While takeoff offers volcanic scenery, the landing approach into Iceland provides more dramatic and distinctive visual rewards. The Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic landscape and Iceland's rugged southwestern coastline are more visually striking than Tenerife's departure views.
Flown TFS to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tenerife to Keflavik is 2,498 miles (4,020 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the open Atlantic Ocean for roughly 3.5 hours with no significant landmarks. Passengers may see occasional deep ocean swells and, weather permitting, the curvature of the Atlantic horizon. As the aircraft approaches Iceland (approximately 1 hour before landing), the first visible landmass will be the southwestern tip of Iceland, with the Reykjanes Peninsula becoming increasingly distinct. No major islands or coastal features are visible along the mid-Atlantic portion of this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TFS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Tenerife's volcanic landscape during the northwestward climb. You'll see the island's interior terrain and the Atlantic coastline receding beneath the aircraft.
Landing at KEF
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the southeastward descent into Keflavik. You'll see Iceland's dramatic southwestern coastline, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic meeting the shore.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tenerife Sur (TFS) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tenerife to Keflavik. While takeoff offers volcanic scenery, the landing approach into Iceland provides more dramatic and distinctive visual rewards. The Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic landscape and Iceland's rugged southwestern coastline are more visually striking than Tenerife's departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Tenerife Sur in Tenerife?
During takeoff from Tenerife Sur (TFS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Tenerife's volcanic landscape during the northwestward climb. You'll see the island's interior terrain and the Atlantic coastline receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Mount Teide (3,718 m, visible as a distant peak inland), Tenerife's southern coastal cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the arid interior plateau.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the southeastward descent into Keflavik. You'll see Iceland's dramatic southwestern coastline, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain and the Atlantic meeting the shore. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula (volcanic lava fields and geothermal areas), Iceland's southwestern coastline with black sand beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and distant glacial highlands to the north.
How long is the flight from Tenerife to Keflavik?
The flight from Tenerife Sur (TFS) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,498 miles (4,020 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tenerife to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the open Atlantic Ocean for roughly 3.5 hours with no significant landmarks. Passengers may see occasional deep ocean swells and, weather permitting, the curvature of the Atlantic horizon. As the aircraft approaches Iceland (approximately 1 hour before landing), the first visible landmass will be the southwestern tip of Iceland, with the Reykjanes Peninsula becoming increasingly distinct. No major islands or coastal features are visible along the mid-Atlantic portion of this route.