Flights From Nashville to Iceland: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re sitting at a bar on Broadway, sipping a local brew, and someone mentions the Northern Lights. Suddenly, the honky-tonk neon feels a little small. You want the real thing—the cosmic neon of the North. But wait. Can you actually get there from Tennessee without a three-day ordeal involving a bus through Newark?

Actually, yeah.

The landscape for flights from Nashville to Iceland changed completely when Icelandair decided Nashville was "cool" enough for a direct route. It’s a game-changer. No more sprinting through JFK or praying your bags make the connection in Boston.

The Direct Flight Reality Check

Here is the deal. Icelandair runs a seasonal nonstop service from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Keflavik (KEF).

It’s not year-round. Don't let a generic travel site tell you otherwise. Usually, this direct "bridge" opens up in the spring—think May—and runs through the early autumn. In 2026, the schedule is looking at a late March restart, specifically around March 29th, stretching into the first week of January 2027.

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The flight itself is a bit of a "red-eye" special. You leave BNA around 5:30 PM or 6:30 PM. You sleep (or try to) for about 6 hours and 45 minutes. You land in Iceland at 6:15 AM.

It's fast.

Basically, you’ve crossed the Atlantic in the time it takes to watch a couple of Lord of the Rings movies. Most people expect a 12-hour slog. It’s not. It’s roughly 3,200 miles—shorter than flying from Nashville to Honolulu.

What Does This Cost You?

Money matters. If you're flexible, you can snag round-trip tickets for about $449. Honestly, that’s cheaper than some flights to LaGuardia during a holiday weekend.

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• Budget Tier: $450 - $550 (If you book 3+ months out).
• The "I waited too long" Tier: $700 - $900.
• Saga Premium (Business): Usually starts around $2,100.

I've seen the price drop to $402 for a one-way on Delta with stops, but for the convenience of the nonstop, Icelandair is almost always the winner.

The Connection Trap

If you aren't flying direct, you’re probably looking at Delta, United, or American.

You’ll likely stop in Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), or even Seattle (SEA). Seattle is a weird one—it feels like flying the wrong way, but sometimes the price is so low you can't ignore it. Just keep an eye on the layover times. A 45-minute layover in JFK is a recipe for a heart attack and a missed vacation.

When Should You Actually Go?

Most Nashville travelers head out in June or July. It makes sense. You want the Midnight Sun. You want to see the puffins.

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But if you want to save cash and actually see the Aurora, look at late September or even early October. The crowds thin out. The prices for flights from Nashville to Iceland take a dip. And the sky finally gets dark enough for the lights to do their thing.

Pro Tip: If you're going in the winter (January/February), you won't have the direct flight. You'll have to connect. It’s colder, sure, but the "Blue Hour" light in Iceland during mid-winter is something you’ll never see in Middle Tennessee.

Logistics Nobody Tells You

Keflavik Airport isn't in Reykjavik. It’s about 45 minutes away.

When you land at 6 AM, you’re going to be a zombie. Most hotels won't let you check in until 2 PM. Don't just sit in the lobby. Book a slot at the Blue Lagoon for 8 AM. It’s right near the airport. Soaking in 100-degree silica water while the Icelandic wind howls around you is the only way to cure transatlantic jet lag.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Check the Dates: If you want the direct flight, search only for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday departures. These are the typical "frequency" days for the BNA-KEF route.
2. Use Google Flights Trackers: Set an alert for "BNA to KEF" and "Nonstop Only." Prices for 2026 are already fluctuating; you want to bite when it hits that $450-ish sweet spot.
3. Pack for "Four Seasons": Even in July, Iceland is chilly. Bring a rain shell. Leave the Nashville flip-flops in your suitcase until you get back home.
4. Book the FlyBus: Unless you’re renting a car (which you should do if you want to see the South Coast), book the FlyBus from the airport to the city in advance. It’s way cheaper than a taxi, which can easily run you $150.

Iceland is closer than you think. You just have to time the season right.