While takeoff offers Bay Area scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive views of Iceland's volcanic landscape, which is the primary scenic payoff for this transatlantic route. Right seats capture the Reykjanes lava fields and approach corridor more effectively.
Flown NUQ to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mountain View to Reykjavik is 4,210 miles (6,775 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing north of the British Isles and west of the Faroe Islands. At cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), you'll see the Atlantic Ocean for most of the journey with occasional cloud formations. The Greenland ice sheet may be visible to the north on clear days. As you approach Iceland, the transition from open ocean to the volcanic terrain of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the coastal geography around Reykjavik becomes the dominant visual feature in the final descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NUQ
LEFTLeft seats face northwest on typical departure routing, capturing the San Francisco Bay shoreline, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the peninsula geography as you climb out over the Pacific.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTRight seats on approach to Reykjavik face east-southeast, providing views of Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape, the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, and the approach over Faxaflói Bay with coastal features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mountain View to Reykjavik. While takeoff offers Bay Area scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive views of Iceland's volcanic landscape, which is the primary scenic payoff for this transatlantic route. Right seats capture the Reykjanes lava fields and approach corridor more effectively.
What can I see during takeoff from Moffett Federal Afld in Mountain View?
During takeoff from Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats face northwest on typical departure routing, capturing the San Francisco Bay shoreline, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the peninsula geography as you climb out over the Pacific. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (south and east), Santa Cruz Mountains (inland to the southeast), Pacific Ocean (west and north), San Mateo Peninsula (visible to the south).
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats on approach to Reykjavik face east-southeast, providing views of Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape, the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, and the approach over Faxaflói Bay with coastal features. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, textured volcanic terrain), Faxaflói Bay (water body to the north), Iceland's interior highlands (distant, snow-capped peaks to the southeast), Reykjavik city area (visible as developed grid pattern on approach).
How long is the flight from Mountain View to Reykjavik?
The flight from Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,210 miles (6,775 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mountain View to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing north of the British Isles and west of the Faroe Islands. At cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), you'll see the Atlantic Ocean for most of the journey with occasional cloud formations. The Greenland ice sheet may be visible to the north on clear days. As you approach Iceland, the transition from open ocean to the volcanic terrain of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the coastal geography around Reykjavik becomes the dominant visual feature in the final descent.