Why Fly to Iceland
Iceland delivers landscapes that feel like another planet — active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches, and hot springs all packed into an island the size of Kentucky. It's one of the few places where you can watch the northern lights dance overhead in winter and hike under a midnight sun in summer. The country is also remarkably easy to travel: English is spoken everywhere, infrastructure is solid, and even remote roads are manageable with the right vehicle. Reykjavík punches well above its weight as a capital — great food, strong coffee culture, excellent museums, and a nightlife scene that runs embarrassingly late on weekends.
Beyond the capital, Iceland rewards those who get out and drive. The Ring Road (Route 1) loops the entire island and connects you to waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón, whale watching out of Akureyri, and the surreal lava fields around Lake Mývatn. This isn't a country you experience from a tour bus — it's one you experience through a windshield, with mud on your boots.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
Summer (June to August) is peak season for good reason. Temperatures sit between 10–15°C (50–59°F), nearly all roads are open, and the midnight sun means you can hike at 11pm without a headlamp. Expect crowds at major attractions and hotel prices to reflect that. Book accommodation months in advance if you're traveling in July. Shoulder seasons — April to May and September to October — offer a smarter trade-off: fewer tourists, lower prices, realistic northern lights chances, and the dramatic contrast of snow-capped peaks meeting green valleys. Winter (November to March) is for aurora hunters and ice cave explorers. Days are brutally short and weather turns harsh, but costs drop and the experience is raw and memorable. F-roads (highland tracks) are closed entirely outside summer.
Getting Around Iceland
Renting a car is the single best decision you'll make for an Iceland trip. A standard 2WD is fine for the Ring Road in summer; go 4WD if you plan highland F-roads or winter driving. Fuel stations thin out in rural areas — fill up whenever you can. Domestic flights connect Reykjavík's domestic airport (RVK) to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and the Westfjords, which saves serious time if you're on a tight schedule. Iceland has no passenger train network. Strætó buses operate scheduled routes between major towns, and the Reykjavík city bus system is functional, but public transport alone won't get you to most attractions. Guided day tours from Reykjavík are a reasonable option if you'd rather not drive.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens enter Iceland visa-free using a valid passport or national ID card for stays up to 90 days — Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. UK and US passport holders also enter visa-free for up to 90 days, provided your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and was issued within the last 10 years. From late 2026, visa-exempt travelers including EU, UK, and US nationals will need an ETIAS authorization before arrival — it's an online pre-travel permit, not a visa, and covers short stays for tourism or business. Check the official ETIAS website before you book once the system goes live.
Money & Budget
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). Don't stress about carrying cash — this is one of the most cashless societies on earth. Cards are accepted at petrol stations, food trucks, remote guesthouses, and everywhere in between. Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks. ATMs exist in cities but exchange rates are better on card. Iceland is expensive: budget travelers spending carefully can get by on $120–150 USD per day using hostels, self-catering, and free natural attractions. Mid-range travelers should plan for $200–300 USD per day covering guesthouses, restaurant meals, and a rental car split with a travel partner. Luxury travel — private lodges, guided glacier tours, fine dining — runs $400+ USD per day easily. Summer prices run 30–50% higher than winter. Tipping is not expected or customary.
Top Cities to Visit in Iceland
- Reykjavík: The capital and cultural hub — base yourself here for the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon day trips, and some of the best restaurants in the North Atlantic.
- Akureyri: Iceland's northern capital sits at the head of a long fjord and is your jumping-off point for whale watching, Lake Mývatn, and the best northern lights viewing on the island.
- Höfn: A small southeast fishing town famous for langoustine and its front-row seat to Vatnajökull glacier — the largest in Europe. Ice cave tours depart from near here in winter.
- Vik: Tiny village on the south coast surrounded by black sand beaches, sea stacks, and puffin colonies. One of the most photographed spots in the country.
- Stykkishólmur: The gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — think Snæfellsjökull volcano, dramatic lava fields, and far fewer tourists than the south coast.
- Egilsstaðir: The main town in the East Fjords, offering access to some of Iceland's least-visited coastline and the mythical Lagarfljót worm lake.
FAQ — Flights to Iceland
Which airports serve Iceland?
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's main international gateway, located about 50km southwest of Reykjavík. Most transatlantic and European flights land here. Transfer to Reykjavík by Flybus, rental car, or taxi. Reykjavík's smaller domestic airport (RVK) handles internal flights to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and the Westfjords.
How long is the flight to Iceland?
From the US East Coast (New York, Boston), flights to Keflavík run roughly 6–7 hours. From London or other Western European cities, expect 2.5–3.5 hours. Iceland sits conveniently on transatlantic routes, which is why Icelandair has long used it as a stopover hub between Europe and North America.
When are flights to Iceland cheapest?
The cheapest flights typically fall in the winter months — January, February, and November outside of holiday periods. Summer flights, especially June through August, carry significant premiums due to demand. Booking 3–5 months ahead for summer travel is strongly recommended. Shoulder season (April–May, September–October) offers a solid middle ground on both price and experience.