Keflavik to Detroit is 2,764 miles (4,448 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Iceland's volcanic landscape and coastline during departure, then the Atlantic crossing offers occasional views of Greenland's coast (far north on the horizon) and the transition to North American geography. On approach, left seats have the advantage, but the takeoff experience from Iceland is more visually distinctive, making right the overall winner for this route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at cruising altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). At this altitude, passengers may glimpse the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet on the horizon (far north), though it appears as a distant white line. The open Atlantic dominates the midpoint with no significant landmarks visible. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and Labrador coast become visible on the horizon before the final descent toward the Great Lakes region. The flight path generally follows a great-circle route across the Atlantic, passing well north of Iceland and south of Greenland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Iceland's dramatic southwestern coastline and glacial terrain during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs runway 02 heading northeast, then turns to cross the Atlantic, giving right-side passengers the best angle on Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields and the coast.
Landing at DET
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Detroit. The aircraft approaches from the northeast over Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of the river's distinctive curves, the city skyline, and the broader Great Lakes geography.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Detroit. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Iceland's volcanic landscape and coastline during departure, then the Atlantic crossing offers occasional views of Greenland's coast (far north on the horizon) and the transition to North American geography. On approach, left seats have the advantage, but the takeoff experience from Iceland is more visually distinctive, making right the overall winner for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Iceland's dramatic southwestern coastline and glacial terrain during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs runway 02 heading northeast, then turns to cross the Atlantic, giving right-side passengers the best angle on Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields and the coast. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark volcanic terrain immediately south of airport), Atlantic coastline with black sand beaches, Fagradalsfjall volcanic region, Keflavik town and harbor below.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Detroit. The aircraft approaches from the northeast over Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of the river's distinctive curves, the city skyline, and the broader Great Lakes geography. Notable sights include: Detroit River with its characteristic bends and islands, Lake St. Clair to the north, Detroit city skyline and downtown core, Windsor, Ontario across the river.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Detroit?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,764 miles (4,448 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at cruising altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). At this altitude, passengers may glimpse the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet on the horizon (far north), though it appears as a distant white line. The open Atlantic dominates the midpoint with no significant landmarks visible. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and Labrador coast become visible on the horizon before the final descent toward the Great Lakes region. The flight path generally follows a great-circle route across the Atlantic, passing well north of Iceland and south of Greenland.