Travel within Lofoten
Public Transportation
Travel within Lofoten like the locals do, using public transportation. Within the six municipalities that Lofoten consist of, you can choose between various public buses or ferries and express boats.
The local public transportation network in Lofoten vary their schedules slightly between the winter and summer seasons. So be sure to check the “from-to” dates if you use the timetables. The most effective tool to use however is the “Reis” app. You can download it on App Store or on Google Play. The app will show the most shortest routes with connections for all modes of transportation, with up to date schedules. Alternatively, use the travel planner at the website: Reis Nordland.
You can buy most tickets in the Reis App. If for some reason you cannot buy the tickets in the app, it will tell you so. It’s also cheaper to buy tickets in the app, compared to buying tickets on a bus or ferry. If you buy tickets with credit card or cash on board a bus, a fee of NOK 20 will be added for adults and NOK 10 for students and military.
If you are only using public transportation while in Lofoten, consider buying the Travel Pass Nordland. You can buy it directly in the “Reis App” under “tickets”. With it, you can travel as much as you want by both bus and express boat for a full seven days
Traveling by bus
The local bus routes stretches all the way from Narvik to the east, to Å in the west. Take not that some routes changes slightly between the winter and the summer season.
As of 2023, there are three main routes that stretches across several municipalities in the Lofoten region.
- Lofotekspressen (Å – Leknes – Svolvær – Narvik): Route 300: Until 23 June 2024 / From 24 June 2024
- Solvær – Leknes: Route 18-741
- Å – Leknes: Route 18-742
Lofotekspressen (route 300) is the only public bus you can take from Evenes Airport, with departures at 11:05 and 17:05 every day. However, to be certain, check the Reis App beforehand to be sure your flight coincides with your flight arrival. The same goes for your departure of course.
IMPORTANT about route 300 departing from Svolvær: Because of roadwork in Svolvær, the departure from Svolvær Sentrum has been moved to the stop called “Lofotgata”. It is the bus stop right next to Coop Extra (Alti Shopping mall).
Here is an overview based on municipalities.
Vågan
- Digermulen-Holandshamn-Storfjell: Route 18-721
- Svolvær – Kabelvåg – Henningsvær: Route 18-743
- Brenna – Gravermark – Kleppstad: Route 18-744
- Fiskebøl – Laukvik – Svolvær: Route 18-733
Vestvågøy
- Leknes – Valberg: Route 18-763
- Leknes -Ballstad: Route 18-766
- Leknes – Mortsund – Ure-Stamsund: Route 18-767
Moskenes
- Å i Lofoten – Reine – Hamnøy: Route 18-772
Routes crossing the municipal borders
- Digermulen-Kongsmark-Fiskebøl-Svolvær: Route 18-724
Traveling by ferry or express boat
Most of Lofoten is connected by tunnels and bridges. But some areas are so remote that you can only travel there by boat. There is also convenient express boat that connects Lofoten to Bodø called NEX 2.
Currently, there is one express boat connection between Svolvær and Bodø. The route is called NEX 2 – Route 23-755.
Ferry connections in Lofoten is based around entry points to Lofoten from other regions. Two exception though, is the Skrova connection, and the Moskenes, Værøy, and Røst connection. These ferry connections varies quite a bit based on season. And you need to plan excursions to both Værøy and Røst well in advance.
To see the various ferry connections, go to this page. When clicking the link to the ferry connection you’re looking for, you’ll be taken to a page where you can search for the route more specifically, and find information about tickets. Some ferries have a ticket price if you can bring your car with you, and most ferries are free if you travel by foot.
One unique trip within Lofoten you can book, is the north bound port-to-port evening trip with Havila or Hurtigruten from Stamsund to Svolvær. The journey lasts around 1,4 hours. Book port-to-port: Havila or Hurtigruten.
If you want a faster way to get to Værøy or Røst, contact The Tide in Sørvågen for their RIB-Transportation.
Bus Tours
As of 2023, most bus tours in Lofoten are only available during the summer months. In the summer of 2024, the Arctic Route, by Best Arctic, will be connected with incoming flights to Evenes from Frankfurt on Thursdays and Sundays. We link to more information this route and several other bus tours below.
Bus tours with Best Arctic has several advantages. First of all, they embrace the hop-on/hop-off concept, making traveling within our regions much smoother. Secondly, they offer photo stops, unique experiences such as Whale-Watching in Andenes, exploring Nusfjord, and visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum, to name a few.
Best Arctic also offer a Tromsø-Lofoten-Tromsø connection. Making it easier to combine your adventure in Lofoten when first arriving in Tromsø.
Rentals
There are several companies in Lofoten that offer rental cars, motorhomes, and campervans. Here are a few tips for renting vehicles in Lofoten:
Local laws and etiquette: Applies to both cars and “house on wheels”. Visit our Essential travel tips to Lofoten page to learn more.
Rental cars: You must be at least 19 years old (varies between car category) and have owned your license for 1 year. Young driver surcharge may incur for those under the age of 25. Rentals cars should have Autopass installed and winter tires on during winter season.
Motorhomes/campervans: In the age of influencers, renting these kind of vehicles has become popular in Lofoten. If you opt for renting a “house on wheels”, remember that certain rules apply. For example, camping by the road in close proxemity to other vehicles is to be avoided due to fire hazards. The closer everyone parks, the larger the risk for a fire to spread. In fact, we recommend overnights stays at the many campsites in Lofoten. You can learn more about camping in Lofoten here.
Limousine service: For weddings, corporate events, or for smaller groups, consider a limousine service for transfers, sightseeing and round trips.
Taxis in Lofoten
Yes, we have taxis in Lofoten too! If you want to book a taxi for when you arrive in Lofoten, it can be an advantage to pre book your taxi prior to arrival. Same goes for your departure.
- Lofoten Taxi app download: App Store / Google Play.
- Taxi Svolvær Airport (Helle) and Leknes airport: 0047 07550
- Taxi Værøy Heliport: 0047 90217777
- Taxi Røst airport: 0047 90577300