If you are wondering where to travel from Tromsø by bus, Arctic Route, part of Best Arctic is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to explore Northern Norway and the wider Arctic region. Arctic Route is Best Arctic’s dedicated transport brand, created to connect Tromsø with some of the most sought-after destinations in Norway and Finland through seasonal bus routes designed for independent travelers, activity guests, and round-trip explorers alike.
It’s a safe, reliable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly means of transportation, with routes that make it simpler to travel one way or build a longer Arctic journey without the hassle of driving yourself.
That matters even more in the Arctic. In winter, road conditions can change quickly with snow, ice, wind, and limited daylight. Choosing Arctic Route means guests can leave the driving to professional drivers and enjoy the journey in a modern coach instead of dealing with unfamiliar winter roads. The buses offer you onboard toilets, Wi-Fi, charging points and English speaking, highly skilled, service-minded bus drivers and comfortable coaches.
During summer, the same idea becomes a scenic advantage: rather than focusing on the road, guests can sit back, admire fjords, mountains and coastal landscapes, and travel in a greener, shared way.
What is Arctic Route, part of Best Arctic?
Arctic Route is not just a transfer service. It is a seasonal network of bus routes starting from Tromsø and connecting travelers with iconic Arctic destinations in Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland. The network includes both winter and summer services, making it possible to travel between cities, islands, whale-watching hubs, ski areas and nature destinations without renting a car.
Arctic Route was born in Tromsø in 2016 and today links destinations such as Rovaniemi, Narvik, Senja, Lyngen, Storslett, Skjervøy and Lofoten.
Winter Arctic Route bus routes from Tromsø
Winter is when Arctic Route becomes especially valuable for guests who want freedom without winter driving stress.
The daytime bus between Tromsø and Rovaniemi runs from November to March, connecting Tromsø with Kilpisjärvi, Levi and onward to Rovaniemi in Northern Finland. For travelers who want to maximize time and turn the transfer itself into part of the adventure, the Aurora Express nightliner between Tromsø and Rovaniemi runs from December to February. Known as the northernmost nightliner bus service between the two cities, it offers breakfast, semi-reclining seats, blankets, Wi-Fi and power outlets.
For guests heading deeper into Northern Norway, Arctic Route also offers winter services from Tromsø to several regional destinations. The bus between Tromsø and Narvik runs from December to March. The route between Tromsø and Senja runs from December to March, making it easier to reach one of Norway’s most dramatic island landscapes in winter. The bus between Tromsø and Lyngen runs from December to March, providing a simple connection toward the Lyngen Alps area. The route between Tromsø and Storslett also operates from December to March, with daily departures highlighted on the route page.
One of the most practical winter routes is the Tromsø-Skjervøy bus, which is closely linked to the whale season. This route runs between November and January, bringing guests from Tromsø to their whale-watching tour in Skjervøy and back. This is an important option for travelers who want to join whale watching in Skjervøy without overnight driving or complicated local transport arrangements. In other words, this route is not only transport, but a smart seasonal connection built around one of Northern Norway’s most popular winter experiences.
Summer Arctic Route bus routes from Tromsø
In summer, Arctic Route shifts from snowy road support to scenic, low-stress travel through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the north. The flagship summer route is the bus between Tromsø and Lofoten, from June to August, operating between June to August. This summer route connects Tromsø with Senja, Andøya, Vesterålen and onward to Svolvær and Skårungen in the Lofoten area, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to explore several destinations on one journey.
The summer bus between Tromsø and Rovaniemi runs from June to September. This route gives travelers an easy cross-border connection between Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland during the green season, with stops including Kilpisjärvi, Levi and Kittilä before reaching Rovaniemi. This route is operated by Eskelisen Lapin Linjat.
Best Arctic’s summer bus routes will also start serving Sommarøy from summer 2026. The Lofoten summer route already passes via Sommarøy, but Best Arctic will start offering an Arctic Route Tromsø-Sommarøy-Tromsø shuttle-style connection. For guests, that means Sommarøy is becoming an even more accessible summer destination without the need for a rental car.
Why choose Arctic Route, in Tromsø?
The biggest reason is peace of mind. In winter, guests avoid the pressure of driving on icy roads, navigating changing Arctic weather and managing long distances in unfamiliar conditions. In summer, they can simply enjoy the views.
Add in spacious coaches, onboard facilities, English-speaking drivers and a more environmentally friendly way to move between destinations, and Arctic Route becomes much more than transport. It becomes part of the Arctic travel experience itself. For anyone planning where to travel from Tromsø by bus, Arctic Route, part of Best Arctic is one of the smartest ways to discover more of the north, safely and comfortably, in every season.
