Tromso Transportation Guide | How to Get There & Around

Tromsø, perched deep in the Norwegian Arctic and wrapped in mountains and fjords, feels remote in all the right ways. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, sailing the fjords, or soaking in the Midnight Sun, getting there is very much part of the experience.

Distance & proximity: Tromsø sits about 350 km (220 miles) north of the Arctic Circle and roughly 1,150 km (715 miles) from Oslo, on the island of Tromsøya in Northern Norway.

Average travel time: About 1 hour 50 minutes by direct flight from Oslo; 3–4 hours with a connection from major European hubs; 20–22 hours by coastal ferry (Hurtigruten/Havila) from Bodø; and multi-day journeys if combining trains and buses up from southern Norway.

Mode landscape: Flights are by far the fastest and most common. Ferries are slow but stunning as you approach the coastal area. Norway’s rail network doesn’t reach Tromsø, so train journeys require a transfer to buses for the final stretch.

Where is Tromso located?

Tromsø sits well above the Arctic Circle at 69°N, making it one of the world’s northernmost cities. It lies on Tromsøya, an island surrounded by fjords and backed by dramatic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. Despite its extreme latitude, the Gulf Stream keeps Tromsø surprisingly mild, giving it a climate far warmer than most places at the same latitude.

Best ways to reach Tromsø

Because of its island setting and Arctic latitude, flying is by far the most convenient:

By air: Tromsø Airport (TOS) is just 5 km from the city centre, with frequent flights from Oslo (≈1 hr 45 min) and connections from major European cities in winter.
By road: Long-distance buses connect Tromsø to Alta, Narvik, and the Lofoten region, though travel times are long, especially in winter.
By sea: Hurtigruten and Havila coastal ships stop here daily.

Getting to Tromso from nearby cities | Distance, routes, & travel time

Oslo

Distance: ~1,150 km (715 miles) south of Tromsø
By air: 1 hr 45 min (frequent daily direct flights)
By train: No direct rail connection to Tromsø
By bus/coach: 18–22 hrs with connections via Narvik
By car: ~20–22 hrs via the E6, highly scenic but weather-dependent
Best for: Travellers starting their Norway trip in the capital or pairing Tromsø with southern Norway city-hopping

Narvik

Distance: ~250 km (155 miles) south of Tromsø
By air: No direct flights (nearest airport: Evenes/Harstad–Narvik, 3.5–4 hrs by bus to Tromsø)
By train: No rail to Tromsø; trains run only as far as Narvik
By bus/coach: 4–5 hrs direct, multiple departures daily
By car: ~4 hrs via the E8 with fjord and mountain scenery
Best for: Visitors coming from Lofoten or Sweden by train who want the easiest overland connection to Tromsø

Alta

Distance: ~300 km (185 miles) east of Tromsø
By air: 40–45 min (several daily flights)
By train: No rail service
By bus/coach: 6–7 hrs with one connection (seasonally limited)
By car: ~6 hrs via the E6 along dramatic fjord landscapes
Best for: Winter travellers combining two top Northern Lights hubs in northern Norway

Airports & flight basics

Tromsø is served by Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS), located just 5 km from the city centre, making air travel the fastest and easiest way to arrive. Frequent flights from Oslo, plus regular connections from Bergen, Trondheim, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, make it especially convenient for Europeans. SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe, Finnair, KLM, and Lufthansa operate year-round or seasonal routes.

Reaching the city is simple: airport buses take ~15 minutes, local buses are cheaper, and taxis or rideshares offer door-to-door ease. Flights are frequent, though winter weather can cause delays.

Pros: Fast, reliable, excellent European connectivity.
Cons: Pricey during peak winter.
Tips: Book window seats for Arctic views, compare Oslo–Tromsø fares, and allow buffer time during snowstorms.

Reaching Tromso by bus

Long-distance buses connect Tromsø with Narvik, Alta, Fauske, and other Northern Norway towns. Services are operated mainly by Troms fylkestrafikk and Boreal, with routes running year-round, though frequencies drop in winter. Expect scenic fjords, mountain passes, and coastal stretches.

Most buses arrive at Tromsø Prostneset Terminal, right on the waterfront and a short walk from hotels, restaurants, and ferry links.

Pros: Budget-friendly, environmentally conscious, great scenery.
Cons: Long travel times, winter delays possible, limited direct routes from big cities.
Tips: Book seats in advance in winter, choose daytime buses for the best views, and check road conditions if traveling between November–March.

How practical is arriving in Tromsø by boat?

Traveling to Tromsø by boat is slow but undeniably atmospheric, especially if you want the full Arctic coastline experience. The most common option is the Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages coastal ships, which run daily between Bergen and Kirkenes, stopping in Tromsø year-round. Smaller regional ferries also link nearby islands and coastal towns, but they’re mainly used for local travel rather than long-distance arrivals.

All ships dock at the Tromsø Prostneset Terminal, right in the city centre.

Pros: Spectacular scenery, stable schedules, comfortable cabins, and onboard dining.
Cons: Much slower than flying, pricier than buses, and weather can affect sea conditions.
Tips: Southbound ships arrive in the evening, northbound in the afternoon; so plan your transfers accordingly. Book early for winter (Northern Lights season) and grab an outdoor deck spot when approaching Tromsø for the best skyline views.

What about driving to Tromso?

Driving to Tromsø is completely doable, but it’s a long haul no matter where you start. Most travelers arrive via the E6, Northern Norway’s main highway, with connections from Narvik, Alta, Bardufoss, and even Finland. Expect a mix of fjord tunnels, mountain stretches, and open coastline.

The city centre is compact and parking is limited, but Tromsø is car-friendly overall, with bridges and tunnels connecting the island to the mainland.

Pros: Ultimate flexibility, stunning landscapes, easy detours to fjords and viewpoints.
Cons: Long distances, expensive tolls/fuel, winter storms can cause closures.
Tips: Check Vegvesen road updates daily, carry proper winter tyres (studded recommended), and make sure you stop for fuel wherever you can cause stations thin out in remote areas.

About taking the train

You can’t take a train directly to Tromsø since there’s no railway this far north. You can combine rail with bus for a smooth, scenic journey. The closest major rail hub is Narvik, connected to Sweden via the Ofoten Line and long-distance trains from Stockholm, Luleå, and Kiruna. From Narvik, frequent buses continue the final stretch to Tromsø in around 4 hours.

This route is popular with travelers who enjoy slow travel: the Swedish Lapland train ride is gorgeous, reliable, and comfortable, and the onward bus is straightforward.

Pros: Beautiful rail scenery, comfortable long-distance trains, easy Narvik–Tromsø bus link.
Cons: No direct rail; overall journey is long; winter schedules require planning.
Tips: Book an overnight sleeper to Narvik to save a hotel night, check bus–train connections in advance, and pick a window seat for the Arctic landscapes as you roll into Narvik.

Compare your options to get to Tromso

Mode	Duration	Average cost	Best for	Key notes
Flight	1 hr 45 min from Oslo; 2–4 hrs from major European hubs	Medium–High (especially Nov–Mar)	Short trips, easy access, winter travel	Fastest and most reliable. Multiple daily flights. Occasional winter delays. Airport is 5 km from city centre.
Bus	4–8 hrs from nearby cities (Narvik, Alta, Finnsnes); 10–20 hrs if coming from farther north/south	Low–medium	Budget travelers, regional hops	Slow but scenic. Limited long-distance routes. Winter schedules thinner; delays possible in storms.
Boat	20–40+ hrs depending on direction (Bergen–Tromsø is 3–4 days)	Medium–high	Scenic travel, slow travel lovers	Daily coastal ships; extremely scenic but not time-efficient. Stable year-round but weather affects seas.
Car / self-drive	4–8 hrs from Narvik/Alta; 12–20+ hrs from major Nordic cities	Medium–high (fuel + tolls)	Road-trip lovers, flexible itineraries	Beautiful routes but long distances. Winter tyres essential Nov–Apr. Weather can close mountain passes.
Train	18–22 hrs from Stockholm/Kiruna to Narvik + 4 hrs bus to Tromsø	Medium	Slow-travel fans, scenic rail enthusiasts	No direct rail. Swedish Lapland trains are reliable; Narvik–Tromsø bus connection is easy. Total journey is long but scenic.

Getting around in Tromso

Local buses are the main transport in Tromso. They are run by Troms fylkestrafikk with frequent routes like 40/42 (city loop + university/hospital), 24/26 (Tromsdalen & Arctic Cathedral), and regional lines connecting Kvaløya, Ersfjord, and Sommarøy.
Download the Troms Billett or Troms Reise app which make bus travel easy with mobile tickets, live departures, route planning, and delay alerts.
Airport→city transfers are simple. Take the Flybussen (airport express) and local buses 24/42 to reach the centre in about 15–20 minutes.
Taxis and rideshares (Din Taxi, Tromsø Taxi, and Bolt) are reliable but pricey. They are best for late nights, early airport runs, or winter storms.
Walking is surprisingly easy, thanks to the compact city centre. Most hotels, restaurants, museums, and the harbour sit within a 10–20 minute radius.
Most major tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, especially for Northern Lights chases, fjord safaris, whale watching, dog sledding, and reindeer experiences, meaning you rarely need a car for winter activities.
Ferries and express boats connect Tromsø with nearby islands and fjord communities. Routes to Vengsøy, Rebbenesøy, Lyngen, and Skjervøy are popular, and departures from Prostneset Terminal make island-hopping easy without renting a car.

Things to do in Tromso

Arctic Cathedral illuminated at night with Northern Lights in Tromsø sky.

Chase the Northern Lights

Join a guided night chase into the fjords or mountains. The clear skies and zero light pollution give you the best shot at seeing the aurora show overhead.

Local tips & guidelines

Night buses run limited schedules, especially outside the city island. So if you’re staying in Tromsdalen or on Kvaløya, check the last departure or you may end up calling an expensive taxi.
Bus stops aren’t always obvious; many are simple poles without shelters. In winter, snowbanks can hide signs. You can use Troms Reise’s GPS map to pinpoint the exact stop location.
Tap your ticket before boarding on validators at major stops; drivers don’t always check, but inspectors do random sweeps and the fines are steep.
Most cross-city routes require changing buses at Giæverbukta, Tromsø’s unofficial interchange hub. If your route seems odd, it’s probably routing through here.
Bridges get extremely windy, so walking or cycling across Tromsøbrua in winter can be sketchy. Buses are safer for crossing between Tromsdalen and the city island.
Taxi queues at peak hours fill up fast (especially after Northern Lights tours). Pre-book a cab or Bolt before returning to the city to avoid 30–60 minute waits.
Parking garages use automated plate scanning, and fees add up quickly. If you must drive, the Tromsø Parking app helps track charges and find cheaper zones.
Tours provide all required winter gear, so you don’t need heavy-duty Arctic clothing for activities.

Frequently asked questions on Tromso transportation

Do I need a car to explore Tromsø?

No. The city is compact, and most major activities like Northern Lights chases, fjord tours, reindeer experiences, include pickup. A car only makes sense if you plan independent fjord drives or remote hikes.

How late do buses run in Tromsø?

Most city buses stop around midnight, with limited night services. If you're planning late dinners, concerts, or aurora tours ending after midnight, expect to rely on taxis or Bolt.

Is Tromsø walkable for winter visitors?

Yes, but sidewalks can get icy. The city spreads out less than you’d expect. Bring spikes or Yaktrax-style grips for walking in the city.

Can I pay for transport with cash?

Cash isn’t widely accepted. Buses require app or card payments, taxis prefer card, and even many ticket machines are cashless. Bring a working chip + PIN or contactless card.

How early should I leave for the airport?

Tromsø Airport is close, but winter security queues can spike when multiple flights cluster. Leave at least 1 hour for domestic and 1.5 hours for international departures.

Is there luggage storage anywhere in the city?

Yes, Prostneset Terminal has lockers suitable for day packs and medium suitcases. Handy if you’re doing a fjord cruise or tour before hotel check-in.

How do I get around if my phone dies in the cold?

First things first, carry a power bank because batteries drain fast below freezing point. Bus stops display route numbers and destination boards, and taxis can be hailed from stands if apps aren’t working.