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.
Single Tickets
Book here
Season
June – August
Fitness level
Suitable for all
Longest distance
13 hours
Stops
19
Free digital guiding
Multi-language Digital Storytelling app Voice of Norway - Download here
Prices
NOK 260 – 1750
Notice
No crossing between Tromsø/Senja and Vesterålen/Svolvær between 22.08-31.08 2025.
We recommend you book your ticket in advance via our website to guarantee your spot.
Tickets can also be bought on board the bus.
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.
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.
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.
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 Guide to Go app before hoping on the bus (here).
Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate animals onboard (except guide dogs) and unfortunately we don’t have wheelchair access.
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.
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.
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).
Read our Frequently Asked Questions section about this route here.
Activities along this route
All activities are accessible via the Arctic Route - no rental car is
needed. We offer, you choose.
All activities are accessible via the Arctic Route - no rental car is needed. We offer, you choose.
NOK 1495/pp
- 07:35
- 13 hours
- Svolvær
Hurtigruten Cruise into Trollfjord, with Arctic Route
NOK 1390 / pp
- 09:00 - 14:00
- 3,5 hours
- Svolvær
Silent Trollfjord Cruise
NOK 1250 / pp
- 18:00
- 2 hours
- Svolvær
Evening Kayak from Svolvær
NOK 1095 / pp
- 10:30
- 2 hours
- Svolvær
Sea kayaking in Svolvær
NOK 1300 / pp
- 09:00
- 3 hours
- Senja (Skaland)
Kayak Tour on Senja
NOK 890 / pp
- 14:30
- 1 hour
- Tromsø
1-hour Photo & History Cruise around Tromsø
NOK 1500/pp
- 21:00
- 3 hours
- Senja
Evening Kayak Tour in Senja
NO 2490/pp
- 08:45
- 11 hours
- Tromsø/Sommarøy
Kayak tour in Sommarøy, from Tromsø (+ sauna & lunch)
NOK 1350 / PP
- 10:00 / 14:30
- 3 - 3.5 hours
- Tromsø
Explore Tromsø by E-bike
NOK 1990
- 08:45
- 11:50 hours
- Tromsø
Fjord Tour to Senja, from Tromsø (+ lunch)
NOK 3690/pp
- 07:35
- 14 hours
- Svolvær
Whale-Watching from Svolvær
Svolvær
Stokmarknes
Skaland
SENJA
Senja
Lofotakvariet
Hamn
Gryllefjord
Ersfjord
Ersfjord
Andenes
Andenes
Stokmarknes
TROMSØ
TROMSØ
Book your ticket here: Important: No Gryllefjord-Andenes ferry crossing possible from 22.08.25
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 |
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
Sightseeing visits included
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!
*Is this the route for you? This route was designed for travelers who wish 100% freedom to explore and plan as it goes, without limitations, restrictions, or schedules.
To change from North – South (route Tromsø – Lofoten (Svolvær), to West – East (route Lofoten), an overnight in Svolvær is needed.
See more of our adventures below
A route
designed to
enjoy traveling
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 (1h40 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
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).
