Quick Answer
The best way to get from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) to Egilsstaðir is by domestic flight. It's the only method that makes sense for a single-day transfer, taking about 1 hour flying time (3-4 hours door-to-door) and costing from 15,000 to 35,000 ISK one-way. For those with more time seeking adventure, renting a car and driving the 650-km Ring Road route (7-9+ hours) offers unparalleled flexibility and access to iconic sights like the Eastfjords. The cheapest but longest option is the public bus (8+ hours, from 12,000 ISK).
Domestic Flight: The Time-Saving Choice
Flying is the only realistic option if you need to reach Egilsstaðir on the same day you land at RKV without spending all of it in transit. Operated exclusively by Air Iceland Connect, this route connects Iceland's capital region to its remote east.
Step-by-Step Flight Process:
- Arrive at RKV: This small airport is efficient. Baggage claim is quick.
- Transfer to the Domestic Terminal at KEF or RKV: Critical Note: Ensure your connecting flight departs from the correct airport. Some domestic flights operate from RKV, but many, including most to Egilsstaðir, depart from the Domestic Terminal at Keflavik International Airport (KEF).
- Transfer between RKV and KEF: A 45-minute drive. Use the Flybus (pre-booked) or a taxi (~15,000 ISK). Factor this into your total time and cost.
- Check-in & Boarding: Check-in closes 40 minutes before departure. The process is swift compared to international flights.
- The Flight: Lasts 55-70 minutes. You'll fly on a turboprop plane (Dash-8 or similar), often offering stunning aerial views of glaciers and volcanoes.
- Arrive at Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS): This is a tiny airport. The town center is a 5-minute drive away. A pre-arranged hotel shuttle, taxi, or rental car pick-up is needed.
Flight Cost & Booking Deep Dive:
| Fare Type | Average Price (One-Way) | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 15,000 - 22,000 ISK | Seat + small carry-on (max 6kg). Checked bag costs extra (~4,000 ISK). | Solo travelers with minimal luggage on a tight budget. |
| Economy Standard | 20,000 - 28,000 ISK | Seat + 20kg checked baggage + standard carry-on. | Most travelers; offers the best value with baggage. |
| Last-Minute / Peak | 30,000 - 45,000+ ISK | Same as Standard, but price surges due to demand. | Emergency travel or those who failed to plan ahead. |
Pro Tip: According to data analysis from travel forums, booking at least 6-8 weeks in advance for summer travel yields the lowest prices. Fares are dynamic and can double as seats fill up.
Car Rental & The Epic Road Trip
Driving is the quintessential Icelandic experience, offering total freedom. The route from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir along the Ring Road (Route 1) is a journey through diverse landscapesâfrom lava fields to majestic fjords.
The Drive: Route & Realistic Timeline
Primary Route: RKV â Route 1 East â Egilsstaðir. Distance: ~650 km. Google Maps Time: ~7h 30min.
Reality Check: This "minimum drive time" is a fantasy for tourists. A realistic schedule is 9-12 hours or split over 2-3 days, factoring in:
- Essential Stops: Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi waterfalls, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, charming Eastfjord villages like Seyðisfjörður.
- Weather & Road Conditions: Summer dust storms, winter blizzards, and single-lane bridges will slow you down.
- Fatigue: This is a long, demanding drive. Regular breaks are non-negotiable for safety.
Renting the Right Car: A Critical Decision
You cannot rent a car at RKV. You must get to a rental office at KEF airport or in downtown Reykjavik.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Daily Cost (Peak Season) | Recommended For This Trip? | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 2WD (e.g., VW Polo) | 8,000 - 12,000 ISK | Only in Summer. Risky if weather turns. | Cheapest, but prohibited on F-roads and vulnerable to high winds. |
| Compact AWD/4x4 (e.g., Dacia Duster) | 15,000 - 25,000 ISK | YES. The ideal choice. | Handles gravel, wind, and light snow. Best balance of cost and capability for the Ring Road. |
| Large 4x4 / SUV (e.g., Toyota Land Cruiser) | 30,000 - 50,000+ ISK | For groups of 4+ or those planning extensive highland (F-road) detours. | Maximum comfort and off-road ability, but high fuel and rental cost. |
Must-Have Insurance: Always get Gravel Protection (SAAP/GP) and Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP). The east can have long gravel sections and ash storms. Liability insurance is legally mandatory.
Public Bus (Strætó): The Budget Adventurer's Route
This is Iceland's national bus service. It's reliable, safe, and the absolute lowest-cost public transport option, but it demands patience and flexibility.
The Journey: Complex but Scenic
There is NO direct bus. The journey involves multiple legs and changes.
- RKV to BSÃ Bus Terminal (Reykjavik): Take the Flybus or a taxi from the airport.
- BSà to Akureyri/Mývatn (Route 56 or 57): A long haul north (5-6 hours). You'll change buses at a designated stop.
- Akureyri/Mývatn to Egilsstaðir (Route 56): The final leg east (2-3 hours).
Pros, Cons, and Niche Use Cases
- Pros: Extremely cheap. Offers a unique, ground-level view of the countryside. You can book individual legs on the Strætó website/app.
- Cons: Infrequent service (maybe 1-2 departures per day). Complex timetable requiring precise coordination. Limited luggage space. No commentary or guided stops.
- Best For: Solo backpackers on a strict budget without a driver's license, or travelers who have an overnight stop planned in Akureyri.
Alternative: Consider a multi-day guided bus tour (e.g., with Niceland or Reykjavik Excursions) if your goal is to see sights along the way without driving. This costs more than the public bus but includes guidance, planning, and strategic stops.
Taxi & Private Transfers: The Niche Option
For a standard traveler, this is not a recommended or practical method. The distance is simply too great.
- Cost: A one-way taxi would likely cost 200,000 ISK or more (over $1,400 USD). Private transfer companies quote similarly exorbitant prices.
- When It Might Make Sense:
- A large group (6-8 people) splitting the cost for a special occasion.
- Travelers with significant mobility challenges where other options are impossible.
- An urgent, time-sensitive business need where money is no object.
Bottom Line: For 99% of visitors, the cost of a private vehicle for this distance is better spent on flights, a rental car, or extra nights in beautiful accommodations along the drive.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
| Method | Avg. Door-to-Door Time | Avg. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flight | 3 - 4 hours | 20,000 - 35,000 ISK | Fastest overall. Avoids long drive fatigue. | Most expensive. Needs airport transfer. Baggage limits. Weather delays. | Time-pressed travelers, those avoiding long drives. |
| Car Rental | 7 - 12+ hours (or 2-3 days) | 15,000 - 40,000 ISK* + fuel | Total freedom, scenic stops, ability to explore. | Long, tiring drive. High responsibility (weather, cost). | Adventurous travelers, groups, photographers, flexible itineraries. |
| Public Bus (Strætó) | 8 - 10+ hours | 12,000 - 16,000 ISK | Cheapest. No driving stress. | Very long, complex with changes. Infrequent. Inflexible. | Solo budget backpackers. |
| Taxi/Transfer | 7 - 9 hours | 200,000+ ISK | Door-to-door, private. | Extremely expensive. Impractical. | Large groups or special needs only. |
*Car cost is for 1-3 day rental + estimated fuel (approx. 10,000-15,000 ISK).
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Before You Book: Strategic Planning
- Season is Everything: Summer (June-Aug) offers midnight sun and easier driving but peak prices and crowds. Winter (Oct-Apr) has harsh conditions, short days, but northern lights and lower costs. Shoulder seasons (May, Sept) are a great balance.
- Book Early, Especially for Summer: This applies to flights, rental cars, and accommodation along the Ring Road. Inventory disappears months in advance.
- Use Trusted Resources:
- Road Conditions: Road.is (official source).
- Weather: Vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office).
- Safe Travel: Safetravel.is for alerts and tips.
On the Ground: Practical Wisdom
- Credit Card is King: Iceland is largely cashless. A PIN-enabled credit card is essential for fuel pumps (especially unmanned ones in the east) and most purchases.
- Fuel & Food Stops: Do not let your fuel gauge drop below half in the eastern regions. Gas stations can be far apart. Similarly, plan meal stops; don't assume a café will be open.
- Respect the Environment & Rules: Never drive off-road. Stay on marked paths. Park only in designated areas. The landscape is fragile.
- Embrace the Flexibility: Your itinerary will change due to weather. Have a "Plan B" for storm days (e.g., a museum day, local hot spring).
FAQs: Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Egilsstaðir
What is the fastest way to get from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Egilsstaðir?
The absolute fastest way is by taking a domestic flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Egilsstaðir (EGS). The flight itself takes about 1 hour. However, when calculating total door-to-door time (including airport transfers, check-in, and security), it typically takes 3-4 hours, which is still significantly quicker than driving (7+ hours).
What is the cheapest way to travel from RKV to Egilsstaðir?
The most budget-friendly option is taking the public Strætó bus. A one-way ticket can cost between 12,000 - 16,000 ISK. However, this is a long journey (over 8 hours) with multiple changes. For better value and flexibility, renting a car and sharing the cost with others is often considered the best balance of cost and convenience.
Can I drive from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir? Is it recommended?
Yes, you can drive. The distance is approximately 650 km via the Ring Road (Route 1). The drive takes a minimum of 7-8 hours in good summer conditions, but can be much longer in winter or if you stop at sights. It is highly recommended for those who want flexibility and to experience Iceland's stunning landscapes, but requires careful planning for weather, road conditions, and fatigue.
Are there direct flights from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) to Egilsstaðir?
Yes, there are direct flights operated by Iceland's domestic airline, Air Iceland Connect. There are usually 1-2 direct flights per day, but the schedule varies seasonally. It's crucial to book well in advance, especially in summer.
Where do I catch the bus from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir?
You do not catch a direct bus from the airport. First, take the Flybus or a taxi from RKV to the Reykjavik main bus terminal, BSÃ. From BSÃ, you will board the long-distance Strætó bus (Route 56) heading east. This route requires at least one change, often in Akureyri or at Mývatn.
Is it easy to rent a car at Reykjavik Domestic Airport?
No, Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) has very limited, if any, car rental desks. Most travelers arriving at RKV who wish to rent a car will need to take a short taxi or bus ride (15 mins) to the larger Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or to rental offices in downtown Reykjavik, where all major international and local rental companies (like Blue Car Rental, Lotus, etc.) are located.
How much does a taxi cost from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir?
A private taxi for this 650km journey is prohibitively expensive and not a standard service. The cost could easily exceed 200,000 ISK (over $1,400 USD). This option is only feasible for large groups splitting the cost or in extreme emergencies. Pre-booked private transfers are similarly costly. This method is not recommended for standard travel.
What should I know about traveling in winter?
Winter travel (Oct-Apr) requires serious preparation. Road conditions can be treacherousâalways check Road.is and Vedur.is for weather. Flights are more prone to cancellation. If driving, a 4x4 vehicle is mandatory, and you must be comfortable with icy roads and limited daylight. Always have a backup plan.