What is the best way to travel to Iceland from the US?

From Stars and Stripes to Fire and Ice: Your Best Route to Iceland from the US

Dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic sky? Perhaps you’re envisioning yourself hiking through volcanic landscapes, soaking in geothermal pools, or marveling at majestic glaciers. The journey to Iceland, a land of breathtaking beauty, begins with a single question: how do you get there from the United States?

While adventure may stir visions of epic voyages across the ocean, the practical reality is that flying is overwhelmingly the best and, frankly, only reasonable option to travel from the US to Iceland. Sorry, romantic seafarers, but modern travel demands efficiency.

Your destination is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland’s bustling international hub. Nestled near the vibrant capital city of Reykjavík, KEF serves as the singular point of entry for all international flights. This means that if you’re traveling from anywhere in the US, from the sunny beaches of California to the historical streets of Boston, your journey will inevitably conclude at Keflavík.

Forget tales of months-long sea voyages. A direct flight from the East Coast can get you to Icelandic soil in roughly 5-6 hours, while a flight from the West Coast might take 8-9 hours with a layover. This relatively quick hop across the Atlantic makes Iceland incredibly accessible for American travelers seeking a unique and awe-inspiring vacation.

So, why is flying the “best” way?

• Time Efficiency: As mentioned, flying shaves weeks off the potential travel time compared to other methods. Maximize your vacation and minimize travel fatigue.
• Cost Effectiveness: While cruises to Iceland exist, they often come with a hefty price tag and limit your time actually exploring the island. Flying allows you to allocate your budget to experiencing Iceland, not just getting there.
• Direct Flights: Several airlines offer direct flights from major US cities, significantly reducing travel time and the hassle of connecting flights.
• Convenience: KEF is a modern, well-equipped airport with excellent transportation links to Reykjavík and other parts of the country.

Once you touch down at Keflavík, the adventure truly begins. Rental cars, buses, and pre-booked tours await to whisk you away into the heart of Iceland’s unparalleled landscapes.

In conclusion, while the vast Atlantic might seem like an unbridgeable chasm, modern air travel transforms Iceland into a remarkably accessible destination for American travelers. So book your flight, pack your bags, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of the Land of Fire and Ice! The journey might be brief, but the memories will last a lifetime.