How To Get To Svalbard

Visiting the enchanting Arctic archipelago of Svalbard from anywhere in the world is easy due to frequent flight connections between Longyearbyen and mainland Norway.

Travel experience team member standing on the sea ice in front of Le Commandant Charcot
By Andy Marsh
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There are two ways to get to Svalbard: You can either fly to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromsø in Norway, which is the easiest, fastest, and most common route to get to Svalbard. Alternatively, you can take an expedition cruise to Svalbard and visit other destinations in the Arctic on the way.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to delve deeper with this comprehensive guide on how to get to Svalbard. This guide is based on my extensive experience traveling to Svalbard over the years, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.

It covers all the travel options, including Svalbard flights and airlines, how to book them, and the differences between Svalbard, Spitsbergen, and Longyearbyen.

Remember, one of the best ways to visit Svalbard and see wildlife, including polar bears, during the summer is on an expedition cruise. Here you can search our Svalbard Cruises.

How Do I Get to Svalbard, Spitsbergen & Longyearbyen?

Considering how far north it is, Svalbard is easy to reach anywhere worldwide. When you step off the plane in Longyearbyen, you are at the northernmost international airport on the planet, located in the High Arctic within the Arctic Ocean.

Similar high latitudes in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland are notoriously expensive to reach, making Svalbard an excellent choice for travellers wanting to experience the true Arctic. The Svalbard Islands offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, glacier excursions, and exploring historical sites related to whaling, highlighting the region’s natural beauty and rich polar history.

When you arrive in Svalbard, you will likely arrive in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town on Earth. Located on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen has Svalbard’s only airport that offers flights to Norway (there is also a small airport at Ny Alesund), but this is used only for scientists travelling to the remote settlement.

The only port on Svalbard is Longyearbyen, where cruise ships embark and disembark their guests. Due to the small harbour, guests often embark via a Zodiac.

Svalbard has no ferry connection or boat service to mainland Norway, so travellers must fly or take an expedition cruise to reach Svalbard.

Flying To Svalbard

The most direct way to get to Svalbard is to fly from mainland Norway, often connecting through northern Norway, and land at Longyearbyen Airport. This is also the most common route, with Avinor reporting 158,716 passengers arriving in Longyearbyen by plane in 2023.

Flying from the Norwegian mainland is currently the only way to fly to Svalbard unless you are on a charter flight as part of an expedition cruise. Flights to Svalbard from Norway take place all year round.

SAS aircraft flying from Longyearbyen airport in Svalbard with mountains in the background

Direct Flights to Norway to Svalbard

From Norway it is possible to fly directly to Longyearbyen from Oslo the Capital of Norway and Tromsø. If you travel internationally, Oslo will offer the best onward connections to the rest of the world.

Flights from Oslo To Svalbard

The flight from Oslo airport to Longyearbyen takes 2 hours and 55 minutes. The route is served by two airlines: SAS and Norwegian.

SAS operates up to two direct flights per day between Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) and Longyearbyen (LYR) during the summer.

Norwegian offers up to two connections per day, with some flights making a brief stopover in Tromsø. Oslo Gardermoen Airport has great international connections to the rest of the world.

Travel Tip: Please note that if you are on a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen that makes a brief stop in Tromsø, you will need to disembark the aircraft with all your luggage and pass through security and passport control. Due to the added hassle, I recommend avoiding these flights if a direct flight exists.

Flights from Tromsø to Svalbard

The flight from Tromsø, a major city in Northern Norway, to Longyearbyen takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and is served by SAS and Norwegian, which operate regular flights during the summer months.

Travel Tip: This route offers a great option for guests who would like to explore the Tromsø region and the Lofoten Islands as part of a longer trip that also features Svalbard.

Charter Flights to Svalbard

Expedition cruises to explore Svalbard often include charter flights for ease of travel. Flights to Svalbard on domestic airlines are often overbooked during the summer months, so this helps to ensure a seamless travel experience.

The charter flights included will depend on your chosen ship and voyage, but they will most likely depart from Paris, Helsinki, or Oslo.

The advantage of a charter flight to Svalbard is that it allows you to do a stopover in one of these fantastic cities to make it a memorable trip. 

Advantages of Flying To Svalbard

  • Flying is the fastest way to get to Svalbard and the best option for shorter trips.
  • With daily flights to Svalbard from Norway, you have the flexibility to choose more travel dates.
  • Flying is an excellent for travellers who prefer to avoid taking a long sea crossing and would like to spend more time on an expedition cruise.
  • Flights to Svalbard from Norway take place all year round, ensuring you can plan your trip at a time that suits you best.

Disadvantages of Flying to Svalbard

  • You will miss out the chance to visit Bear Island between Norway and Svalbard.
  • Occasionally, flights can be disrupted due to bad weather. Allow ample time when booking your flight. 

How to find the best price on flights to Svalbard

To check flight prices I recommend websites like Skyscanner and Kayak for finding the lowest cost for flights to Svalbard. I also recommend checking the airlines website. If you are carrying luggage, it can sometimes be cheaper to book directly through the airline.

Do you need assistance booking your flights to Svalbard?. Our Travel Experience Team can assist you.

Travel Tips for booking flights to Svalbard

  • Allow for flight delays. You want to make sure you allow enough time between international connections in the event of a delay.
  • Luggage is occasionally lost. Pack essential gear in your hand luggage in case of a luggage loss or delay.
  • Book early; the best flight options can be booked months in advance.
  • Save money on flights by booking an expedition cruise with charter flights to Svalbard included.

Getting To Svalbard By Ship

The second option for reaching the Svalbard archipelago is to join an expedition cruise and visit Svalbard by ship.

During the early summer, expedition ships sail from Scotland, Iceland, and Norway across the Arctic Circle to Svalbard, often via the remote Island of Jan Mayen. You can expect a 12 to 18-day voyage multi day cruise depending on your port of embarkation. For travellers looking for a unique adventure, you can even sail to Svalbard on an Icebreaker cruise from Iceland via the sea ice of East Greenland.

A modern expedition cruise ship’s direct sailing time from Norway to Svalbard is approximately 37 hours. Often, cruises will explore Bear Island, located halfway, and attempt a landing if the weather and conditions permit. During these journeys, you can observe the vibrant arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and various marine species.

Travelling to Svalbard by ship is a great way to explore multiple Arctic destinations on your cruise. One of the unique experiences is seeing more polar bears than people on the islands, making it a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Please note that changes to the legislation in 2025 will prevent ships carrying over 200 passengers from visiting Svalbard. I welcome this change, as previously, ships carrying 5000 persons could sail into Longyearbyen.

In my experience, the best way to really see Svalbard is on an expedition ship, which includes expert guides, shore visits, and Zodiac cruising. This allows one to fully appreciate and take in the nature of the Arctic archipelago.

If you want to explore Svalbard on a cruise, please see our Svalbard Cruises for more information.

Advantages of Cruising To Svalbard

  • Explore other exciting locations on the same voyage, including Iceland, Arctic Norway, Jan Mayen and East Greenland.
  • Witness the breathtaking beauty of Southern Spitsbergen as you approach from the sea
  • Cruises often visit Bear Island, a remote island between mainland Norway and Svalbard.
hiking in snowy landscape in Svalbard
Small Ship
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
Jun 8 - Jun 17 2025
9 Nights

Price from per person

£7,145
polar bear on an icebreaker cruise
No Single Supplement
Reykjavík, Iceland - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
21/06/2025 to the 07/07/2025
16 Nights

Price from per person

£24,420
two colourful houses in Ny ALesund Svalbard with snowy mountains in the background - best places to visit in the Arctic
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
Jul 04 2025 - Jul 18 2025
14 Nights

Price from per person

£14,716

Svalbard multi day cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore the Arctic’s pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife. During the summer months, the captivating phenomenon of the midnight sun allows for continuous daylight, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking even at late hours.

Cruises to Svalbard are particularly popular for wildlife enthusiasts. The warmer months between May and September are peak season for polar bear sightings, as these majestic creatures can often be seen along the melting pack ice in search of food.

Disadvantages of Cruising to Svalbard

  • Cruising to Svalbard is only possible during the summer months
  • Voyages spend more time at sea and are suited to guests who would like a longer expedition.

Other Ways To Get To Svalbard

The only other way to visit Svalbard is to sail on a private yacht. If you are adventurous and don’t have a private yacht, consider signing up as a crew member.

Arriving In Longyearbyen, Svalbard

When you travel to Svalbard you will arrive in Longyearbyen, either at the port or the airport.

The port of Longyearbyen is a short distance from the town centre, and it is possible to walk there. Depending on your preference, your expedition cruise will often include transfers from the port to the town centre or airport.

While exploring, be aware of the presence of arctic foxes, which are notable wildlife in Svalbard. Exercise caution as they can carry health risks like rabies.

How do you get from Longyearbyen Airport to Longyearbyen Town centre?

While the airport at Longyearbyen is just 3 km (1.6 miles) from the town centre, it is impossible to walk there as it is outside the safe perimeter surrounding Longyearbyen due to the threat posed by polar bears.

A transfer from the airport to your ship will be included if you are arriving on a Longyearbyen on a charter flight.

For travellers arriving without a transfer, there are two options for getting to Longyearbyen town centre from the airport: taxi or shuttle bus.

Taxi

The taxi service at Longyearbyen operates 24 hours a day in connection with arriving flights. The short drive from the airport to town takes up to 10 minutes and costs around 200 NOK.

As there are several limited taxis in Longyearbyen, you should book well in advance for arrivals and departures.

There are two taxi companies in Longyearbyen: Svalbard Buss and Taxi – (+47) 79 02 13 05 Longyearbyen Taxi – (+47) 79 02 13 75

Hotel Shuttle Service

drop-off bus service operates from the airport to all hotels in Longyearbyen. After exiting the airport, look for the large blue buses. Prebooking is not required, and the fare, 110 NOK each way, can be paid by card on the bus.

The bus ride can take up to 20 minutes as it drives around all the hotels. While it may take longer, it is a cheaper alternative to a taxi.

The shuttle bus meets all incoming and outgoing flights. Check the pickup times for outbound flights with your hotel reception.

Looking For some inspiration on what to do in Svalbard please see our guide: 35 Things To Do In Svalbard and Longyearbyen.


How to Get To Svalbard From Your Home Country

How do I get from the UK to Svalbard?

Travelling from the UK to Svalbard, you must first reach Oslo or Tromso in Norway and take an onward flight to Svalbard. There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Svalbard. It is possible to reach Svalbard from the UK in a day, although travellers often spend a night in Oslo to break up the journey.

Oslo provides the most frequent air connections from the UK and is served by SAS, Norweigan, and Ryanair, which operate daily flights during the summer months.

From London

London is well connected to Oslo and offers frequent daily flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted Airports, offering travellers the most choice.

British AirwaysFinnair and SAS operate multiple daily flights between London Heathrow and Oslo Gardermoen with a flight time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Norweigan flies three times a day between London Gatwick and Oslo Gardermoen with a flight time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Flying with SAS, you can reach Longyearbyen in as little as 8 hours from London Heathrow with a connecting flight to Oslo.

From Manchester

Norweigan and Scanadanavian offer direct flights from Manchester to Oslo, which are 2 hours and 5 minutes. Scandinavian runs a daily service during the summer months, and Norwegian offers 3 flights per week.

Ryanair flies from Manchester to TORP Sandefjord Airport, which is located 100km south of Oslo. You will then need to travel to Oslo Gardermoen to take the connecting flight to Svalbard.

From Edinburgh

Norweigan offers daily flights from Edinburgh to Oslo for 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Easyjet also offers winter flights to Tromsø from Bristol, Manchester and London Gatwick from November until March.

The cost of flying to Svalbard from the UK is between £300 and £600, depending on the chosen dates and flight times.

How do I get from Ireland to Svalbard?

There are no direct flights between Ireland and Svalbard. You must first fly to Oslo and take a connecting flight to Longyearbyen in Svalbard.

SAS operates a daily service between Dublin and Oslo, with a flight time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. During the summer months, Norwegian operates a three-times-a-week service between Dublin and Oslo.

How do I get to Svalbard from USA?

To reach Svalbard in the USA, you must first fly internationally to Oslo, the capital of Norway, and then take an onward flight to Svalbard. There are no direct flights from the USA to Svalbard.

From New York

SAS flies directly from Newark to Oslo with 1 flight per day.

Norse Atlantic offers 3 flights per week between Newark and Oslo.

Iceland Air offers a connection from Newark to Oslo with a stopover in Iceland. This is an ideal choice if you want to add Iceland to a longer trip that also includes Svalbard.

From Miami

Norse Atlantic offers two direct flights per week during the summer from Miami to Oslo, each lasting 9 hours.

From Los Angeles

Norse Atlantic operates two direct flights a week from LAX to Oslo during the summer with a total flight time of 10 hours and 10 minutes.

Travel Tip: When flying from the USA to Svalbard, we highly recommend a stopover in Oslo. It is a fantastic city to explore, and it allows you some time in case of delays before taking your onward flight to Svalbard.

How To Get to Svalbard from Canada

To get to Svalbard from Canada, you first need to fly to Oslo in Norway, as there are no direct flights between Canada and Svalbard.

There are currently no direct flights from Canada to Oslo. However, you can fly from Canada to New York and take a direct flight to Oslo or fly from Canada to a European hub and take a connecting flight.

Air Iceland offers daily flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Oslo with a stopover in Iceland, which is an excellent choice for travellers looking to explore Iceland as part of their trip.

How To Get To get to Svalbard from Australia

To get to Svalbard from Australia, you must first fly to Oslo in Norway and take an onward flight to Svalbard. As there are no direct flights from Australia to Oslo, you must fly to a central international hub in Europe or Asia and take a connecting flight.

Emirates offers flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Oslo, with a flight change in Dubai, which offers one of the best connections.

Virgin Australia offer flights from Perth to Oslo via Doher.

Thai Airways offer flights to Oslo from Sydney and Melbourne, connecting to Bangkok.

How To Get To Svalbard From New Zealand

Emirates offers connecting flights to Oslo via Dubai from Auckland.

Qatar Airways offers a flight from Auckland to Oslo with a connecting flight from Doha.

I hope you have found the information in this guide useful.

If you are interested in exploring Svalbard why not take advantage of our Free Polar Consultation where we will share our expert advice with you to help you get the best out of your trip?

Thanks for reading.

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About The Author
Travel experience team member standing on the sea ice in front of Le Commandant Charcot
Andy Marsh
Founder of North Pole Cruises
Andy is a passionate explorer and an expert in the polar regions. With over 15 years of experience travelling to some of the most remote places on Earth, Andy has extensively explored Antarctica and the Arctic.

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