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United · Route guide

United Airlines Chicago (ORD) to Reykjavik (KEF) Flight Route

Everything you need to fly Chicago to Reykjavík: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

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1 airline on this route · Daily Summer Seasonal

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B767-300ER

Service

Daily Summer Seasonal

Region

Europe

The route

The direct connection between Chicago O'Hare and Reykjavik's Keflavik International Airport serves as a vital summer link for travelers in the American Midwest. This seasonal route by United Airlines offers a streamlined path to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, bypassing the need for East Coast connections.

Departing from the major hub of Chicago ORD, United operates this transatlantic service using wide-body aircraft. The flight travels over the North Atlantic, typically following a polar-adjacent path to reach Iceland in just over six hours.

This route is significant for its convenience to travelers in the central United States, providing the only non-stop service to Iceland from Chicago on a major US legacy carrier. It facilitates easier access for both tourism and the growing business ties between the two regions.

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

ORD

Check-in: United international flights usually depart from Terminal 1; arrive at least three hours before departure.
Security: Utilize TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to expedite the evening rush of international departures.
Connections: Connected to downtown Chicago via the CTA Blue Line and various regional bus services.

Arrival

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

KEF

On arrival: Duty-free shopping is available in the arrivals area and is recommended for purchasing alcohol at lower prices.
Ground transport: The Flybus and Airport Direct shuttles coordinate with all arriving flights for transit to Reykjavik.
Planning ahead: Rental car centers are located a short walk or shuttle ride from the main terminal exit.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights generally depart ORD in the late evening and arrive at KEF the following morning.
Duration: Average flight time is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Seasonality: The route is active from late May through early September to capture summer demand.
Time zones: Reykjavik is 5 hours ahead of Chicago during Daylight Saving Time.

Fares & booking

Booking window: Optimal booking occurs between January and March for summer travel.
Cabin advice: Economy Plus offers valuable extra legroom for the overnight journey.
Peak pricing: Prices are highest during the July peak and US holiday weekends like July 4th.

Book at least 4 to 6 months in advance for the best summer availability
Use United MileagePlus miles for potential high-value saver awards
Monitor fare trends during the winter months when the schedule is first released

Peak season

June through August

Shoulder season

Late May and early September

Off-peak season

October through April (No direct service)

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Reykjavík and Chicago, through our travel partner.

Browse tours

When to fly

Best Time to Fly Chicago to Reykjavík

01
Summer
The only time this route operates, offering the best weather and the famous midnight sun.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Nature Enthusiasts

Direct access to volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls within hours of landing.

Midwest Families

The convenience of a non-stop flight from a central hub avoids stressful connections.

Connections & alternatives

Akureyri

A short domestic hop from Reykjavik's city airport to explore North Iceland.

Greenland

KEF is a primary gateway for those looking to continue their Arctic adventure.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Chicago-Reykjavík Route

Visa & entry

US citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in Iceland for tourism
Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so standard entry requirements for Europe apply

Airport transfers

Pre-booking your bus transfer can save time at the kiosk upon arrival
If renting a car, ensure you have a credit card with a high enough limit for the insurance deposit
Taxis are available but are significantly more expensive than the dedicated airport shuttles

Baggage & transit

Carry on a waterproof jacket as Icelandic weather can be unpredictable immediately upon landing
Standard United transatlantic baggage rules apply based on your ticket class
KEF is a compact airport making it an easy point for connecting to other European destinations

Checklist

Valid US Passport
Type F power adapter for Iceland
Windproof and waterproof clothing
Pre-booked tickets for the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

Carriers

Airlines Flying Chicago to Reykjavík

United

Daily during the summer operating window

Features a three-cabin configuration including Polaris, Premium Plus, and Economy.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Chicago to Reykjavík.

Is the United Chicago to Reykjavik flight year-round?

No, this is a seasonal summer route typically operating from late May to early September.

What is the flight time from ORD to KEF?

The non-stop flight takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Which aircraft does United fly to Iceland from Chicago?

United usually operates the Boeing 767-300ER on this specific route.

Does United fly daily from Chicago to Reykjavik?

Yes, during its operating season, United typically offers daily non-stop service.

Which terminal does United use at O'Hare for international flights?

Departures for Reykjavik typically leave from Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare.

Keep exploring

Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)Reykjavik (KEF)Chicago O'Hare International Keflavik International

Countries & layovers

United States Chicago layover guide Reykjavik layover guide

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