While takeoff offers dramatic Icelandic geology on the right, the landing approach into Minneapolis provides more sustained visual interest and recognizable landmarks on the left. The approach descent over the Minnesota River valley and Chain of Lakes is more visually distinctive than the transatlantic cruise segment.
Flown RKV to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Minneapolis is 2,955 miles (4,756 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing over the Denmark Strait (between Iceland and Greenland) and then over the Labrador Sea and Canadian Arctic. At cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), passengers see open ocean with occasional icebergs visible near Greenland's coast in summer months. The curvature of the great circle route means the aircraft passes over southern Greenland's ice sheet (visible as bright white terrain) before descending toward North America. Over Canada, the boreal forest and numerous lakes become visible during descent into U.S. airspace. The flight crosses into U.S. territory over Minnesota, with the transition from Canadian Shield terrain to the flatter Upper Midwest plains clearly visible during the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic landscape immediately south and east of Reykjavik as the aircraft climbs. Keflavik International typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound); either direction gives right-seat passengers views of Iceland's distinctive lava fields and coastal features.
Landing at MSP
LEFTLeft-seat passengers get the best approach views into Minneapolis. MSP typically uses runways 04R/04L (northeast approach) or 22L/22R (southwest approach). A northeast approach (most common) brings aircraft over the Minnesota River valley and downtown Minneapolis, placing the city and surrounding lakes directly on the left side during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Minneapolis. While takeoff offers dramatic Icelandic geology on the right, the landing approach into Minneapolis provides more sustained visual interest and recognizable landmarks on the left. The approach descent over the Minnesota River valley and Chain of Lakes is more visually distinctive than the transatlantic cruise segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic landscape immediately south and east of Reykjavik as the aircraft climbs. Keflavik International typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound); either direction gives right-seat passengers views of Iceland's distinctive lava fields and coastal features. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark basalt terrain), Faxaflói Bay to the north, Mount Esja across the bay to the northeast, Hengill geothermal area to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-seat passengers get the best approach views into Minneapolis. MSP typically uses runways 04R/04L (northeast approach) or 22L/22R (southwest approach). A northeast approach (most common) brings aircraft over the Minnesota River valley and downtown Minneapolis, placing the city and surrounding lakes directly on the left side during descent. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline and Mississippi River, Chain of Lakes district (Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles), Minnesota River valley, suburban sprawl extending south and west.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Minneapolis?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,955 miles (4,756 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing over the Denmark Strait (between Iceland and Greenland) and then over the Labrador Sea and Canadian Arctic. At cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), passengers see open ocean with occasional icebergs visible near Greenland's coast in summer months. The curvature of the great circle route means the aircraft passes over southern Greenland's ice sheet (visible as bright white terrain) before descending toward North America. Over Canada, the boreal forest and numerous lakes become visible during descent into U.S. airspace. The flight crosses into U.S. territory over Minnesota, with the transition from Canadian Shield terrain to the flatter Upper Midwest plains clearly visible during the final descent phase.