Edinburgh to Reykjavik by train
Train service is not regularly available on this corridor.
Consider flying instead, which connects Edinburgh and Reykjavik via international airports.
How to travel from Edinburgh to Reykjavik
There are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Reykjavik — compare duration, price and operators below.
🚄Train
Not practical for this route.
🚌Bus
€43–116Duration: 19h 38m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, National Express
~38 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight
€90–285Duration: 4h 20m
via Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Icelandair, PLAY
~214 kg CO2 per passenger
🚗Car
€165–302Duration: 15h 16m
~234 kg CO2 per passenger
Where they are on the map
Travel tips for this route
- At 1374 km it's a longer journey — overnight stay strongly recommended.
- No practical train option — flying is your fastest choice. Book 3–6 weeks ahead for low-cost fares.
- This route crosses from United Kingdom into Iceland. Check passport/ID requirements with your operator before booking.
- Long-distance coaches (FlixBus and similar) are typically 30–50% cheaper than train, but 2–3× slower.
Edinburgh to Reykjavik — every option in detail
Edinburgh to Reykjavik by bus
Long-distance coaches connect Edinburgh and Reykjavik with a typical journey of 19h 38m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.
Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, National Express.
Fares start from around €43 when booked in advance, rising to €116 for last-minute travel.
Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.
Edinburgh to Reykjavik by flight
Flights between Edinburgh and Reykjavik take around 2h in the air, but plan on roughly 4h 20m door-to-door once you add airport transfers, check-in and security.
Airlines on this route include Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Icelandair, PLAY.
Typical fare range is €90–285. Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest base fares but charge separately for bags and seat selection.
Climate footprint: approximately 214 kg CO₂ per passenger for this flight.
Edinburgh to Reykjavik by car
The driving distance from Edinburgh to Reykjavik is approximately 1580 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 15h 16m of driving plus stops.
Fuel-only running cost is in the €165–302 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.
Crossing the United Kingdom–Iceland border by car is straightforward within the Schengen Area; check current rules with the operator or border authority if either country is outside it.
Climate footprint: approximately 234 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.
About this route
The distance between Edinburgh and Reykjavik is approximately 1374 kilometres. Both cities have international airports with regular flight service. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel from Edinburgh to Reykjavik?+
The fastest way is by flight, taking around 4h 20m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Reykjavik?+
Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €43. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.
Do I need to fly from Edinburgh to Reykjavik?+
Flying is the most practical option for this 1374 km route. Both cities have international airports with regular service.
How far is Edinburgh from Reykjavik?+
The straight-line distance is approximately 1374 kilometres (853 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.
Is there a bus from Edinburgh to Reykjavik?+
Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €43. Journey time is approximately 19h 38m.
Trips from Edinburgh
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