If you've ever dreamed of visiting Iceland but weren't ready to commit to a full trip, a stopover is the perfect solution. Two airlines offer official stopovers in Iceland, allowing travelers to explore the Land of Fire and Ice for up to ten days — often at no extra airfare cost.
Here's everything you need to know about which airlines offer stopovers in Iceland and how to make the most of your time. Stopovers in Iceland are convenient for travelers looking for a quick soak in the Blue Lagoon, a city break in Reykjavik, or an adventure-filled detour in Iceland's nature.
Let me explain to you what a stopover is, which airlines offer stopovers, how to book them and what to do during your stopover in Iceland.
Discover Iceland with Stopover Tours from Reykjavík
What Is an Iceland Stopover?
An Iceland stopover is when your airline allows you to stay in Iceland for a set number of days before continuing on to your final destination. It’s essentially a free mini-trip within your larger journey, making Iceland an attractive layover destination for travelers flying between North America and Europe.
The concept of Iceland stopovers began in the 1960s when Icelandair introduced its layover program, allowing travelers to book a three-day stopover in the country at no extra airfare cost. This unique offering quickly became a cost-effective way for passengers to break up long-haul flights between North America and Europe. While the program was initially a niche offering, it started gaining significant popularity in the early 2000s as Iceland's tourism industry began to flourish and international curiosity about the country grew. Travelers from the U.S. and Canada, intrigued by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes and cultural exports (think Bjork and Sigur Rós), began embracing stopovers as a chance to explore the homeland of these global icons.
Icelandair further capitalized on this trend in 2014 by launching the #MyStopover campaign, encouraging travelers to share their stopover experiences on social media. The campaign effectively turned visitors into brand ambassadors, as tourists flooded Instagram and Twitter with stunning photos of Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal pools — making their friends back home envious enough to book their own stopovers. This word-of-mouth marketing strategy played a significant role in boosting Iceland's global tourism appeal.
Since then, the stopover concept has expanded, with more airlines either partnering with Icelandair or enabling travelers to create their own extended layovers. With Iceland’s unparalleled landscapes, rich Viking history, and world-class geothermal spas, an Iceland stopover is now seen as an experience in itself rather than just a layover. Today, the country welcomes millions of visitors annually, many of whom first discovered its charm through a simple stopover.
Book Your Stopover Tours with Accommodation
Airlines with Stopovers in Iceland
There are only two airlines that offer a Stopover Program in Iceland, often for free. Those two airlines are Icelandair and PLAY airlines. Icelandair is the original airline that started offering free stopovers in Iceland up to seven days, followed by the newer budget airline, PLAY airlines, that offers stopovers up to ten days.
1. Icelandair
Icelandair is the pioneer of Iceland stopovers, having introduced the concept in the 1960s. Their Iceland Stopover Program allows travelers to stay in Iceland for up to 7 days at no additional airfare cost. Icelandair’s long-standing commitment to promoting tourism in Iceland makes it one of the most traveler-friendly airlines for those looking to experience Iceland without adding extra expenses to their trip.
What sets Icelandair apart is its Stopover Buddy Program (when available), where passengers can be matched with an Icelandic local to explore Iceland with a personalized touch. Whether you’re interested in hiking, culinary experiences, or sightseeing, a Stopover Buddy can give you insights beyond the standard tourist experience. Some travelers choose to join organized experiences like whale watching, lava cave explorations, and Northern Lights hunts, to make the most of their time in Iceland.
Another advantage of flying with Icelandair is its exceptional in-flight experience. The airline showcases Icelandic culture through its entertainment system, featuring Icelandic films, documentaries, and music playlists curated by local artists. They also offer an Icelandic-inspired menu, providing a taste of the country’s unique cuisine before you even land.
- Routes: Between North America and Europe, with stopovers in Reykjavik (KEF).
- Destinations: More than 50 cities across North America and Europe.
- Perks:
- Easy option to create a stopover by selecting it when searching for flights.
- Icelandair's Stopover Buddy program (when available) connects travelers with Icelandic locals who can provide guided experiences.
- Access to Icelandic cultural content and cuisine in-flight.
- Booking Tip: Simply select the "Stopover in Iceland" option when booking through Icelandair’s website.
2. PLAY Airlines
PLAY Airlines, Iceland’s dynamic low-cost carrier, is shaking up the industry by providing budget-friendly options for transatlantic travelers who want to incorporate Iceland into their journey. PLAY offers a similar seamless way for travelers to book a multi-day layover in Reykjavik without significantly increasing their airfare. Instead of a Stopover, they've opted for a different term; Stayover. "Turn your layover into a Stayover" is their motto. PLAY is known for its modern fleet, low fares, and a hassle-free booking experience, making it a great alternative for travelers looking for an affordable way to experience Iceland.
One of PLAY’s biggest advantages is its ultra-competitive pricing. By operating a streamlined, no-frills model, PLAY keeps base fares low, allowing passengers to customize their travel experience with optional add-ons, such as baggage fees, seat selection, and priority boarding. This approach makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want flexibility in budgeting their trip.
PLAY is also rapidly expanding its destinations, connecting major cities in North America and Europe with Reykjavik. The airline’s extensive reach makes it easy for travelers to incorporate Iceland into a transatlantic itinerary.
If you’re an adventure seeker or a budget-conscious traveler looking to explore Iceland without breaking the bank, PLAY Airlines offers an excellent opportunity to do so.
- Routes: Flights between the U.S., Canada, and Europe with a Reykjavik stop.
- Destinations: New York, Boston, Baltimore, Toronto, and various European hubs.
- Perks:
- Competitive pricing for budget-conscious travelers.
- Easy option to create a stopover by selecting it when searching flights.
- New, fuel-efficient aircraft providing a modern travel experience.
- Opportunities for low-cost tickets combined with Icelandic experiences, such as adventure tours or Northern Lights excursions.
- Booking Tip: Manually tick the box "Include a stopover in Iceland at no additional cost" when searching for flights.
How do I book a Stopover in Iceland?
Booking a stopover in Iceland is easy to do. Simply choose your transatlantic flights with either Icelandair or PLAY airlines and add the stopover option to your flight. How to navigate this on each website might be a bit different so I've made it real simple to find and explained how to book with each airline.
Booking a Stopover with Icelandair
When you're on Icelandair's website searching for flights, the option to book a Stopover is not as apparent (compared to PLAY anyway). You'll need to navigate to Destinations and then choose the Stopover Program. From there the flight search changes and you can add a stopover in Iceland.
Booking a Stopover with PLAY Airlines
Booking a stopover with PLAY airlines is easy as pie. Simply visit the homepage of PLAY Airlines and right under the flight search you simply tick the box "Include a stopover in Iceland at no additional cost". The flight search engine does the rest of the work for you.
Stopover Options
There are other airlines that operate through Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Iceland and offer transatlantic flights. Although they might not run an official stopover program in the traditional sense like Icelandair and PLAY, you might find some other options that work for your special stopover in Iceland.
When talking about stopover we're usually referring to transatlantic flights. However, there are plenty of airlines that operate from KEF airport. Even if you're looking for just a short trip to Iceland and back, you have plenty of options that regularly fly to Iceland. Your stopover doesn't need to adhere to all the rules and a Stopover for you can just be a gorgeous trip to Iceland and back home again.
Either way, you'll be 'stopping over' in Iceland.
These are the airlines that offer transatlantic routes between Europe and N-America and operate from KEF airport:
- Air Canada – Canadian airline with extensive transatlantic routes.
- Austrian Airlines – Offers transatlantic flights from Vienna.
- British Airways – Major UK carrier with multiple US destinations.
- Delta Air Lines – US-based airline with many transatlantic routes.
- Discover Airlines – Lufthansa Group airline that operates some transatlantic flights.
- Edelweiss – Swiss leisure airline with transatlantic services.
- Finnair – Offers flights from Helsinki to the US.
- Icelandair – Provides flights from Iceland to the US and Europe with stopovers.
- LOT Polish Airlines – Operates transatlantic flights from Poland.
- Lufthansa – Major German airline with extensive US connections.
- Neos – Italian airline that operates some transatlantic routes.
- Norwegian – Historically offered transatlantic flights, currently limited.
- Play – Icelandic low-cost airline with transatlantic flights via Reykjavik with stopovers.
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) – Offers transatlantic flights from Scandinavia.
- United Airlines – Major US airline with many transatlantic routes.
- WestJet – Canadian airline with some transatlantic routes.
What to Do During a Stopover in Iceland
Now, if you've made it to Iceland and have started your stopover (transatlantic or not) you might want to know what's possible to do in Iceland during shorter stays. That's why I've compiled a few options of what to do. You can also look at the complete Stopover Itineraries (details and all) from 12 hours to 6 day stays. For however long you're staying you should be able to find something that that makes sense for you.
1. Relax at the Blue Lagoon
If there’s one thing you absolutely should do during a stopover in Iceland, it’s visit the Blue Lagoon. Just 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport, this world-famous geothermal spa is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight. The milky-blue, mineral-rich waters do wonders for your skin and are heated by Iceland’s volcanic activity. To make the most of your visit, book your Blue Lagoon ticket in advance, as spots fill up fast. The Comfort entry includes a silica mud mask, towel, and a complimentary drink—because nothing says “welcome to Iceland” like sipping a cold drink in a warm lagoon, surrounded by black lava fields.
Book Your Stopover Tours with Accommodation
2. Explore Reykjavik
Even if you only have half a day, Reykjavik is worth exploring. Start at Hallgrímskirkja Church, Iceland’s tallest church, where you can take an elevator to the top for views of the city. Next, head to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, lined with boutique stores, quirky cafes, and street art. If you’re a coffee lover (that's one thing you'll have in common with Icelanders), make a pit stop at Reykjavik Roasters for some of the best locally roasted coffee. Harpa, a glass concert hall, is another must-see, and the nearby Sun Voyager sculpture - hidden next to sea about 20 min walk from down town Reykjavík - makes for a great photo stop along the waterfront. If you have extra time, check out the Old Harbor, where you can grab Icelandic seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Book Your Stopover Tours with Accommodation
3. Take a Golden Circle Tour
If you have a full day to spare, the Golden Circle is a must. This classic route covers three of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders:
- Þingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This is also where you'll find Silfra where people go diving in the clear water between the two tectonic plates.
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Home to famour Geysir, that gave all other geysers their name, and its neighbour Strokkur, a powerful geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water high into the air.
- Gullfoss Waterfall – The iconic two-tiered waterfall that falls into a rugged canyon.
You can rent a car and drive the route yourself, but if you’re short on time or want to sit back and enjoy the scenery, book a guided Golden Circle tour for a hassle-free experience.
Book Your Stopover Tours with Accommodation
4. Hunt for the Northern Lights
If your stopover happens during September to April, you might just be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. This is one of nature's wonders that brings travelers from all corners of the world to Iceland. The lights that are usually seen in green, also happen to appear in pink, purple and even red depending on the height they're at in the sky. The lights appear when solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, and are best seen on days when the sky is clear, the weather is still and frosty with temperatures below -1°C. To maximize your chances, you can book a Northern Lights tour that takes you away from city lights into the Icelandic wilderness. Where you can properly enjoy the still and quite night.
Since the auroras are unpredictable, checking the Icelandic Met Office’s aurora forecast before heading out is a smart move.
Book Your Stopover Tours with Accommodation
5. Visit the South Coast
For stopovers longer than a day, Iceland’s South Coast offers landscapes that are totally worth the extra time. Highlights include:
- Seljalandsfoss – A stunning waterfall you can walk behind for an incredible photo-op.
- Skogafoss – A powerful, wide waterfall often accompanied by a rainbow on sunny days.
- Reynisfjara – A black sand beach known for its towering basalt columns and its dangerous sneaker waves.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – A surreal sight where icebergs float peacefully in a lagoon before drifting out to sea. What most people want to see here are the seals lounging on icebergs, and the less-common sight of an iceberg flipping over in the water. This happens when the weight of the iceberg shifts due to it melting or breaking. An even more rare sight is called an 'iceberg calving', that's when the front of the glacier breaks off into the water creating large dangerous waves - a beautiful sight from afar.
Book Your Stopover Tours with Accommodation
6. Try Traditional Icelandic Food
No stopover is complete without trying some authentic Icelandic cuisine. Start with a bowl of plokkfiskur (Icelandic fish stew), a creamy dish made with fresh fish and potatoes and a side of sweet brown bread (rúgbrauð). If you’re looking for a quick bite, grab a legendary Icelandic hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a street food stand that’s been serving Iceland’s favorite snack since 1937. Then for those feeling extra adventrous you'll need to try fermented shark (hákarl)—but be warned, it’s an acquired taste! If you prefer something sweet, grab a kleina, a twisted Icelandic doughnut that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
An Iceland stopover is an excellent way to break up a long-haul flight while experiencing one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Whether you choose Icelandair or PLAY for their official stopover programs or create your own layover with another airline, adding a few days in Iceland to your trip is something you won't regret. Even just 24hours is more time than you realize.
Start planning today and make the most of your Iceland stopover adventure!