogs and fast food
Hot-dog stands are everywhere. You order one "with everything" (eina með öllu), meaning raw and fried onions, according to Wikivoyage (EN). On a budget, it is one of the cheapest options in town.
Drinks, shops and alcohol
Alcohol is expensive in restaurants, and wine and spirits are sold only in state-run shops, according to Wikivoyage (EN). Low-cost supermarkets are a big help; we give no addresses, as they change.
Getting around
Getting around: on foot, by bus, by bike
On foot
The centre is very compact and most sights are within walking distance of the hotels, according to Wikivoyage (EN). A long pedestrian and cycle path circles almost the whole city.
Bus (Strætó)
The Strætó bus network is clean and reliable according to Wikivoyage (EN); fares can be paid in cash, by app or contactless. A transfer ticket stays valid for 75 minutes.
Bike and excursions
Cycling is fine despite the winds and a few hills. For the Golden Circle or the south coast, a rental car or an organised tour are the usual options.
Budget and precautions
Budget: Iceland is a very expensive country
Price level
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive countries, especially for eating out, alcohol and accommodation, according to Wikivoyage (EN). Supermarkets and fishmongers help keep the bill down.
Visits and excursions
Prices for museums, geothermal baths and excursions vary with the season; we publish no figures. Check the official sites before booking.
Precautions
Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in the world according to Wikipedia (EN, ES). The weather changes fast and roads outside the city can close in winter: check forecasts and road conditions before heading out. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
When to go
A cool oceanic climate and very uneven days
Spring
Cool and changeable, with days lengthening fast. Flight prices are often lower than in summer.
Summer
Nights are as bright as day according to Wikipedia (ES), so you can explore late. It is the most expensive and busiest season.
Autumn
Days shorten and temperatures fall; the first northern lights can appear under clear skies, with prices dropping.
Winter
Only about four hours of daylight according to Wikipedia (ES), but northern lights are possible and hot baths are a treat. Roads can be difficult; allow a margin.
Reykjavik has a cool oceanic climate, milder than you would expect at this latitude, but very windy and changeable. For daylight, summer is ideal; for northern lights, aim for winter. May-June and September offer a compromise between weather, light and price.
By length of stay
How many days to spend in Reykjavik
The city in two days
Two days are enough for Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the waterfront, a museum and a hot bath.
Golden Circle and hot springs
With four days, add the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) and a geothermal spa near Keflavík.
The south coast and the interior
For a week, continue to the south coast, its waterfalls and glaciers, or take a domestic flight to Akureyri.
In pictures
Reykjavik in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Reykjavik
How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavik?
Keflavík Airport (KEF) is about 50 km south-west of Reykjavik according to Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN); Wikipedia (DE) says 40 km. Buses link KEF with Reykjavik in about 40 to 50 minutes.
What is Reykjavik Airport (RKV) used for?
RKV, about 2 km from the centre, is a domestic airport: flights to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir or Ísafjörður, plus some flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands, per Wikivoyage (EN).
What is there to see in Reykjavik?
Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the Sun Voyager, Tjörnin, Perlan, the 871±2 exhibition and the National Museum.
Is Reykjavik expensive?
Yes, Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive countries, especially for dining and alcohol. Supermarkets, fishmongers and hot dogs help keep the budget down.
When can I see the northern lights?
Mostly under clear skies from autumn to early spring, away from city lights. In summer the bright nights make them invisible.
How many days should I plan in Reykjavik?
Two days for the city, four with the Golden Circle, a week or more with the south coast and the interior.
How much does a flight to Reykjavik usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Reykjavik drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Reykjavik (KEF) as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected. SniperAir monitors and alerts, it does not sell or book tickets.
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