Getting There and Away

Written by Elsa Holm, Julien Lambert
02/09/2025
Explore the breathtaking basalt column canyon in Egilsstaðir, Iceland, showcasing nature's unique formations.
Jón T Jónsson, Pexels

Egilsstaðir serves as a central transport hub in East Iceland, featuring a domestic airport (EGS) and being strategically located on the country's Ring Road (Route 1). Car rental services are available both at the airport and within the town center, and it is a key connection point for regional and long-distance bus routes.

By Air:

Direct flights from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) to Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) are available via Icelandair, with a typical flight time of 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes. Indicative round-trip costs can range from $120 to $350, with cheaper fares often found in winter (e.g., January/February at $197-$310) and higher prices in summer. International travelers will need to transfer from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), a journey of approximately 50 km.

By Bus:

Public bus services, operated by Strætó, connect Egilsstaðir to major towns like Akureyri (Route 56) and onward to Reykjavík (Route 57). The journey by bus from Egilsstaðir to Reykjavík involves transfers, often in Akureyri, and can take approximately 10 hours 41 minutes to 11 hours 21 minutes. Costs for this route typically range from $160 to $250. A local bus (Strætó Line 3) also links Egilsstaðir Airport to the town center and Seyðisfjörður, with the airport-to-town segment taking about 5 minutes and costing $3-$5.

By Car:

Driving to Egilsstaðir offers flexibility for exploring the region. The drive from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir via the Ring Road (Route 1) covers a distance of approximately 625-696 km and typically takes around 7 hours 56 minutes to 8 hours 9 minutes. Car rental agencies such as Holdur (Europcar), Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate at Egilsstaðir Airport and in town, with daily rates starting from around $45. While shortcuts like Route 939 (Öxi pass) may appear on navigation, the Ring Road is generally recommended due to challenging conditions on gravel roads.

By Ferry:

The Smyril Line ferry Norröna provides weekly services from Denmark to Seyðisfjörður, an East Iceland town approximately 30 minutes' drive from Egilsstaðir. Travelers arriving by ferry would need to arrange onward transport to Egilsstaðir to access car rental services, as there are no direct rental options in Seyðisfjörður.

Check out our other pages on Egilsstaðir

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