While right-side seats offer strong Icelandic departure views, left-side seats provide superior Edinburgh arrival scenery with Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat, and the Pentland Hills—the most distinctive landmarks on this route. The landing view outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown RKV to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Edinburgh is 849 miles (1,366 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses the North Sea at roughly 59°N. You'll pass over the Shetland Islands (visible as dark landmasses if flying at lower altitude or in clear conditions) to the east, and the Orkney Islands further north. The open North Sea dominates the mid-flight window with occasional shipping traffic visible. On clear days, the Scottish coast becomes visible around 1 hour into the flight, with the Firth of Forth appearing as a distinctive water body cutting inland.
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 city grid, and the surrounding lava fields. If departing runway 01, you'll see the city receding northward; runway 19 gives views of the southern coastal plains and Mt. Esja across the bay.
Landing at EDI
LEFTEDI uses runways 06/24 depending on wind. For typical approaches from the northwest (runway 06), left-side seats provide excellent views of the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and Edinburgh's Old Town on the volcanic plug. Runway 24 approaches (less common) would also favor left for views of the city and surrounding terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Edinburgh. While right-side seats offer strong Icelandic departure views, left-side seats provide superior Edinburgh arrival scenery with Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat, and the Pentland Hills—the most distinctive landmarks on this route. The landing view outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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 city grid, and the surrounding lava fields. If departing runway 01, you'll see the city receding northward; runway 19 gives views of the southern coastal plains and Mt. Esja across the bay. Notable sights include: Reykjavik city center and Old Harbor, Mt. Esja (1,038m) across Faxaflói Bay to the northeast, Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields to the southwest, Kollafjörður fjord.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. EDI uses runways 06/24 depending on wind. For typical approaches from the northwest (runway 06), left-side seats provide excellent views of the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and Edinburgh's Old Town on the volcanic plug. Runway 24 approaches (less common) would also favor left for views of the city and surrounding terrain. Notable sights include: Edinburgh Castle and Old Town on Castle Rock, Pentland Hills to the south, Firth of Forth to the north, Arthur's Seat (extinct volcano, 251m).
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Edinburgh?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 849 miles (1,366 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Sea at roughly 59°N. You'll pass over the Shetland Islands (visible as dark landmasses if flying at lower altitude or in clear conditions) to the east, and the Orkney Islands further north. The open North Sea dominates the mid-flight window with occasional shipping traffic visible. On clear days, the Scottish coast becomes visible around 1 hour into the flight, with the Firth of Forth appearing as a distinctive water body cutting inland.