Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the ocean cruise portion there is little to differentiate sides, but the left seat captures the best of both Reykjavik's dramatic volcanic landscape on departure and the Surrey countryside detail on approach into Gatwick.
Flown RKV to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to London is 1,193 miles (1,919 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over the North Atlantic, crossing the Faroe Islands roughly 45 minutes after departure — visible as small dark specks of land in grey ocean if conditions allow. The flight then crosses the northern tip of Scotland near Orkney or Shetland, where the coastline and sea lochs may be visible in clear weather. Over northern England the Pennines are occasionally visible before descending toward the southeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTReykjavik domestic airport (RKV) typically departs runway 19 heading south, placing the left side facing east toward Mount Esja and the city of Reykjavik. You get a clear view of the capital's harbor, the Hallgrímskirkja church spire, and the dramatic Esja massif rising behind the city.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick primarily uses runway 26L/08R. On approach from the north-northeast on runway 26L heading west, the left side faces south over the Surrey countryside and the North Downs ridge, while also catching the early view of the Thames estuary and London's southeastern suburbs as you descend. The right side faces north but is largely obscured by the fuselage angle toward open farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the ocean cruise portion there is little to differentiate sides, but the left seat captures the best of both Reykjavik's dramatic volcanic landscape on departure and the Surrey countryside detail on approach into Gatwick.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Reykjavik domestic airport (RKV) typically departs runway 19 heading south, placing the left side facing east toward Mount Esja and the city of Reykjavik. You get a clear view of the capital's harbor, the Hallgrímskirkja church spire, and the dramatic Esja massif rising behind the city. Notable sights include: Mount Esja (914m), Reykjavik harbor and old town, Hallgrímskirkja church, Faxaflói Bay.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick primarily uses runway 26L/08R. On approach from the north-northeast on runway 26L heading west, the left side faces south over the Surrey countryside and the North Downs ridge, while also catching the early view of the Thames estuary and London's southeastern suburbs as you descend. The right side faces north but is largely obscured by the fuselage angle toward open farmland. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge (Surrey), Crawley town below, M23 motorway corridor, Ashdown Forest to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to London?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,193 miles (1,919 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the North Atlantic, crossing the Faroe Islands roughly 45 minutes after departure — visible as small dark specks of land in grey ocean if conditions allow. The flight then crosses the northern tip of Scotland near Orkney or Shetland, where the coastline and sea lochs may be visible in clear weather. Over northern England the Pennines are occasionally visible before descending toward the southeast.