While takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides the most visually distinctive landmark—Mount Hood—which is iconic and clearly visible on clear days. Right side seats capture this during the most scenic portion of the descent.
Flown RKV to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Portland is 3,739 miles (6,017 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and north of the Canadian Maritimes. Visible features include the Labrador Sea, the Canadian Arctic islands on the northern horizon during the mid-Atlantic crossing, and the transition from ocean to the North American continent near the Canadian border. The Rocky Mountains become visible as the aircraft approaches the Pacific Northwest, with the Columbia River basin appearing before final descent into Portland.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTLeft side captures the dramatic volcanic landscape immediately west and southwest of Reykjavik, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields and coastal cliffs. Right side shows only the flat terrain and suburbs east of the airport.
Landing at PDX
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood as the aircraft descends into Portland from the northeast. Left side shows only farmland and forest. Mount Hood is a distinctive landmark visible during final approach on clear days.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Portland. While takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides the most visually distinctive landmark—Mount Hood—which is iconic and clearly visible on clear days. Right side seats capture this during the most scenic portion of the descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the dramatic volcanic landscape immediately west and southwest of Reykjavik, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields and coastal cliffs. Right side shows only the flat terrain and suburbs east of the airport. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark basalt terrain), Atlantic coastline with cliff formations, Fagradalsfjall volcanic area, Keflavik town and harbor.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood as the aircraft descends into Portland from the northeast. Left side shows only farmland and forest. Mount Hood is a distinctive landmark visible during final approach on clear days. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (11,240 ft, snow-capped peak), Cascade Range foothills, Willamette Valley agricultural plains, Columbia River gorge approach.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Portland?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,739 miles (6,017 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Portland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and north of the Canadian Maritimes. Visible features include the Labrador Sea, the Canadian Arctic islands on the northern horizon during the mid-Atlantic crossing, and the transition from ocean to the North American continent near the Canadian border. The Rocky Mountains become visible as the aircraft approaches the Pacific Northwest, with the Columbia River basin appearing before final descent into Portland.