Travel to & Departure: Abisko

Air Travel Details

Main Airports

Nearest airports serving Abisko.

Airport Access

Kiruna Airport (KRN): The nearest airport, 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Abisko. Main entry point.
Narvik Airport, Framnes (NVK), Norway: West of Abisko, mainly domestic Norwegian flights. Less common for international access.
Luleå Airport (LLA): Further south (350 km or 217 miles from Abisko), a larger regional airport. Less direct for Abisko than Kiruna.

Airlines & Routes

Typical flight paths and carriers.

Flight Connections

To Kiruna (KRN): SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) are the main carriers. Find deals on Dollar Flight Club.
International Hubs: No direct international flights to Kiruna. Connect via Stockholm (ARN) or major European hubs like Copenhagen (CPH) or Oslo (OSL).
Seasonal Flights: Flights to Kiruna are year-round. Prices are higher during peak winter and summer seasons. Consider using Skyscanner for comparison.

Airport Transfers from Kiruna

Options from Kiruna Airport (KRN) to Abisko.

Rental Car from Kiruna

Rental cars are available at Kiruna Airport. This option suits independent exploration. Winter driving requirements apply. Visit DiscoverCars.com for options.

Train from Kiruna

The most common and scenic option. Take a taxi or airport bus from Kiruna Airport to Kiruna train station. Board the train towards Narvik, stopping at Abisko Östra or Abisko Turiststation. The journey offers stunning views.

Kiruna Airport Facilities

Basic Services

Small but functional.
Check-in desks.
Baggage claim.
Small café or restaurant.

Convenience

Car rental counters.
Easy to navigate upon arrival.
Airport bus and taxi options.
Payment by credit card is standard.

Border Crossing & Permits

Border Entry

Abisko is entirely within Sweden. If traveling from Norway (e.g., Narvik) by train or car, you will not find formal border controls due to the Schengen Area agreement.

Customs Checks

Customs checks are possible. Be ready to show your passport and declare goods if asked.

No Entry Fees

Sweden does not impose general entry fees for travelers.

Land Journey Options

Train Connections

The Arctic Circle Railway is a main transport mode.

Railway Services

Arctic Circle Railway: Malmbanan connects Kiruna (Sweden) to Narvik (Norway), passing through Abisko.
Operator: SJ (Swedish Railways) runs the trains. Book tickets via the SJ website.
Abisko Stations: Abisko Östra (village) and Abisko Turiststation (park entrance/Sky Station). Select the correct one when booking.

Bus & Self-Driving

Alternative land transport options.

Road & Bus Travel

Long-Distance Bus: Limited direct services to Abisko. Take a bus to Kiruna, then train to Abisko. Check Länstrafiken Norrbotten.
Self-Driving: The E10 highway runs through Abisko. Roads in Sweden are generally well-maintained.
Winter Driving: Mandatory winter tires (studded or non-studded) from Dec 1 to Mar 31. Driving conditions are challenging with snow, ice, reduced visibility.

Road Conditions & Safety

Important notes for driving.

Safe Driving Practices

Summer: Roads generally clear, though some gravel sections exist.
Winter: Roads are icy and snow-covered. Plowing occurs regularly, but conditions become challenging during heavy snowfall. Black ice is a constant risk.
Speed Limits: Speed limits are enforced. Drive carefully, especially on unfamiliar roads or in adverse weather.

Driving & Wildlife

Wildlife on roads and fuel considerations.

Fuel & Animal Alerts

Fuel: Gas stations are limited in Abisko itself. Plan to fill up your tank in Kiruna or other larger towns before heading to Abisko.
Wildlife: Watch out for reindeer and moose on the roads, especially at dusk and dawn. These animals pose a collision risk.
Border Crossing: Abisko is entirely within Sweden. No formal border controls if coming from Norway (Schengen Area). Customs checks are possible.

Driving Warnings

Winter Tires: Ensure your rental car has the needed winter tires.
No Arctic Experience: Do not attempt to drive in the Arctic winter without prior experience in snow and ice.
Wildlife Collisions: Be vigilant for animals on roads, especially during low light.

Road Conditions: Black ice is a constant risk.
Roads: While generally well-maintained, conditions change rapidly.
Visibility: Reduced visibility during heavy snowfall.

Departure Logistics

Departure Procedures

Plan your departure from Abisko with the same care as your arrival.

Final Travel Steps

Exit Fees: Sweden does not have specific exit fees or taxes for travelers departing the country.
Train Departure: Arrive at your chosen Abisko train station (Abisko Östra or Abisko Turiststation) at least 15-20 minutes before your train's scheduled departure. This provides enough time to find your platform and board comfortably.
Airport Departure: If flying from Kiruna Airport, plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your international flight departure (or 1.5 hours for domestic flights). This allows time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

What to expect at the airport or station.

Departure Point Services

Kiruna Airport: Offers basic facilities including check-in, baggage drop, and a small waiting area with a café.
Abisko Train Stations: Both Abisko Östra and Abisko Turiststation are simple train stops with basic shelters. Abisko Turiststation, at the STF Mountain Station, presents a waiting area within the main building, restrooms, and a small shop.
Flight Compensation: AirHelp aids passengers in receiving compensation for delayed or canceled flights.

Departure Planning

Check train schedules thoroughly for any inter-Abisko travel or connections to Kiruna or Narvik. A missed train means a long wait.

Travel to Abisko & Departure