While landing favors the left, the takeoff view from the right side—featuring Reykjavik's distinctive harbor, Mount Esja, and volcanic terrain—is more visually compelling than the approach. The flight path itself offers limited mid-journey landmarks, making the departure experience the stronger choice overall.
Flown RKV to ARN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Stockholm is 1,311 miles (2,109 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses the Norwegian Sea at altitude, with no significant landmarks visible during cruise. Departing Iceland, you'll pass over the open ocean. Approaching Sweden, the southern tip of Norway's coastline (Skagerrak region) becomes visible roughly 30 minutes before landing, appearing as a low, distant landmass on the horizon. The flight remains over water for most of the journey, with limited ground features visible at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
RIGHTRKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the distant Esja mountain to the northeast. Left seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at ARN
LEFTARN typically lands runway 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Left-side seats on approach provide clear views of Stockholm's archipelago, the Baltic Sea, and the city's islands including Djurgården and central Stockholm. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive Swedish countryside.
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 Reykjavik (RKV) to Arlanda (ARN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Stockholm. While landing favors the left, the takeoff view from the right side—featuring Reykjavik's distinctive harbor, Mount Esja, and volcanic terrain—is more visually compelling than the approach. The flight path itself offers limited mid-journey landmarks, making the departure experience the stronger choice overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. RKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the distant Esja mountain to the northeast. Left seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjavik harbor and Old Harbor district, Mount Esja (north), Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (south), Faxaflói Bay.
What can I see when landing at Arlanda in Stockholm?
When landing at Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Left side for the best views. ARN typically lands runway 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Left-side seats on approach provide clear views of Stockholm's archipelago, the Baltic Sea, and the city's islands including Djurgården and central Stockholm. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive Swedish countryside. Notable sights include: Stockholm archipelago (Skärgården), Mälaren lake, Djurgården island, Baltic Sea.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Stockholm?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Arlanda (ARN) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,311 miles (2,109 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Stockholm flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Norwegian Sea at altitude, with no significant landmarks visible during cruise. Departing Iceland, you'll pass over the open ocean. Approaching Sweden, the southern tip of Norway's coastline (Skagerrak region) becomes visible roughly 30 minutes before landing, appearing as a low, distant landmass on the horizon. The flight remains over water for most of the journey, with limited ground features visible at cruise altitude.