Getting to Tromsø from Oslo — flights, trains, and buses
Tromsø: Private Transfer to/from Tromsø Airport and City
How do I get from Oslo to Tromsø?
Flying is the only realistic option for most travellers. Oslo (OSL) to Tromsø (TOS) takes 1 hour 45 minutes with SAS or Norwegian, from around 500–900 NOK booked 4–6 weeks ahead. There is no direct train to Tromsø; the overnight bus from Oslo takes 22–26 hours and involves multiple changes.
| Fastest option | flight, 1h45–1h55 |
| Cost | around 500–1,200 NOK one-way, advance booking |
| Airlines | SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe |
| Frequency | 4–8 daily departures |
| Alternative | Nordland Line train to Bodø + bus (22–26h total) |
The realistic transport options from Oslo to Tromsø
Tromsø sits 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. Despite Norway’s superb rail network, no railway reaches Tromsø — the mountains between the two cities were never bridged by track. Flying is the standard choice for international travellers and Norwegians alike.
Flying Oslo to Tromsø: the main option
Airports: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) → Tromsø Langnes (TOS) Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes Airlines: SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe Frequency: 4–8 daily departures depending on season Typical price: 500–1,200 NOK economy (advance booking); 1,500–2,500 NOK peak winter
Oslo Gardermoen is well connected to the city centre by the Airport Express Train (Flytoget), which takes 20 minutes and costs around 220 NOK. Trains run every 10 minutes during daytime. The slower NSB regional train (around 100 NOK) takes 40 minutes and stops at more stations.
Booking tips for Oslo–Tromsø flights
Norwegian frequently runs sales with TOS tickets under 500 NOK. Set price alerts on Google Flights or Finn.no (Norway’s domestic travel aggregator). The cheapest fares are usually on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and are non-refundable. If you book 6–8 weeks ahead for peak winter travel, expect to pay 800–1,200 NOK one-way.
SAS offers “SAS Go” (basic economy) and “SAS Plus” (flexible, rebookable). If your aurora trip depends on weather flexibility — arriving a day earlier if a storm is forecast — the price premium on a flexible SAS ticket can be worth it.
Widerøe flies smaller turboprop aircraft and may route via Bodø, Harstad, or Alta. These routes are slower (2.5–3.5 hours total) but can open up interesting side-trip options if you want to add a stop in northern Norway.
The train alternative: Oslo to Narvik (then bus to Tromsø)
There is no train to Tromsø, but the Nordland Line runs from Oslo Central Station to Bodø (17–19 hours). From Bodø, express buses (Nettbuss/Vy) continue north to Narvik (~5 hours) and then to Tromsø (~2.5 hours). The total journey time is around 22–26 hours.
This route is not practical as a way to “get to Tromsø” — it is a scenic Norwegian rail experience in its own right. If you want to take the Nordland Line through midnight sun landscapes or Arctic winter scenery, combine it with a flight back from TOS. The train journey through Saltfjellet and along the Ofoten fjords is genuinely one of Norway’s great rail experiences.
Nordland Line prices: Oslo–Bodø from around 299–799 NOK with advance booking on Vy.no. Onward buses: Bodø–Narvik–Tromsø around 400–600 NOK total.
Overnight bus from Oslo to Tromsø: only if you love buses
Long-distance buses operated by Vy or regional operators connect Oslo to northern Norway, but the journey to Tromsø requires multiple changes and takes 22–30 hours depending on the connection. This is occasionally useful if you miss a flight and need an emergency backup, or if you are on an extremely tight budget. For most travellers, the time cost far outweighs the savings over a cheap flight.
Driving from Oslo to Tromsø: the road trip option
The E6 highway runs the full length of Norway from Oslo to Tromsø — 1,850 km through some of Europe’s most remote and spectacular landscapes. In summer, the drive is manageable in 2–3 days with stops in Trondheim (8 hours from Oslo), Mo i Rana (15 hours), and Narvik (19 hours).
In winter, the E6 is kept open year-round but mountain sections can be temporarily closed in severe storms. You must fit your vehicle with winter tyres (studded or friction) — mandatory in northern Norway from November to the first Sunday after Easter. See car rental in Tromsø for notes on winter tyre requirements if you pick up a car in Tromsø instead.
The main scenic highlight of the drive is the Lyngen Alps and Ballangen fjord area north of Narvik — genuinely one of the most dramatic road corridors in Norway. However, doing this in the dark of polar night (November–January) means you may see very little unless the moon is full.
International flights to Tromsø TOS
Tromsø airport (TOS) is a small international airport handling about 3 million passengers per year. Direct international connections are limited:
- SAS runs seasonal direct flights from London Heathrow and Copenhagen
- Lufthansa connects via Munich on some schedules
- Most European and international travellers connect through Oslo (OSL) or Copenhagen (CPH)
From the UK, flying Oslo (direct from most UK airports) and connecting to TOS costs roughly £120–250 return in shoulder season and £200–400+ in peak winter. Direct charter flights from London to Tromsø run occasionally in winter.
Once you land at Tromsø airport
TOS is just 4 km from the city centre. Bus route 40 or 42 costs 48 NOK and runs every 20–30 minutes. The Flybussen airport express costs 125 NOK and runs more frequently with central drop-offs. Taxis are around 180–220 NOK. See the full Tromsø airport transfer guide for walking distances, taxi booking, and hotel shuttles.
Private transfer — Tromsø airport to city centreComparing your options at a glance
| Option | Time | Approx. cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (direct) | 1h45–1h55 | 500–1,200 NOK | Best choice for nearly everyone |
| Nordland Line + bus | 22–26 hours | 700–1,400 NOK combined | Scenic detour, not a practical transfer |
| Overnight bus | 22–30 hours | Lower cost, high time cost | Emergency backup only |
| Self-drive (E6) | 2–3 days | Fuel + accommodation | Road-trip enthusiasts only |
After you land: settling into Tromsø
Once you arrive at TOS, the practicalities shift to local transport and orientation. Most first-time visitors head straight into the city centre — see getting around Tromsø for buses, walking distances, and car rental if you plan day trips beyond Tromsøya. If you are unsure how long to stay once you factor in the travel day itself, how many days in Tromsø accounts for arrival and departure logistics in its itinerary breakdowns. For where to base yourself once you land, the where to stay in Tromsø guide covers neighbourhoods within easy reach of both the airport bus and the city centre attractions in Tromsø city centre.
Airport-to-hotel transfer — book ahead for a smooth arrival after the Oslo flightFrequently asked questions about getting to Tromsø from Oslo
Is it cheaper to book Oslo–Tromsø as a separate ticket or as part of a longer itinerary?
It depends on your routing. Booking through a global site like Google Flights often surfaces one-ticket options connecting via Oslo, which can be cheaper than booking separately. However, if your Oslo connection is tight (under 1.5 hours at OSL), Norwegian and SAS both have good rebooking for missed connections when booked as a single ticket.
Can I take the night train and avoid flying within Norway?
The only true night train in northern Norway is the Ofoten railway from Narvik into Sweden (Riksgränsen, Kiruna, Stockholm) — not a domestic option from Oslo. From Oslo, the Nordland Line day train to Bodø is scenic but daytime-only. You can take an overnight bus from Oslo, but this is a 22–26 hour journey.
Are flights often delayed between Oslo and Tromsø in winter?
Yes, delays are common. Winter storms can ground TOS for several hours, and crosswinds at the airport (it sits between mountains and the fjord) cause approach difficulties. Always book your flight to arrive at least 24 hours before any important tour booking. Do not arrive the same day you have a pre-paid whale watching excursion.
Is there a Flybussen from Oslo Airport to Tromsø?
No. Flybussen is a separate company in Tromsø that connects TOS airport to the city centre. It has no relation to Oslo.
What is the carbon footprint of flying Oslo to Tromsø?
The OSL–TOS flight emits approximately 80–100 kg CO₂ per passenger (economy, direct). Norwegian Airlines has offsets available at booking. Widerøe operates newer turboprops (ATR 72-600) with marginally lower per-seat emissions than larger jets on this route.
How should I plan my first day in Tromsø after the flight?
Keep it light. A short walk along Storgata or the harbourfront is enough for a day that started with an early flight and airport transfers; save guided activities and aurora tours for the evening once you have settled into your accommodation.
Do I need to book a rental car before arriving from Oslo?
Only if you plan day trips beyond the city island. For a mostly city-based stay, see getting around Tromsø — walking and buses cover the centre, and car rental can be arranged after arrival if plans change.
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