Should I book a stopover in Reykjavík?

If you're flying Icelandair to another European destination, yes. You can extend your layover up to 7 days at no extra airfare cost. Perfect for a quick Iceland trip. Other airlines don't offer this program.

Are budget airlines to Iceland worth it?

PLAY Airlines can save you $100-200, but they charge for carry-on bags, seat selection, and food. Calculate total costs including baggage before booking. Wizz Air is good for short European hops to Iceland.

What's the cheapest month to fly to Iceland?

January through March, when flights can be 40-50% cheaper than summer. You'll deal with shorter daylight hours and potentially rough weather, but you might see the Northern Lights.

How far ahead should I book for Northern Lights season?

Book 8-12 weeks ahead for travel between September and March. This is peak Northern Lights season, and while flights are cheaper than summer, demand is still high among aurora hunters.

How to Book the Best Flights to Iceland

Book flights to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) 6-8 weeks ahead for the best prices. Icelandair and PLAY Airlines offer direct routes from North America and Europe, while budget carriers like Wizz Air serve European routes. Use flexible dates and consider connecting through major European hubs to save money.

Choose your arrival airport. Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is your only realistic option. It's 45 minutes from Reykjavík and handles 99% of international traffic. Reykjavík Airport (RKV) only serves domestic flights and a few destinations in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Pick the right airlines. From North America: Icelandair has the most direct flights from 14 US cities and Toronto. PLAY Airlines flies from Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Toronto with competitive prices. From Europe: Icelandair, PLAY, Wizz Air (from select cities), and major carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways.
Time your booking. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for summer travel (June-August), 4-6 weeks for shoulder season (April-May, September-October), and 3-5 weeks for winter. Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically have the lowest fares. Avoid booking during Iceland's peak tourism months unless you book early.
Use the right search strategy. Start with Google Flights to see the full picture, then check airline websites directly. For European travelers, try Skyscanner for budget carrier options. Set up price alerts if your dates are flexible. Clear your browser cookies between searches to avoid price increases.
Consider stopovers and connections. Direct flights cost more but save time. Good connection cities: Copenhagen (SAS), Amsterdam (KLM), London (British Airways), and Reykjavík itself (Icelandair's stopover program lets you extend layovers up to 7 days at no extra airfare cost).
Check baggage policies carefully. PLAY Airlines charges for everything including carry-on bags over their small size limit. Icelandair includes one carry-on and has reasonable checked bag fees. If you're bringing hiking gear or camping equipment, factor baggage costs into your total price comparison.

Should I book a stopover in Reykjavík?: If you're flying Icelandair to another European destination, yes. You can extend your layover up to 7 days at no extra airfare cost. Perfect for a quick Iceland trip. Other airlines don't offer this program.
Are budget airlines to Iceland worth it?: PLAY Airlines can save you $100-200, but they charge for carry-on bags, seat selection, and food. Calculate total costs including baggage before booking. Wizz Air is good for short European hops to Iceland.
What's the cheapest month to fly to Iceland?: January through March, when flights can be 40-50% cheaper than summer. You'll deal with shorter daylight hours and potentially rough weather, but you might see the Northern Lights.
How far ahead should I book for Northern Lights season?: Book 8-12 weeks ahead for travel between September and March. This is peak Northern Lights season, and while flights are cheaper than summer, demand is still high among aurora hunters.