Egilsstaðir Airport

Egilsstadir Airport sits on the eastern shore of Lake Lagarfljót, about two kilometres from the centre of Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland. The airport serves as the primary air link for the region, handling domestic flights from Reykjavik and seasonal international charter traffic. With a single runway and a compact terminal, it is small by international standards but vital for connecting a thinly populated area where road journeys can be long and weather-dependent.

Getting There

Egilsstadir Airport is located just off Route 1, the main ring road that circles Iceland. From the town centre of Egilsstadir, the drive takes about five minutes by car or taxi. A public bus service (Strætó) operates between the town and the airport, timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures. The journey costs around 500 ISK and takes roughly ten minutes. For those arriving from other parts of East Iceland, the airport is accessible via well-maintained roads. From Reykjavik, the drive is about seven hours, but many visitors opt for the domestic flight, which takes just over an hour. Note that winter conditions can make road travel hazardous, and the airport sometimes experiences delays due to snow or fog. Parking at the airport is free and ample, with designated spaces for disabled drivers. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and car rental companies such as Hertz and Budget have desks inside the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Egilsstadir Airport is a single-storey building with a functional, no-frills design. On arrival, passengers enter a small baggage claim area with a single carousel. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with automatic doors at the entrance, a wheelchair-accessible car park directly outside, and an accessible toilet. The check-in area consists of a few counters operated by Icelandair and other airlines, with seating for waiting passengers. Security is quick, as the airport handles relatively low volumes. The busiest times are Monday at 9 am, Tuesday at 8 am, Wednesday at 9 am, and Thursday at 7 pm, corresponding to the peak flight schedules. During these periods, queues can form, but they rarely exceed twenty minutes. Inside the secure zone, there is a small café selling coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. The café closes between flights, so passengers arriving early or with long delays may find it shuttered. There is no duty-free shop or lounge. The atmosphere is calm and efficient, with friendly staff who often double as baggage handlers. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the terminal, but the connection can be slow. Travelers should bring their own entertainment and snacks if they anticipate a wait.

Egilsstadir Airport and Egilsstadir

Egilsstadir is the administrative and commercial hub of East Iceland, with a population of around 2,500 people. The town sits at the confluence of the Lagarfljót River and the Eyvindarár River, surrounded by rolling hills, birch forests, and farmland. The region is one of Iceland's most scenic, with Vatnajökull National Park to the south and the eastern fjords to the east. The airport serves as the main gateway for visitors exploring these areas. Egilsstadir itself offers a range of amenities: supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels, restaurants, and a hospital. The town's main attraction is the Lagarfljót lake, which according to local folklore harbours a serpent-like creature similar to the Loch Ness monster. A short drive from the town leads to Hallormsstaðarskógur, Iceland's largest forest, with hiking trails and picnic spots. Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls (128 metres), is accessible via a one-hour hike from the nearby valley. Other popular activities include fishing in the rivers and lakes, horse riding on Icelandic horses, and boat trips on Lake Lagarfljót. In winter, the area offers cross-country skiing and northern lights viewing. The town also hosts a cultural festival in July, celebrating local music and food. For travelers heading further afield, the airport is the starting point for excursions to the Snaefellsnes peninsula? No, that's west—correcting: for trips to the eastern fjords such as Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque town with a ferry to the Faroe Islands and Denmark. The airport's small size means that arrivals and departures are efficient, allowing visitors to quickly transition from flight to adventure. Despite its remote location, Egilsstadir Airport is a well-functioning facility that meets the needs of both residents and tourists.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours; it opens approximately one hour before the first flight and closes after the last flight of the day. The telephone number for the airport operator is +354 424 4000, and the website is https://www.innanlandsflugvellir.is/egilsstadaflugvollur. Flight schedules vary by season, with more frequent service in summer. Winter flights are subject to weather cancellations, so it is wise to check the status before heading to the airport. The terminal has toilets and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. On-site services include car rental counters and a small café. There is no ATM inside the terminal, so bring cash or use card payment—Iceland is largely cashless. Parking is free. For those with mobility issues, the entire facility is wheelchair-accessible. One practical piece of advice: if you are catching a flight during the busiest times (Monday 9 am, Tuesday 8 am, Wednesday 9 am, or Thursday 7 pm), arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow for potential queues at check-in and security. Otherwise, 20 minutes is usually sufficient for domestic departures. For international flights (rare, but charters do operate), allow an extra 30 minutes for passport control.