Reykjavik, Iceland → London, United Kingdom · ✈ 2h 52min · 🚗 30h 43min
1,021 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: southeast
The distance from Reykjavik to London 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 Reykjavik, Iceland to London, United Kingdom 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.
London is located southeast of Reykjavik. Reykjavik is in Europe, in the Capital Region region of Iceland, while London is in Europe, in England, United Kingdom. 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 Reykjavik to London. 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 Reykjavik to London 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.
Reykjavik sits at 64.1466°N, 21.9426°W, while London is located at 51.5074°N, 0.1278°W. The initial compass bearing from Reykjavik to London is 128° (SE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Reykjavik heading roughly SE. 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 Reykjavik and London 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.
London is roughly 1 hour ahead of Reykjavik. When it is 09:00 in Reykjavik, it is approximately 10:00 in London. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Reykjavik uses the Icelandic Krona (ISK), while London uses the Pound Sterling (GBP). 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 Icelandic in Reykjavik to English in London. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Reykjavik is a major city in Iceland with a population of approximately 131,136. Located in the Capital Region region, it is an important hub in Europe. Despite its smaller size, Reykjavik plays an important regional role in Iceland and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Reykjavik
London is a notable city in United Kingdom with a population of approximately 8,982,000. Situated in the England region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. London is one of United Kingdom's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
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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 Reykjavik and London 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 Reykjavik to London 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.
London is approximately +1h ahead compared to Reykjavik.
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: April 21, 2026.