How to Get to Lofoten: Best Ways to Travel by Ferry, Flight & Road

How to Get to Lofoten: Flights, Ferries & Insider Tips

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a dream destination, offering dramatic fjords, jagged peaks, and charming fishing villages. But getting there requires a bit of planning. Whether you’re flying, taking the ferry, or driving through Norway’s scenic landscapes, this guide will help you navigate the best routes to Lofoten—saving you both time and money.

‍Getting to Lofoten: Your Best Travel Options

Lofoten may feel like the edge of the world, but getting there is easier than you might think. The most popular routes include:

1. Flying to Lofoten (fastest but requires connections)
2. Taking the ferry from Bodø (a scenic option, especially with a car)
3. Driving through Norway (a road trip lover’s dream)

Let’s dive into each option!

Option 1: Flying to Lofoten

The quickest way to reach Lofoten is by air. While there are no direct international flights to Lofoten, you can fly to Bodø, Harstad/Narvik (Evenes), Leknes, or Svolvær from major Norwegian cities.

Best Flight Routes to Lofoten:

• From Oslo: Direct flights to Bodø, Harstad/Narvik, and sometimes Leknes or Svolvær
• From Bergen & Trondheim: Direct flights to Bodø, then a connection to Leknes or Svolvær
• From Bodø: Small regional flights to Leknes and Svolvær

✈️ Pro Tip: The flight from Bodø to Lofoten is short but incredibly scenic—grab a window seat for jaw-dropping views!

Option 2: Taking the Ferry from Bodø to Lofoten

For those bringing a car or looking for an adventurous journey, the Bodø–Moskenes ferry is the best option. This ferry crosses the Vestfjord and drops you directly into the heart of Lofoten.

Bodø–Moskenes Ferry Schedule & Routes

There are two main ferry options:

1. Direct Route: Bodø → Moskenes (3-4 hours)
2. Scenic Route: Bodø → Røst → Værøy → Moskenes (7 hours)

During peak season (June–September), ferries run up to 8 times daily, but in winter, departures are fewer.

🚢 Pro Tip: The schedule can be confusing—double-check the season, day of the week, and ferry name before booking. Use Entur.no or the ferry company Torghatten Nord’s website to verify times.

How to Book the Bodø–Moskenes Ferry

• Pre-booking recommended: The ferry is popular in summer, so reserve in advance to secure a spot.
• Cost: Prices vary by vehicle size and emissions, but pedestrians and bicyclists travel for free.
• No reservation? Arrive early to queue, as only two-thirds of spots can be pre-booked.

🛑 Warning: If you miss the last ferry, you’ll need to stay overnight in Moskenes, where accommodations are limited.

Option 3: Driving to Lofoten

For an epic Norwegian road trip, drive to Lofoten via the scenic E10 highway. There are two primary driving routes:

1. Through Sweden: Drive from Oslo via Sweden and cross back into Norway at Narvik.
2. Via the Norwegian Coastal Route: Take ferries along the coast from Trondheim to Bodø, then continue to Lofoten.

🚗 Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a Travelpass Nordland, which gives unlimited bus and ferry rides in the region for a fixed price.

How to Take the Bodø–Moskenes Ferry for FREE 🚢

Did you know there’s a way to avoid paying ferry fees—even with a car? Here’s how:

✅ Instead of taking the direct ferry (which can cost up to 2,200 NOK for a campervan), take the longer route via Røst or Værøy.

💡 The trick:

• Step 1: Take the ferry from Bodø and get off at Værøy or Røst.
• Step 2: Spend at least a few hours on the island.
• Step 3: Continue your journey to Moskenes on another ferry.

This bypasses ticket costs, thanks to Norwegian ferry subsidies for certain routes!

🏝️ Bonus: Værøy is a hidden gem with stunning hiking trails, midnight sunsets, and northern lights views—making it a perfect stopover.

Arriving in Lofoten: What to Expect

🚍 Public Transport: Buses from Moskenes align with most ferry arrivals, but early morning and late-night travelers may struggle to find a connection.

🚖 Taxis: Rare and unreliable—book in advance.

🚗 Car Rentals: Rent-A-Car Moskenes is a local option but requires phone or Facebook booking.

🛒 Shops & Facilities:

• Moskenes ferry terminal has no grocery stores—nearest shop is 2.5 km away in Sørvågen.
• There is a small canteen onboard the ferry with food and snacks.

🏕️ Camping Tip: Wild camping near Sørvågen Lake is not allowed—use Moskenes Camping instead.

🐶 Bringing a Dog? Pets must stay in a designated cage area or inside your vehicle.

🌊 Seasickness Warning: The Vestfjord can be rough—bring motion sickness tablets if needed.

Final Travel Tips for Lofoten

🔴 Check the live ferry queue webcams before heading to the terminal—this helps avoid long waits.

🔴 Download the Norwegian ferry planner app (Entur.no) for real-time schedules.

🔴 Traveling in peak season (June–August)? Always pre-book ferry tickets and accommodation.

🔴 Flying? Consider flying into Evenes Airport for cheaper rates, then driving to Lofoten.

🔴 Road trip idea: Take the Kystriksveien Coastal Route from Trondheim to Bodø for an unforgettable drive.

Lofoten’s breathtaking landscapes are well worth the journey—whether you’re flying, sailing, or road-tripping. By planning ahead, booking ferries in advance, and using money-saving tricks, you’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival to this Arctic paradise.