How to get to Lofoten
- Ferry: Bodø to Moskenes takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions. More...
- Hurtigruten to Stamsund: Travel with the Hurtigruten from Bodø to Stamsund. More...
- Leknes airport (LKN): Catch a plane with Wideroe from Bodø More...
- Hurtigruten or ferry to Svolvær: Travel with Hurtigruten from Bodø to Svolvær (hurtigruten). Skutvik to Svolvær (ferry)
- Svolvær airport (SVJ): Catch a flight from Bodø to Svolvær More...
- European route E10: Lofoten islands is connected to the mainland with the E10 past the city of Narvik and into Sweden.
- Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (EVE): For a group or if you are traveling on a budget Harstad/Narvik, Evenes (EVE) airport is another alternative. There is a 3-4 hour drive to Lofoten. Renting a car is recommended, but there is also a possibility to travel from the airport to Lofoten with public transport.
Airports
Lofoten has two airports, Leknes and Svolvær. Widerøe Airlines offers direct flights to both airports from Oslo, but not on a daily basis. Departures are in the early morning, which may not be convenient for travelers arriving from outside Norway. For most journeys to Lofoten, a transfer via Bodø airport and possibly Oslo is necessary, especially for those arriving from outside Norway. Widerøe Airlines operates the final flight to Lofoten with multiple daily flights, which can be booked individually or via SAS Airlines or other Star Alliance partners for a single booking.
Norwegian Airlines offers affordable international flights to Norway, but only operates flights to Bodø or Harstad/Narvik - Evenes. A separate Widerøe ticket may be necessary to continue to Lofoten. Harstad/Narvik airport requires a 2-hour drive or bus ride to reach Svolvær in east Lofoten or 4.5 hours to Reine in west Lofoten. This option is more suitable for those planning to rent a car from major car rental agencies before continuing their journey to Lofoten.
Kiruna airport in Sweden, which is 350 km east of Lofoten, is served by SAS and Norwegian Airlines with direct flights from Stockholm.
Ferry
If you are looking for an exciting way to reach Lofoten, consider the 3-hour ferry trip from Bodø to Moskenes, operated by Torghatten Nord. However, be aware that the crossing of the Vestfjord may not be smooth, even in summer. If you are prone to seasickness, flying may be a safer option. Foot passengers and vehicle passengers travel for free on the ferry, and no reservations are typically needed. However, if traveling with a car in summer, it is highly recommended to make a reservation to avoid waiting for a later departure.
The Hurtigruten coastal ferry also links Bodø - Stamsund and Svolvær, but it is slightly pricier than the Bodø - Moskenes route. If you prefer a passenger-only option, the Bodø - Svolvær express boat, operated by Torghatten Nord, is a good choice. The northbound Hurtigruten leaves Bodø at 15:00 and arrives in Stamsund at 19:00 and Svolvær at 21:00. The southbound Hurtigruten leaves Svolvær at 20:30 and Stamsund at 22:30, arriving in Bodø at 02:30. The southbound Hurtigruten coastal ferry is a scenic way to reach the islands from destinations further north. The last part of the journey, Raftsundet and Trollfjord, is one of the most spectacular areas of the Lofoten coastline
Rent a car. Read more...
Public transport. Read more...
Lofoten has two airports, Leknes and Svolvær. Widerøe Airlines offers direct flights to both airports from Oslo, but not on a daily basis. Departures are in the early morning, which may not be convenient for travelers arriving from outside Norway. For most journeys to Lofoten, a transfer via Bodø airport and possibly Oslo is necessary, especially for those arriving from outside Norway. Widerøe Airlines operates the final flight to Lofoten with multiple daily flights, which can be booked individually or via SAS Airlines or other Star Alliance partners for a single booking.
Norwegian Airlines offers affordable international flights to Norway, but only operates flights to Bodø or Harstad/Narvik - Evenes. A separate Widerøe ticket may be necessary to continue to Lofoten. Harstad/Narvik airport requires a 2-hour drive or bus ride to reach Svolvær in east Lofoten or 4.5 hours to Reine in west Lofoten. This option is more suitable for those planning to rent a car from major car rental agencies before continuing their journey to Lofoten.
Kiruna airport in Sweden, which is 350 km east of Lofoten, is served by SAS and Norwegian Airlines with direct flights from Stockholm.
Ferry
If you are looking for an exciting way to reach Lofoten, consider the 3-hour ferry trip from Bodø to Moskenes, operated by Torghatten Nord. However, be aware that the crossing of the Vestfjord may not be smooth, even in summer. If you are prone to seasickness, flying may be a safer option. Foot passengers and vehicle passengers travel for free on the ferry, and no reservations are typically needed. However, if traveling with a car in summer, it is highly recommended to make a reservation to avoid waiting for a later departure.
The Hurtigruten coastal ferry also links Bodø - Stamsund and Svolvær, but it is slightly pricier than the Bodø - Moskenes route. If you prefer a passenger-only option, the Bodø - Svolvær express boat, operated by Torghatten Nord, is a good choice. The northbound Hurtigruten leaves Bodø at 15:00 and arrives in Stamsund at 19:00 and Svolvær at 21:00. The southbound Hurtigruten leaves Svolvær at 20:30 and Stamsund at 22:30, arriving in Bodø at 02:30. The southbound Hurtigruten coastal ferry is a scenic way to reach the islands from destinations further north. The last part of the journey, Raftsundet and Trollfjord, is one of the most spectacular areas of the Lofoten coastline
Rent a car. Read more...
Public transport. Read more...