How to Get to Tromsø, Norway: Flights, Oslo Connections, and Airport Tips
How to Get to Tromsø, Norway: Introduction
Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is a bucket-list destination for travelers looking for northern lights, Arctic fjords, winter scenery, and unique northern Norway experiences. Even though Tromsø feels remote, getting there is not too difficult if you plan your flights carefully.
For most travelers, the easiest way to get to Tromsø is by flying into Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS). Many routes connect through Oslo, although there are also some direct flights from other European cities depending on the season.
This page explains how I got to Tromsø, what my Oslo connection was like, how I flew SAS and Norwegian, and how I traveled between Tromsø Airport and the city center.
Quick Answer: The Best Way to Get to Tromsø
The best way to get to Tromsø is usually by flying into Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS). The airport is close to the city center, and most travelers arrive through a connection in Oslo or another major European city.
For flights within Norway, SAS and Norwegian are both good airlines to compare. I flew SAS to Tromsø and Norwegian on the way back, and both worked well for my trip.
Once you land, getting into Tromsø is simple. The main airport transfer options are taxi, Flybussen airport express, or public bus. I used a taxi after arriving late at night and took Flybussen back to the airport for my return flight.
If you are still comparing routes, it is worth checking flight prices into Tromsø Airport as well as connection options through Oslo or other major European cities.
Searching for Flights to Tromsø?
I recommend comparing flights into Tromsø Airport and checking connections through Oslo, Amsterdam, or other major European cities.
Affiliate link: I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Tromsø, Norway: Introduction
- Quick Answer: The Best Way to Get to Tromsø
- My Route to Tromsø: Starting in Amsterdam
- Connecting in Oslo
- SAS Airlines – Oslo to Tromsø
- Tromsø Airport to the City Center
- Automated Check In at Tromsø Airport
- My Return Flight on Norwegian Airlines
- Tips for Booking Flights to Tromsø
- Is Tromsø Easy to Reach?
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
Disclaimer: Buzzin’ Around the World strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on our research at the time of publication. We respect all applicable laws and fair use principles. If you believe any information is incorrect or violates regulations, please contact us at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Affiliate Links and Reviews: We use affiliate links to generate income and may receive a commission at no additional cost to you when you use our links. We strive for honest and transparent reviews, even for products which we receive compensation.
Content Creation: Our content is based on our own travel experiences. All photos are our own unless otherwise stated. We sometimes utilize AI tools to assist with tasks like generating titles, summarizing content, and improving organization.
For more information: For more information, please click HERE to visit our privacy policy page. We can be reached at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
My Route to Tromsø: Starting in Amsterdam
Flying directly to Tromsø from the United States can be expensive, so I looked for a cheaper and more interesting way to reach northern Norway. Instead of booking one ticket all the way to Tromsø, I searched for cheaper flights into major European cities and then added a separate flight to Norway.
The best option I found was a $500 round-trip flight to Amsterdam with a short layover in London on American Airlines. Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities, so this turned into a bonus stop instead of just a connection.
I like this strategy because it can save money and make a trip feel bigger. If you have the time, adding a bonus city before continuing to Tromsø can turn a Norway trip into a two-destination itinerary.
After booking my flight to Amsterdam, I purchased separate one-way flights between Amsterdam and Tromsø.
My route looked like this:
- To Tromsø: SAS Airlines from Amsterdam to Tromsø with a connection in Oslo
- Return from Tromsø: Norwegian Airlines from Tromsø to Amsterdam, also connecting in Oslo
This approach saved money, gave me extra time in Amsterdam, and allowed me to try two Scandinavian airlines on the same trip.
Connecting in Oslo Before Flying to Tromsø
My flight to Tromsø connected through Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). Oslo Airport is one of the nicest airports I have visited, with a clean, modern design and a lot of wood architecture that makes it feel more relaxing than many major airports.
What My Oslo Connection Was Like
Since I was arriving from outside Norway and continuing on a domestic flight to Tromsø, I had to go through the international-to-domestic transfer process.
Norway is part of the Schengen Area, but it is not part of the European Union. During my connection, I had to wait for my name to appear on a monitor as part of the customs clearance process. I did not need to speak to an officer or collect my checked bag.
Once I was cleared, I scanned my boarding pass and entered the domestic departures area. From there, finding my gate for Tromsø was easy. I had about 75 minutes before boarding, which was enough time to relax and enjoy the airport.
Flying SAS from Oslo to Tromsø
My flight from Oslo to Tromsø was operated by SAS Airlines on a Boeing 737-800. The flight took about two hours and was smooth and on time.
Even though the flight was full, I had booked an exit row seat, which gave me plenty of legroom. For a domestic flight in Norway, it was a comfortable experience.
Why I Liked Flying SAS to Tromsø
SAS worked well for this route because my fare included a checked bag and seat selection. I also liked having the option to pay a little extra for the exit row.
Since I had already booked Norwegian for my return flight, flying SAS to Tromsø gave me a chance to compare both major options on the same trip.
Tromsø Airport to the City Center
Tromsø Airport, Langnes is about 5 km from the city center, which makes arrival fairly easy compared to many other destinations. After landing, the main options are taxi, Flybussen airport express, or public bus.
I arrived in Tromsø around 10:00 PM, so I chose to take a taxi instead of figuring out the bus after a long travel day. For my return flight, I used Flybussen because it was convenient and timed well for early departures.
For the easiest arrival and departure, I would look for hotels near central Tromsø, the harbor, or Storgata. That made it easier for me to use taxis, Flybussen, and walk around the city.
Need a Hotel in Tromsø?
I would look for hotels near central Tromsø, the harbor, or Storgata so airport transfers and walking around the city are easier.
Search Hotels in Tromsø on Expedia
Affiliate link: I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Taxi from Tromsø Airport
When I arrived late at night, I took a taxi from Tromsø Airport to my hotel. At the time of my visit, the ride cost around 200 NOK, including a tip.
That was my personal experience, but taxi fares can change and may be higher now depending on time of day, day of the week, traffic, and where you are staying. Still, a taxi is the easiest option if you arrive late, have luggage, or want to go directly to your hotel.
Flybussen Airport Express
For my early morning return flight, I used Flybussen, the airport express bus. This ended up being a convenient option because the bus stopped near my hotel and got me to the airport with enough time to check in and go through security.
At the time of my trip, my ticket cost 110 NOK and I was able to buy it directly on the bus. Current prices may be different, so I would check the official Flybussen schedule and fare before your trip.
Flybussen is a good option if you are staying near one of the city center stops and want a simple airport transfer without paying for a taxi.
Public Bus to and from Tromsø Airport
Tromsø also has public buses that connect the airport with the city center. This can be a cheaper option than Flybussen, especially if the schedule and stop locations work for your hotel.
The downside is that public buses may have less luggage space than the airport express bus. If you are traveling with large bags or arriving late, Flybussen or a taxi may be easier.
Automated Check-In at Tromsø Airport
When I left Tromsø, the check-in process at Tromsø Airport (TOS) was very automated. I used a self-service kiosk to check in, print my boarding pass, and print my luggage tag.
After tagging my bag, I placed it on the conveyor belt and continued toward security. The process was efficient and easy to follow.
One thing I noticed was that my suitcase was slightly over the weight limit, but no one checked it closely during my visit. I would not count on that always happening, but it made my own airport experience stress-free.
My Return Flight on Norwegian Airlines
My return flight from Tromsø was on Norwegian Airlines, connecting through Oslo before continuing back to Amsterdam.
Both legs were on time, and the trip went smoothly. Norwegian’s pricing was competitive, even with add-ons like seat selection.
The flight from Tromsø to Oslo was comfortable, although I preferred my SAS exit row seat on the way to Tromsø. Still, I would fly either airline again for a Norway trip.
Tips for Booking Flights to Tromsø
Here are my biggest tips for getting to Tromsø based on my experience:
- Compare separate tickets. Booking a cheaper flight to a major European hub, then booking a separate flight to Tromsø, may save money.
- Check Oslo connections. Many travelers reach Tromsø by connecting through Oslo.
- Compare SAS and Norwegian. Both airlines can be good options for flights within Norway.
- Look at baggage rules before booking. A cheap fare may become less cheap if you need to add bags or seat selection.
- Plan your airport transfer before arrival. Taxi, Flybussen, and public bus are all options, but the best choice depends on your arrival time, luggage, and hotel location.
- Stay near the city center if possible. Staying near Storgata, the harbor, or central Tromsø makes it easier to use Flybussen and explore the city on foot.
Is Tromsø Easy to Reach?
Tromsø feels remote because it is located far north in Arctic Norway, but it is not difficult to reach if you are flying. The key is finding a good connection and deciding whether it makes sense to book everything on one ticket or split your trip through another European city.
For my trip, flying to Amsterdam first and then booking separate Scandinavian flights worked well. It saved money, gave me more flexibility, and made Tromsø feel much easier to reach than I expected.
Once I landed, getting from Tromsø Airport to the city center was simple. I used a taxi on arrival and Flybussen on departure, and both worked well for my trip.
Affiliate Partner of the Month – Fourthwall
Fourthwall powers our brand-new Buzzin’ Around the World Merch Shop. Pick up a tee, hoodie, or sticker. All profits will help me continue to run this site and deliver great content!
Buzzin Around the World's Merch Shop
Want to Launch Your Own Merch Line?
Scroll to the bottom of our Fourthwall page and tap “Start Your Own Store.” That’s a referral link—if you sign up, Fourthwall rewards me with store credit I can use to buy more gear (at no extra cost to you). We only recommend tools we use and love.
Earn $200 in Travel Rewards with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card is one of the few rewards cards that does not charge an annual fee. Cardholders can earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent while enjoying 0% APR for 15 months.
Currently, Capital One is offering a signup bonus of 20,000 points (worth $200 in travel rewards) when the cardholder spends $500 in the first three months. If you are interested in this card, I would appreciate it if you would sign up with the link below, as I earn a referral bonus of 10,000 points. Those points are worth $100 in travel rewards and will help me continue to bring great content to Buzzin’ Around the World.
Once again, the Capital One VentureOne card is one of the few reward cards without an annual fee and is the perfect card for someone who is just starting to get into the travel points game.