How to travel between Tromsø and Skjervøy

There are several ways to travel between Tromsø and Skjervøy, including by car, bus and express boat. Skjervøy is an island municipality in Nord-Troms, known for its maritime traditions and winter whale watching.

Here is an overview of the most common ways to get there.

By car

The shorter route from Tromsø to Skjervøy is approximately 160 kilometres and takes around four hours, depending on ferry connections, traffic and road conditions.

Follow the E8 from Tromsø towards Fagernes and continue on Fv 91 to Breivikeidet. From here, take the ferry to Svensby, drive to Lyngseidet and take the second ferry across Lyngenfjord to Olderdalen. Continue north on the E6 before turning onto Fv 866 towards Skjervøy.

Along the way, you will travel through fjord and mountain landscapes and several small coastal communities.

Winter roads can be slippery and challenging. Always check current road and ferry conditions before travelling, adjust your driving to the conditions and consider public transport or an organised tour if you are not experienced with winter driving.

By bus

You can also travel from Tromsø to Skjervøy by public bus. The journey usually takes around 4–5 hours, depending on the connection, and includes ferry crossings along the way.

You usually need to change buses before continuing to Skjervøy. Routes and connections can change, so check the Svipper journey planner or app for current departure times before travelling.

During the whale-watching season, Best Arctic also operates the Whale Route, a direct bus service between Tromsø and Skjervøy. The route normally runs from late October or early November through January and is timed to connect with activities in Skjervøy. Both one-way and return tickets can be booked through Visit Tromsø.

By express boat

Svipper’s express boat Line 3 runs directly between Tromsø and Skjervøy. Depending on the departure, the journey usually takes around 2–3 hours and offers views of the coastal landscape north of Tromsø.

Departure times vary throughout the week, so always check the current timetable before planning your journey.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for a specific departure, giving you a guaranteed seat on board. Check current timetables and ticket information with Svipper.