Discover Tromsø and Lofoten in Norway

HOP-ON/HOP-OFF BUS SUMMER 2025: BOOK HERE

From NOK 260 – 1820 per person

Book now

Travel through the Arctic by bus on summer 2025!

The Arctic Route: Travel with full individual freedom on our safe, comfortable and reliable bus routes.

Northern Norway is an incredible place to spend the summer with amazing places to see with majestic mountains, pristine white sand beaches and magnificent fjords. A summer to remember!

Get ready to discover life above the Arctic Circle!

On the Tromsø – Lofoten – Tromsø route, you can travel in a large area, spreading out between Tromsø and Lofoten, by bus and ferry.

The buses are operated by the Arctic Route and the ferries are public (the ferry tickets are included on your ticket).

Our daily-operated bus routes bring you between North and South: from Tromsø, via Sommarøy, Senja, Andøya, Vesterålen, all the way to the Gateway of the Lofoten: Svolvær and Skårungen, in both directions, every day.

The route also connects many of the entry and exit points in the Arctic Route summer area, such as Tromsø airport and the Hurtigruten stops in Svolvær and Tromsø.

Important information! Due to the stop of the afternoon ferry departure on 21.08.25, no crossing between Tromsø/Senja and Vesterålen/Svolvær can be operated between 22.08-31.08 2025. You can book tickets between Tromsø – Senja – Tromsø and Svolvær – Andenes – Svolvær for this period.

Notice: Tickets from Skårungen Basecamp need to be bought latest 18:00 day before departure.

General information

Single Tickets

Book here

Season

June - August

Fitness level

Suitable for all

Longest distance

13 hours

Bus Stops

19 stops

See stops

Free digital guiding

Multi-language Digital Storytelling app Voice of Norway

Download here

Prices

NOK 260 – 1820

Prices

Notice

No crossing between Tromsø/Senja and Vesterålen/Svolvær between 22.08-31.08 2025.

Tickets & info

We recommend you book your ticket in advance via our website to guarantee your spot.

 

Tickets can also be bought on board the bus.

 

In Tromsø, you can also take the Airport Express bus to move between the city center of Tromsø and Tromsø Airport. Check the stops and timetables here

 

IMPORTANT: This is not a traditional unlimited ride hop-on hop-off ticket. You buy individual tickets for each leg of your journey, like a regular bus. This allows you to plan your own route, stop where you want, and continue on a later day.

Bus stops & schedules

Find all the bus stops, departure time and schedules by scrolling down this page until you find the section “Timetable and price list”.

 

Please mind that the bus stops are not marked with “Arctic Route”.

 

The Arctic Route uses our iconic red buses, with the Arctic Route logo on them. Look for them!

 

Important 1: No crossing possible between Andenes and Senja (both directions) between Gryllefjord-Andenes, due to ferry crossing stop in the afternoon, from 22.08.2025.

 

Important 2: Tickets from Skårungen Basecamp at 07:20 need to be bought latest 18:00 day before departure.

Practical information

The buses have free WI-FI, USB and charging points, as well as English-speaking drivers and toilet facilities along the way.

 

Need assistance? Contact us at info@bestarctic.com and +4795303888 (please call us for urgent matters).

 

Free practical guiding and storytelling app is included in your ticket – please download the Voice of Norway app before hoping on the bus (here).

 

Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate animals onboard (except guide dogs) and unfortunately we don’t have wheelchair

Food/ What to bring

Water is included but there is no food included on this route. You can buy food at the several stops and bring food with you.

 

Dress comfortably and according to the weather. Here are some tips to know what to wear in the summer above the Arctic Circle.

Age limit

There is no age limit to take this route. We have children seats available, please get in touch with us to info@bestarctic.com so we arrange it for you.

Luggage transportation

Each passenger may bring one item of easy-to-manage hand baggage, which must fit under the seat or in the overhead rack, as well as an item no larger than height + length + width = 200 cm/23 kg.

 

Unfortunately it is not allowed to transport sports gear with you (such as surfboards, golf equipment or bikes).

FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions section about this route here.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions section about this route

Tickets to discover Lofoten: Book here

We recommend you book your ticket in advance via our website to guarantee your spot. You can also buy your ticket onboard the bus.

Bus schedules and prices

Timetable and price list

Tromsø - Lofoten

Bus stop

Time

Price

Prostneset Bus Terminal Tromsø - Platform 3

08:45

Sommarøy Hotel (NO STOP ON SUNDAYS)

10:05

NOK 260

Brensholmen (FERRY)

10:45 (10:15 on Sunday)

NOK 340

Botnhamn

11:30 (11:00 on Sunday)

NOK 340

Mefjord Brygge (longer stop on Sunday)

12:10

NOK 480

Ersfjord beach (short photostop)

12:55

NOK 550

Skaland - Joker

13:10

NOK 610

Hamn i Senja

14:15

NOK 710

Gryllefjord (FERRY) (Senja By Heart - own transfer needed)

15:00

NOK 810

Andenes (FERRY)

16:50

NOK 810

Whale Safari/Lighthouse

16:55

NOK 840

Andenes Thon Hotel

17:00

NOK 870

Bleik Midnattsoll Camping (short photostop)

17:30

NOK 920

Marmelkroken

18:10

NOK 1.010

Sortland Bus terminal

19:10

NOK 1.260

Stokmarknes Hurtigruten Museum

19:40

NOK 1.400

Melbu (FERRY)

20:15

NOK 1.460

Fiskebøl (FERRY)

20:45

NOK 1.460

Svolvær Svinøya Rorbuer

21:25

NOK 1.750

Svolvær Port Hurtigruten Terminal

21:30

NOK 1.750

Skårungen Kabelvåg (on demand)

21:45

NOK 1.820

Lofoten - Tromsø

Bus stop

Time

Price

Skårungen Kabelvåg (on demand - ticket need to be bought latest day before departure at 18:00)

07:20

NOK 0

Svolvær Port Hurtigruten Terminal

07:35

NOK 70

Svolvær Svinøya Rorbuer

07:40

NOK 70

Fiskebøl (FERRY)

08:30

NOK 360

Melbu (FERRY)

09:00

NOK 360

Stokmarknes Hurtigruten Museum

09:20

NOK 420

Sortland Bus Terminal

09:55

NOK 560

Marmelkroken (short photostop)

11:15

NOK 810

Bleik Midnattsol Camping

11:55

NOK 900

Andenes Thon Hotel

12:10

NOK 950

Whale Watching/Lighthouse Andenes

12:15

NOK 980

Andenes (FERRY)

13:00

NOK 1.010

Gryllefjord (FERRY) (Senja by Heart - own transfer needed)

15:00

NOK 1.010

Arrival Hamn i Senja

15:15

NOK 1.110

Departure Hamn i Senja

15:30

NOK 1.110

Skaland - Joker

16:05

NOK 1.210

Ersfjord beach (short photostop)

16:35

NOK 1.270

Mefjord Brygge

16:50

NOK 1.340

Botnhamn (FERRY)

18:00

NOK 1.480

Brensholmen (FERRY)

18:45

NOK 1.480

Sommarøy Hotel

19:10

NOK 1.560

Prostneset Bus Terminal Tromsø

20:25

NOK 1.820

What you need to know

What to do in Lofoten during summer 2025

Read here

5 spots for hiking in Lofoten

Read here

Discover the best of Lofoten with a full day Hop-on/Hop-off tour

Read here

Unique features

Daily operated bus routes

Hop-on & hop-off

Connecting with airports and ferries

Fixed prices, according to the distance you travel

Photo stops along the way

Add exciting activities at many of the stops

Add accommodations to your journey

Sightseeing visits included

WHAT TO DO

Packages along this route

Evening Kayaking from Svolvær

Evening Kayaking from Svolvær

2 hours

18:30

Svolvær

Explore Lofoten’s unique nature with its spectacular contrasts on a sea kayak tour to experience all these elements.

From 1250 NOK per person

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Best seller

Hurtigruten Cruise into Trollfjord, with Arctic Route bus

Hurtigruten Cruise into Trollfjord, with Arctic Route bus

11 hours

07:15

Svolvær

Visit the hometown of Hurtigruten, the brand-new museum, and explore the village of Stormarknes on foot. On your way back to Svolvær, you will join Hurtigruten ship and visit Trollfjord.

From 1495 NOK per person

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Silent Trollfjord Cruise

Silent Trollfjord Cruise

3.5 hours

09:45 / 14:15

Svolvær

A modern twist on a classic Lofoten adventure. Experience Lofoten’s majestic Trollfjord and its white-tailed eagles in complete silence and comfort on board our purpose-built hybrid-electric boat.

From 1390 NOK per person

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Sea kayaking in Svolvær

Sea kayaking in Svolvær

2 hours

10:30

Svolvær

The perfect way to experience Lofoten: by kayak! Paddle away around the village of Svolvær on the turquoise sea during summer.

From 1095 NOK per person

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Kayak Tour on Senja

Kayak Tour on Senja

3 hours

09:00

Senja (Skaland)

Always been dreaming of kayaking in crystal blue waters, between big mountains, fjords and islands in the golden hours of the evening sun? Visit Senja in Norway, and witness this magical time of the day.

From 1300 NOK per person

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1-Hour Photo & History Cruise

1-Hour Photo & History Cruise

1 hour

09:50 / 14:20

Tromsø

Join a Tromsø fjord photography and history cruise: enjoy a peaceful cruise in Arctic waters combined with the fascinating history of the unique boat Hermes II. This short yet exciting sightseeing tour offers a great way to discover Tromsø from the sea.

From 890 NOK per person

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Evening Kayak Tour in Senja

Evening Kayak Tour in Senja

3 hours

21:00

Senja

Go on a kayak tour in Senja into the midnight sun, with a small group, and explore the Arctic Norwegian nature and wilderness on this night-time trip.

From 1500 NOK per person

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Best seller

Kayak tour in Sommarøy, from Tromsø (+ sauna & lunch)

Kayak tour in Sommarøy, from Tromsø (+ sauna & lunch)

11 hours

08:45

Tromsø / Sommarøy

Visit the summer island, Sommarøy, only 1 hour away from Tromsø, and kayak in Caribbean-like scenery, all transport from Tromsø, lunch and sauna included.

From 2490 NOK per person

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Explore Tromsø by E-bike

Explore Tromsø by E-bike

3.5 hours

10:00 / 14:30

Tromsø

Experience the fun and freedom of riding an electric bike! Visit many of Tromsø’s must-see highlights in just a few hours.

From 1350 NOK per person

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Fjord Tour to Senja, from Tromsø (+ lunch)

Fjord Tour to Senja, from Tromsø (+ lunch)

11:50 hours

08:45

Tromsø

Join this self-guided day trip, starting from Tromsø city and going along the National Scenic Route to the mesmerizing island of Senja. Photostops and ferries included in this unique day trip from Tromsø.

From 1990 NOK per person

Book now

Best seller

Whale watching from Svolvær

Whale watching from Svolvær

14 hours

07:30

Svolvær

Join us on an Arctic Whale Watching Safari, in Andenes, with bus transport from Svolvær, and watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, above the Arctic Circle, in Norway.

From 3690 NOK per person

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Explore all tours

DAILY BUS ROUTE

A route designed to enjoy traveling

Entry and exit points on the route:

• Tromsø airport (via the Airport Express - departures from the Airport and the city centre, including Moxy Hotel);

• Hurtigruten Coastal Routes in Svolvær, Tromsø and Stokmaknes.

Unique ferry crossings on this route:

• Brensholmen – Botnhamn (40 min)

• Gryllefjord – Andenes (1h 40 min)

• Melbu – Fiskebøl (35 min)

Travel-oriented/focus

We picked our stops based on locations that travelers want to visit, spend the night, and want to eternalize with photos and life-lasting memories.

Made by locals, for everyone

The route, with hop-off/hop-on stops, shorter photo stops, and longer visiting stops carefully handpicked by local travel passionists.

Add experiences and accommodations

Experiences and overnight stays will soon be possible to be added to this trip via our booking platform at some of the locations along the route.

HIGHLIGHTS ON THIS ROUTE

Explore Tromsø and Lofoten in Norway

Tromsø

The lively Arctic capital

As Tromsø is located above the Arctic Circle, this popular destination is magical during the summer, with its never setting sun from mid-May to late July. Explore the city on e-bike and visit the northernmost brewery, Mack.

Go out on a Arctic Fjord Cruise, catch some fish, go out for a hike, or jump on the smallest city train, and feel the lively city vibe in the evening in one of the many restaurants, and cozy bars.

Senja

The magical island of Senja

Senja, the 2nd biggest island of Norway, is called ‘Little Norway’ as you will meet steep ridges and deep fjords in the west, and large forest areas in the south, located in the national park of Ånderdalen. A miniature of Norway’s landscape.

Hike up the summit of Segla, the iconic mountain of Senja, leaving from the local village of Mefjord. Join a kayak tour in the archipelago of Skaland and Hamn.

To reach the island, you embark on a ferry, crossing the arctic water. A unique experience in itself!

Andenes

All-year-round whale home

Join an adventurous boat trip, bringing you to a variety of whale species, that are about around in the deep-sea canyon just outside Andenes town. Within 15 to 50 minutes, you will reach these fantastic animals. An unforgettable experience.

The lighthouse of Andenes, the tallest one in the whole of Norway, is the home beacon for many of our beloved sea mammals and local sea lovers.

Marmelkroken

Nature’s architecture at its best

Marmelkroken guesthouse, located along the National Tourist Route on Vesterålen, is unique in its kind.

The owner, Lisbeth lives in full harmony with nature, and gives you access to authentic nature walks, breathing- cabins and nature-based cuisine, such as a birch soda, harvested from the birch trees in her forest.

Vesterålen

Hiker’s paradise with whales

Vesterålen, a scenic archipelago, with adventures at sea and on land. The tip of Vesterålen is the year-through home for sperm whales and orcas. Head out for a day into the close by ocean.

With hikes suitable from family routes to advanced tours, Vesterålen has you covered for panoramic views on a big variety of hiking trails.

Don’t forget to visit the new Hurtigruten Museum in the hometown of the iconic Hurtigruten ships (Stokmarknes), for stories about the past and the future of this unique part of Northern Norway.

Svolvær

The gateway to Lofoten

Svolvær is the biggest town on the Lofoten islands and offers a wide variety of accommodations and experiences.

Join a fast Rigid Inflatable Boat or a silent modern hybrid catamaran towards one of Norway’s most known and beautiful fjords: Trollfjord.

You could also go sailing and paddling if you are up for a softer adventure.

Skårungen Basecamp

Rorbuer and Wellness Camp in Lofoten

Skårungen Basecamp is the ideal place, close to Svolvær, to dive into the pure Lofoten views and wellness culture. With jacuzzis just at the waterside and sauna and massage service, you are in for a relaxed holiday and well-deserved treatment after a hike on one of the many surrounding mountains.

Notice: Book your Arctic Route ticket from Skårungen (07:20) latest 18:00 day before departure. Upon arrival, request your drop-off at Skårungen to the Arctic Route driver (21:40).

Starting points and travel options

Check our route map to see all pick-up and drop-off points where you can start and leave the bus.

This route connects you to Senja, Andenes, Stokmarknes and Svolvær among others.

You will get to experience the beauty of the Arctic summer wherever you decide to visit!

Svolvær

Stokmarknes

Skaland

Senja