2 June 2026
Do you wish to discover Sommarøy this summer, without renting a car? Good news, getting there is easier than you might think. With the summer bus route between Tromsø and Sommarøy, you can sit back and enjoy one of the most scenic coastal roads of Northern Norway. Before you know it, you will arrive at the island of Sommarøy.
Located just outside Tromsø, Sommarøy is one of Northern Norway’s most beautiful summer destinations. Often referred to as the “Arctic Caribbean”, the island is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and mountain landscapes.
A trip to Sommarøy offers the opportunity to experience a quieter side of the Arctic. This small fishing village offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can slow down, breathe the fresh air and relax.
During summertime, the midnight sun season (20 May – 22 July) adds another dimension to the trip. Longer evenings give you more time to explore the beauty of Sommarøy.
The summer bus route has been designed to make visiting Sommarøy simple and convenient.
Instead of focusing on driving and parking, you can relax and enjoy the journey while travelling through changing landscapes with fjords, mountains, bridges, and small coastal villages.
Large windows allow you to enjoy the scenery and offer great photo opportunities. We recommend you keep an eye on the surroundings; sightseeing might even be possible along the road to Sommarøy.
With fixed daily departures, planning your summer holiday becomes easy and stress-free. Some visitors say that the drive becomes one of the highlights of the day.
The route operates daily from 15 June until 23 August and takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.
With two fixed departures from Tromsø and two return options from Sommarøy, the schedule gives you flexibility whether you are planning a day trip or staying overnight at the hotel.
Here is more information regarding the departures:
For more details we recommend checking the timetable in advance to find the best option for your plans. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure, to allow enough time for boarding and choosing your favorite seat on the bus.
The red bus is marked with Bussring and/or Arctic Route, even if the bus stops are not themselves marked with Arctic Route signs.
For more information you can read here.
We recommend you book your ticket online to guarantee a seat during peak season.
Many visitors choose to spend their time exploring the coastline, relaxing on the beaches or enjoying a picnic by the sea.
For those looking for a more adventurous trip, Sommarøy offers hiking, fjord tours and kayaking opportunities. Our personal recommendation is the hike to Nordkollen on Hillesøy with panoramic views over the islands, beaches and open sea.
Wildlife enthusiasts might also be lucky enough to spot sea eagles, seabirds and other marine life around the island.
After exploring the island, Sommarøy Arctic Hotel is the place to enjoy some local food.
Whether you are visiting Sommarøy for its beaches, hiking trails, wildlife or simply to experience the Midnight Sun by the sea, the summer bus route makes exploring the island easy and comfortable. All you have to do is choose your departure, sit back and enjoy the journey.
Do you wish to discover Sommarøy this summer, without renting a car? Good news, getting there is easier than you might think. With the summer bus route between Tromsø and Sommarøy, you can sit back and enjoy one of the most scenic coastal roads of Northern Norway. Before you know it, you will arrive at […]
Just approximately 1.5 hours from Tromsø, Sommarøy feels like a completely different world. White-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, Arctic mountains and small fishing villages create a landscape that surprises almost everyone who visits for the first time. Many travelers come to Tromsø for the midnight sun, Arctic nature and outdoor adventures. Sommarøy combines all of […]
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Looking for an easy summer day trip from Tromsø without renting a car? The summer bus route between Tromsø and Sommarøy is one of the most scenic and convenient ways to experience the coastal beauty of Northern Norway. Operated as part of The Arctic Route, this direct shuttle connects Tromsø city centre with Sommarøy, a […]
