Is the free Iceland stopover really free?

Some airlines that route through Keflavik let you add a multi-day stopover in Iceland at no extra airfare on the way to another destination. The flight cost is the same, but you still pay for accommodation, food and activities in Iceland, so it is free only in the sense of the ticket price.

Which airport do flights to Iceland use?

Almost all international flights use Keflavik International Airport, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik by road. Budget the transfer time and cost into your plans, as it is not right in the city.

Are budget airlines to Iceland worth it?

Low-cost carriers can offer very cheap headline fares to Keflavik, but bags, seat selection and other add-ons raise the total. Price the all-in cost for the way you travel before assuming the cheapest sticker fare is the best deal.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Iceland (2026)

Q: When are flights to Iceland cheapest?

The lowest fares tend to fall in the quieter, colder months — roughly late autumn through winter outside the Christmas and New Year peak, and again in the early-spring shoulder before the summer rush. Peak summer, when daylight is longest, is the busiest and usually the most expensive.

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: July 2026. Prices are examples and change constantly — always confirm at checkout.

Quick answer

To fly to Iceland cheaply, travel outside peak summer and the Christmas holidays, stay flexible on dates, and compare every airline serving Keflavik on a metasearch. Use the free-stopover option some carriers offer if Iceland is a break on a longer trip, price budget carriers' all-in cost with bags, and set an alert so you buy on the dip.

Compare live fares to Iceland on ScanFlyGo →

1. Choose the right season

Iceland's peak is summer, when near-endless daylight draws crowds and fares climb. The quieter, colder months are cheaper — and also the season for northern-light hunting. Shifting your trip out of July and August, and away from the Christmas–New Year peak, is the single biggest lever on price.

2. Know the cheaper windows

Window	Why it can be cheaper
Late autumn (outside holidays)	Fewer visitors, shoulder pricing, aurora season begins
Deep winter (excluding Christmas/New Year)	Lowest demand, though weather is harsher
Early spring	Prices rise before summer but stay below peak

3. Use the free-stopover trick

Because Keflavik is a natural hub between Europe and North America, some airlines let you add a stopover of several days in Iceland at no extra airfare while flying onward. The ticket price stays the same, so you effectively see Iceland for the cost of accommodation and activities. It's ideal if you're crossing the Atlantic anyway.

4. Compare the whole market

A single airline shows only its own seats. A metasearch like ScanFlyGo checks the full field of carriers serving Keflavik at once, so you see the genuine cheapest option rather than a curated shortlist. Fares to Iceland can swing widely between airlines on the same dates.

5. Be flexible with your dates

Midweek departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones, and moving your trip by a few days can change the price. A cheapest-day view shows a month at a glance so you can build the trip around the low fares.

6. Weigh budget carriers honestly

Low-cost airlines can post eye-catching fares to Keflavik. They're great value if you travel with hand luggage only, but checked bags, seat selection and other extras add up. Compare the all-in total for how you actually pack before deciding.

7. Budget the costs people forget

Keflavik sits about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, so factor in the airport transfer. Iceland is also an expensive destination on the ground, so a cheap flight is only part of the picture — plan food, transport and activities into your budget.

8. Set an alert and track the day

Fares to Iceland move daily with demand and seat availability. Let a price alert watch your route instead of refreshing manually, and buy when it drops. Once booked, a live flight tracker tells you instantly if your inbound aircraft is delayed. Track any flight live on ScanFlyGo →

Frequently asked questions

When are flights to Iceland cheapest?

Generally the colder months outside the Christmas peak, plus the early-spring shoulder, while peak summer is busiest and priciest.

Is the free stopover actually free?

The airfare is the same, but you still pay for hotels, food and activities in Iceland — so it's free only in the ticket-price sense.

Which airport will I use?

Keflavik International, roughly 45 minutes from Reykjavik — budget the transfer time and cost.

Are budget airlines worth it?

They can be if you travel light, but always price bags and seats into the all-in total first.

The bottom line

Cheap flights to Iceland come from travelling off-peak, comparing every carrier into Keflavik, and using the free-stopover option when it fits your trip. Stay flexible, price the extras, and let alerts do the watching. Start a live search on ScanFlyGo and check the popular routes for current fares.

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