Flights and hotels
Tromsø holidays: how to get there and where to stay
Tromsø is easier to reach than most people think. How to fly there from the UK, get from the airport into town, and the hotels best placed for the northern lights.
The plane circles in over snowy mountains, the lights of the Tromsø Bridge shimmer in the sound, and an hour later you are standing by the harbour looking up. Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and it is easier to reach than many think.
Here are all the ways to get to Tromsø, how to get from the airport into town, when a package makes sense, and four hotels by the harbour.
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Flights to Tromsø
In the winter season there are direct flights to Tromsø from London and a few other UK airports. The rest of the year, and from most other airports, you change in Oslo, from where the flight north takes around two hours.
Tromsø Airport is on the island of Tromsøya, just a few kilometres from the centre. The airport bus and taxis get you into town in around a quarter of an hour.
Book flight and hotel together: See Tromsø holiday packages
Flights only: Search flights to Tromsø
By coastal ship or by car
The Norwegian coastal ships call at Tromsø every day, both northbound and southbound. It is a slow but beautiful way to arrive, especially in winter when you can watch the aurora from the deck.
By car, you take the E8 from the E6 at Nordkjosbotn. In winter you should be used to icy roads and darkness, and always check the weather and road conditions before setting off.
Where to stay in Tromsø
Stay in the centre, near the harbour. That is where most northern lights, whale watching and husky tours start, and you can walk to the restaurants on Storgata. In winter it is handy not to have far to go in the cold.
Experiences: See northern lights and husky tours in Tromsø
Clarion Hotel The Edge
The northern lights over the harbour and The Edge.
Clarion Hotel The Edge: on the quay where the coastal ships dock
The Edge sits right on the harbour, with a glass facade facing the sound and the Arctic Cathedral on the other side. Arrive by coastal ship and you simply walk ashore and check in.
Guests rave about the breakfast, and from the upper floors you can watch the sky while you wait for the aurora.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel The Edge
The Dock 69°39 by Scandic
Harbour views from The Dock.
The Dock 69°39: harbour views and a roof terrace
The Dock 69°39 is named after Tromsø’s latitude, with big windows facing the harbour and mountains. The roof terrace is one of the best places in town to see the city from, glass in hand.
It sits within easy walking distance of the quay, Storgata and the restaurants in the centre.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Dock 69°39
Scandic Ishavshotel
Scandic Ishavshotel at dusk.
Scandic Ishavshotel: on the water’s edge
The Ishavshotel stands on the quay by the sound, with views towards the Tromsø Bridge. It is a safe pick for northern lights tours, as many operators collect guests in the centre close by.
Guests praise the breakfast, and the cathedral and Storgata are just a few minutes away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Ishavshotel
Home Hotel With: breakfast included in the centre
Home Hotel With is in the centre, close to the cathedral, and breakfast is included in the price. A good pick for a comfortable room while you spend the budget on tours out in the dark.
Book your stay: See rooms at Home Hotel With
When should you book a Tromsø holiday?
Northern lights season (autumn to spring): book three to four months ahead, especially around Christmas, New Year and February half term.
The polar night (late November to mid January): the sun stays below the horizon, but the blue midday light is beautiful.
Summer: midnight sun and long evenings. Book two months ahead.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Tromsø
Can you fly direct from the UK to Tromsø?
Yes, in the winter season there are direct flights from London and some other UK airports to Tromsø. Outside those months you usually change in Oslo, from where the flight takes about two hours.
How do I get from Tromsø Airport to the city centre?
The airport bus runs between Tromsø Airport and the centre in about a quarter of an hour. A taxi takes about the same time, as the airport is on the same island as the city.
When is the best time to visit Tromsø for the northern lights?
The northern lights season in Tromsø runs from autumn to spring, when the evenings are dark enough. Clear skies matter more than the month, so plan several nights to improve your chances.
How many nights do I need in Tromsø?
Three to four nights is a good length for a winter trip to Tromsø. It gives you more than one chance at clear skies and time for a husky or whale watching tour.
Where should I stay in Tromsø?
Stay in the centre near the harbour. Most tours start there, the restaurants are within walking distance, and several hotels look out over the sound and the Arctic Cathedral.