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RKV destination photo
EDI destination photo

RKVEDI

Which side of the plane to sit from Reykjavik Airport (Reykjavik) to Edinburgh Airport (Edinburgh)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides an exceptional perspective of the Icelandic coastline upon departure and a premier view of the historic Firth of Forth and its iconic bridges during the final approach into Edinburgh.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏘️

Reykjavik Cityscape

Aerial views of the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church and the colorful rooftops of the Icelandic capital immediately after takeoff.

🧊

Icelandic Glaciers

Distant views of the Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps as the flight tracks along the southern coast of Iceland.

🇫🇴

Faroe Islands

On clear days, the dramatic, sheer cliffs and green plateaus of the Faroese archipelago appear mid-flight.

⛰️

Cairngorms National Park

Vast views of the Scottish Highlands and the snowy peaks of the Grampian Mountains during the descent.

🌉

Forth Bridges

The UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge and its modern counterparts are visible when approaching EDI from the northeast.

Choose the left side for the best chance to see the Forth Bridges on arrival. Flights from Iceland often approach Edinburgh from the North Sea, making the left side superior for seeing the Scottish coastline. For the best glacier views in Iceland, morning flights offer better lighting with the sun in the south.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌋

Reykjanes Peninsula

Stark, lunar-like volcanic landscapes and geothermal steam rising from the Reykjanes area near the departure zone.

🌊

North Atlantic Abyss

Expansive views of the deep blue ocean where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge separates the tectonic plates.

🏝️

Hebridean Isles

If the flight path is westerly, look for the rugged outlines of Lewis, Harris, and the Isle of Skye.

🏔️

Ben Nevis

The highest peak in the British Isles can often be spotted emerging from the clouds in the western Highlands.

⛰️

Pentland Hills

Beautiful rolling green hills just south of Edinburgh visible during the final moments of the flight.

The right side is excellent for viewing the volcanic activity of the Reykjanes Peninsula shortly after takeoff from RKV. If the aircraft lands toward the east (Runway 06), the right side offers a spectacular view of the Edinburgh city skyline, including the Castle and Arthur's Seat, just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Edinburgh
Route Information

Distance: 1,366 km (849 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min

Departure: RKV (64.1299972534, -21.9405994415)

Arrival: EDI (55.95000076293945, -3.372499942779541)

Route Type: International

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