HOW TO GET TO LOFOTEN ISLANDS?
- lofotenroamers
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
Getting to Lofoten Islands takes a bit of planning, but trust us—it’s absolutely worth it!
Located beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is one of the most breathtaking yet remote destinations in the world. With unpredictable weather and limited transport options, traveling here can be challenging at times.
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! To make your trip as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best ways to reach Lofoten, whether by plane or ferry. Choose the option that suits you best and start your adventure hassle-free!
WAYS TO REACH LOFOTEN
BY PLANE
Flying to Lofoten Islands is the fastest and most convenient way to start your adventure. Just an hour from our van rental location, Leknes Airport (LKN) offers domestic flights, making it an easy gateway to the islands. Another option is Svolvær Airport (SVJ), located about two hours from Reine, providing additional connections.
BY FERRY
Another convenient way to reach the Lofoten Islands is via the Bodø–Moskenes ferry. Currently, this ferry offers free passage for foot passengers. To enhance your journey, we provide a van pick-up service from the Moskenes ferry terminal for an additional fee, ensuring a seamless transition to your adventure.
HOW TO GET TO LOFOTEN BY PLANE
Flying to the Lofoten Islands is the fastest and most scenic way to start your adventure. Widerøe Airlines operates direct flights from Bodø to two key destinations in Lofoten: Leknes and Svolvær.
The flight to Leknes takes around 25 minutes, while the journey to Svolvær is approximately 30 minutes. Both routes offer breathtaking views of Lofoten’s dramatic landscapes, making the flight an experience in itself.
One important thing to keep in mind is that during rough weather conditions, ferries are more likely to be canceled, whereas flights to Leknes and Svolvær often still operate. This makes flying a more reliable option, especially in winter or during stormy periods.
There are frequent daily departures, giving you flexibility when planning your trip.
To check ticket prices and book your flight, visit Widerøe's official website.
HOW TO GET TO LOFOTEN BY FERRY
One of the most affordable ways to reach the Lofoten Islands is by taking the Moskenes – Bodø ferry. While this is a great option for those looking to save money, keep in mind that bad weather can make the journey quite challenging—and sometimes very wavy. Weather conditions in Lofoten can be unpredictable, so if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s good to be prepared!
Ferry Duration & Seasonal Schedules
The direct ferry from Bodø to Moskenes takes around 3–4 hours. There are two different schedules depending on the season:
Summer Schedule (Peak Season) – The ferry operates up to 8 times a day to accommodate the high number of travelers.
Winter Schedule (Off-Peak Season) – Fewer daily departures, so planning ahead is essential.
Since ferry schedules change seasonally, always check the latest timetable to avoid confusion.
Free Travel for Foot Passengers
A major advantage of this route is that foot passengers can travel for free. If you are not bringing a vehicle, you can simply walk onto the ferry and enjoy the ride at no cost.
Reservations & Place-Guaranteed Pedestrian Tickets
During peak season, the ferry can get very busy, and if you want to secure a spot on the ferry, you can purchase a Place-Guaranteed Pedestrian Ticket for 250 NOK, however we don't think it is necessary.
Booking for Vehicles
If you’re traveling with a camper van, car, or motorcycle, it’s highly recommended to book in advance, as vehicle spaces fill up quickly, especially in summer. Reservations can be made on the official ferry website.
Reading the Ferry Schedule – A Challenge of Its Own
Reading Norwegian ferry timetables can be quite tricky and complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with how they are structured. To avoid any last-minute surprises, make sure to double or even triple-check the schedule to ensure you’ve understood it correctly.
⬇️ Below, you’ll find our step-by-step guide on how to read the ferry schedule to make your journey as smooth as possible. ⬇️
THE SUMMER 2025
Timetable is valid from May 30th to August 30th.
How to Read the Departure and Arrival Information, example:
The first vertical column shows the departure and arrival locations.
"FRA Moskenes" means FROM Moskenes, and "TIL Bodø" means TO Bodø.
The red arrow marks direct ferry departures from Moskenes to Bodø on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at:
07:00, 09:00* (watch for the star sign!), 11:00, 14:45, 18:00* (watch for the star!), 20:30, 23:45.
An additional departure at 00:15* is listed below in a separate row (another red arrow).
The green arrow under "TIL Bodø" shows the arrival times in Bodø after departing Moskenes.
⚠ Important Note: One departure at 09:45 is not listed above because this ferry first stops at Værøy and Røst before reaching Bodø, making the journey 7 hours long instead of a direct trip.
THE WINTER 2025
timetable is valid from February 1st to May 29th and September 1st to September 30th.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR FERRY TICKETS
How to Book Your Ferry Tickets
To book your ferry tickets and check the latest schedule online, visit the official Torghatten Nord website:
Here, you can find up-to-date timetables, book vehicle spots in advance, and secure a Place-Guaranteed Pedestrian Ticket if needed.
You have to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 45 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process, especially during peak season.
If you’d like to check how busy the ferry terminal is in real-time, you can take a look at the online webcams for both Moskenes and Bodø:
These webcams give you a sneak peek at the current situation, helping you plan your arrival accordingly!
WE HOPE YOU WILL FIND THIS INFORMATION USEFUL
SEE YOU IN LOFOTEN!
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