Travel through the Arctic by bus on summer 2024!
A safe, reliable, and relaxed way to explore the Arctic!
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 (Svolvær) – Tromsø route, you can travel in a large area, spreading out between Tromsø and Lofoten, along the most beautiful coastal road, by bus and ferry. The buses are operated by the Arctic Route and the ferries are public (the ferry ticket is included on your ticket).
Our daily-operated bus route brings you between North and South: from Tromsø, via Senja, Andøya, Vesterålen, all the way to the Gateway of the Lofoten: Svolvær and Kabelvåg, 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.
Season
June – August
Fitness level
Suitable for all
Longest distance
13 hours
Stops
24
Hop-on / Hop-off
Multi-language Digital Storytelling via the Arctic Route story app in Google Play & App store
Prices
NOK 70 – 1820
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 (Kabelvåg) – 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 ticket is 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 Kabelvåg, 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.
The buses have free WI-FI available, USB and charging points, as well as English-speaking drivers and toilet facilities along the way.
Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate animals onboard (except guide dogs). Unfortunately we don’t have wheelchair access.
Dress comfortably and according to the weather. Here are some tips to know what to wear in the summer above the Arctic Circle.
Water is included but there is no food included on this route. You can buy food food at the several stops and also bring food with you.
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.
We want to support you in getting your sports gear with you (for example surfboard, golf equipment or bikes) so you can maximize your holiday.
To ensure the bus has enough storage space, please send your request beforehand to info@bestarctic.com.
The Arctic Route uses our icon red buses, with The Arctic Route logo on them. On the route Tromsø – Lofoten – Tromsø you might also find our red mini-buses also with The Arctic Route logo.
Look out for them!
Read our Frequently Asked Questions section about this route here.
Svolvær
Stokmarknes
Skaland
SENJA
Senja
Lofotakvariet
Hamn
Gryllefjord
Ersfjord
Ersfjord
Andenes
Andenes
Stokmarknes
TROMSØ
TROMSØ
Book your Arctic life-changing experience for 2024
How to book with the Arctic Route
- Choose your travel day
- Choose your destination
- Off you go
- Buy a 4, 7 or 10 day pass
- Reserve your spot on the bus
- Travel unlimited during your journey
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. With the travel passes, you can hop on/off on this route (as well as on the route Narvik – Svolvær and Å - Svolvær, using the same travel pass) as many times as you wish.
To change from North – South (route Tromsø – Lofoten (Svolvær), to West – East (route Lofoten (Å) – Narvik), 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.
Timetable and price list
Swipe to see complete 
| Bus stop | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tromsø | 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 | NOK 340 |
| Mefjord Brygge (longer stop on Sunday) | 12:15 | NOK 480 |
| Ersfjord beach | 12:50 | NOK 550 |
| Skaland | 13:25 | NOK 610 |
| Hamn i Senja | 14:15 | NOK 710 |
| Gryllefjord (FERRY) | 15:00 | NOK 810 |
| Andenes (FERRY) | 16:40 | NOK 810 |
| Whale2Sea Office | 16:43 | NOK 840 |
| Whale Watching Lighthouse Andenes | 16:45 | NOK 840 |
| Andenes centre | 16:50 | NOK 870 |
| Bleik beach | 17:20 | NOK 920 |
| Stave Camping (on demand) | 17:50 | NOK 960 |
| Marmelkroken | 18:10 | NOK 1.010 |
| Andøy Friluftssenter (on demand) | 18:35 | NOK 1.170 |
| Sortland Bus terminal | 19:23 | NOK 1.260 |
| Vesterålen Kysthotell | 19:50 | NOK 1.360 |
| Stokmarknes Hurtigruten Museum | 19:53 | NOK 1.400 |
| Melbu (FERRY) | 20:15 | NOK 1.460 |
| Fiskebøl (FERRY) | 20:45 | NOK 1.460 |
| Svolvær Svinøya | 21:25 | NOK 1.750 |
| Svolvær centre | 21:30 | NOK 1.750 |
| Kabelvåg | 21:45 | NOK 1.820 |
Swipe to see complete
| Bus stop | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kabelvåg (on demand) | 07:20 | |
| Svolvær centre | 07:35 | NOK 70 |
| Svolvær Svinøya | 07:40 | NOK 70 |
| Fiskebøl (FERRY) | 08:30 | NOK 360 |
| Melbu (FERRY) | 09:00 | NOK 360 |
| Stokmarknes | 09:20 | NOK 420 |
| Vesterålen Kysthotel | 09:25 | NOK 460 |
| Sortland | 10:00 | NOK 560 |
| Andøya Friluftssenter (on demand) | 10:40 | NOK 650 |
| Marmelkroken | 11:25 | NOK 810 |
| Stave Camping (on demand) | 11:55 | NOK 860 |
| Bleik beach | 12:15 | NOK 900 |
| Andenes centre | 12:30 | NOK 950 |
| Whale2Sea Andenes | 12:33 | NOK 980 |
| Whale Watching Lighthouse Andenes | 12:35 | NOK 980 |
| Andenes (FERRY) | 13:00 | NOK 1.010 |
| Gryllefjord | 15:15 | NOK 1.010 |
| Hamn i Senja | 15:30 | NOK 1.110 |
| Skaland | 16:05 | NOK 1.210 |
| Ersfjord beach | 16:30 | NOK 1.270 |
| Mefjord Brygge | 16:50 | NOK 1.340 |
| Botnhamn | 18:00 | NOK 1.480 |
| Brensholmen | 18:45 | NOK 1.480 |
| Sommarøy Hotel – NO STOP ON SUNDAYS | 19:10 | NOK 1.560 |
| Tromsø | 20:25 | NOK 1.820 |
Packages along this route - booking opening soon
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.
Coming soon
- 07:30
- 13 hours
- Svolvær
Round trip by Arctic Route bus and Hurtigruten ship into Trollfjord from Lofoten
NOK 1190 / pp
- 09:00 - 14:00
- 3,5 hours
- Svolvær
Silent Trollfjord Cruise
NOK 990 / pp
- 18:30
- 4:15 hours
- Svolvær
Henningsvær Cultural Tasting Cruise
NOK 1095 / pp
- 19:00
- 2 hours
- Svolvær
Evening Kayak from Svolvær
NOK 1095 / pp
- 10:00
- 2 hours
- Svolvær
Sea Eagle Safari to Trollfjorden
NOK 995 / pp
- 10:30
- 2 hours
- Svolvær
Sea kayaking in Svolvær
NOK 1500 / pp
- 21:00
- 3 hours
- Senja (Skaland)
Midnight Sun – Evening Kayak Tour on Senja
NOK 890 / pp
- 14:30
- 1 hour
- Tromsø
1-hour Photo & History Cruise around Tromsø
NOK 195 / pp
- 10:00-17:00
- 2 hours
- Stokmarknes
Hurtigruten Museum Entrance Ticket
Coming soon
- 08:45
- 11:50 hours
- Tromsø
To the majestic fjords and mountains of magical Senja, from Tromsø
Coming soon
- 08:45
- 25,50 hours
- Senja
Visit magical Senja island, including 1 overnight, from Tromsø
Coming soon
- 08:45
- 2 days
- Tromsø
Whale-Watching from Tromsø without accommodation
Coming soon
- 07:30
- 14 hours
- Svolvær
Whale-Watching from Svolvær
Coming soon
- 08:45
- 2 days
- Tromsø
Whale-Watching from Tromsø including accommodation
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 during a guided city walk and visit the northernmost brewery, Mack.
Go out on a fjord safari, cycle in the city, 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 high-standard 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.
If you are a foodie, try local food and join the Henningsvær Cultural Tasting Cruise.
You could also go sailing and paddling if you are up for a softer adventure.
