Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best overall way to get from Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) to Seyðisfjörður Ferry Port is by pre-booking a combined airport shuttle and bus transfer through a local tour operator, costing around 8,000-12,000 ISK (≈ $58-$87 USD) and taking 2-2.5 hours total. The fastest way is a pre-booked private transfer (1h 20min, 25,000-35,000 ISK). The cheapest way is the public Strætó bus via Egilsstaðir town (~4,000 ISK, 2-3.5 hours). There is no direct train or flight.
Option 1: Renting a Car & Driving Yourself
Renting a car at Egilsstaðir Airport offers maximum flexibility for exploring East Iceland. It is the only method that allows you to travel directly from the airport tarmac to the ferry terminal without transfers. However, it comes with significant considerations for the drive and rental logistics.
The Drive: Route 93 (Fjarðarheiði)
The 27km (17-mile) journey from Egilsstaðir to Seyðisfjörður is on Route 93, which climbs over the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass. This is not a simple motorway:
- Summer Conditions (May-Sept): The road is paved and open. It features steep gradients (up to 12.5%), sharp switchbacks, and stunning views. Drive cautiously, especially in fog or rain.
- Winter Conditions (Oct-Apr): This road becomes one of the most challenging in Iceland. It is frequently icy, snow-packed, and subjected to hurricane-force winds (katabatic winds). Closures are common. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory, and you must be an experienced winter driver. Always check Road.is and Vedur.is before departure.
Car Rental Deep Dive
| Agency (at EGS) | Vehicle Type Recommended | Approx. Daily Cost (Summer) | Key Consideration for This Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis/Budget | Medium SUV (Dacia Duster or similar) | 15,000 - 25,000 ISK | Good availability. Confirm gravel insurance (SAAP/CDW) is included for ash/gravel damage on mountain roads. |
| Europcar | 4x4 / AWD Vehicle | 20,000 - 35,000 ISK | Winter (Oct-Apr): Verify the vehicle has studded winter tires (legally required dates). |
| Local Providers | Compact Car | 10,000 - 18,000 ISK | Not recommended for winter. May have restrictions on driving Fjarðarheiði. Read the rental agreement carefully. |
Critical Limitation: Almost all rental companies do not allow one-way drop-offs in Seyðisfjörður. You must return the car to Egilsstaðir Airport. This makes renting a car just for this transfer impractical and expensive.
Option 2: Bus & Shuttle Services (The Most Common Choice)
This is the primary mode of transport for foot passengers. It involves a two-leg journey and requires planning due to infrequent schedules.
Leg 1: Egilsstaðir Airport to Egilsstaðir Town (BSI Bus Terminal)
- Airport Shuttle: A minibus typically meets all scheduled flights. The ride takes 5-10 minutes. Cost is approx. 2,000 ISK per person. You pay the driver.
- Taxi: Available outside the terminal. A 5-minute ride costs ~3,000-4,000 ISK. Slightly faster, good for groups.
Leg 2: Egilsstaðir Town to Seyðisfjörður
You have two main options, with a crucial difference:
| Service | Operator | Frequency / Schedule | Cost (Approx.) | Booking & Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Bus (Route 66) | Strætó | 1-3 times daily. Very limited on weekends and off-season. Journey: 1 hour. | 1,980 ISK | Purchase via Straeto.is app or from driver (cash/card). Check the timetable the day before as it changes seasonally. Drops you in Seyðisfjörður town center, a short walk to the ferry terminal. |
| Coordinated Shuttle Transfer | Local Tour Companies (e.g., Travel East, Visit Seyðisfjörður) | Timed to meet flights and ferry arrivals/departures. | 8,000 - 12,000 ISK (for combined airport pick-up + transfer) | HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. You book one service that collects you at EGS and drives you directly to Seyðisfjörður (often with a brief stop in Egilsstaðir). Solves the connection problem. Must be booked in advance online. |
Strategic Advice for Bus Travelers:
- Flight Timing is Everything: Book a flight that lands with at least 2 hours before the last bus of the day to Seyðisfjörður. Miss it, and you're stuck.
- Luggage: Both shuttles and Strætó buses have space for suitcases, but space can be tight if the bus is full.
- The Overnight Solution: If your flight arrives late, consider staying at a hotel in Egilsstaðir (like Hótel Valaskjálf or Icelandair Hotel Hérað) and taking the first bus to Seyðisfjörður the next morning.
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)
This is the most straightforward but also the most expensive option. A taxi or pre-booked private car will take you directly from the airport arrivals hall to the ferry terminal in Seyðisfjörður.
Cost Breakdown & Comparison
- Standard Taxi (Hyrðu): You can hail one at the airport. The meter will run for the ~1-hour 15-minute drive. Estimated cost: 25,000 - 35,000 ISK (≈ $180 - $250 USD) for the car. Slightly cheaper for a shared taxi if you find other travelers.
- Pre-Booked Private Transfer: Booked online in advance with a local company. Often a fixed price. Cost: 22,000 - 30,000 ISK for 1-4 people. Provides certainty and sometimes a meet-and-greet service.
When Does This Option Make Sense?
Consider this premium option only in these specific scenarios:
- Late-Night or Very Early Flight Arrivals when no other transport is running.
- Traveling in a Group of 3-4 People where the per-person cost becomes comparable to a shuttle.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage that makes transfers difficult.
- Extreme Winter Weather when the bus service is canceled and you are not comfortable driving.
Contact in Advance: For pre-booking, use companies like Egilsstaða Taxi or services listed on the East Iceland tourism portal.
Cost & Time Comparison: Making Your Decision
This table consolidates all key data to help you choose the best option for your budget, schedule, and travel style.
| Transport Method | Total Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (Per Person)* | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Booked Coordinated Shuttle | 2 - 2.5 hours | 8,000 - 12,000 ISK | Hassle-free, meets flights, reliable, no connection stress. | More expensive than DIY public bus. | Most travelers, especially first-time visitors and those with ferry deadlines. |
| Public Bus (Strætó) | 2.5 - 3.5 hours (varies with wait) | ~4,000 ISK | Cheapest option, eco-friendly. | Infrequent, poor weekend service, risk of missed connection. | Budget solo travelers with flexible schedules arriving on weekday mornings. |
| Rental Car (Return to Airport) | 1.5 - 2 hours (incl. rental process) | 15,000 - 30,000 ISK+ (car + fuel) | Total freedom, ability to explore Eastfjords. | High cost for short use, winter driving peril, no one-way drop-off. | Travelers touring East Iceland for several days before/after the ferry. |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1 hour 20 mins | 25,000 - 35,000 ISK (for car) | Fastest, door-to-door, available on demand. | Extremely expensive for solo travelers. | Groups, late arrivals, travelers with special needs. |
*Costs are estimates for Summer 2024. Always verify current prices. Ferry check-in typically closes 1 hour before departure.
Traveler Insights & Pro Tips
Timing is Your Most Valuable Asset
- Ferry Day Protocol: The Smyril Line Norröna ferry from Denmark arrives in the morning and departs in the afternoon. Aim to be in Seyðisfjörður by noon at the latest on departure day for a stress-free check-in.
- The Overnight Advantage: Staying in Seyðisfjörður (at the Hótel Aldan or a guesthouse) the night before your ferry is the single best way to ensure you don't miss it. You can explore the iconic rainbow road and beautiful waterfalls.
Navigating the Seasons
- Peak Season (June-August): Book everything in advance—shuttles, accommodation, rental cars. Buses run more frequently.
- Shoulder Seasons (May, Sept): Services begin to wind down. Always confirm schedules a week before your trip.
- Winter (Oct-Apr): This is expedition-level travel. The bus route over Fjarðarheiði may not run. Your only reliable options are a 4x4 rental (for experienced drivers only) or a private transfer. Build in multiple buffer days for weather delays.
Logistics & Luggage
- No Left Luggage: There are no left luggage facilities at Egilsstaðir Airport or the Egilsstaðir bus terminal. Plan accordingly.
- Groceries & Supplies: Egilsstaðir has a large Krónan supermarket near the bus terminal. This is your last chance for affordable snacks, drinks, and supplies before Seyðisfjörður (which has a small, expensive shop). If you have time during a transfer, stock up.
FAQs: Egilsstaðir Airport to Seyðisfjörður Ferry
Is there a direct bus from Egilsstaðir Airport to Seyðisfjörður?
No, there is no direct public bus route from Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) directly to the Seyðisfjörður ferry port. You must first take the airport shuttle or a taxi into the town of Egilsstaðir (a 5-minute drive), and from there, transfer to the scheduled Strætó bus Route 66 or a private shuttle service that goes to Seyðisfjörður.
What is the cheapest way to get from Egilsstaðir Airport to Seyðisfjörður?
The cheapest way is to use the combination of the Airport Shuttle to Egilsstaðir BSI (approx. 2,000 ISK) and the public Strætó Bus 66 to Seyðisfjörður (approx. 1,980 ISK), for a total of around 4,000 ISK (≈ $29 USD). This requires careful timing as bus services are infrequent, especially on weekends and outside summer.
How long does the transfer from the airport to the ferry port take?
The total travel time varies greatly by method: By rental car: 1 hour 15 mins drive. By scheduled bus: 2 to 3.5 hours (including wait times in Egilsstaðir). By pre-booked private transfer: About 1 hour 20 mins door-to-door. Always add buffer time for baggage collection, check-in, and potential weather delays in winter.
Can I rent a car at Egilsstaðir Airport for a one-way trip to Seyðisfjörður?
Yes, but with major limitations. While you can rent a car at EGS from agencies like Avis or Europcar, one-way rentals to Seyðisfjörður are typically not permitted. You would have to return the car to Egilsstaðir Airport or pay a very high drop-off fee. It's often more practical to rent for your entire East Iceland itinerary and return to the airport.
What should I do if my flight arrives late or I miss the last bus?
If you miss the last connection, your only reliable options are a taxi or a pre-arranged private transfer, which can be very expensive (25,000-35,000 ISK). To avoid this, book a flight that arrives well before the last bus departure (around 3:00 PM), or strongly consider staying overnight in Egilsstaðir. Some guesthouses offer airport pick-up.
Is the road from Egilsstaðir to Seyðisfjörður (Route 93) difficult to drive?
Route 93, Fjarðarheiði mountain pass, is a paved but steep, winding road with significant elevation changes. In summer, it's scenic and manageable for cautious drivers. In winter (Oct-Apr), it can be treacherous with ice, snow, high winds, and occasional closures. Check Road.is and Vedur.is for conditions. 4x4 is recommended in winter.
Where does the Smyril Line ferry from Denmark actually dock?
The Smyril Line's Norröna ferry docks directly at the Seyðisfjörður ferry terminal, located at the head of the fjord within the town. The terminal building is within easy walking distance (5-10 mins) of the town center. All buses and taxis will drop you right at the terminal entrance.
Is it better to stay in Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður before the ferry?
Staying in Seyðisfjörður is highly recommended if your goal is to catch the ferry. It eliminates stress from morning travel over the mountain pass, allows you to explore the charming town, and ensures you are at the port for early check-in. Egilsstaðir has more services and cheaper accommodations but requires an early morning transfer.