From the USA or Australia, fly to Oslo (directly or via a hub), then take a domestic flight to Bodø and a short hop to Leknes or Svolvær – or fly to Evenes and drive. From Australia, routes connect via the Middle East or Asia. Plan one full travel day each way inside Norway, add a rest night, and stay at least a week to make the journey worth it.
Coming from the US, Australia or Asia? Yes, it is a long trip. And yes, it is worth it. Here's how to make it smooth.
The basic route
Almost every trip to Lofoten from overseas looks like this:
- Long-haul flight to Oslo – or to a European hub and on to Oslo.
- Domestic flight from Oslo to Bodø.
- Short regional hop from Bodø to Leknes or Svolvær – or the car ferry from Bodø to Moskenes.
Alternatively, fly from Oslo straight to Harstad/Narvik Evenes and drive onto the islands.
From the USA
Some US gateways have direct flights to Oslo; otherwise you'll connect in a European hub such as London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt or Reykjavik. Flights from the US are typically overnight, so you land in Europe in the morning.
From Australia
There are no direct flights between Australia and Norway. Most routes go through the Middle East (Doha, Dubai) or Asia (Singapore and others) to Oslo or a European hub. It's one of the longest trips you can make – so build in rest.
Don't forget the seasons are flipped. Our aurora season (late August to mid-April) falls over your summer holidays; our midnight sun (late May to mid-July) is your winter.
Which Lofoten airport?
| Staying in | Best airport | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Reine (west) | Leknes (LKN) | Ferry Bodø–Moskenes |
| Lyngvær (middle) | Svolvær (SVJ) | Leknes or Evenes |
How many days?
For a long-haul trip, we'd say at least five nights, ideally a week or more. Weather in Lofoten can close in for a day or two, and you'll want time to see both the west and the middle.
Jet lag tips
- Break the journey. A night in Oslo or Bodø makes the last leg pleasant instead of exhausting.
- Don't plan a big hike on day one.
- Use the light. In summer the midnight sun can scramble your body clock further – an eye mask helps. In winter, get outside during the daylight hours.
Car rental
Rent at the airport you land at, or in Bodø if you take the ferry. Book early for summer. In the winter season rentals come with winter tyres; read our winter guide for driving tips.
The full guide
All airports, the ferry and the drive in one place: Getting there.
Good questions
How many days do you need in Lofoten?
We'd say at least five nights, ideally a week or more – especially if you've flown from the US or Australia. It gives you buffer for weather and time to see both the west and the middle of the islands.
What is the best airport for Lofoten?
Leknes (LKN) is best for Reine and the west; Svolvær (SVJ) for the middle of the islands. Evenes (EVE) has more flights but a longer drive. Bodø is the mainland hub and has the ferry to Moskenes.
