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. If you want to enjoy some local food, Sommarøy Arctic Hotel is the place to choose.
For those looking for a more adventurous trip, Sommarøy offers hiking, fjord tours and kayaking opportunities. Our personal recommendation is the hike to the summit of Håja, the icon mountain island that inspired the design of the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, once you reached the top you’re rewarded with a 360 degree views of fjords, sea, and mountains.
Wildlife enthusiasts might also be lucky enough to spot sea eagles, seabirds and other marine life around the island. If you want to maximize your spotting chance you can join a sea eagle safari by boat, with transfer from Tromsø or without transfer.
You can read more about all Sommarøy tours here.
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.
Visiting Tromsø in October or November and worried there might not be snow yet? Don’t be. You can see the Northern Lights, go dog sledding on wheels, meet reindeer, search for whales, cruise through Arctic fjords and explore some of Tromsø’s most famous attractions, all without needing snow. October and November are transition months in […]
Wondering what to wear for autumn dog sledding in Tromsø? Dress in warm, comfortable layers, but you don’t need to bring all your heavy Arctic outerwear yourself. Both Best Arctic autumn dog sledding experiences provide protective outdoor clothing and footwear. For Autumn Dogsledding with Carts, gloves, a hat, suit and shoes are provided. For Autumn […]
Planning a trip to Tromsø often starts with the same questions: Where should I book my Tromsø tours? Is it better to book directly with a local tour operator or through an online travel marketplace? And how do I know which Arctic experiences are right for me? Online travel agencies can be useful when comparing […]
Through Best Arctic, travelers can pre-book winter clothing from Tromsø Outdoor, including warm jackets, trousers and winter boots. This means you can arrange suitable Arctic clothing before traveling and avoid filling your suitcase with bulky winter gear. Book your winter clothes online before arriving in Tromsø Whether you are coming to Tromsø to chase the […]
No, seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø is never guaranteed. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and whether you see it on a particular night depends on several factors, including aurora activity, cloud cover and local weather. However, Tromsø is one of the world’s best-known destinations for Northern Lights hunting. Located within the auroral […]
Dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, going dog sledding, meeting reindeer, or exploring snow-covered Arctic fjords? Getting to Tromsø is easier than you might think. During the 2026/2027 winter season, Tromsø has direct international flight connections with numerous European cities, allowing many travelers to reach Northern Norway without connecting through Oslo. From London, Paris, Amsterdam, […]
