Travelling from Vancouver to Reykjavik: what you need to know
When searching for a flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik, there's a range of airports to depart from. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Coal Harbour Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are some of Vancouver's main terminals.
Come in for landing at Reykjavik's primary gateway, Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF).
The average length of a direct Vancouver to Reykjavik flight is 7 hours 25 minutes.
The timezone in Reykjavik is UTC+0, which is eight hours ahead of Vancouver.
The most popular route for flights from Vancouver to Reykjavik is from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF). You can select from four services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from YVR to KEF is the 14:35 Icelandair service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 19:15 with Icelandair.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Vancouver to Reykjavik flight.
Travelling over a peak time such as August? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Reykjavik
Get cheap Vancouver to Reykjavik flights by booking four months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for bagging a bargain.
September is the best month for picking up a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Vancouver to Reykjavik. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
There's no need to search every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Vancouver to Reykjavik.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Vancouver to Reykjavik flights.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
You can catch a direct flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Begin your trip at YVR and arrive at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF).
Icelandair is a well-known carrier that offers direct Vancouver to Reykjavik plane tickets leaving from YVR.
Located around 10 kilometres from central Vancouver, YVR can be reached in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
After a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Vancouver International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
77% of flights departing from Vancouver International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
YXX is around 64 kilometres from central Vancouver. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you're planning to take public transport, expect a journey time of around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay near Abbotsford Airport and know you'll reach the terminal with time to spare. Settle in at one of these hotels the day before if you've booked an early Vancouver to Reykjavik flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that monitors how often flights touch down without delays. At YXX, that rate is 75%.
Arriving in Reykjavik
Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF)
The distance from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) to central Reykjavik is approximately 40 kilometres. It'll take you about 45 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to KEF if you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik. Settle into one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Follow your own route with a Reykjavik Keflavik Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Ice Rental 4x4, FairCar or Flizzr and find adventure across Reykjavik and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport around four weeks ahead of your trip.
Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV)
Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) is about 2 kilometres from central Reykjavik. Once you've hopped off your flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik, it'll take you approximately 10 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 20 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near RKV. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik:
Europcar, RAS Car Rental and Hertz make picking up a Reykjavik Domestic Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get exactly what you want. Securing your ride from RKV three weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Reykjavik
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik. August is the most popular month to travel to Reykjavik. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in Reykjavik is July, with temperatures ranging between 8ºC (46ºF) and 15ºC (59ºF). Book your Vancouver to Reykjavik ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
December has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF). Look for cheap flights from Vancouver to Reykjavik around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Reykjavik
Start your Reykjavik trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Vancouver to Reykjavik, check out our range of accommodation options including:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Centre, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and Sun Voyager are must-do's during your Reykjavik adventure.
Explore more of Iceland
Kópavogur is just one of the many places in Iceland waiting to be discovered after you've seen Reykjavik. Around 5 kilometres to the south, popular attractions include Heidmork Nature Reserve, Peningagja-Nikulasargja Gorge and Digraneskirkja.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in Iceland, consider Hafnarfjörður, about 10 kilometres south of Reykjavik. Vidistadatun Sculpture Park, Ytri Tunga Beach and Helgafell are key highlights.