The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Reykjavik/Mount Esja views on departure and a cruise track that clips northwest Ireland, the Irish Sea, and the English countryside — more varied terrain than the right side's ocean-and-farmland views, even though the right edges it slightly on the Paris approach.
Flight Path
Keflavik to Paris is 1,393 miles (2,242 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the North Atlantic south of the Faroe Islands, passes near Ireland's northwest coast around Donegal Bay, continues over the Irish Sea and Wales/England, then crosses the English Channel into Normandy/Picardy before reaching Paris.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
LEFTDeparting KEF on runway 19, the jet banks left onto its southeast track toward Europe, swinging Reykjavik's skyline, Faxaflói Bay, and the flat-topped Mount Esja into view on the left. The right side mostly shows the darker volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula fading into open Atlantic.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTOn the descent into CDG from the northwest, the approach path passes close to the northern edge of Paris, and passengers on the right side get a chance to spot the Seine's loops and the distant city skyline before the runway threshold. The left side by contrast just shows the flat farmland of the Ile-de-France plain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Paris. The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Reykjavik/Mount Esja views on departure and a cruise track that clips northwest Ireland, the Irish Sea, and the English countryside — more varied terrain than the right side's ocean-and-farmland views, even though the right edges it slightly on the Paris approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing KEF on runway 19, the jet banks left onto its southeast track toward Europe, swinging Reykjavik's skyline, Faxaflói Bay, and the flat-topped Mount Esja into view on the left. The right side mostly shows the darker volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula fading into open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Reykjavik skyline, Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja, distant Snæfellsjökull glacier.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into CDG from the northwest, the approach path passes close to the northern edge of Paris, and passengers on the right side get a chance to spot the Seine's loops and the distant city skyline before the runway threshold. The left side by contrast just shows the flat farmland of the Ile-de-France plain. Notable sights include: Seine River bends, Paris skyline (Eiffel Tower, La Défense towers), Ile-de-France farmland.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Paris?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,393 miles (2,242 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to Paris flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic south of the Faroe Islands, passes near Ireland's northwest coast around Donegal Bay, continues over the Irish Sea and Wales/England, then crosses the English Channel into Normandy/Picardy before reaching Paris.