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How do you get to Svalbard?

Flights, flight times and the ID check on arrival.

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Short answer

You get to Svalbard by plane: SAS and Norwegian fly to Longyearbyen from Oslo and Tromsø throughout the year. The flight from Oslo takes about three hours, and from Tromsø about one and a half hours. Svalbard is outside the Schengen Area, so all guests must bring a passport or national ID card.

Svalbard: where it is and how to get there a red train crossing a bridge, a small airplane above and a ferry on blue water below

Why

  1. Visit Svalbard states that Norwegian normally has weekly flights to Longyearbyen throughout the year, directly from Oslo.
  2. SAS normally has several flights a week to Longyearbyen all year, both directly and via Tromsø, according to Visit Svalbard.
  3. In the peak season from March to August the number of flights increases, and SAS then has several flights a day.

Details

Because Svalbard is outside the Schengen Area, there is an identity check for all guests, both Norwegian and foreign citizens. SAS flights via Tromsø are useful if you are already in Northern Norway.

Tip

Keep your passport or national ID card in your hand luggage, as you will need it for the identity check.

What may differ

Outside the March to August peak season there are fewer flights, so book early if your dates are fixed.

Common misconception

Svalbard is part of Norway, so it is in the Schengen Area like the mainland.

What actually happens

Svalbard is outside the Schengen Area, so there is an identity check for all guests, including Norwegian citizens.

People also ask

  • How do I travel to Svalbard?
  • Are there flights to Longyearbyen?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Flight schedules and rules can change, so check Visit Svalbard and your airline before you travel.

Svalbard: where it is and how to get there
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