best airport to fly into lofoten

2 min read 20-12-2024

The Lofoten Islands are a stunning archipelago in northern Norway, famed for their dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and vibrant fishing villages. Planning your trip involves choosing the best airport to fly into, and this isn't always straightforward. This guide will help you decide which airport offers the most convenient and efficient access to your Lofoten adventure.

Understanding Your Lofoten Destination

Before choosing an airport, pinpoint your specific destination within the Lofoten Islands. The archipelago stretches for roughly 130 miles, so travel time between locations can be significant. Are you headed to the more popular southern areas like Reine or Å, or exploring the quieter northern reaches around Svolvær or Leknes? This will significantly influence your choice.

Key Airports Serving the Lofoten Islands

While there's no airport directly on the Lofoten Islands, several airports offer relatively easy access. Let's explore the main options:

1. Bodø Airport (BOO)

Location: Bodø, on the mainland, is the largest and busiest airport in the region.
Pros: Frequent flights from major Norwegian and European cities. Generally more affordable flights than smaller airports. Good connections to onward transportation.
Cons: Requires further travel to the Lofoten Islands. This usually involves a ferry or bus journey lasting several hours. Consider this extra travel time when planning your itinerary.

Getting to Lofoten from Bodø:

Ferry: Several ferry routes connect Bodø to Moskenes (southern Lofoten) and other locations. This offers scenic views but is time-consuming.
Bus: Regular bus services operate between Bodø and various points in Lofoten. This is generally faster than the ferry.

2. Evenes Airport (EVE)

Location: Evenes, also on the mainland, is slightly closer to the Lofoten Islands than Bodø.
Pros: Shorter travel time to the Lofoten Islands than from Bodø. Still offers relatively good flight connections.
Cons: Fewer flight options than Bodø Airport. May be slightly more expensive.

Getting to Lofoten from Evenes:

Bus: Bus services connect Evenes to Svolvær (central Lofoten) and other locations. This is usually the most practical option.

3. Svolvær Airport (SVJ)

Location: Located directly on the Lofoten Islands!
Pros: Shortest travel time to your final destination in Lofoten.
Cons: Limited flight options and potentially higher prices. Flights might be seasonal. Check availability carefully.

Which Airport is Right for You?

The "best" airport depends on your priorities:

Budget travelers: Bodø Airport (BOO) often offers the most affordable flights, even considering the extra travel time.
Time-conscious travelers: Svolvær Airport (SVJ) is ideal if direct flights are available, minimizing travel time. However, limited flight schedules might mean higher prices or longer layovers.
Those exploring central and northern Lofoten: Evenes Airport (EVE) provides a good balance between flight options and travel time to Svolvær and surrounding areas.
Exploring southern Lofoten (Reine, Å): Bodø Airport (BOO) is generally the most convenient gateway, although the ferry journey is longer.

Tips for Booking Flights

Book in advance: Especially for peak season (summer), booking your flights early secures better prices and availability.
Consider flight aggregators: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow comparison shopping across multiple airlines.
Check baggage allowances: Airlines may have different baggage fees, especially for flights to smaller airports.
Factor in transportation costs: Remember to include bus or ferry fares in your overall travel budget.

Conclusion: Your Lofoten Adventure Awaits!

Choosing the right airport is crucial for a smooth start to your Lofoten Islands adventure. Weigh the pros and cons of each airport based on your budget, time constraints, and chosen destination within the archipelago. With careful planning, you'll be well on your way to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of this Arctic paradise.