Cheap flights to Iceland

Iceland Travel Guide

Iceland’s location conjures images of an iced-over piece of land at the top of the world. But what many travelers don’t know is that Iceland’s combination of hot and cold make this country a mystifying destination. Iceland is technically part of Europe; a Scandinavian country about the size of Kentucky or England. And despite assumptions, Iceland is not all ice. There is a unique energy to Iceland that only travelers booking flights to it will be privileged to discover.

Imagine passing by bubbling hot springs blanketed by a blue mist, waterfalls hitting black sand surrounded by rugged fjords and driving for miles amidst lava formations with not a soul in sight. This could be an image of life on the Moon or some undiscovered planet, but this fascinating place does exist in Iceland. Many travelers who come off a flight to Iceland are so enchanted by the place that they would rather keep it a secret than spread the word and have other tourists discover this serene and sparsely populated country.

From glacier-covered-volcanoes and steaming hot outdoor pools to twenty-hour days of pure sunshine, Iceland is nothing if not unique. The people speak the ancient Norse and the weather rarely dips below the mid-20’s, even in the winter. During the winter, there are about four hours of daylight per day, and January only sees about three sunny days the entire month. Still, about 300,000 people call Iceland home and visitors booking Iceland flights and accommodations will be welcomed with warm hearts to this country at the top of the world.

The buzzing city of Reykjavik is quickly becoming a popular destination and surprisingly boasts some of the best nightlife in the region. But most travelers who book flights to Iceland come here for more than just nighttime revelry; they come to experience the indescribable landscape, to bathe in natural hot pools, to explore ancient Viking sites or to catch a glimpse of the spectacular Midnight Sun. There is so much to see and do in Iceland that you may end up sticking around longer than you planned for. No matter how long you are planning to stay in this beautiful country, here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

How to get around Iceland

There are multiple airports in Iceland, including Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and Akureyri Airport (AEY). Here are a few other tips for getting to where you need to go from each of these airports.

Keflavik International Airport (also known as Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport):

Keflavik International Airport is Iceland’s largest airport, dealing solely with international flights. As such, it is the gateway for most international travel in Iceland. Keflavik International Airport is not to be confused with Reykjavik Airport, which is the main domestic airport serving Iceland. There are two major buses that operate to and from the airport, the Gray Line Iceland and the Flybus. You can arrange your buses with either one upon arriving after your flights to Iceland. Gray Line Iceland also offers door-to-door drop offs, so if you aren’t staying at one of the major hotels you can request an alternative drop off point. Failing that, there is the option of a taxi. It will be more expensive but is a more direct and quicker method of transport. If you have a lot of luggage it can also be wise to opt for a taxi, just be sure to agree on a fee before you get in to avoid being overcharged.

Akureyri Airport:

The best and cheapest way to travel from the airport to the city of Akureyri is via the free city bus. It runs for the better part of the day and doesn’t cost a penny. You can find information regarding the schedule either when you get there or you can do a bit of research online after you’ve booked your flights to Iceland. Another option is to rent a car or hail a taxi. The taxi won’t be cheap, especially when compared to the free bus, but it does remove the waiting time. Renting a car would only really be beneficial if you are planning to drive around several towns and parts of Iceland.

After you’ve gotten to where you need to go in Iceland after your flight, there are a few ways you can navigate around the country if you so choose. Domestic Iceland flights are available from Reykjavik to various destinations from Air Iceland and Eagle Air. Flying – especially in the winter – is the easiest, quickest and often the cheapest way to get around. Iceland Air also connects with bus services, to provide travel to destinations not served by flights.

Other than flying, the only reliable way of getting around the country is by bus. There is no train service in the country and, though car rentals are available, this is not a recommended means of transport, due to ice and poor roads. The bus network is extensive. Advance purchases are not necessary and tickets can be bought from the driver. However, most bus routes cease operation until the snow thaws in late May and early June.

Tips for your stay in Iceland

• Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the top tourist destination in the country and has enjoyed an increase in visitors in recent years, all keen to see the surrounding natural wonders such as geysers and volcanic landscapes. However, despite its popularity, be aware that most tourism takes place in summer. Arrive off season and you may struggle to find a hotel to stay in or restaurant in which to eat. If you’re not visiting in the summer months, be sure to book ahead.
• Iceland’s capital hosts numerous festivals that’ll keep the whole family entertained. If you were able to find a cheap flight to Iceland during the early days of summer, June is definitely a busy, fun-filled month for the Reykjavik visitor. The Festival of the Sea takes place in the first weekend in June, and Iceland’s Independence Day is observed just two weeks later on June 17^th.
• Icelandic cuisine primarily consists of three ingredients: fish, fish and more fish. Some of the finest fish in the world is caught in Iceland’s waters, so be sure to sample the many seafood dishes. However, don’t miss other local specialties, such as skyr, a type of yogurt often eaten for pudding, Icelandic crepes, or even porramatur, the traditional food of Iceland, which includes such gastronomical delights as rams’ testicles, rotten shark and singed sheep heads.
• There are many snowmobile tours available to explore the glaciers, from a variety of operators. One of the most popular places to visit is the Snæfellsjokull volcano, which is covered by a glacier. It is here that Jules Verne wrote in A Journey to the Center of the Earth, that there is an entrance leading to the center of the earth.
• Easily reachable from Reykjavik is the Blue Lagoon spa, geothermal waters in a lava formation. The expansive, warm waters are supposed to promote good health and have positive effects on the skin. There is a waterfall, a steam bath inside a lava cave. and a sauna.
• The stunning Northern Lights can often be seen in autumn and early winter in northeastern Iceland. This is also the time when the sun doesn’t break above the horizon and there are twenty-four hours of darkness. If staying only in the northern regions in hope of seeing the lights doesn’t appeal to you, it’s possible to take three-to-four-day trips from Reykjavik.
• Visit the Great Geysir in the Haukadalur valley to see the spectacular sight of the hot springs erupting up to 200 feet in the air. As well as the Great Geysir, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts more regularly, to a height of about 66 feet. Also nearby is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall.
• Nature buffs book flights to Iceland year-round, courtesy of the country’s natural wonders and breathtaking displays of natural beauty. Europe’s largest glacier is on the island of Vatnajökull and looms at an astounding 8,100-square kilometers. The volcanic landscapes of Glymsgil also make for excellent snow hikes and stunning photo ops. 
• The Golden Circle route in southwestern Iceland is a must-see for all first-time Iceland visitors. Group tours by bus are available to those who don’t feel like getting behind the wheel themselves, and include visits to Þingvellir National Park, which is home to the ancient remains of Viking Parliament, and Gullfoss, also known as “the Golden Falls”.
• You don’t need to pack an Icelandic-to-English dictionary for your Iceland flight. In Reykjavik English is widely spoken, but it might be a good idea to commit some commonly used phrases to memory if you’re traveling outside the city.

Finding Flights from Iceland

Most flights out of Iceland fly out of Reykjavik, where Icelandair connects you to numerous destinations, mainly in Europe, including cities such as Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, and Paris. Other carriers offer flights as well. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Iceland.

Reykjavik actually has two airports. If you’re flying internationally, Keflavik Airport is the one you want (Reykjavik Airport is the domestic-only airport), and it’s easy to get there. A shuttle bus runs regularly to connect you from Reykjavik (the city) to Keflavik.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Iceland airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.