The left side delivers the spectacular New York departure view which is one of the most iconic urban aerial scenes in the world. Mid-flight over the North Atlantic offers little to see on either side, and the Keflavik arrival views, while dramatic, are somewhat more evenly distributed. The NYC departure on the left is the defining visual moment of this route.
Flown EWR to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Keflavik is 2,596 miles (4,177 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
The great circle route crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's Cape Farewell region. Passengers may see pack ice or icebergs near the Labrador Sea if conditions are clear. The route also crosses the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland. Cloud cover over the open Atlantic is frequent, but on clear days the deep blue of the North Atlantic and occasional iceberg fields are visible from altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR's primary departure runways 22L/22R send aircraft on a southwest heading before turning northeast, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay during the climbing turn.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTKeflavik sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 28 or from the northeast on runway 19. A right-side seat gives views of the volcanic Reykjanes lava fields, Reykjavik across Faxafloi Bay, and Mount Esja on the far shore during the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Keflavik. The left side delivers the spectacular New York departure view which is one of the most iconic urban aerial scenes in the world. Mid-flight over the North Atlantic offers little to see on either side, and the Keflavik arrival views, while dramatic, are somewhat more evenly distributed. The NYC departure on the left is the defining visual moment of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR's primary departure runways 22L/22R send aircraft on a southwest heading before turning northeast, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty in Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Hudson River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavik sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 28 or from the northeast on runway 19. A right-side seat gives views of the volcanic Reykjanes lava fields, Reykjavik across Faxafloi Bay, and Mount Esja on the far shore during the approach. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, Faxafloi Bay, Reykjavik city and harbor, Mount Esja across the bay.
How long is the flight from Newark to Keflavik?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,596 miles (4,177 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The great circle route crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's Cape Farewell region. Passengers may see pack ice or icebergs near the Labrador Sea if conditions are clear. The route also crosses the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland. Cloud cover over the open Atlantic is frequent, but on clear days the deep blue of the North Atlantic and occasional iceberg fields are visible from altitude.