London, United Kingdom → Reykjavik, Iceland · ✈ 2h 52min · 🚗 30h 43min
1,021 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from London to Reykjavik is 1,890 km (1,174 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 52min.
The straight-line distance from London, United Kingdom to Reykjavik, Iceland is approximately 1,890 kilometers (1,174 miles or 1,021 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Reykjavik is located northwest of London. London is in Europe, in the England region of United Kingdom, while Reykjavik is in Europe, in Capital Region, Iceland. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,890 km | ~2h 52min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~2,457 km | ~30h 43min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~2,268 km | ~18h 54min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from London to Reykjavik. For 1,890 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 2,457 km, fuel costs for driving from London to Reykjavik are approximately $197–$369 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
London sits at 51.5074°N, 0.1278°W, while Reykjavik is located at 64.1466°N, 21.9426°W. The initial compass bearing from London to Reykjavik is 326° (NNW), so a great-circle flight path leaves London heading roughly NNW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 12.64° and the longitude difference is 21.81°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between London and Reykjavik is approximately 58.2812°N, 9.0922°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 945 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
Reykjavik is roughly 1 hour behind London. When it is 09:00 in London, it is approximately 08:00 in Reykjavik. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
London uses the Pound Sterling (GBP), while Reykjavik uses the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from English in London to Icelandic in Reykjavik. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
London is a major city in United Kingdom with a population of approximately 8,982,000. Located in the England region, it is an important hub in Europe. As one of the largest cities in United Kingdom, London is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from London
Reykjavik is a notable city in Iceland with a population of approximately 131,136. Situated in the Capital Region region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Reykjavik is a popular destination in the Capital Region region of Iceland, known for its unique character and attractions.
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1,890 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
The 1,890 km between London and Reykjavik means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 6.3 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 2h 52min.
The straight-line distance from London to Reykjavik is approximately 1,890 kilometers (1,174 miles, 1,021 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 52min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 30h 43min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Reykjavik is approximately -1h behind compared to London.
The estimated road distance is approximately 2,457 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,890 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.