Getting around in Tromsø

Welcome to Tromsø! Here you will find practical information on how to travel around the city and the surrounding region.

Transport to and from Tromsø Airport

You can travel between Tromsø Airport Langnes and Tromsø city centre by Airport Express Bus, city bus or taxi.

The Airport Express Bus stops at several hotels and locations in the city centre and has dedicated luggage space. Check the current timetable before travelling.

City bus routes 24, 26, 40 and 42 stop at Tromsø Airport Langnes. Tickets can be purchased in the Svipper app, from a ticket machine or by Visa or Mastercard on board. Cash is not accepted on the buses. Please note that luggage space is limited.

The taxi rank is located to the left outside the arrivals hall, and the journey to the city centre usually takes around ten minutes. You can book a taxi using the kiosks by the arrivals exit and see the price before confirming the journey. Prices vary between operators.

For advance bookings:

• Tromsø Taxi: +47 776 03 000
• My taxi: +47 02786
• Din Taxi: +47 401 02 045

Getting to and from Breivika Cruise Port

Breivika Cruise Port is located approximately 4 km north of Tromsø city centre.

Some cruise lines may provide shuttle buses between the cruise port and the city centre. Please check the information provided by your cruise line.

Alternatively, city bus 42 runs between Breivika and the city centre. From the cruise port, use the underpass to reach the bus stop on the opposite side of Stakkevollvegen and take route 42 towards Eidkjosen. From the city centre, take route 42 towards Stakkevollan and get off at the Breivika stop.

City buses

City buses operate throughout Tromsø every day.

The easiest way to plan your journey and buy a ticket is through the Svipper app. Tickets can also be purchased from ticket machines, sales outlets or by Visa or Mastercard on board. Cash is not accepted on the buses.

All city buses in Tromsø are adapted for wheelchair users and have ramps by the middle doors. However, space cannot be guaranteed, and snow or other conditions may affect boarding and accessibility.

Prams can be brought free of charge, subject to available space and the driver’s discretion. Check Svipper’s current travel information before bringing pets, bicycles, skis or other large equipment.

Ticket machines and sales outlets

• Svipper Contact Centre Tromsø at Prostneset
• Narvesen Tempogården
• 7-Eleven Stortorget
• Narvesen Nerstranda
• Narvesen K1
• Jekta Storsenter information counter
• Narvesen UNN
• Mix UiT
• Narvesen Kroken

Check Svipper for current timetables, route maps and ticket information.

Regional buses

District buses run within the municipality of Tromsø and depart from Prostneset, the main bus station in Tromsø, which is located beside the Tromsø Tourist Information Office.

You can purchase tickets via the Svipper app, or on board the buses by card.

Route 420: Tromsø–Hella–Brensholmen–Sommarøy
Travel from Tromsø to the southern part of Kvaløya and the coastal communities of Brensholmen and Sommarøy.

Route 425: Tromsø–Ersfjordbotn
Visit Ersfjordbotn for views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.

Route 450: Tromsø–Tønsvik–Oldervik
This route serves coastal communities north of Tromsø and provides access to several outdoor areas.

Schedules vary by season, so always check the Svipper app or current timetable before travelling.

Arctic Route
The seasonal Arctic Route connects Tromsø with destinations across Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland. Available routes and operating periods vary throughout the year, so check the current timetable before travelling.

Taxi

You can travel around Tromsø by taxi. For bookings, contact:

• Tromsø Taxi: +47 776 03 000
• My taxi: +47 02786
• Din Taxi: +47 401 02 045

Discover taxi possibilites.

Driving in the Arctic

Driving in the Arctic can be challenging due to narrow and winding roads. During winter, extra caution is required as roads may be icy or slippery.

Adjust your speed and driving to the conditions. Consider using public transport or joining a guided tour rather than driving yourself if you are unfamiliar with winter driving. Prepare for the Arctic roads.

Getting around FAQ's

How can I travel by express boat from Tromsø?

Express boats are a fast and scenic way to travel between Tromsø and coastal communities and islands across the region. Popular destinations include Finnsnes, Harstad, Lysnes and Skjervøy, making the boats a convenient option for exploring the region without a car.

The express boats are part of the regional public transport network operated by Svipper and run year-round. Timetables vary depending on the route and season, and departures may occasionally be affected by weather conditions.

To guarantee a seat, you should purchase your ticket in advance for a specific departure. Tickets can be bought through the Svipper app, on Entur.no or in the Entur app, or over the counter at the Svipper customer service centre at Tromsø Prostneset Port Terminal. Passengers departing from Tromsø should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure.

Check current timetables and travel information at Svipper.no.

What are the rules for electric scooters in Tromsø?

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are a convenient way to travel short distances in Tromsø, particularly during the snow-free season. Rental e-scooters can be unlocked using a mobile app and are available during the operators' respective seasons.

The minimum age for riding an e-scooter in Norway is 12, although rental companies may set a higher age limit. Helmets are mandatory for children under 15 and strongly recommended for everyone.

E-scooter riders must generally follow the same traffic rules as cyclists. You can ride on roads, cycle lanes and pedestrian and cycle paths. E-scooters may also be used on pavements and pedestrian paths as long as you do not obstruct or endanger pedestrians. If there are many pedestrians, you should dismount and walk with the scooter.

It is illegal to ride an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. Only one person is allowed on each scooter.

Please park responsibly and make sure the scooter does not block pavements, entrances or accessibility routes. Some areas may have parking restrictions or no-ride zones, so always check the rental app for local restrictions.

For full information about e-scooter rules in Norway, visit the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website.

How accessible is Tromsø for blind and visually impaired visitors?

Tromsø has several features that can make it easier for blind and visually impaired visitors to get around. Many pedestrian crossings in the city centre have audible signals, and public transport is designed with accessibility in mind with e.g. audio stop announcements. Guide dogs are permitted on public transport.

Winter conditions can make getting around more challenging. Snow and ice may affect pavements, crossings and access to bus stops, while the limited daylight during the Polar Night can also make navigation more difficult.

Assistance is available at Tromsø Airport for passengers who require additional support. We recommend requesting airport assistance through your airline or travel agency in advance. Accessibility varies between attractions, activities and other venues, so we recommend contacting individual providers directly if you have specific requirements.

For more information about accessibility in Tromsø, see our accessibility guide.

Where can we go for an easy bike ride close to the city centre?

Tromsø has dedicated cycling and walking paths in many residential areas, while outside these areas you can also cycle on the roads. Our City Map highlights recommended cycling routes.

A short bike ride can easily be combined with a visit to the Arctic University Museum of Norway and Telegrafbukta, where you can enjoy beautiful views from the southern part of Tromsøya. Another recommended route takes you to the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden or the Science Centre of Northern Norway.

You can also follow a circular route via Telegrafbukta and Giæverbukta, continuing up towards the Science Centre before heading south along Dramsvegen back towards the city centre.

From October to May, studded tyres are mandatory due to icy conditions. You can also rent a fat bike for a fun way to explore Tromsø in the snow.

Can you suggest a walking route around the city?

Tromsø city centre is a great size for exploring on foot. Here are a few suggested routes, which you can follow using our City Map.

Route 1: Start behind Tromsø Cathedral and walk north along Samuel Arnesens gate, passing Rorbua on your way towards the harbour. Follow the waterfront past the Polar Museum and Skansen, the oldest part of Tromsø. Continue towards Vervet, one of the city’s newest neighbourhoods, and on to the mosaic monument Gateway to the Arctic. From here, make your way back through the side streets to Storgata, the main street, which will take you past Ølhallen and towards Polaria.

Route 2: Start in front of Tromsø Cathedral, keeping the church on your left as you walk towards Roald Amundsens plass. Turn right and walk past Tromsø Havn Prostneset before continuing towards Strandtorget. From there, follow Storgata in the direction of Mack Brewery and MS Polstjerna. Then turn back and walk north along Storgata towards the Cathedral and the pedestrian area. When you reach Perspektivet Museum, head down towards the harbour and walk through some of the oldest and newest parts of the city.

Route 3: Start in front of Tromsø Cathedral and walk north along Storgata towards Perspektivet Museum. Turn right and head down towards the waterfront, then walk past the older and newer parts of the city towards Vervet. Turn back and follow the waterfront south to Scandic Ishavshotel. Continue past the Troll Museum, then walk up Kirkegata towards Roald Amundsens plass. From there, continue past Quality Hotel Saga and down Strandgata. You can then carry on past Ølhallen towards Blåst, Polaria and MS Polstjerna.

Add-on: Walk across Tromsø Bridge to the Arctic Cathedral. From there, it is approximately another 15 minutes on foot to the lower station of the Cable Car.

Important: Bus services across the Tromsø Bridge

From 17 August to 1 November 2026, the Tromsø Bridge remains closed to ordinary vehicle traffic. Scheduled buses cross the bridge daily between 07:00 and 17:00. Between 17:00 and 07:00, buses are diverted through the Tromsøysund Tunnel.

Pedestrians and cyclists can cross the bridge at all times.

Traveling to the Arctic Cathedral

• Bus routes and stops vary depending on the time of day. Routes 20 and 24 do not stop at Tromsdalen kirke or Otium Gåsværvegen when the buses are diverted through the Tromsøysund Tunnel. Route 26 and 28 can also be used.
• The Arctic Cathedral can also be reached on foot from the city centre by crossing the bridge. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes.

Check the Svipper app or journey planner for the latest travel information.