Seattle to Reykjavik Flight Time & Schedules

How Long Is the Flight From Seattle to Reykjavik ?

A nonstop flight from Seattle to Reykjavik typically takes between 7 hours 25 minutes and 7 hours 40 minutes. The journey covers around 3,630 miles (5,840 kilometers) between Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

Although the flight lasts less than eight hours, the changing clock means an evening departure from Seattle normally reaches Iceland the following morning.

Flight Type	Nonstop Duration	Departure Airport	Arrival Airport

Your Reykjavik Flight Lands Outside the City

The airport detail is important when planning this journey. Seattle flights do not land at the small airport near central Reykjavik.

International passengers arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) from the capital. Traveling from KEF to central Reykjavik usually takes around 45–60 minutes by road, depending on weather and traffic.

Available transportation can include:

Airport coaches
Public buses
Taxis
Private transfers
Rental cars

Reykjavik Airport (RKV) is a separate airport located close to the city center. It is mainly used for domestic and limited regional services. If your trip continues to another Icelandic destination from RKV, allow enough time to travel between the two airports.

Four Stages of the Seattle to Reykjavik Journey

The complete Seattle to Reykjavik journey includes more than the time spent flying. These four stages explain what travelers can expect from arriving at SEA to reaching Reykjavik.

Begin at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with international check-in, baggage drop, security, and boarding. Arriving early provides enough time to complete each departure requirement.

A nonstop flight travels northeast across Canada and the North Atlantic. The scheduled SEA to Reykjavik flight time is approximately 7 hours 25 minutes to 7 hours 40 minutes.

Flights land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), where passengers complete passport control and collect checked baggage. Morning arrival is common because Reykjavik is several hours ahead of Seattle.

KEF is approximately 31 miles from central Reykjavik. Airport coaches, taxis, private transfers, and rental cars are available, with the road journey usually taking around 45–60 minutes.

When to Choose a Connecting Flight From Seattle to Reykjavik

A connecting itinerary can be useful if the nonstop schedule does not operate on your preferred date. It may also provide a departure time that works better with the rest of your plans.

Connections can be offered through cities such as Vancouver, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, or Boston, depending on the airline and season.

Before choosing one, check whether the additional travel time is reasonable. A journey with two short flight segments can still take most of the day when several hours are spent waiting at the connecting airport.

This is especially important when flights are booked separately rather than under one reservation.

Reykjavik to Seattle Return Flight Time

The nonstop flight from Reykjavik to Seattle usually takes around 7 hours 55 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes. Westbound travel can require more flying time because the aircraft encounters different winds over the North Atlantic.

However, passengers regain seven or eight hours on the clock while traveling toward Seattle. A lunchtime departure from Iceland can therefore arrive in Seattle during the early afternoon of the same day. The local departure and arrival times may appear close together, but this does not mean the return flight is short. Always check the listed duration rather than calculating travel time from the two local clocks.