While landing favors the right, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding with clear views of the Outer Banks and Atlantic coastline during the initial climb. The transatlantic routing means you'll spend most of the flight over open ocean anyway, making the departure views the primary advantage.
Flown RDU to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Reykjavik is 3,033 miles (4,880 km), a flight of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
After departing RDU northeast and climbing to cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), the flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean. You'll pass over or near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland (visible as a shallow water area if at lower altitudes during weather avoidance), then over open North Atlantic. The southern tip of Greenland may be visible to the left/north on clear days during the mid-Atlantic portion of the flight. As you approach Iceland, the Denmark Strait separates Greenland from Iceland. Reykjavik lies on Iceland's southwestern coast, and the approach typically brings views of Iceland's glaciated interior, volcanic terrain, and coastal features before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTRDU typically departs to the northeast on Runway 05L/05R. Left-side seats face toward the Atlantic coast and the Outer Banks barrier islands, which are visible during the initial climb. Right seats look inland toward the Piedmont region with less distinctive visual features.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTApproaching RDU from the northeast (typical transatlantic arrival routing), aircraft descend on Runway 05L/05R from the northeast. Right-side seats have views of the Piedmont landscape, including the Durham-Chapel Hill urban corridor and the surrounding forested terrain that becomes increasingly detailed as you descend.
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 Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Reykjavik. While landing favors the right, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding with clear views of the Outer Banks and Atlantic coastline during the initial climb. The transatlantic routing means you'll spend most of the flight over open ocean anyway, making the departure views the primary advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU typically departs to the northeast on Runway 05L/05R. Left-side seats face toward the Atlantic coast and the Outer Banks barrier islands, which are visible during the initial climb. Right seats look inland toward the Piedmont region with less distinctive visual features. Notable sights include: Neuse River (flowing southeast through Raleigh), Jordan Lake (large reservoir southwest of airport, visible as you bank), Atlantic coastline and Outer Banks barrier islands (appearing as thin sandy strips on the horizon during northeast departure climb).
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching RDU from the northeast (typical transatlantic arrival routing), aircraft descend on Runway 05L/05R from the northeast. Right-side seats have views of the Piedmont landscape, including the Durham-Chapel Hill urban corridor and the surrounding forested terrain that becomes increasingly detailed as you descend. Notable sights include: Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area (visible as urban sprawl in the descent), Neuse River valley (defining the terrain below), Piedmont forest canopy (dense deciduous/mixed forest covering the landscape), Jordan Lake (visible to the left during approach).
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Reykjavik?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 6 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,033 miles (4,880 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
After departing RDU northeast and climbing to cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), the flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean. You'll pass over or near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland (visible as a shallow water area if at lower altitudes during weather avoidance), then over open North Atlantic. The southern tip of Greenland may be visible to the left/north on clear days during the mid-Atlantic portion of the flight. As you approach Iceland, the Denmark Strait separates Greenland from Iceland. Reykjavik lies on Iceland's southwestern coast, and the approach typically brings views of Iceland's glaciated interior, volcanic terrain, and coastal features before landing.