The left side captures the Washington DC monument skyline on departure and the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula on arrival, bookending an otherwise ocean-dominated cruise with the trip's two most visually striking segments.
Flown DCA to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Keflavik is 2,786 miles (4,483 km), a flight of about 5 hours 40 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean for most of the cruise, with the Labrador Sea and occasionally the southern tip of Greenland's coastal mountains visible in clear conditions on the northern side of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTDeparting north on Runway 01, the Potomac River and the National Mall's monuments—Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol dome—sit on the left side of the aircraft as it climbs along the river before banking northeast. This gives a brief but iconic skyline view rarely matched on short domestic departures.
Landing at KEF
LEFTOn approach into Keflavik from the south, the aircraft typically crosses the Reykjanes Peninsula's stark volcanic fields and geothermal steam vents, visible on the left as the plane turns toward the runway. The jagged black lava coastline contrasts sharply with the North Atlantic, giving one of the most dramatic landing sequences in Europe.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Keflavik. The left side captures the Washington DC monument skyline on departure and the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula on arrival, bookending an otherwise ocean-dominated cruise with the trip's two most visually striking segments.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing north on Runway 01, the Potomac River and the National Mall's monuments—Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol dome—sit on the left side of the aircraft as it climbs along the river before banking northeast. This gives a brief but iconic skyline view rarely matched on short domestic departures. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol dome.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Keflavik from the south, the aircraft typically crosses the Reykjanes Peninsula's stark volcanic fields and geothermal steam vents, visible on the left as the plane turns toward the runway. The jagged black lava coastline contrasts sharply with the North Atlantic, giving one of the most dramatic landing sequences in Europe. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, geothermal steam plumes, North Atlantic coastline, Faxaflói Bay.
How long is the flight from Washington to Keflavik?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,786 miles (4,483 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Keflavik flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean for most of the cruise, with the Labrador Sea and occasionally the southern tip of Greenland's coastal mountains visible in clear conditions on the northern side of the route.