A record number of tourists are visiting Iceland. Drawn to the island’s natural beauty and unique culture, US travelers find the “land of fire and ice” accessible from several major cities, with the most departures to Iceland leaving from New York City.
An Icelandair plane decorated with the northern lights waits for clearance to depart (Photo: Cityswift via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Daily flights from New York to Iceland operate out of all three major NYC airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Direct flights are available from JFK and Newark. More than a dozen airlines initiate travel to Iceland ranging in connections in flight time.
The two busiest airports for outbound traffic to Keflavík International Airport, Iceland (KEF) are JFK and EWR. With more than 53 flights every week from JFK, travelers can choose from eight different airlines. Common layover cities include Detroit and Toronto. EWR launches 70 flights each week to Iceland. Eight different airlines provide travel options, many with stopovers in six major cities. The shortest flight time between EWR and KEF is 5 hours and 40 minutes, like JFK. We have compared flights from all three airports listed by airline below.
Icelandair
Icelandair is the premiere airline flying to and from KEF, bringing in millions of visitors each year. The flagship airline offers nonstop flights from both JFK and EWR. From “humble beginnings” in 1937 in the city of Akureyri as a small airline serving Iceland’s north coast, Icelandair has grown into a transatlantic aviation powerhouse. The company began international operations in 1945 and capitalized on Iceland’s strategic location between Europe and North America, developing Reykjavík as a hub for travelers to enjoy stopovers en route to their final destinations. The airline connects over 50 destinations, promoting Iceland’s vibrant tourism, culture, and natural beauty.
From JFK, Icelandair operates two types of planes, the Boeing 757-200 (174 seats) and the Boeing 767-300 (262 seats). Direct flights out of JFK leave 7 days per week with multiple departures on select weekdays, perfect for the business traveler. Direct flights from EWR depart less frequently. Icelandair offers five tiers of tickets, starting with Economy Light; but the most popular ticket is Economy Standard, which includes a checked bag and free seat selection. The ultimate way to start an Icelandic adventure is by flying Saga class, which provides guests with an inflight meal inspired by Icelandic cuisine; more comfortable seating with pillows, blankets, and welcome toiletries; and access to a luxurious preflight lounge (not available in LGA).
Prices from $243.
Buy direct from Icelandair.com
Delta
Delta Air Lines began in 1924 as a crop-dusting company in Georgia. It transitioned to passenger service in 1929 and grew globally through partnerships with airlines like Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Known for innovation, it has supported historic events, including the Olympics and U.S. military efforts, cementing its role as a leader in global aviation. Delta is a member of SkyTeam.
Delta offers most of its flights from EWR, many with stopovers in Detroit. This flight often takes around 9 hours. From JFK, Delta offers direct service to Iceland seasonally, March through October. At LGA, Delta offers two flights per day, and all have at least one stop. The best option for Delta comfort is to fly out of JFK aboard a Boeing 767-300. Delta offers four tiers of seating starting with Basic but max out the comfort with Delta One, which come with spacious 180-degree flat-bed seats. These flights often depart and land early.
Prices from $445.
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United
United Airlines began in 1926 to carry airmail and merged with Boeing Air Transport in 1929. United pioneered in-flight innovations like flight kitchens and hiring female flight attendants. Its first jet service was a Douglas DC-8 in 1955. In 2010, United merged with Continental Airlines to create one of the world’s largest carriers. Although headquartered in Chicago, United flies to Iceland from two New York City area airports.
United offers one direct flight per day from Newark, with many others connecting to its hub in Chicago. Seasonal flights from EWR start in June. United offers four tiers of Economy and Business class seating on its flights to Reykjavik. United’s fleet predominately consists of Boeing airplanes, including the massive 777 with seating for up to 350 passengers.
Prices from $704.
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Alternative Flights
Stewart International Airport (SWF) in New Windsor, New York, serves as a strategic alternative to New York’s busiest airports. The airport provides direct flights to major cities and seasonal international destinations with airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways. Departing flights for Iceland use Play, Iceland’s economy airline and leave once a day, Thursday through Friday. Play operates Airbus A320neo planes for these flights.
Play offers three ticket tiers on overnight flights from SWF, basic, value, and flex. Basic provides for one personal item and date and name change fees will apply. Flex allows the most convenience with free changes, priority boarding, seat selection, and checked and carry-on bag allowances. Past flight duration ranges from 4:57 to 5:18.
Icelandair codeshares with a number of airlines, including JetBlue. JetBlue offers a one stop flight from LGA connecting in Boston one to three times per day depending on the season. Icelandair connects with Air France, Delta, and American for one-stop flights out of JFK, and codeshares with Air Canada from EWR—these flights rank “usually on time.”
Prices from $277
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