The short answer
- Flying to Tromsø Airport (TOS) is the simplest option for most short trips.
- Compare direct flights and Oslo connections on your exact dates.
- There is no train station in Tromsø; an overland route ends with bus or road travel.
- Choose the airport bus, Airport Express or taxi according to your luggage, arrival time and hotel stop.
| Route | Best reason to choose it | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Direct flight | One flight and fewer connections | Available routes and dates change by season |
| Flight via Oslo | More itinerary options | Allow a sensible transfer, especially in winter |
| Rail plus bus | An overland journey is part of your trip | Several connections and much longer travel |
| Long-distance road trip | Freedom to stop en route | Weather, driving time and winter conditions |
Start with the flight that works for your dates
Tromsø Airport is close to town, but direct routes vary by season. Search the days you can actually travel before assuming you need a connection—or that a route you saw advertised will operate for your week.
Compare the arrival time and the complete journey, not just the first fare shown. Separate tickets, a tight connection and an overnight stop can make a cheap itinerary expensive in time and stress.
From Oslo, London and beyond
Oslo is a common connection for Tromsø. Some European cities, including London, can also have direct service on selected dates. Check a bookable schedule for your month before shaping the rest of the holiday around that route.
On separate tickets, a missed onward flight may be your problem to solve. Read the airline terms and allow a connection that still works with checked baggage and possible weather delays.
Can you take a train to Tromsø?
No train reaches Tromsø. Rail can be part of a longer journey through Northern Norway, but you still need a bus or road leg at the end. That can be a good trip in its own right; it is a large commitment for a short city break.
If you travel via Narvik or another hub, check the onward bus and its return as carefully as the train. Build in room for delays rather than depending on an old timetable for a same-day connection.
Tromsø Airport to the city centre
The public bus can work well with manageable luggage. Use Svipper for the current stop, route and ticket; a large suitcase may make a crowded bus less comfortable.
The Airport Express has its own fare and central hotel stops. A taxi offers door-to-door travel when you arrive late or have several bags. Compare the total fare and final walk to your accommodation, not just the ticket price.
What if your flight arrives late?
Before departure, check the hotel’s late check-in instructions and the last useful bus. Landing time is not the same as leaving the terminal, particularly when you have checked luggage.
If a tour leaves early the next day, check its meeting point before choosing your hotel. Keeping the arrival evening free makes a delayed flight much easier to absorb.
Choose the whole trip, not only the airfare
Add baggage, connection protection, the transfer into town and the arrival hour when you compare flights. A small fare saving may disappear once you account for an overnight stop or late taxi.
After you book, plan the city without a car unless independent rural stops are central to the holiday. Many activities leave from the harbour or arrange their own transfer.
Primary sources
Conditions and public information can change. These sources were reviewed on 10 October 2026.
Avinor: direct flights to Tromsø ↗︎Avinor: airport public transport ↗︎Svipper: bus to and from the airport ↗︎Visit Norway: travel to Tromsø ↗︎Common questions
FAQ
What is the easiest way to get to Tromsø?
For most visitors it is a flight to Tromsø Airport, either direct on a suitable date or with a connection through Oslo.
Can you fly direct to Tromsø from London?
Direct London routes may be available on selected dates or seasons. Check current airline schedules for your exact travel week; a connection through Oslo is an alternative.
Is there a train from Oslo to Tromsø?
No. Tromsø has no railway station. An overland trip involves a train to a northern rail hub and then bus or road travel.
How do you get from Tromsø Airport to the centre?
Use a public bus, Airport Express or taxi. Compare the current timetable, luggage rules, hotel stop and total fare for your arrival time.
Should I book separate tickets through Oslo?
Only after checking the risk of a missed connection. Separate bookings may offer less protection and can require collecting and checking bags again.
Do I need a car after arriving in Tromsø?
Usually not for a short central stay. The centre is compact and many tours use central meeting points or include transport. A car helps with independent rural stops.
Next decision
Plan the arrival before you book activities
Once your arrival time is clear, compare the current airport transfer options and the route to your hotel.
Compare options
