Newark to Reykjavik flight path: EWR to RKV

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Reykjavik. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Manhattan/harbor departure and a scenic Reykjavik bay approach with Mount Esja looming close, versus flat New Jersey suburbs and plain open bay on the right. The long mid-ocean cruise is roughly a wash between sides, so the takeoff and landing advantages decide it.

During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing EWR on runway 22 southwest, the aircraft banks left to head northeast toward Iceland, swinging over Newark Bay and New York Harbor. This gives left-side passengers a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River before the plane climbs out over Long Island Sound. The right side only shows flat New Jersey suburbs and marshland. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, Hudson River.

When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Keflavik/Reykjavik from the southwest, the aircraft descends over Faxafloi Bay toward the airport, putting Reykjavik's compact city grid and the dramatic flat-topped bulk of Mount Esja on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows open bay water and the barren, less distinctive Reykjanes lava fields. Notable sights include: Mount Esja, Reykjavik city, Faxafloi Bay, Snaefellsjokull glacier (distant, clear days).

The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,618 miles (4,213 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Open North Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing; on especially clear days, the southeastern coastal mountains and glaciers of Greenland may be faintly visible off to the north before the descent into Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula.