Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both phases: dramatic Faroese cliffs on departure and the distinctive lava fields and Reykjanes Peninsula on approach. The entire flight path over open ocean offers less visual interest, but right seats capture the most distinctive terrain at both ends.
Flown FAE to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vagar to Reykjavik is 479 miles (771 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
The flight crosses the open North Atlantic between the Faroe Islands and Iceland. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), the ocean dominates the view with occasional cloud formations. No significant landmasses are visible in the midpoint; the flight path stays over deep water. On very clear days, the distant outline of Iceland's southern coast may become visible in the final 15-20 minutes of flight, but the majority of the journey offers only seascape.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FAE
RIGHTThe climb-out from Vagar heads northeast toward Iceland. Right-side seats capture the dramatic cliffs of Vágar island and the surrounding North Atlantic immediately after departure, with views extending toward the other Faroese islands as altitude increases.
Landing at RKV
LEFTApproach to Keflavík (RKV) typically comes from the southwest over the Atlantic. Left-side seats offer views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields and the approach over Faxaflói Bay toward Reykjavik.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vagar (FAE) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vagar to Reykjavik. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both phases: dramatic Faroese cliffs on departure and the distinctive lava fields and Reykjanes Peninsula on approach. The entire flight path over open ocean offers less visual interest, but right seats capture the most distinctive terrain at both ends.
What can I see during takeoff from Vagar in Vagar?
During takeoff from Vagar (FAE), sit on the Right side for the best views. The climb-out from Vagar heads northeast toward Iceland. Right-side seats capture the dramatic cliffs of Vágar island and the surrounding North Atlantic immediately after departure, with views extending toward the other Faroese islands as altitude increases. Notable sights include: Vágar's sea cliffs (up to 1,000 meters on the western coast), Streymoy island to the north, the Atlantic Ocean extending to the horizon, Kollafjørður fjord below.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to Keflavík (RKV) typically comes from the southwest over the Atlantic. Left-side seats offer views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields and the approach over Faxaflói Bay toward Reykjavik. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, textured terrain), Faxaflói Bay, the city of Reykjavik and its harbor, Mount Esja across the bay to the north.
How long is the flight from Vagar to Reykjavik?
The flight from Vagar (FAE) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 479 miles (771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vagar to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the open North Atlantic between the Faroe Islands and Iceland. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), the ocean dominates the view with occasional cloud formations. No significant landmasses are visible in the midpoint; the flight path stays over deep water. On very clear days, the distant outline of Iceland's southern coast may become visible in the final 15-20 minutes of flight, but the majority of the journey offers only seascape.