Do you dream of discovering the majestic Lofoten Islands, that Arctic paradise where the mountains plunge into the sea? As a Curious Soul, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to fly to the Lofoten Island by plane. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you step by step through this adventure!
Why visit the Lofoten Islands?
Lofoten, the mythical archipelago in northern Norway, fascinates travelers the world over with its breathtaking scenery. Whether you want to watch the Northern Lights in winter or enjoy the midnight sun in summer, planning your flight to Lofoten is a crucial step in your trip.
Before you book your plane tickets, you should know that there are several options available to you, each with its own advantages. Between Lofoten’s local airports and the larger regional hubs, we’ll explore together the best strategy to reach this corner of paradise according to your needs and itinerary.
💡 Tip from Âme Bohème: Before choosing your arrival airport, think about your overall itinerary in Lofoten. This will enable you to optimize your travels and make the most of your stay.
The main airports for Lofoten 🗺️
Local airports in Lofoten
Leknes Airport (LKN)
In the heart of Lofoten,Leknes airport offers direct access to the magic of the archipelago. Located just 2 km from the town center, this compact yet convenient airport is ideally placed for exploring the islands.
New for summer 2024: Widerøe now offers daily direct flights from Oslo, as well as connections from Bergen on Saturdays and Sundays (from June 26 to August 18). Great news for all travelers wishing to fly directly to Lofoten!
To reach the city center from the airport, you have several options:
- A 2-minute cab ride (approx. 109 NOK)
- A 2 km walk to the bus terminal
- Rent a car directly from the airport with agencies such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz or Rent a Car Lofoten.
Svolvær Airport (SVJ)
Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, also has its own airport, located 6 kilometers from the town center. It’s an excellent option if you’re planning a stay in East Lofoten.
As for Leknes, take advantage of the new daily direct flights from Oslo during the 2024 summer period (June 26 – August 18).
Important to know: Unlike other airports, there is no airport shuttle service at Svolvær. I strongly advise you to :
- Book your cab in advance via LokalTaxi Vågan (+47 07550)
- Allow a comfortable margin before your flight
- Allow around 200-300 NOK for cab fares
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Major regional airports
Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE)
Harstad/Narvik airport (Evenes) is becoming an increasingly popular gateway to Lofoten. Located around 3 hours’ drive from Svolvær, it offers the advantage of direct international connections.
New international connections for 2024:
- Direct flights from Frankfurt with Discover Airlines (May 16 – September 12)
- Direct flights from Zurich with Edelweiss (June 10 – August 26)
- Direct connections from Paris, London and Milan in season
To reach Lofoten from Evenes, you can :
- Rent a car directly from the airport
- Take the Lofotekspressen bus (line 300)
- Use Best Arctic’s Hop-On Hop-Off service in summer
Bodø Airport (BOO)
Bodø is historically the main gateway to Lofoten. Just 3 km from the city center, this airport offers many national connections with SAS and Norwegian.
To continue to Lofoten from Bodø, there are two main options:
- The Bodø-Moskenes ferry
- 3.5-hour journey
- Free for pedestrians
- Around 1000 NOK for a car
- A memorable maritime experience!
- The express boat to Svolvær
- Daily passenger service
- Departure at 6 PM, arrival around 9:15 PM
- Booking recommended, especially during peak season
🌟 Tip from Âme Curieuse: If you opt for Bodø, take the time to discover this fascinating town before continuing on to Lofoten. The famous Saltstraumen maelstrom and local museums are well worth a visit!
Airlines and flight planning to Lofoten ✈️
Flying to Lofoten is like putting together the pieces of an exciting puzzle! There are several airlines offering flights to this Arctic paradise, each with its own special features. Let’s find out how to organize your air travel in the most efficient way.
Norwegian national airlines
Norwegian: the low-cost airline that thinks big
Norwegian is the right choice for flying to Lofoten from Europe. The company offers daily flights to Bodø and Harstad/Narvik from Oslo, with connections from many European cities.
💡 Travel tip: To optimize your budget, remember to book your Norwegian tickets around 3 to 4 months in advance, especially for the summer season when the Northern Lights attract many travelers.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Nordic comfort
SAS offers excellent coverage of the Norwegian territory, with regular flights to the main access hubs to Lofoten. A major advantage of SAS is the possibility of combining your tickets with Widerøe to fly directly to Svolvær or Leknes, all on a single booking.
The company also offers packages that include hotels in Lofoten, which can be an economical option for a package tour.
Widerøe: the Lofoten expert
A true specialist in Norwegian regional connections, Widerøe is your best ally for direct flights to local Lofoten airports. From summer 2024, the company will be inaugurating daily direct flights from Oslo to Leknes and Svolvær – great news for all travelers!
The new 2024 international routes
The year 2024 marks a turning point for air access to Lofoten. New direct connections to Harstad/Narvik airport (EVE) open up new prospects:
- Discover Airlines operates flights from Frankfurt (May to September)
- Edelweiss from Zurich to Lofoten (June to August)
- Air France offers direct flights from Paris in summer
Plan your flight to Lofoten
When to book to optimize your budget?
The key to a successful trip to Lofoten starts with good flight planning. Weather and seasons have a strong influence on airfares:
- Winter (October to March): book 3 months in advance for the best rates, especially if you want to see the northern lights.
- Summer (June to August): plan ahead 4 to 5 months in advance to take advantage of preferential rates and secure your seats.
- In the shoulder season: you can wait a little longer, but keep an eye out for special offers.
Optimize your itinerary
Your choice of arrival airport will depend on a number of factors:
For a stay in East Lofoten: choose Svolvær or Harstad/Narvik airport. You can easily discover the Sami culture and explore the region.
For a complete tour: consider arriving via Bodø and departing via Harstad/Narvik (or vice versa). This will allow you to make a roadtrip without having to retrace your steps.
Budget and good news 2024
Great news for travelers: from April 2024, prices for domestic flights to Leknes and Svolvær will be cut in half! This government initiative aims to make Lofoten more accessible.
🌟 Âme Bohème’s budget tip: For an economical trip, combine this discount with our tips for budget travel to Lofoten. Also consider the Tromsø Pass if you plan to visit the region.
Practical tips for your flights to Lofoten ✈️
Fly to Lofoten in winter ❄️
Winter in Lofoten offers a magical spectacle of northern lights and snow-covered landscapes. However, this season requires special preparation for your flights.
Polar nights and winter weather can affect your flight plans. Here are my Âme Curieuse tips for travelling with peace of mind:
💡 Essential tip: always include a buffer day in your schedule, especially if you’ve planned activities like whale watching or a snowshoeing excursion.
Don’t forget that Norwegian winters can be temperamental. Snowfalls and strong winds can cause delays or cancellations, especially for small planes serving Leknes and Svolvær. Dressing well and remaining flexible in your planning are the keys to a successful trip!
Fly to Lofoten in summer ☀️
Summer in Lofoten is a time of midnight sun and endless days. The high tourist season is in full swing, and the new direct flights of 2024 make access to the archipelago much easier.
Summer flights offer several advantages:
- More stable weather conditions
- Extended flight times thanks to constant light
- New direct connections to Leknes and Svolvær
In case of overcrowding, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives such as arriving via Tromsø for a magnificent road trip through northern Norway.
The promising future of air connections to Lofoten 🛫
Lofoten’s air accessibility is changing! The new Leknes airport project represents a major turning point for the region. Larger and better equipped, it will be able to accommodate standard airliners, paving the way for more direct international connections.
This development is accompanied by significant improvements in road infrastructure, notably between Svolvær and Leknes, making the entire archipelago more accessible. Excellent news for all keen travellers!
Responsible travel to Lofoten 🌍
As environmentally-conscious Âmes Curieuses, it’s important to address the ecological impact of our travels to Lofoten. While air travel remains the fastest and often most convenient way to reach this Arctic archipelago, other options exist for travelers with more time on their hands.
💚 Our commitment to more sustainable tourism: At Âme Bohème, we believe in the importance of informing our readers about all the travel options available, enabling them to make informed choices based on their constraints and values.
Alternatives to air travel
There are several ways to get from Oslo to Lofoten:
By rail and road: Norway has an excellent rail network as far as Bodø. From France, you can reach Oslo by train via Germany and Denmark, then continue north. This slower journey offers the opportunity to discover extraordinary landscapes and meet new people.
By car: For road trip enthusiasts, driving to Lofoten offers total immersion in the Scandinavian landscape. This option offers great freedom in exploring the fjords and coastal regions.
Making an informed choice
If you choose to fly, here are a few suggestions to minimize your impact:
- Choose direct flights whenever possible
- Consider a longer stay to make the most of your trip
- Offset your carbon emissions through certified programs
- On site, opt for more environmentally-friendly modes of transport
Finding the right balance
There is no such thing as a perfect solution, and each traveler has to find the compromise that suits him or her between available time, budget, comfort and environmental impact. The key is to be aware of our choices and their implications.
🌿 O ur vision: We believe that travel, even if it has an impact, can contribute to a better understanding of the world and its environmental issues. The Lofoten Islands, with their unspoilt landscapes and commitment to sustainability, are a perfect example of this.
In conclusion: what’s the best way to reach Lofoten by plane?
Having explored all the options for flying to Lofoten, here are my recommendations based on your travel profile:
For long-haul adventurers: choose to arrive via Tromsø or Bodø, combining your flight with a memorable road trip through northern Norway.
For family travel: Choose the new direct flights to Leknes or Svolvær in summer. See our Tromsø family guide for more inspiration!
For aurora hunters: In winter, Harstad/Narvik airport offers an excellent compromise between accessibility and international connections. Discover our tips for seeing the northern lights.
Frequently asked questions ❓
To get the best rates, book 3 to 4 months in advance for winter, and 4 to 5 months for summer. Check our guide on when to visit Lofoten for more details.
Plan generous connection times and favor combined tickets from the same airline for peace of mind.
Keep the tourist office and your accommodation contacts handy. Airlines are used to these situations and usually offer alternative solutions.
Article mis à jours le 20 December 2024 par Pierre Bouyer
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