The left side wins overall for the spectacular Icelandic departure views of Mount Esja, Reykjavik, and Faxaflói Bay, which are genuinely dramatic and unique. The Dulles arrival views on the right are interesting but relatively modest suburban scenery. Over the ocean crossing the views are symmetric, so the takeoff experience tips the balance to the left.
Flown RKV to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Washington is 2,815 miles (4,530 km), a flight of about 5 hours 55 minutes.
The great circle route crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's tip (Cape Farewell) visible as distant ice-covered terrain on clear days, then over the open North Atlantic with possible iceberg sightings at lower latitudes, followed by the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia coastline), then the northeastern US seaboard before descending into Virginia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTRKV's main runway 01/19 means departures heading roughly north then turning southeast toward the Atlantic. The left side faces east toward Reykjavik city and Mount Esja, the dominant flat-topped mountain rising directly behind the capital. You get a clear view of Faxaflói Bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula as the aircraft banks.
Landing at IAD
RIGHTDulles typically uses runways 01L/R for northerly arrivals or 19L/R for southerly, with most approaches from the east or northeast. A right-side seat on approach from the northeast gives views over the Potomac River, the Virginia suburbs, and on clear days the Washington Monument and Capitol dome in the distance to the northeast. The left side faces away toward open Virginia countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Washington. The left side wins overall for the spectacular Icelandic departure views of Mount Esja, Reykjavik, and Faxaflói Bay, which are genuinely dramatic and unique. The Dulles arrival views on the right are interesting but relatively modest suburban scenery. Over the ocean crossing the views are symmetric, so the takeoff experience tips the balance to the left.
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's main runway 01/19 means departures heading roughly north then turning southeast toward the Atlantic. The left side faces east toward Reykjavik city and Mount Esja, the dominant flat-topped mountain rising directly behind the capital. You get a clear view of Faxaflói Bay and the Reykjanes Peninsula as the aircraft banks. Notable sights include: Mount Esja (914m flat-topped ridge northeast of city), Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavik city center and Hallgrímskirkja church spire, Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dulles typically uses runways 01L/R for northerly arrivals or 19L/R for southerly, with most approaches from the east or northeast. A right-side seat on approach from the northeast gives views over the Potomac River, the Virginia suburbs, and on clear days the Washington Monument and Capitol dome in the distance to the northeast. The left side faces away toward open Virginia countryside. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC skyline (Washington Monument, Capitol dome) visible to the northeast, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Virginia piedmont suburbs.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Washington?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 5 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,815 miles (4,530 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Washington flight path pass over?
The great circle route crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's tip (Cape Farewell) visible as distant ice-covered terrain on clear days, then over the open North Atlantic with possible iceberg sightings at lower latitudes, followed by the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia coastline), then the northeastern US seaboard before descending into Virginia.