How to Find Cheap Flights to Iceland

The Short Answer

Fly in January through March or September through October for the cheapest fares. Book 6-8 weeks ahead. Your two main airline options are Icelandair and PLAY. Round-trip fares under $300 from the East Coast are completely doable, and deals under $200 pop up regularly.

Why Iceland Flights Are Surprisingly Cheap

Iceland sits halfway between North America and Europe. Icelandair has built its entire business model around this geography, offering cheap transatlantic fares with an Iceland stopover. PLAY, Iceland's budget carrier, has driven prices down even further. The competition between these two airlines means US travelers get some of the best transatlantic deals going to any European destination.

When to Fly for the Lowest Fares

Cheapest Months

January through March consistently offers the lowest fares. February is often the single cheapest month to fly. You'll get shorter daylight hours and cold temperatures, but you'll also get the Northern Lights, dramatic winter landscapes, and prices that are a fraction of summer fares.

Shoulder Season Sweet Spot

September through early October is the other budget-friendly window. The summer crowds have left, the Northern Lights season is starting, fall colors are stunning, and fares drop significantly. Weather is still manageable, with temperatures in the 40s-50s Fahrenheit.

Summer Is Peak (And Priced Like It)

June through August is when everyone wants to go. Midnight sun, perfect hiking weather, the Ring Road at its best. But fares spike accordingly. If summer is your only option, book 3-4 months ahead and fly midweek. Even in summer, deals under $400 round-trip from the East Coast appear.

The Two Airlines You Need to Know

Icelandair - The Established Player

Icelandair flies nonstop from multiple US cities including New York JFK, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, and others. They're the more established option with better included amenities (one carry-on and one personal item included even in Economy Light).

The big perk: Icelandair's free stopover program lets you stop in Iceland for up to 7 days at no extra airfare cost on transatlantic tickets. If you're flying to Europe anyway, you can see Iceland for free on the way.

PLAY - The Budget Disruptor

PLAY launched as Iceland's answer to Spirit Airlines but for transatlantic routes. They fly from several US East Coast cities to Keflavik. Base fares are extremely cheap, sometimes under $100 one-way.

PLAY also offers a free stayover of up to 10 days on transatlantic bookings. You can extend your Iceland stop on either leg, or both, at no additional flight cost. Accommodation isn't included, but the flexibility is excellent.

The catch with PLAY: bags cost extra, seat selection costs extra, and there's no in-flight entertainment or meals included. Factor in the add-ons when comparing to Icelandair.

Other Options

• Delta - Seasonal nonstop service from New York JFK to Keflavik
• United - Seasonal nonstop from Newark
• Virgin Atlantic - Competitive connecting fares through London
• Norse Atlantic - Has offered transatlantic routes that include Iceland connections

Keflavik Airport (KEF) - What You Need to Know

All international flights land at Keflavik International Airport, which is about 50 minutes from Reykjavik. It's Iceland's only international airport. A few things to know:

• Airport shuttle buses (Flybus, Airport Direct) run regularly to Reykjavik. Book in advance for the best rates
• Public transit (Straeto bus 55) is the cheapest option but runs less frequently
• Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall. Book ahead for better rates, especially in summer
• The Blue Lagoon is between the airport and Reykjavik. Many travelers hit it on arrival or before their departure flight. Book tickets well in advance as it sells out

Search Strategy for the Best Deals

Start with Google Flights

Search your origin to Keflavik (KEF) and use the date grid to spot the cheapest combinations. Google Flights makes it easy to compare Icelandair vs PLAY vs connecting options side by side.

Check Both Airlines Directly

Both Icelandair and PLAY sometimes offer web-only fares that don't show up on aggregator sites. Check their websites directly after finding a baseline price on Google Flights or Skyscanner.

Use Momondo for Hidden Fares

Momondo frequently surfaces fares starting around $234 round-trip to Iceland and sometimes catches deals that other engines miss, particularly on less common routing.

Set Up Fare Alerts

Iceland fares fluctuate dramatically. A route that's $500 today might be $199 next week. Set alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). Iceland error fares and flash sales happen surprisingly often.

Booking Timing

Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best prices. Iceland flights are unusual in that last-minute fares can sometimes be cheap too, especially on PLAY, but don't count on it. If you see a round-trip under $250 from the East Coast, grab it.

Best Days to Fly

Midweek departures (Tuesday through Thursday) are typically cheapest. Avoid booking or departing on Fridays, which consistently shows the highest fares. Morning flights from the US arrive in Iceland in the early morning local time, giving you a full first day.

The Stopover Strategy

This is Iceland's secret weapon for budget travelers. If you're flying to continental Europe, here's how to see Iceland essentially for free:

• Book a flight to Europe on Icelandair or PLAY with an Iceland stopover. The flight cost is the same as flying straight through
• Spend 2-4 days in Iceland on the front or back end of your trip
• You only pay for accommodation and activities in Iceland, not extra airfare
• This works particularly well for destinations like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin, where Icelandair and PLAY both offer connecting service

Advanced Money-Saving Moves

• Compare PLAY's add-ons honestly - Add up bag fees, seat selection, and meals on PLAY, then compare to Icelandair's included amenities. Sometimes Icelandair is cheaper when you factor in what you actually need
• Book the Blue Lagoon before your flight - It's right near the airport. Visit on your arrival or departure day to save a hotel night
• Rent a campervan instead of hotel + car - In summer, campervan rentals combine your accommodation and transport. It's cheaper than a rental car plus hotels, and Iceland's campsite network is extensive
• Use Icelandair Saga Points - If you fly Icelandair regularly, their frequent flyer program offers award flights. Points can also be earned through their credit card partners
• Fly in winter for the best overall value - Flights are cheapest, some activities (Northern Lights tours, ice caves) are only available in winter, and many guesthouses drop their rates significantly

What to Watch Out For

Iceland doesn't require a visa for US citizens, but it is part of the Schengen Area, so the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization will apply.

Weather in Iceland is unpredictable year-round. Winter flights can be delayed or cancelled due to storms. Travel insurance is worth it, especially for winter trips. Both Icelandair and PLAY are generally good about rebooking during weather disruptions, but having insurance provides extra peace of mind.

One more thing: Iceland is expensive once you're there. Cheap flights are just the start. Budget $50-80 per day minimum for food and basic activities, more if you want to do tours and excursions. The flight savings help offset Iceland's famously high prices for everything else.

Making the Most of Your Arrival

All international flights land at Keflavik, which is about 50 minutes from Reykjavik by bus. The Flybus is the most popular transfer option, running after every flight arrival. Book online in advance for a small discount. Airport Direct offers a similar service with hotel drop-off in Reykjavik.

If you're renting a car (highly recommended for exploring beyond Reykjavik), pick it up at the airport. Companies like Blue Car Rental, Lotus, and the major international brands all have desks in arrivals. Book ahead, especially in summer, when availability gets tight and prices spike. A compact car in winter runs about $40-60 per day, while summer rates can double.

For winter travelers chasing the Northern Lights, you don't necessarily need a tour. Drive 20-30 minutes outside Reykjavik on a clear night and you'll have a good chance of seeing them. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast before heading out. The best viewing months are September through March, with peak activity in the darkest months of November through February.