While left seats win on departure with Iceland's volcanic landscape, right seats dominate the landing with Venice's iconic lagoon and city center. The landing view is more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff, making right the overall choice for this route.
Flown RKV to VCE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Venice is 1,835 miles (2,953 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight crosses the North Sea and northern Europe. Notable features visible include: the Scottish Highlands and lochs (if routed south of direct track), the English Midlands or North Sea oil platforms (depending on routing), the Alps appearing as a white jagged line on the southern horizon during descent into Italy, and the Po River valley in northern Italy as the aircraft descends toward Venice. Most of the mid-flight portion occurs over cloud cover or featureless ocean and plains, with limited ground visibility.
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, capturing Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape and the Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields immediately after climb-out. Right seats see only ocean and the Faroe Islands far to the north.
Landing at VCE
RIGHTVCE uses runway 04 (northeast approach) or 22 (southwest approach). Most international arrivals use 04. Right seats on approach to runway 04 face southeast and south, directly over the Venetian Lagoon and the city of Venice itself. Left seats see only the Adriatic Sea and the Italian mainland to the west.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Venezia Tessera (VCE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Venice. While left seats win on departure with Iceland's volcanic landscape, right seats dominate the landing with Venice's iconic lagoon and city center. The landing view is more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff, making right the overall choice for this route.
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, capturing Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape and the Reykjanes Peninsula's lava fields immediately after climb-out. Right seats see only ocean and the Faroe Islands far to the north. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark volcanic terrain), Mount Keilir (distinctive cone-shaped peak), Faxaflói Bay, Snæfellsjökull glacier (visible on clear days, 70km northwest).
What can I see when landing at Venezia Tessera in Venice?
When landing at Venezia Tessera (VCE), sit on the Right side for the best views. VCE uses runway 04 (northeast approach) or 22 (southwest approach). Most international arrivals use 04. Right seats on approach to runway 04 face southeast and south, directly over the Venetian Lagoon and the city of Venice itself. Left seats see only the Adriatic Sea and the Italian mainland to the west. Notable sights include: Venice city center with the Grand Canal and Basilica di San Marco, Venetian Lagoon (shallow turquoise water with visible sandbar patterns), Murano island (glass-making district), Burano island (colorful buildings visible at altitude).
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Venice?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Venezia Tessera (VCE) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,835 miles (2,953 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Venice flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Sea and northern Europe. Notable features visible include: the Scottish Highlands and lochs (if routed south of direct track), the English Midlands or North Sea oil platforms (depending on routing), the Alps appearing as a white jagged line on the southern horizon during descent into Italy, and the Po River valley in northern Italy as the aircraft descends toward Venice. Most of the mid-flight portion occurs over cloud cover or featureless ocean and plains, with limited ground visibility.