Welcome to the magnificent Arctic region of Tromsø! This complete guide to public transport in Tromsø will tell you everything you need to know to get around the city and its surroundings.
Whether you arrive by plane, by cruise ship or travel by road, you will find here all the practical information to get around easily during your stay. We will cover in detail the city and regional buses, the sea links, the airport shuttle and many other topics.
Follow the guide to discover all the secrets of getting around Tromsø efficiently!
Getting to Tromsø
Most visitors arrive in Tromsø by plane, at Tromsø airport Langnes, located about 5 km from the city centre. The airport is connected to the city centre by shuttles, buses and taxis.
Airport shuttle
The Flybussen shuttle connects the airport and Tromsø city centre. The journey takes about 15 minutes. The shuttle serves several stops in the city, including the bus station, the port and the main hotels.
The fare is 125 NOK one way and 200 NOK return. Tickets can be bought on board the shuttle or online at the Flybussen website.
Local buses
Bus lines 40 and 42 also connect the airport and Tromsø city centre. The bus stops are located right next to the airport terminal.
The ticket costs 48 NOK (cash only) or 48 NOK if bought at the airport shop before boarding the bus.
You can buy your tickets on the Svipper
Taxi
There is a taxi rank in front of the airport terminal. The fare for a trip between the airport and the city centre is around 400 NOK during the day on weekdays. It is higher on weekends and at night.
You can book a taxi in advance by calling Tromsø Taxi on +47 77 60 30 00.
Public transport in Tromsø
Tromsø city centre is fairly compact and well suited to walking. Nevertheless, to visit more distant attractions like the Arctic Cathedral or the university museum, or simply to get around more comfortably when it is very cold, it will be useful to know the various public transport options.
City buses
The city bus network serves the whole municipality of Tromsø, from the city centre to the outlying neighbourhoods. Buses run every day of the week, from early morning to late evening. There is also a night bus service on Friday and Saturday evenings departing from the city centre.
You can buy your ticket on board the bus, in cash or by card (48 NOK). It is better to buy your tickets in advance at a kiosk, or on the app, and the price will be lower. Tickets are on sale at the tourist office.
Check the Svipper website for the timetables and fares of Tromsø's buses and transport.
Mobile app
The easiest thing is to download the official Svipper app before your trip. It lets you buy your tickets directly on your smartphone and check the timetables.
With the app, the adult ticket is cheaper, and it makes getting around simpler.
Travel passes
For longer stays, it may be worth opting for a travel pass valid for 7 days (280 NOK) or 30 days (630 NOK). Seniors (67 and over) and students get discounts.
Night buses
On Friday and Saturday evenings, night buses serve the city centre and some outlying destinations. They leave the city centre between 00:15 and 03:15 in the morning. The fare is the same as for daytime buses.
Accessibility
Most buses are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Prams, children's bikes and skis are accepted free of charge. A surcharge of 20 NOK is charged for an adult bicycle.
Fare zones
The bus network of Tromsø and its surroundings is divided into fare zones. The price of your ticket depends on the number of zones you cross during your journey.
There are 11 zones numbered from 1 to 11. The municipality of Tromsø is zone 1. The further you go from the city, the higher the zone number.
You can check the number of zones for your journey:
- On the Svipper app when searching for routes
- The fare zone map
For example, a Tromsø – Lyngen trip (zone 1 to zone 10) will cost more than a Tromsø – Kvaløya trip (zone 1 to zone 2).
If you change buses, your connection is included as long as your ticket remains valid in time/zones.
Tromsø transport fare table
Single tickets
| Zones | Adult (30-66) | Young adult (18-29) | Child (6-17) and Senior (67+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 zone | NOK 48 | NOK 48 | NOK 30 |
| 2 zones | NOK 82 | NOK 62 | NOK 51 |
| 3 zones | NOK 164 | NOK 123 | NOK 103 |
| 4 zones | NOK 246 | NOK 185 | NOK 154 |
| 5 zones | NOK 328 | NOK 246 | NOK 205 |
| 6 zones | NOK 480 | NOK 308 | NOK 256 |
| 7 zones | NOK 492 | NOK 369 | NOK 308 |
| 8+ zones | NOK 574 | NOK 431 | NOK 359 |
- Off-peak travel (Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 01:00): 30 NOK
- On-board surcharge for purchase in cash or by credit/debit card
24-hour tickets
| Zones | Adult (18-66) | Child and young person (6-17) | Senior (67+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 zone | NOK 120 | NOK 60 | NOK 60 |
- Valid for 24 hours from activation
- Worth it for more than three trips in 24 hours
- No discount for transfers between bus and express boat
Getting around the Tromsø region
Besides the city network, there are regional bus lines that let you discover the surroundings of Tromsø and in particular the magnificent landscapes of the islands and fjords.
Regional buses
Regional buses depart from the Prostneset bus station, located next to the Tromsø tourist office. Expect 48 NOK for a ticket bought on board. Here are a few interesting lines:
- A tour of Kvaløya, the large island south of Tromsø. Day return trips to Sommarøy possible.
- Ersfjordbotn.
- Hiking trails towards Lyngen.
Check the regional bus timetables to plan your excursion.
The Arctic route
The Arctic route offers bus trips from Tromsø to explore the magnificent Norwegian Arctic region. Various routes take you to Narvik, Rovaniemi, Lyngen or Senja. A handy way to discover the Far North!
Sea transport
In addition to the buses, Tromsø has sea links by ferry and express boat that let you reach the coastal islands and villages.
Express boats
Express boats provide fast, regular links between Tromsø and various destinations such as Harstad, Finnsnes, Skjervøy or Værøy. Tickets can be bought on board or online at the website.
Ferries
The ferry network lets you reach various islands such as Kvaløya, Ringvassøy, Vannøy, or mainland villages like Olderdalen.
The ferry fares and timetables are available on this website.
Payment on board the ferries
Foreign-registered cars must pay for their ferry crossing via the AutoPASS or FerryPay services, by bank card. It is not possible to pay in cash.
Hurtigruten cruises
The legendary ships of the Hurtigruten company run the daily service along the Norwegian coast, from Bergen to Kirkenes. They call at Tromsø. It is a chance to discover the impressive landscapes of the Arctic coast!
Transport to and from the airport
The airport being located outside the city, you will probably need to use public transport on your arrival and/or departure from Tromsø. Here are the options:
From the airport
- Take the Flybussen shuttle to the city centre. Stops at the bus station, the port and the hotels.
- Take local bus line 42 towards the city centre.
- Take a taxi (expect around 400 NOK).
To the airport
- Take the Flybussen shuttle from the bus station or the Radisson Blu Hotel.
- Take local bus line 42 towards the airport.
- Book in advance if possible).
You can also rent a car for the duration of your stay!
Transport to and from Tromsø cruise port
When you arrive in or leave Tromsø aboard a cruise ship, you will probably need to reach the city centre.
The Breivika cruise port is about 4 km from the city centre.
- A shuttle connects the port and the city centre during cruise ship calls.
- City bus 42 also serves the cruise port.
Practical transport tips for Tromsø
Here are a few extra tips to help you use public transport in Tromsø:
- Buy your travel tickets in advance when possible, you will avoid the queues and save money.
- Download the Svipper to get all the real-time timetables and buy your tickets easily.
- Especially if you have a connectionsnow or ice in winter.
- Dress warmly in winter when waiting at bus stops, temperatures can be very low.
- Ticket checks are carried out regularly.
- Often crowded at peak times, especially heading to the university in the morning. Favour off-peak hours if possible.
- Prostneset) is next to the tourist office, it is a hub for city and regional buses.
- Sentrum » you will be close to the main bus lines.
By following our tips, you will have no trouble using the buses, ferries and express boats during your stay in Tromsø. Public transport is convenient, punctual but relatively expensive. It will let you make the most of your stay in the magnificent Arctic region of Tromsø. Have a great trip!
Frequently asked questions
Where to buy my travel tickets?
You have several options:– On the Svipper mobile app
– At kiosks and affiliated sales points (Tourist Office, Narvesen…)
– Directly on the bus (cash only, higher fare)
What are the fares?
There are fares for every budget. Expect 48 NOK for a 1-hour ticket bought on the app, or 48 NOK on the bus. There are also 7-day and 30-day passes.
Can I pay by bank card?
Yes, if you buy your ticket on the mobile app or at a sales point. Not possible on the bus, cash only.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
No, there is no validation on the buses in Tromsø. But keep your ticket safe, checks may take place.
Are there any discounts?
Yes, seniors (67+) and students get preferential fares. Children under 5 travel free.
Can I travel with my bike / my pram?
Yes, it is free on the buses in Tromsø. Only transporting an adult bike costs extra (20 NOK).
Is there a night bus service?
Yes, on Friday and Saturday evenings there are buses from the city centre to certain neighbourhoods. Same fares as daytime buses.
How to buy a ticket for someone else?
How to buy a ticket for someone else?With the Svipper app you can buy tickets for other people via the sharing feature. Handy!
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