Takeoff views from RKV are superior and more distinctive than landing views at FAE. The departure over Reykjavik harbor, Reykjanes Peninsula, and into the open Atlantic provides more varied and recognizable landmarks. Landing at FAE, while dramatic, offers less visual variety and the approach is often obscured by low cloud cover.
Flown RKV to FAE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Vagar is 479 miles (771 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Denmark Strait between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Midway, you'll be over open Atlantic with no visible land. The transition from Icelandic airspace to Faroese airspace occurs roughly 40 minutes into the flight. Weather systems moving east across the North Atlantic are frequently visible as cloud formations. On clear days, the distant outline of smaller Icelandic islands (Heimaey in the Westman Islands) may be visible off the left wing during early climb, and the first views of Faroese peaks appear on the right side roughly 15-20 minutes before descent begins.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTRKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 02 (northeast). Left seats face west and northwest, giving direct views of Reykjavik's harbor, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Atlantic opening up. Right seats see the inland plateau and mountains, which are less distinctive during climb-out.
Landing at FAE
RIGHTFAE uses runway 09 or 10 (eastbound approach). Right seats face north and northeast during descent, offering views of the Faroe Islands' dramatic northern cliffs, the steep terrain of Vágar island, and the approach over Sørvágur. Left seats see the southern ocean approach with less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Vagar (FAE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Vagar. Takeoff views from RKV are superior and more distinctive than landing views at FAE. The departure over Reykjavik harbor, Reykjanes Peninsula, and into the open Atlantic provides more varied and recognizable landmarks. Landing at FAE, while dramatic, offers less visual variety and the approach is often obscured by low cloud cover.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. RKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 02 (northeast). Left seats face west and northwest, giving direct views of Reykjavik's harbor, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Atlantic opening up. Right seats see the inland plateau and mountains, which are less distinctive during climb-out. Notable sights include: Reykjavik harbor and Old Harbor district, Reykjanes Peninsula with its volcanic terrain, Mount Esja to the northeast, Faxaflói Bay.
What can I see when landing at Vagar in Vagar?
When landing at Vagar (FAE), sit on the Right side for the best views. FAE uses runway 09 or 10 (eastbound approach). Right seats face north and northeast during descent, offering views of the Faroe Islands' dramatic northern cliffs, the steep terrain of Vágar island, and the approach over Sørvágur. Left seats see the southern ocean approach with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Vágar island's northern sea cliffs, Sørvágur settlement, the steep volcanic terrain of the Faroe Islands, Streymoy island to the north.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Vagar?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Vagar (FAE) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 479 miles (771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Vagar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Denmark Strait between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Midway, you'll be over open Atlantic with no visible land. The transition from Icelandic airspace to Faroese airspace occurs roughly 40 minutes into the flight. Weather systems moving east across the North Atlantic are frequently visible as cloud formations. On clear days, the distant outline of smaller Icelandic islands (Heimaey in the Westman Islands) may be visible off the left wing during early climb, and the first views of Faroese peaks appear on the right side roughly 15-20 minutes before descent begins.