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How to get from Lofoten to Tromso
The fastest way from Lofoten to Tromsø is a Widerøe flight from Svolvær or Leknes, about 1 to 2 h including a possible stop in Bodø. The most scenic is the coastal ship (Hurtigruten or Havila) from Svolvær or Stamsund, overnight, about 16 to 18 h. Driving takes about 7 to 8 h via the E10 and E6/E8.
Best option: Flight. A short flight saves most of a day compared with the ship or the long drive.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Widerøe flights from Svolvær or Leknes to Tromsø, direct or via Bodø | about 1 to 2 h | a few flights a day | about NOK 800–2,500 | Small propeller aircraft; weather can cause delays in winter. |
| ferry Coastal ships (Hurtigruten and Havila) northbound from Stamsund or Svolvær to Tromsø | about 16 to 18 h | daily | about NOK 1,000–3,000 for a seat; cabins extra | Departures from Lofoten are in the evening, arriving in Tromsø the next afternoon. Check current timetables. |
| car E10 from Lofoten via Lofast to Bjerkvik, then E6 and E8 to Tromsø | about 7 to 8 h from Svolvær | fuel plus small road tolls | Winter tyres and great care are needed from October to April; roads can close in storms. | |
| bus Regional express buses via Narvik | about 9 to 11 h with a change | one or two connections a day | about NOK 600–1,000 | Check current timetables; connections in Narvik are not always timed. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book the coastal ship ahead in the northern-lights season; cabins sell out.
- In winter, allow a spare day in case flights or roads are disrupted by weather.
- Rental cars collected in Lofoten often cost extra to drop off in Tromsø.
- Daylight is very short from late November to mid-January; plan driving accordingly.
Common questions
What is the fastest way from Lofoten to Tromsø?
A Widerøe flight from Svolvær or Leknes, about one to two hours depending on whether it stops in Bodø. There are a few flights a day. In winter, weather can delay or cancel small aircraft, so leave some slack if you have an onward flight from Tromsø.
Can I take the Hurtigruten from Lofoten to Tromsø?
Yes. The coastal ships of Hurtigruten and Havila sail north from Stamsund and Svolvær every evening and reach Tromsø the next afternoon, about 16 to 18 hours later. You can travel with a seat only or book a cabin. Check current timetables and book ahead in winter.
How long is the drive from Lofoten to Tromsø?
About seven to eight hours from Svolvær, roughly 420 km, via the E10 and Lofast road to Bjerkvik and then the E6 and E8. In winter, roads can be icy, dark and occasionally closed by storms. Use winter tyres, check road status and allow extra time.
Is there a bus from Lofoten to Tromsø?
Yes, but not directly. Regional express buses run from Lofoten to Narvik, where you change for a bus to Tromsø. The trip takes about nine to eleven hours with the change, and there are only one or two connections a day. Check current timetables.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.