Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best way to get from Egilsstaðir Airport to the town center is by taxi, taking 5-10 minutes for a fixed fare of ~2,500-3,500 ISK. The cheapest way is to walk 10 minutes to the main road and take the public Strætó bus (Route 56/A) for about 920 ISK. If you're exploring the region, renting a car directly at the airport is the most flexible option.
Public Bus (Strætó) - The Budget & Local Way
This is Iceland's national public bus service and the most affordable motorized transport. Critical Note: The bus does not go to the airport terminal building. It stops at the "Egilsstaðir Airport" bus stop on the Ring Road (Route 1), requiring a 5-10 minute walk from baggage claim.
| Route Number | Destination From Airport Stop | Key Stops in Egilsstaðir Town | Frequency (Summer)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 / 56A (Norðurleið / East) | Towards Reyðarfjörður / Fáskrúðsfjörður | Egilsstaðir Terminal (main bus station), Héraðsskólinn. | 2-4 times daily |
| 56 / 56A (Suðurleið / South) | Towards Höfn / Southeast Iceland | Egilsstaðir Terminal, Héraðsskólinn, campsite. | 2-4 times daily |
* Frequency drops sharply in winter (Oct-Apr). Always check the official Strætó timetable.
How to Use the Bus: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Walk to the Bus Stop: Exit the terminal, turn right, and follow the road. Cross the runway access road carefully. The stop is a shelter on the north side of Route 1.
- Payment: Pay the driver with exact change (ISK), or use the Strætó app (highly recommended for easy ticket purchase and real-time tracking). Cards are usually accepted.
- Cost: A single adult ticket within the zone is 920 ISK. Bags travel free.
- Alighting: Tell the driver you want to get off at "Egilsstaðir Terminal" for the town center.
Pros, Cons & Who It's For
- Pros: Very cheap, authentic local experience, reliable schedule in summer. Cons: Requires a walk with luggage, infrequent service, poor winter schedule, no direct terminal access.
- Best for: Solo travelers or couples on a tight budget, those not in a hurry, and travelers arriving in summer with light backpacks.
Taxi & Private Transfer - The Convenient Choice
This is the most straightforward and time-efficient method for getting directly to your accommodation.
How It Works at EGS
Taxis do not typically wait at the small Egilsstaðir Airport. You have two options:
- Pre-Book a Transfer: The most reliable method. Companies like East Iceland Travel or local taxi firms can be booked online for a specific flight.
- Call Upon Arrival: Phone numbers for local taxi companies are posted inside the arrivals hall. You may wait 10-15 minutes for one to arrive.
Cost Breakdown & What to Expect
The fare to any location in Egilsstaðir town is a fixed price, not metered.
- Standard Fare to Town Center: 2,500 - 3,500 ISK (â $18 - $25 USD).
- Price Factors: Time of day (slight surcharge after midnight), number of passengers (usually irrelevant), amount of luggage.
- Journey Time: 5 to 10 minutes.
- Payment: All taxis accept major credit/debit cards.
When a Taxi is Your Best (or Only) Option
- Families or groups of 3+ (cost becomes per-person competitive).
- Travelers with significant luggage or bulky equipment.
- Late-night or very early morning flight arrivals/departures.
- If you have mobility issues.
- When the weather is poor (rain, strong winds).
Car Rental at Egilsstaðir Airport - For Ultimate Freedom
Egilsstaðir is the gateway to Iceland's dramatic Eastfjords and the highland wilderness. Renting a car here is less about the transfer and more about unlocking the region.
On-Airport Rental Companies
The following agencies have desks inside the terminal:
Local Tip: You can often find better rates or specific vehicles (like 4x4s) from local agencies (e.g., Blue Car Rental, MyCar) who will meet you at the airport with a shuttle. Compare prices online.
The Process & Key Considerations
- Pre-booking is Non-Negotiable: Especially June-August. Inventory is limited.
- Pick-Up: Complete paperwork at the desk. Inspect the car thoroughly for existing damage (take photos/video) before leaving the airport lot.
- Insurance: Understand your coverage. Gravel Protection (GP/CDW) is highly recommended for driving on East Iceland's gravel roads.
- Navigation: Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) or rent a GPS. Cell service can be patchy in the fjords.
Why Rent Here? Destination Ideas
- Eastfjords Scenic Drive: Route 94 and 96 offer stunning coastal vistas, charming villages like Seyðisfjörður (the ferry town).
- Wilderness Highlands: Access to roads like Ãxi pass or routes towards Askja (only for large 4x4s).
- Lagarfoss & Hengifoss Waterfalls: Located just a short drive from Egilsstaðir.
- Flexibility: Shop at the VÃnbúðin (state liquor store) or Bonus supermarket on your own schedule.
Walking - Only for the Very Determined
A 5 km (3.1 mile) walk along roads from the airport to the town center. We only detail this for completeness; it is not recommended for the vast majority of visitors.
The Route & Realities
- Path: Follow the airport access road to Route 1 (Ring Road). Turn left (west) and continue straight into town. There is no dedicated pedestrian sidewalk for the entire journey.
- Time: 45 to 60 minutes at a good pace without stops.
- Dangers & Inconveniences:
- Sharing the road with vehicles, including tour buses and trucks.
- Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Facing horizontal rain or strong winds is miserable.
- Carrying luggage or a backpack for an hour is cumbersome.
- Limited visibility in winter darkness or poor light conditions.
Bottom Line: Only attempt this if you are an experienced walker with a daypack, arriving in excellent summer weather, and are on an extremely strict budget. For everyone else, the 920 ISK bus fare is a far better investment.
Cost & Time Comparison: At a Glance
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Total Door-to-Door Time* | Key Advantage | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 2,500 - 3,500 ISK | 10 - 20 min | Door-to-door, fast, easy | Families, groups, those with luggage, late arrivals |
| Rental Car | 8,000 - 20,000 ISK/day | 30 - 45 min (inc. pickup) | Total freedom to explore region | Travelers touring East Iceland |
| Public Bus (Strætó) | 920 ISK | 30 - 60 min (inc. walk & wait) | Cheapest motorized option | Solo budget travelers, summer arrivals |
| Walking | Free | 45 - 75 min | Zero cost, exercise | Extreme budget backpackers in ideal conditions |
*Time includes walk from terminal to bus stop, waiting, transfers, and walk to final town destination.
Verdict: For a simple transfer, the taxi's convenience is worth the cost for most. The bus is the value champion. Renting a car is an investment in your entire East Iceland itinerary.
Local Traveler Tips & Important Advice
Before You Arrive: Planning is Key
- Check Bus Times FIRST: Before deciding on the bus, consult the Strætó timetable. If your flight lands at 14:00 and the next bus is at 18:00, you need a Plan B.
- Book Ahead in Peak Season (June-August): This applies to rental cars and recommended for taxis/transfers. Availability shrinks.
- Download Essential Apps: Strætó app for bus tickets/times, Vedur.is for accurate weather forecasts, and offline maps.
Upon Arrival at EGS
- Currency: While cards are king, having a small amount of Icelandic króna (ISK) for the bus driver is wise if you don't use the app.
- Airport Facilities: Egilsstaðir Airport is small. There is a basic cafe, free WiFi, and car rental desks. Use the restroom before your transfer.
- Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM (e.g., from Nova) at the airport if you haven't arranged international data.
Weather & Seasonal Considerations
- Winter (Oct-Apr): Bus services are skeletal. Taxi or pre-arranged transfer is often the only viable public option. Roads can be icy; a 4x4 rental is safer. Shoulder Seasons (May, Sept): Weather is mixed. Have flexible plans. The bus schedule is better than winter but less frequent than summer.
- Summer (June-Aug): Maximum options and best weather for walking/bus. However, this is peak tourist seasonâbook everything early.
FAQs: Your Egilsstaðir Airport Transfer Questions Answered
Is there a direct bus from Egilsstaðir Airport to the town center?
No, there is no scheduled public bus that goes directly from Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS) terminal to Egilsstaðir town. The primary public transport link is the Strætó bus service, which stops at the 'Egilsstaðir Airport' bus stop located on the main road (Route 1), approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal.
What is the cheapest way to get from Egilsstaðir Airport to downtown?
The cheapest way is to walk to the main road and take the public Strætó bus (Route 56 or 56A). A single ticket costs around 920 ISK. Walking is free but takes 45-60 minutes and is not advisable with luggage or in poor weather.
How much is a taxi from EGS airport to Egilsstaðir town?
A taxi for the 5 km trip typically costs between 2,500 - 3,500 ISK (approx. $18-$25 USD). The price is fixed for the journey to the town center. It's the most convenient, door-to-door option, especially for groups or those with lots of luggage.
Can I rent a car directly at Egilsstaðir Airport?
Yes, Avis, Budget, and Hertz have rental desks inside the Egilsstaðir Airport terminal. Pre-booking online is highly recommended, especially during the summer season, for better rates and guaranteed availability.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
Late-night arrivals pose a challenge as bus services are limited and may have stopped. Your only reliable options are: 1) Pre-book a taxi in advance (essential), or 2) Have a pre-arranged rental car pickup (confirm late-hour procedures). Do not rely on finding a taxi spontaneously.
How long does the transfer take?
The transfer time varies greatly by method: Taxi takes 5-10 minutes. The bus journey is short (~5 mins), but you must add the 10-minute walk to the stop and wait time. Renting a car takes 15-30 minutes for paperwork. Walking takes 45-60 minutes.
Is the walk from Egilsstaðir Airport to town safe and easy?
The walk is on paved roads and is physically easy, but it is not recommended for most travelers. Reasons include: No continuous sidewalk, sharing the road with vehicles, exposure to Iceland's unpredictable wind and weather, and inconvenience with luggage over 5 km. It's only suitable for backpackers on a very tight budget in good conditions.
What is the best option for a family or group?
For families or groups of 3+, a taxi is often the most cost-effective and hassle-free choice. The fixed fare is shared, making it comparable or cheaper per person than multiple bus tickets. Renting a minivan is the best option if you plan to explore the Eastfjords region independently afterward.