Aurora · Hot springs · Adventure. Compare cheap flights to Reykjavik from US airports — flight time 5h 30m from New York JFK.
Compare flights to Reykjavik →Reykjavik is a medium-haul destination from the US, suited to a aurora and hot springs trip. The 5h 30m flight from New York JFK (JFK) makes it a realistic short break, with onward connections from major hubs (JFK, MIA, LAX, ORD, ATL) opening up additional departure options. Round-trip fares sit in the mid-priced bracket on this corridor, with prices from $279 when timing and routing align.
January typically delivers the cheapest fares (around $474 round-trip on average), with prices climbing through August when seasonal demand peaks ($892+). On the ground, Icelandic króna (ISK) is the local currency and Icelandic the dominant language — English coverage is solid in tourist quarters and at the airport. Visa: Visa-free Schengen for US passport holders up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 6-10 weeks ahead is when medium-haul fares typically stabilize; last-minute bookings on this route can run two to three times the cheapest fare we see.
By Louisa Lowe, Lead Writer · Updated for 2026.
Always confirm visa and entry requirements at travel.state.gov before booking.
From New York JFK (JFK), nonstop flights to Reykjavik take approximately 5h 30m. Total journey time depends on your departure airport, any connections, and seasonal headwinds.
Visa-free Schengen for US passport holders up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
The best months to visit Reykjavik are Jun–Aug, Sep–Mar (aurora), when conditions are most comfortable for sightseeing and weather is settled.
Icelandic króna (ISK) — most major hotels and restaurants in Reykjavik accept card payments, but cash is useful for smaller establishments and tipping.
Icelandic. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants.
