While the takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive and recognizable landmarks. The San Francisco Bay Area's geography—the Golden Gate, the Bay itself, and the urban landscape—creates more memorable views than the Icelandic departure, which is primarily dark volcanic terrain.
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Flight Path
Keflavik to San Francisco is 4,193 miles (6,748 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
Over the North Atlantic, you'll cross the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region and pass south of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The flight path typically follows a great circle route heading southwest. At cruising altitude (35,000+ feet), you'll see open ocean for most of the transatlantic portion with occasional views of Greenland's ice sheet and Canadian maritime regions. As you approach North America, the Canadian Rockies and Sierra Nevada become visible on the final descent into California.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
LEFTLeft side captures the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula coastline and the geothermal landscape immediately west of Keflavik. You'll see the volcanic terrain, coastal cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching westward as the aircraft climbs.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay Area's geography during descent. You'll see the Golden Gate Strait, the Bay itself, and the San Francisco Peninsula's distinctive shape as you approach from the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to San Francisco. While the takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive and recognizable landmarks. The San Francisco Bay Area's geography—the Golden Gate, the Bay itself, and the urban landscape—creates more memorable views than the Icelandic departure, which is primarily dark volcanic terrain.
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. Left side captures the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula coastline and the geothermal landscape immediately west of Keflavik. You'll see the volcanic terrain, coastal cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching westward as the aircraft climbs. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic fields, Atlantic coastline with black sand beaches, Fagradalsfjall volcanic region, Grindavík geothermal area.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay Area's geography during descent. You'll see the Golden Gate Strait, the Bay itself, and the San Francisco Peninsula's distinctive shape as you approach from the northwest. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Strait and suspension bridge, San Francisco Bay with Oakland and Berkeley shorelines, San Francisco Peninsula and downtown skyline, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to San Francisco?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,193 miles (6,748 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Over the North Atlantic, you'll cross the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region and pass south of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The flight path typically follows a great circle route heading southwest. At cruising altitude (35,000+ feet), you'll see open ocean for most of the transatlantic portion with occasional views of Greenland's ice sheet and Canadian maritime regions. As you approach North America, the Canadian Rockies and Sierra Nevada become visible on the final descent into California.