Right seats capture the dramatic volcanic landscape on approach to Reykjavik, which is the most visually distinctive part of this route. Takeoff views are comparable between sides, but landing views strongly favor the right.
Flown DTW to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Reykjavik is 2,806 miles (4,515 km), a flight of about 5 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude. Midway, you'll be over open ocean with no visible landmarks. The route passes well north of Greenland's southern tip (not visible at cruise altitude from this track). As you approach Iceland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features are not visible from cruise altitude, but the transition from deep ocean to shallower waters around Iceland becomes apparent in the final 1.5 hours. Depending on time of year, you may see pack ice or icebergs in waters east of Greenland during winter months, but this is not guaranteed.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
LEFTDTW typically departs westbound (runways 03L/03R or 21L/21R depending on wind). Left seats face north initially, giving views of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system. Right seats see the flat suburban sprawl inland.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTApproaching RKV from the southwest (typical arrival routing), right seats face north toward Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula. You'll see the volcanic landscape, coastal features, and the city itself. Left seats see open Atlantic Ocean.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Reykjavik. Right seats capture the dramatic volcanic landscape on approach to Reykjavik, which is the most visually distinctive part of this route. Takeoff views are comparable between sides, but landing views strongly favor the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. DTW typically departs westbound (runways 03L/03R or 21L/21R depending on wind). Left seats face north initially, giving views of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system. Right seats see the flat suburban sprawl inland. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair (immediate north), Detroit River (northeast), Lake Huron shoreline (distant north), Windsor Ontario across the border (northeast).
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching RKV from the southwest (typical arrival routing), right seats face north toward Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula. You'll see the volcanic landscape, coastal features, and the city itself. Left seats see open Atlantic Ocean. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark volcanic terrain), Faxaflói Bay (large water body to the north), Reykjavik city and harbor (north-northeast), Mount Esja (distant mountain backdrop).
How long is the flight from Detroit to Reykjavik?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 5 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,806 miles (4,515 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude. Midway, you'll be over open ocean with no visible landmarks. The route passes well north of Greenland's southern tip (not visible at cruise altitude from this track). As you approach Iceland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features are not visible from cruise altitude, but the transition from deep ocean to shallower waters around Iceland becomes apparent in the final 1.5 hours. Depending on time of year, you may see pack ice or icebergs in waters east of Greenland during winter months, but this is not guaranteed.