How to get to Lofoten
There are four practical ways to reach the islands: a regional flight from Bodø, the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, a drive from the airport at Evenes, or the long-distance bus from Narvik. The right one depends on whether you travel with a car and which end of the islands you want to see first.
You can also arrive by road without a ferry. The national tourist route along the E10 runs from Raftsundet to Å, and the road link from the mainland is an alternative to the ferry. That does not automatically hold for every outer island, so check your route before you commit.
Once you are on the islands, some tours start right in Svolvær, such as the guided Trollfjord trip. Our page on Lofoten boat tours lists the options and seasons.
Ways to reach Lofoten compared
2026 information. Timetables and fares depend on your travel date.
| Route | Arrives at | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Regional flight from Bodø | Leknes (LKN) or Svolvær (SVJ) | Operated by Widerøe; check the flight plan for your date |
| Summer flight from Oslo | Leknes | Daily from 22 June to 23 August 2026; not a year-round route |
| Ferry Bodø to Moskenes | Moskenes, near Reine and Å | People free, car up to 6 m NOK 605 one way, reservation optional |
| Evenes airport and airport bus | Svolvær | Bus FB85 runs all year since 1 July 2026 |
| Evenes airport and car | Svolvær | About 2 hours 30 minutes by car, longer in winter |
| Bus 300 from Narvik | Svolvær, Leknes, Å | About 7.5 hours for the whole route, 2 daily departures |
| Hurtigruten coastal ship | Stamsund, Svolvær | Northbound calls in the evening |
For most visitors without a car, the simplest route is a flight via Bodø to Leknes or Svolvær and then the regional buses. With a car, the Bodø to Moskenes ferry puts you at the southern end of the E10, and Evenes puts you at the northern end. Both let you drive the islands in one direction without backtracking.
Our pick: without a car
Our take: a guided day from Svolvær to Å and back, if you arrive without a car.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lofoten tours and day trips
Boat trips, northern lights, hikes and more once you have arrived, with live prices and availability.
Flights, airport bus and ferry in detail
What each option involves.
Flying to Leknes or Svolvær
Widerøe flies the routes Leknes to Bodø and Svolvær to Bodø. Frequencies and fares depend on the date, so look up a concrete flight plan before you plan around it. In summer 2026 Widerøe also flies a daily Leknes to Oslo flight from 22 June to 23 August. That is a summer connection, not a year-round one, so do not assume it for other months.
Evenes airport and the airport bus
Evenes airport lies on the mainland. By car it takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to Svolvær, depending on road conditions, and more in winter. Since 1 July 2026 the airport bus FB85 runs from Evenes to Svolvær all year, via Gullesfjordbotn, Fiskebøl and Vestpollen. Check the fare and whether the bus fits your flight before you book.
The Bodø to Moskenes ferry
Line 18-782 crosses from Bodø to Moskenes. The timetable has a summer block from 10 August to 6 September 2026 and a winter block from 7 September 2026, so the number of departures is not the same all year. People travel free. A car up to 6 m costs NOK 605 one way, a car of 6.01–8 m costs NOK 1,302 and a motorbike NOK 177.
Plan the drive from Moskenes →Reserving a ferry place
Reservation is optional. About half of the capacity can be reserved. The surcharge is NOK 130 for a car up to 6 m and NOK 170 for 6.01–8 m. A foot passenger pays NOK 65 as an adult and NOK 35 as a child, military or senior. A reserved vehicle must be in the reserved lane at least 45 minutes before departure, and booking closes at 8 p.m. the day before where places remain.
Paying for the ferry
Payment works with AutoPASS, FerryPay, a card on board or an invoice later. A trailer counts toward the total length of the vehicle.
Regional buses
Bus 300 links Å, Leknes, Svolvær and Narvik. Local lines include 18-741 Svolvær to Leknes, 18-742 Å to Leknes, 18-772 Å to Reine and Hamnøy, and 18-743 Svolvær to Kabelvåg and Henningsvær. Children under 6 travel free on the long-distance bus. A Travel Pass Nordland costs NOK 1,990 for 7 days, and the Reis Ung pass for ages 6 to 25 costs NOK 295 for 30 days.
Hurtigruten
The coastal ship calls at Stamsund between 19:15 and 19:40 and at Svolvær between 21:20 and 22:15 when heading north. It is a coastal voyage, not the ferry from Bodø, and a Bodø ferry ticket does not cover it.
A few things to know before you go
Practical points for the planning stage.
Ferry-free is not toll-free
Driving in over the road link avoids the ferry fare, but that is not the same as avoiding tolls. Check the toll situation for your route and vehicle before you leave.
No general visitor charge in 2026
The law on visitor charges came into force on 1 July 2026. Municipalities may start to levy an overnight charge from 2027. Check the municipality for your dates when you book a stay.
Winter travel
Allow more time on the road from Evenes in winter. Ask your rental company about winter equipment, and check road conditions on the day.
Where to base yourself
Your arrival point shapes where you sleep first. See our guide to where to stay in Lofoten for Reine, Svolvær and Henningsvær.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go once you are there.
Lofoten road trip
The E10 from Raftsundet to Å, with stops and parking.
Best time to visit
Aurora, midnight sun and hiking windows.
Reine and Hamnøy
The end of the road for many first visits.
If you are coming through Bodø, our sister guide to Bodø covers the town. The coastal ship has its own page in the guide to the Hurtigruten route.
Getting to Lofoten: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get to Lofoten?
For most visitors without a car, a flight via Bodø to Leknes or Svolvær and then the regional buses is the simplest route. With a car, the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes or the drive from Evenes both work.
Is the Bodø to Moskenes ferry free?
People travel without charge, but the vehicle is charged. In 2026 a car up to 6 m costs NOK 605 one way. Reserving a place is optional and costs extra.
Do I have to reserve the ferry?
No. Reservation is optional, and about half of the capacity can be reserved. Foot passengers have a limited number of guaranteed places per departure, 2 per booking.
Can I get to Lofoten without flying or taking a ferry?
Yes. The road link from the mainland is an alternative to the ferry, and bus 300 runs between Narvik and Å. The long-distance trip takes about 7.5 hours for the whole route.
Is there a bus from Evenes airport to Lofoten?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026 bus FB85 runs all year between Evenes and Svolvær. Check the current timetable and fare before you travel.
Is this site the official Lofoten guide?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by a municipality, a ferry company, an airline or a tour operator, and prices and timetables are for 2026.