How To Travel To Svalbard From Norway & Beyond

Flying to Svalbard may seem like the only option, but there are some other intriguing travel methods. Here are all your options for visiting Svalbard as a tourist.

Svalbard is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations on Earth. Located far above the Arctic Circle, roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this remote archipelago is home to breathtaking landscapes, resilient wildlife, and a truly fascinating cultural history.

Whether your dream is to witness the midnight sun, marvel at northern lights, or venture out on a snowmobile safari in polar bear territory, Svalbard promises an adventure like no other.

At the time of writing, I'm lucky enough to have been to Svalbard five times. That's because although the islands may seem remote, they are surprisingly accessible, especially from Norway.

While most visitors arrive by air, it’s also possible to travel by sea, particularly during the summer months. In fact, of my five visits, only two were by air!

So, in this newly updated guide, you’ll learn about all the ways to travel to Svalbard, from scheduled flights to cruise ships and expedition vessels.

Flying to Svalbard

For the vast majority of travellers, flying is by far the most convenient and reliable way to reach Svalbard. Scheduled flights operate year-round between mainland Norway and Svalbard’s only commercial airport, located just outside Longyearbyen.

Svalbard Airport Longyearbyen (LYR), holds the distinction of being the northernmost airport in the world to receive regular scheduled passenger flights.

It is served by both SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian, with most flights departing from Oslo Airport, Gardermoen.

Some SAS departures make a stop in Tromsø on the way north, while Norwegian’s flights tend to be direct. Flight schedules can vary by season, with more frequent departures in the summer and fewer in the depths of winter.

One important detail to keep in mind is that although Svalbard is part of the Kingdom of Norway, it lies outside the Schengen Area. As a result, all passengers must go through passport control at Oslo Airport (or Tromsø) before boarding their flight to Svalbard.

This means that everyone, including citizens of Norway and other EU/EEA countries, needs to bring a valid passport or national ID card.

Flight times vary slightly depending on routing. A direct flight from Oslo takes around three hours, while flights via Tromsø add approximately an hour.

Most of the journey is over open ocean, but if the skies are clear, the views on approach to Svalbard can be unforgettable. Snow-covered peaks, deep fjords, and shimmering glaciers provide an awe-inspiring welcome to the Arctic.

Cost of Flights and Frequent Flyer Points

Flights to Svalbard are rarely cheap, but there are ways to make the journey more affordable. Booking well in advance is the most reliable way to secure a lower fare.

Travellers who can be flexible with their dates often find better deals during the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn.

It’s also worth checking whether you can use frequent flyer points. Members of SAS EuroBonus can sometimes book return flights to Longyearbyen for around 20,000 points, although availability is often severely limited due to high demand.

Norwegian’s loyalty scheme, Norwegian Reward, has undergone several changes in recent years, but it is still possible to use earned CashPoints to offset the cost of a ticket.

If you’re looking to fly on a budget, avoid peak travel periods such as the school summer holidays, Christmas, and Easter. Also consider flying midweek, when prices tend to be lower than at weekends.

Arriving at Svalbard Airport

Svalbard’s airport is small but efficient. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a (stuffed) polar bear in the baggage claim area. It's a fun photo opportunity that sets the tone for your Arctic adventure.

Facilities at the airport are limited, but you’ll find a small kiosk selling snacks, hot drinks, and souvenirs. Car rental is available, although booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer season.

Getting from the airport to Longyearbyen is straightforward. A shuttle bus meets all incoming flights and stops at most hotels and guesthouses in town. The driver will ask where you are staying when you board.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, with the current fare set at 110 Norwegian kroner for the one-way journey. Taxis are also available, though more expensive.

When flying out of Svalbard, it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport early. With only one security scanner, queues can build up quickly especially on days when SAS and Norwegian flights are scheduled to depart within an hour or so of each other.

Visa Requirements for Svalbard

Although Svalbard is subject to a unique legal framework under the Svalbard Treaty, visitors from any country can enter without a visa.

However, because almost all travellers arrive via mainland Norway, you must meet the entry requirements for Norway, even if you are simply transiting through Oslo Airport.

For most travellers, this is not a problem. Citizens of EU and EEA countries, along with those from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Norway for up to 90 days without a visa.

However, visitors from other countries may need to apply for a Schengen visa to make the trip. It’s essential to check your specific circumstances with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration before booking travel.

Travelling to Svalbard by Sea

Flying may be the easiest way to reach Svalbard, but during the summer months, it’s also possible to travel by sea.

For those who prefer slow travel or wish to incorporate the journey into a longer Arctic voyage, a cruise to Svalbard can be a memorable alternative.

Cruise Ships from Europe

Several mainstream and luxury cruise lines include Svalbard on their summer itineraries. These cruises often begin in ports such as Bergen, Tromsø, or even as far away as the United Kingdom or Germany.

Passengers enjoy scenic sailing along the Norwegian coast before crossing into Arctic waters. Most ships spend a few days exploring the west coast of Spitsbergen—the largest island in the archipelago—before returning south.

Operators vary from affordable, mid-range offerings to ultra-luxury voyages. The onboard experience differs greatly between cruise lines, so it’s important to research which ship best matches your travel style.

Wondering what the experience is like? Although they don't offer the itinerary anymore at the time of writing, here's my experience of a Svalbard Cruise with the British-based cruise line Fred Olsen.

Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line

In recent years, Hurtigruten has reintroduced the historic Svalbard Line. It's a dedicated sailing from mainland Norway to Longyearbyen. This seasonal voyage departs from Bergen and includes several stops along the Norwegian coast, including Tromsø, before heading north to Svalbard.

It’s a nostalgic and immersive way to travel. While the journey takes far longer than flying, it offers a unique perspective on the geography and cultural history of Arctic Norway.

It’s worth noting that Hurtigruten operates two distinct brands. Hurtigruten Norway is best known for the coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes, while Hurtigruten Expeditions focuses on adventure cruises—including those to and around Svalbard.

The Svalbard Line is operated by Hurtigruten Norway and is more akin to the coastal route ships than the expedition vessels. Yet it doesn't make the stops of the coastal route. Instead, it stops at, typically, one port per day, for an average of about six hours, much more like a regular cruise ship. There is also no local passenger service.

I took the Svalbard Line last year on the refurbished MS Trollfjord and you can watch my experience here.

Expedition Cruises Around Svalbard

For travellers looking to explore more remote parts of the archipelago, expedition cruises offer an ideal option. These voyages typically begin and end in Longyearbyen, so a flight to Svalbard is still required.

Once onboard, passengers can look forward to expert-led excursions, Zodiac landings, and the chance to encounter Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat.

Expedition cruise ships are generally smaller than mainstream cruise vessels, making them better suited for navigating narrow fjords and reaching seldom-visited parts of Spitsbergen and nearby islands.

Onboard teams often include scientists, historians, and naturalists who provide daily lectures and interpretive guidance.

Operators range from Norwegian-based Hurtigruten Expeditions to international names like Quark Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, and Lindblad-National Geographic. The experience is both educational and adventurous, with a strong focus on environmental responsibility.

Have you been to Svalbard? I'd love to hear about your travel experiences down in the comments.