Reykjavik to Edinburgh by train
Train service is not regularly available on this corridor.
Consider flying instead, which connects Reykjavik and Edinburgh via international airports.
How to travel from Reykjavik to Edinburgh
There are 3 ways to travel between Reykjavik and Edinburgh — 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, Icelandair, PLAY, British Airways
~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 Iceland into United Kingdom. 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.
Reykjavik to Edinburgh — every option in detail
Reykjavik to Edinburgh by bus
Long-distance coaches connect Reykjavik and Edinburgh 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.
Reykjavik to Edinburgh by flight
Flights between Reykjavik and Edinburgh 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, Icelandair, PLAY, British Airways.
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.
Reykjavik to Edinburgh by car
The driving distance from Reykjavik to Edinburgh 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 Iceland–United Kingdom 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 Reykjavik and Edinburgh 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 Reykjavik to Edinburgh?+
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 Reykjavik to Edinburgh?+
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 Reykjavik to Edinburgh?+
Flying is the most practical option for this 1374 km route. Both cities have international airports with regular service.
How far is Reykjavik from Edinburgh?+
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 Reykjavik to Edinburgh?+
Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €43. Journey time is approximately 19h 38m.
Trips from Reykjavik
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