Harrisburg to Keflavik is 2,701 miles (4,347 km), a flight of about 7 hours.
Left seats capture the Appalachian departure scenery and, on the transatlantic leg, offer better views of Greenland's ice sheet and coastline during the northern route across the North Atlantic. Right seats see mostly ocean on the westbound leg.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic on a great-circle route. Approximately 2–3 hours into the flight, you'll pass south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers views of open ocean and, weather permitting, the southern tip of Greenland (Kap Farvel) and the Denmark Strait. As you approach Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic landscape becomes visible 30–40 minutes before landing. The entire route follows a northeasterly bearing (roughly 045°–055°), taking you from the temperate Appalachian region into subarctic waters and finally to Iceland's subpolar environment.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDT
LEFTMDT typically departs runway 31 (northwestbound). Left seats face the Susquehanna River valley and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains as you climb out. Right seats see the relatively flat terrain south toward Maryland.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTKEF typically uses runway 02 (northbound approach) or runway 20 (southbound). On descent from the southeast, right seats have the best views of the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields and the Atlantic coastline. Left seats see mostly open ocean.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Harrisburg to Keflavik. Left seats capture the Appalachian departure scenery and, on the transatlantic leg, offer better views of Greenland's ice sheet and coastline during the northern route across the North Atlantic. Right seats see mostly ocean on the westbound leg.
What can I see during takeoff from Harrisburg International in Harrisburg?
During takeoff from Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDT typically departs runway 31 (northwestbound). Left seats face the Susquehanna River valley and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains as you climb out. Right seats see the relatively flat terrain south toward Maryland. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River (flowing north-south immediately west of the airport), Blue Ridge Mountains (distant ridge line to the west), Harrisburg city grid (visible below during initial climb), Conodoguinet Creek valley (parallel drainage to the east).
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. KEF typically uses runway 02 (northbound approach) or runway 20 (southbound). On descent from the southeast, right seats have the best views of the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields and the Atlantic coastline. Left seats see mostly open ocean. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, barren volcanic terrain), Atlantic Ocean (to the west and north), Keflavik town and harbor (visible near the airport), geothermal areas with steam vents (visible as white plumes in winter/cold conditions).
How long is the flight from Harrisburg to Keflavik?
The flight from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 7 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,701 miles (4,347 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Harrisburg to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic on a great-circle route. Approximately 2–3 hours into the flight, you'll pass south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers views of open ocean and, weather permitting, the southern tip of Greenland (Kap Farvel) and the Denmark Strait. As you approach Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic landscape becomes visible 30–40 minutes before landing. The entire route follows a northeasterly bearing (roughly 045°–055°), taking you from the temperate Appalachian region into subarctic waters and finally to Iceland's subpolar environment.