How to Get to Lofoten Islands: Flights, Ferries, and Travel Tips

How to Get to Lofoten: Complete Travel Guide

If you’re wondering how to get to Lofoten, you’re not alone – reaching this spectacular island chain in Northern Norway requires some planning, but the journey is absolutely worth it. Lofoten is famous for its dramatic mountains, fishing villages, northern lights, and midnight sun.

Located in Nordland County, above the Arctic Circle, these islands are remote yet surprisingly accessible once you know your options.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your journey: flights, ferries, car rentals, buses, tolls, and practical travel tips.

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.

Location – Where is the Lofoten Islands?

Regions of Norway

Norway is a long country with five geographical regions, each with its own traditions and cultural heritage. These regions are divided into 11 administrative regions or counties.

Norway’s five geographical regions:

1. Northern Norway (Nord-Norge/Nord-Noreg)

2. Trøndelag (alt. Midt-Norge/Midt-Noreg)

3. Western Norway (Vestlandet)

4. Eastern Norway (Østlandet/Austlandet)

5. Southern Norway (Sørlandet or Agder)

Norway stretches more than 30 hours by car from Kristiansand in the south to Hammerfest in the north.

Northern Norway is divided into three counties, which make up about one-third of Norway’s territory: Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark (On January 1, 2020, Troms County merged with neighboring Finnmark County to form Troms og Finnmark County. ). Its major cities, from south to north, are: Mosjøen, Mo i Rana, Bodø, Narvik, Harstad, Tromsø, Alta, and Hammerfest.

Lofoten lies in Northern Norway (Nord-Norge), stretching into the Norwegian Sea. The region belongs to Nordland County, bordered by Troms to the north and Trøndelag further south. 

Northern Norway is often called the land of the midnight sun and northern lights – and Lofoten is one of the best places to experience both.

Its largest towns include Svolvær and Leknes, both popular starting points for exploring the islands.

Ultimate 7-Day Lofoten Islands Itinerary

How to Get to Lofoten Islands

• By Air – You can fly directly to the Lofoten Islands, but only on domestic flights from Norway. A more popular choice is nearby Bodø (BOO) or Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), which you can reach from other European cities. From these cities, you can continue your journey to the Lofoten Islands by rental car, ferry, or bus.

• By Ferry – From Bodø, ferries connect to Moskenes, Værøy and Røst. The Bodø–Moskenes ferry takes about 3 hours. In peak season, it’s strongly recommended to book tickets in advance. Ferries are operated by Torghatten Nord.

• By Train – There’s no direct train to Lofoten. The train from Oslo or Trondheim goes as far north as Bodø, where you can continue by ferry.

• By Car – Many visitors rent a car in Bodø or Evenes. Driving from Evenes to Lofoten takes about 3–4 hours, while from Bodø you’ll need to combine driving with the ferry crossing.

+ 1 ferry option: Bognes is located between Bodø and Narvik, from where there is also a ferry to Lodingen (northern part of Lofoten). I recommend this if you are not arriving by plane, because it is halfway between the two airports.

Tolls in Lofoten

The toll payment system in Norway is fully automated. The vast majority of toll stations are equipped with a camera system that records every vehicle that passes by.

Rental cars have a device for reading, which is placed on the windscreen. The rental company will invoice you afterwards and deduct the final toll amount from the deposit. If you have your specific itinerary, use the toll calculator and calculate approximately how much you can expect to pay.
AutoSync toll calculator

Typically, tolls are charged around larger cities (e.g. Narvik) and for tunnels and bridges.
There are currently no toll sections in Lofoten, so if you drive straight from the airport to Lofoten, you will not have to pay a toll. However, if you head north and want to visit Narvik, for example, the nearby Haalogalandsbrua bridge is toll-free.

Explore more Lofoten travel tips on my blog – Check it Now

Airports in Lofoten

Lofoten has three small local airports:

• Svolvær Airport (SVJ)

• Leknes Airport (LKN)

• Røst Airport

These mainly connect to Bodø, the closest transport hub. Direct flights to Lofoten from abroad are rare, so most travelers fly into Bodø (BOO) or Harstad/Narvik (EVE). From there, you can continue by ferry, domestic flight, or car. Oslo and Trondheim have regular direct flights to Bodø and Evenes.

Download my free Lofoten bucket list for your next adventure

Best Options for International Travelers

• Bodø Airport (BOO): Direct flights from Norway (for example Oslo and Trondheim), plus some major cities in Northern Europe. From here, you can catch a ferry or a short flight to Lofoten.

• Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE, near Evenes): Direct flights available from several major European cities. It’s convenient because you don’t have to adjust to the ferry schedule, you can head to the Lofoten Islands when you arrive.

Tip 1: From many European cities, flights to Lofoten usually require at least two connections, so flying into Bodø or Evenes is far more practical.

Tip 2: Depending on your schedule, you may arrive late at night or have to leave early in the morning. If you don’t want to drive in the dark in an unfamiliar place, book a room at Evenes Airport Hotel next to the airport.
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In summary: If you fly to Bodø, you have to take a ferry (approx. 3 hours) and you will arrive at the Lofoten Islands from the south. If you arrive at Harstad/Narvik (Evenes – EVE) airport, you can reach the islands in a few hours by car from the north.

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Why do I recommend Get Your Guide website or app? Because it offers free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!

Lofoten Weather Forecast

Blog – Best Time To Visit Lofoten Islands: When To Go And Why

Source: Wandering Linda 
Photos: Wandering Linda
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