Best Ways to Travel to the Lofoten Islands, Norway

How to Get to the Lofoten Islands: The Guide to Reaching Norway's Arctic Paradise

Hidden above the Arctic Circle and surrounded by sheer mountain peaks, dramatic fjords, and traditional fishing villages, the Lofoten Islands are a dreamscape for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone with a craving for raw, untamed beauty. But getting to Lofoten? That’s part of the adventure.

These islands might feel remote — and they are — but with a little planning, getting there is smoother than you'd think. Whether you're coming from within Norway, somewhere else in Europe, or halfway across the world, here's how to make your way to this majestic Arctic archipelago.

🛫 Option 1: Flying to the Lofoten Islands

✈️ Best Airports for the Lofoten Islands

There’s no big international airport in Lofoten, but there are two regional airports that will get you right into the heart of the islands:

• Svolvær Airport (SVJ) – Ideal if you're staying in or near Svolvær, the cultural hub of Lofoten.
• Leknes Airport (LKN) – Best for accessing the western part of the islands, such as Reine, Hamnøy, and Flakstad.

🔁 Connecting Flights from Major Cities

To reach these airports, you’ll usually transfer at Bodø (BOO), Tromsø (TOS), or Oslo (OSL). Most travelers take the following routes:

🛬 From Oslo:

• Widerøe Airlines operates multiple daily flights to both Svolvær and Leknes via Bodø.
• Flight time from Oslo to Bodø: ~1 hour 30 minutes.
• Flight time from Bodø to Lofoten: ~25–30 minutes.

🛬 From Tromsø:

• You can also fly directly to Svolvær from Tromsø with Widerøe.
• It’s a scenic short-haul flight and ideal for those coming from Northern Norway.

💡 Tip: Book early, especially in summer and during the Northern Lights season (winter), when flights fill up quickly.

🛳 Option 2: Ferry to the Lofoten Islands (Scenic and Serene)

Ferries are a great way to arrive in Lofoten if you're not in a rush and want a front-row seat to Norway’s coastal drama.

🚢 Bodø to Moskenes Ferry

This is the most popular ferry route into Lofoten and connects mainland Norway to the western part of the islands.

• Operator: Torghatten Nord
• Duration: About 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Runs Year-Round: With increased frequency in summer
• Arrival Port: Moskenes, perfect for exploring Reine and Hamnøy

💡 Tip: You can bring a car on board, which is ideal if you’re planning a road trip across the islands.

🚢 Bodø to Svolvær (Passenger-only Express Boat)

If you’re not bringing a vehicle, an express passenger ferry runs from Bodø to Svolvær. It’s less common but a good option for foot travelers.

• Duration: ~3.5–4 hours
• Operates seasonally (typically spring through early fall)

🚗 Option 3: Road Trip via the Lofoten Scenic Route (E10 Highway)

🛣 Driving to the Islands

If you're up for a road trip, Lofoten is connected to the mainland via bridges and tunnels — no need to ferry if you’d rather stay on four wheels.

• From Bodø, take the ferry to Moskenes with your car, then continue along the E10.
• From Narvik, drive directly into Lofoten without needing a ferry. This route is longer but ferry-free.

🏞 The Scenic Route (E10)

Known as the Lofoten Scenic Route, this stretch of road is one of the most jaw-dropping drives in Europe.

• Distance: About 230 km from Narvik to Å (the last village in Lofoten)
• Highlights: Dramatic coastlines, mountain passes, fjords, colorful villages
• Driving Time: ~6-8 hours with scenic stops

💡 Pro Tip: Make time to stop at Henningsvær, Reine, Nusfjord, and the beaches at Uttakleiv and Unstad. Don’t rush this drive — it's half the experience.

🚆 + 🛳 Option 4: Train and Ferry Combo (For the Scenic Souls)

Want a slow-travel adventure? Combine Norway’s legendary trains with a ferry ride for a laid-back, cinematic journey to the islands.

🚂 Step 1: Train to Bodø

• Take the train from Oslo to Trondheim, then transfer to Bodø via the Nordland Line.
• It’s a 17–20 hour journey in total, so consider breaking it up overnight.
• The Nordland Line is the only railway in the world to cross the Arctic Circle!

🚢 Step 2: Ferry from Bodø to Moskenes

Once in Bodø, catch the ferry to Lofoten (see details above).

💡 Ideal for travelers with time and a love for rail travel. Great in summer when daylight lasts nearly 24 hours.

🚢 Bonus Option: Hurtigruten Coastal Cruise

Want to arrive in style? Hop aboard the Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages coastal cruise, which sails daily along the Norwegian coast.

• Route: Bergen → Ålesund → Trondheim → Bodø → Svolvær
• Duration: Several days depending on start point
• Stops in Lofoten: Typically includes Stamsund and Svolvær

💡 Perfect if you’re combining Lofoten with a larger exploration of Norway’s coast. It’s not cheap, but it’s unforgettable.

🌎 International Travelers: How to Reach Lofoten from Abroad

✈️ From Europe:

• Fly to Oslo or Tromsø via major hubs (London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam).
• Connect via Bodø to Lofoten.

✈️ From the USA/Canada:

• Fly to Oslo (OSL) with one stop via major European airports.
• From Oslo, follow the domestic flight path above.

💡 Tip for long-haul travelers: Spend a night or two in Oslo or Bodø to rest before heading into the islands. It breaks up the travel and lets you soak up some city culture before the wilderness.

🏷Which Option Should You Choose?

Choosing how to get to the Lofoten Islands depends a lot on your travel style, budget, and how much time you have to spare. If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, flying is your best bet — a quick connection via Bodø or Tromsø can get you straight into either Svolvær or Leknes, dropping you right into the action. For those who love a scenic journey, the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes is hard to beat. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to arrive, especially if you’re bringing a rental car for a Lofoten road trip.

If you’re an overland travel enthusiast, consider combining Norway’s iconic train journeys with a ferry — it’s slow travel at its finest and a chance to see more of the country. Meanwhile, road trippers can drive all the way up via the E10 highway from Narvik, making for an unforgettable adventure packed with fjords and viewpoints. And if you’re after something truly unique (and don't mind splurging), cruising in on a Hurtigruten or Havila coastal voyage gives you a grand, fjord-filled entrance to Lofoten’s ports.

So whether you're a jet-setter, a road warrior, or a lover of the scenic route, there's a perfect path waiting to take you to the heart of Norway’s Arctic wonderland.

Getting to Lofoten Is Part of the Adventure

Reaching the Lofoten Islands is like crossing into another realm — one where time slows down, nature takes center stage, and your jaw stays on the floor. Whether you arrive by ferry under a pastel sunset or fly in over snow-capped peaks, one thing’s certain: you’ll never forget your arrival to Lofoten.

Now that you know how to get there, all that’s left is to pack your boots, charge your camera, and answer the call of the Arctic.‍