Reykjavík to Sydney (Mascot)
21h 06m The flight from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) covers 16,648 km (10,344 miles) and takes approximately 21h 06m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads north on an initial great-circle bearing of 10°, passing near 40.6° N, 144.3° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 30h 16m | 30h 41m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 21h 21m | 21h 46m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 18h 30m | 18h 55m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 19h 35m | 20h 00m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| KEF | SYD | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Keflavik International Airport | Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport |
| City | Reykjavík | Sydney (Mascot) |
| Country | Iceland | Australia |
| ICAO | BIKF | YSSY |
| Coordinates | 63.985, -22.6056 | -33.9461, 151.177 |
| Elevation | 171 ft | 21 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Reykjavík to Sydney (Mascot)?
A non-stop flight from Reykjavík (KEF) to Sydney (Mascot) (SYD) takes about 21h 06m. The great-circle distance is 16,648 km (10,344 miles, 8,989 nautical miles), flying north on an initial bearing of 10°.
How far is Reykjavík from Sydney (Mascot)?
16,648 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 10,344 miles or 8,989 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between KEF and SYD?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 16,648 km the route is at the extreme end of what any airliner can fly non-stop, so a connection is likely. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
What should I expect on a 21h 06m flight?
Anything past six hours is a long-haul flight: expect at least one meal service, a significant time-zone shift, and enough sitting that circulation and hydration start to matter. Cabin altitude, dry air and disrupted sleep do more damage to a training routine than the flight itself.
Other routes from Reykjavík
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.