How to Get to Tromso. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Tromsø Airport TOS

Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS) the main airport. It serves both domestic and international flights, making it the main gateway to the city and region.

Airport Info

Domestic: SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe operate frequent flights within Norway.
International: Seasonal direct flights connect Tromsø to various European hubs (London Gatwick, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Helsinki).
Direct flights from North America or Asia unavailable; connect using Oslo or European hubs.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight frequency substantially during peak winter (Northern Lights season, typically December-March) plus busy summer (Midnight Sun season, June-July). Prices substantially higher in these periods.

When to Fly

High Season (Winter/Summer): Increased flights, higher prices.
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Prices lower.
Use Dollar Flight Club for offers and Skyscanner for comparisons.

Airport Facilities

Cafes, duty-free shop, car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar). Free Wi-Fi.

Airport Bus

Airport Express Bus (Flybussen) to inns/city center (20-30 min). Local Route 42 cheaper.

Other Transfers

Taxis available outside terminal (NOK 200-300 to city center). Car rental at airport for flexibility. Look at different options with DiscoverCars.com.

Ground Transport Options

Train & Bus Connections

No train connections to Tromsø. Closest train station in Narvik (connects to Sweden).
Long-distance buses from Narvik (Arctic Route) and northern Finland/Sweden (seasonal).
No direct land border crossings to Tromsø.
Land travel less common for direct arrival.

Self-Driving Considerations

Valid national license, International Driving Permit (IDP) advised for non-EU/EEA.
Roads well-maintained. Winter: studded/winter tires mandatory Nov 1-Apr 30. 4WD recommended.
Wildlife (moose, reindeer) on roads, especially dawn/dusk. Headlights on always.
Passes through the mountains may close due to heavy snow. Check the state of the roads.

Land Transportation Comparison

Bus

Economical, scenic views, no driving stress. Limited schedule, more travel time time. Cost: NOK 400-600. Duration: 4 hours (from Narvik).

Rental Car

Flexibility, freedom to explore the local area. Expensive, winter driving challenges, costs for parking. Cost: NOK 800-1500+/day + fuel. Duration: 4 hours (from Narvik).

Border Crossing

No direct land border crossings connect to Tromsø. Most land travel would originate from neighboring Sweden or Finland, less common for direct arrival.

Sea/River Arrivals

Coastal Ferry Services

Sea travel a scenic and traditional way to approach Tromsø, especially via the coastal ferry.

Hurtigruten

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage, Hurtigruten, calls at Tromsø daily.
Popular way to arrive from other coastal towns, through stunning fjords.
Significant port of call for northbound and southbound journeys.

Cruise Ships & Terminals

Tromsø a popular port of call for international cruise ships, specifically in the summer.

Arrivals & Access

Cruise passengers experience the city during day excursions.
Immigration: Standard checks for international cruise arrivals. Domestic Hurtigruten no extra checks.
Terminals: Hurtigruten terminal conveniently near city center. Easy access to taxis/buses.

River Transportation

River transportation not applicable for Tromsø, as it a coastal city on an island and no rely on major river systems for transport.

Not Relevant

Coastal city on an island.
No river transport for intra-city travel.
Focus on sea and land options for arrival.

Port Connections

The Hurtigruten terminal conveniently near the city center. This for easy access to taxis and local buses for the next leg of your trip to your accommodation.

Onward Travel

Easy access to taxis and public buses from Hurtigruten terminal.
Walking distance to many city center accommodations.
Cruise ship terminals also easy access to the city.

Departure Information

No separate exit fees or taxes for flights (generally included in ticket price).
Domestic flights: arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
International flights: 2-3 hours. Check in online if airline allows.

Airport facilities for departing travelers: Cafes, duty-free shops, limited retail.
Security checks efficient but have queues during peak hours.
Confirm bag check-off procedures.

Travel Tips

Travel Smart

Tromsø Airport (TOS) main gateway. Book flights ahead of time for busy periodss. Utilize Flybussen or local coach for transfers.

How to Get to Tromso