While the right side offers a brief London skyline view on departure, the left side wins overall thanks to the striking approach into Keflavik, where glaciers, volcanic coastline, and lava fields dominate the final descent — far more visually dramatic than the ocean-dominated cruise or the flatter countryside on the right.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean with no major landmarks; the route passes west of the Outer Hebrides and south of the Faroe Islands before reaching Iceland's south coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTWesterly departures from LHR climb out over Windsor before banking right onto a northerly track toward Iceland, giving right-side passengers a good look back at the Thames and Central London skyline as the aircraft turns. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter Berkshire and Surrey countryside.
Landing at KEF
LEFTArrivals into KEF from the southeast typically track along Iceland's dramatic south coast before turning onto final approach over the Reykjanes Peninsula, putting the glaciers and volcanic coastline on the left side. This gives passengers a striking view of ice caps, black sand beaches, and raw lava fields just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Keflavik. While the right side offers a brief London skyline view on departure, the left side wins overall thanks to the striking approach into Keflavik, where glaciers, volcanic coastline, and lava fields dominate the final descent — far more visually dramatic than the ocean-dominated cruise or the flatter countryside on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westerly departures from LHR climb out over Windsor before banking right onto a northerly track toward Iceland, giving right-side passengers a good look back at the Thames and Central London skyline as the aircraft turns. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter Berkshire and Surrey countryside. Notable sights include: River Thames, Windsor Castle, Central London skyline (Canary Wharf/The Shard in the distance), Wembley Stadium.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into KEF from the southeast typically track along Iceland's dramatic south coast before turning onto final approach over the Reykjanes Peninsula, putting the glaciers and volcanic coastline on the left side. This gives passengers a striking view of ice caps, black sand beaches, and raw lava fields just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Vestmannaeyjar islands, black sand coastline, Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields.
How long is the flight from London to Keflavik?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes 3h 05m.
What does the London to Keflavik flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean with no major landmarks; the route passes west of the Outer Hebrides and south of the Faroe Islands before reaching Iceland's south coast.