Left side wins both departure and arrival. On departure you get the dramatic Reykjanes lava fields and Reykjavik across Faxaflói Bay; on arrival you get the Frankfurt skyline and Main River. The right side offers open Atlantic and North Sea for most of the cruise, which is featureless by comparison.
Flown KEF to FRA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Keflavik to Frankfurt is 1,492 miles (2,401 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks southeast over the North Atlantic, crossing the Faroe Islands (visible as small dark specks in the ocean if conditions are clear), then the Norwegian Sea before crossing over southern Norway or Denmark. Over the North Sea the coast of Denmark or northern Germany may be visible in clear conditions. The flight largely crosses open water until the Danish or German coast appears in the final hour.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
LEFTKeflavik typically departs eastward on runway 10, so the left (north) side gives you a view back over the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields and Faxaflói Bay. You'll also catch Reykjavik city and Mount Esja across the bay as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast.
Landing at FRA
LEFTFrankfurt typically lands on runway 25L/25C from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-southeast. The left (south) side gives the better view of the Frankfurt skyline, the Main River bend, and the Taunus hills to the north as you descend over the Rhine-Main plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Frankfurt. Left side wins both departure and arrival. On departure you get the dramatic Reykjanes lava fields and Reykjavik across Faxaflói Bay; on arrival you get the Frankfurt skyline and Main River. The right side offers open Atlantic and North Sea for most of the cruise, which is featureless by comparison.
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. Keflavik typically departs eastward on runway 10, so the left (north) side gives you a view back over the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields and Faxaflói Bay. You'll also catch Reykjavik city and Mount Esja across the bay as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavik city, Mount Esja (914m).
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt typically lands on runway 25L/25C from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east-southeast. The left (south) side gives the better view of the Frankfurt skyline, the Main River bend, and the Taunus hills to the north as you descend over the Rhine-Main plain. Notable sights include: Frankfurt am Main skyline, Main River, Rhine-Main plain, Taunus hills.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Frankfurt?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,492 miles (2,401 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over the North Atlantic, crossing the Faroe Islands (visible as small dark specks in the ocean if conditions are clear), then the Norwegian Sea before crossing over southern Norway or Denmark. Over the North Sea the coast of Denmark or northern Germany may be visible in clear conditions. The flight largely crosses open water until the Danish or German coast appears in the final hour.