The left side wins overall because it captures the most dramatic parts of the journey: the cruise phase over Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and the ice-capped mountains of southern Greenland, followed by a scenic final approach into Reykjavik with Mount Esja and the bay in view. The right side's appeal is limited mostly to the brief Twin Cities skyline at departure.
Flown MSP to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Reykjavik is 2,955 miles (4,756 km), a flight of about 5 hours 35 minutes.
Hudson Bay coastline, Baffin Island's rugged terrain, the Labrador Sea, and the glaciated peaks and fjords of southern Greenland near Cape Farewell
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDeparting MSP toward the northeast, the climb-out swings the aircraft past downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, with the Mississippi River visible cutting through the Twin Cities below. It's a brief but genuine urban highlight before the route heads into open farmland and Canada.
Landing at RKV
LEFTOn approach into Reykjavik, the final turn typically brings the city and Faxaflói Bay into view on the left, with Mount Esja rising sharply across the water as a dramatic backdrop. This side offers the best combination of coastline, city, and volcanic mountain scenery right before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Reykjavik. The left side wins overall because it captures the most dramatic parts of the journey: the cruise phase over Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and the ice-capped mountains of southern Greenland, followed by a scenic final approach into Reykjavik with Mount Esja and the bay in view. The right side's appeal is limited mostly to the brief Twin Cities skyline at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSP toward the northeast, the climb-out swings the aircraft past downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, with the Mississippi River visible cutting through the Twin Cities below. It's a brief but genuine urban highlight before the route heads into open farmland and Canada. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, St. Paul, Twin Cities metro grid.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Reykjavik, the final turn typically brings the city and Faxaflói Bay into view on the left, with Mount Esja rising sharply across the water as a dramatic backdrop. This side offers the best combination of coastline, city, and volcanic mountain scenery right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Reykjavik cityscape, Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja, coastal lava fields.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Reykjavik?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,955 miles (4,756 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay coastline, Baffin Island's rugged terrain, the Labrador Sea, and the glaciated peaks and fjords of southern Greenland near Cape Farewell