Route Briefing: London to Reykjavik
Just over three hours from London sits one of the most otherworldly destinations on the planet — and that proximity is genuinely remarkable. Iceland feels like it should require a long-haul commitment, yet Icelandair, easyJet, and British Airways all connect you to Reykjavik's Keflavik Airport in roughly three hours and fifteen minutes. That's barely enough time to finish a film, and you land somewhere that looks like another planet entirely.
Keflavik Airport sits about 50 kilometres from central Reykjavik, and the Flybus coach service links the two reliably, dropping passengers at the main bus terminal in the city centre. It's a straightforward, well-established option that most visitors use without any fuss.
The city itself is compact, walkable, and full of character — colourful corrugated-iron houses, a thriving café culture, and a music and arts scene that punches well above its weight for a capital of this size. But let's be honest: most people come for what lies beyond the city limits. The Golden Circle route takes in Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart, along with the erupting Strokkur geyser and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, sitting in a lava field near the airport, is iconic for good reason — though booking in advance is essential as it sells out regularly.
Timing your visit shapes the entire experience. June through August brings the midnight sun, when daylight stretches around the clock and the landscape glows with an eerie golden light. December through February is prime Northern Lights season, when clear skies and long dark nights give you the best chance of seeing the aurora. Both windows are popular, so fares reflect that demand — standard roundtrip tickets from London typically run £300 to £500 or more. A genuinely good deal comes in under £200 roundtrip, and those fares do appear, particularly on easyJet or during Icelandair promotions.
The smartest money-saving move is also one of the most underrated travel hacks on this route: if you're ever planning a trip to North America, Icelandair allows free stopovers in Reykjavik on transatlantic itineraries. You can essentially fold Iceland into a bigger trip at no extra airfare cost. For a standalone visit, booking two to four months ahead gives you the best shot at competitive pricing, especially for the summer shoulder periods either side of peak season. Iceland rewards those who plan ahead — both for flights and for the experiences on the ground.