An Iceland stopover lets you break a transatlantic journey in Iceland with no additional airfare. This allows a visit to two destinations on one trip. Both Icelandair and PLAY offer stopover programs on transatlantic routes.

How the Icelandair and PLAY stopover programs work

With Icelandair you can book a stopover for up to 7 nights using the airline booking engine. Icelandair passengers who book a Flex fare, either Economy Flex or Saga Premium Flex, can stay up to 21 nights. The Icelandair stopover can be added on either the outbound or the inbound flight between North America and Europe. The Icelandair stopover includes only the flights, and accommodation and activities are booked and paid for separately. PLAY airlines offers a stopover in Iceland of up to 10 days on transatlantic flights at no additional cost. With PLAY you can take the stopover on either the outbound or return leg, or split the time between the two. A stopover is only possible when the itinerary connects a city in Europe with one in North America.

Getting from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon

Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's main international airport. Keflavik Airport is located about 50 km from Reykjavik, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes. The Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon is about 20 km from Keflavik Airport, a 15 to 20 minute drive. Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.

What you can realistically see on a short layover versus a multi-night stopover

The Golden Circle is a roughly 300 km route linking three attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Most visitors complete the Golden Circle as a day trip taking between 6 and 8 hours with stops.

Making the most of the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from the airport

The Blue Lagoon is about 50 km from central Reykjavik, a 45 to 55 minute drive in normal traffic.

Practical tips for luggage, timing, and short stays

Keflavik Airport has luggage lockers that are open 24 hours a day. A direct flight from New York to Reykjavik takes approximately 6 hours. Some Icelandair schedules list the New York to Reykjavik flight at about 5 hours 40 minutes. The flight distance from New York to Reykjavik is about 2615 miles.

Compare Reykjavik tours to plan your stopover

You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options.