Stress-free Lofoten: how to combine car, bus and ferry on the islands
Planning a trip to the Lofoten Islands in 2025? Read our detailed transport guide to learn how to combine car, bus, and ferry travel stress-free, so you can comfortably explore narrow roads, ferry schedules, and local weather conditions.
In this article, you’ll find:
- A comparison of the three main ways to reach Lofoten — ferries, bridges, and the overnight train,
- A detailed description of roads E10, Fv 815, and scenic routes with safety tips,
- Information about parking spots near popular hikes and beaches with up-to-date prices,
- Where and how to refuel and charge electric vehicles,
- Bus schedules with ticket buying advice,
- An overview of ferry routes within the archipelago and booking tips,
- Weather forecasts and life hacks for any season,
- A ready-made three-day itinerary for a comfortable trip,
- And a checklist to start your journey with confidence.
Keep reading — and make your Lofoten adventure easy, memorable, and full of vivid impressions!
Three ways to get to the archipelago
| Option | Travel time | Cost (car + driver) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Bodø → Moskenes (Torghatten Nord) | 3 h 15 min | from 1 250 NOK | Direct to heart of Lofoten; year-round | Storm cancellations (winter) |
| Skutvik → Svolvær ferry (summer) | 2 h 30 min | 1 100 NOK | Shorter crossing; calmer waters | May–September only |
| Lofast Bridge (E10 via Narvik) | 6 h 40 min from Bodø | 420 NOK (no tolls) | Weather-independent; night drive possible | +200 km; less scenic |
💡 Life hack: Without a car, take the night train Trondheim → Bodø and morning ferry Bodø → Moskenes to save a night’s stay.
Roads: narrow but scenic
| Route | Length / type | What to note |
|---|---|---|
| E10 (Lofast) | 164 km (Harstad/Narvik ↔ Å) | Tunnels up to 6 km; 80 km/h; many speed cameras |
| Fv 815 (Vestvågøy loop) | 65 km, single lane | No shoulders; use “møteplass” pull-outs for oncoming traffic |
| Fv 808 (Henningsvær) | 8 km, fishtail bridge | Extremely photogenic; 40–50 km/h limit |
Golden rule: Drive max 60–70 km/h even when 80 km/h is allowed—wildlife or photo stops around every bend.
Parking & P-Hotspots at top locations
| Location | Coordinates | Spaces / type | Price 2025 | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinebringen trailhead | 67.927 N, 13.090 E | 70 / asphalt | 40 NOK/h (Zone 4850) | Arrive before 08:00—queues form fast |
| Haukland Beach | 68.196 N, 13.579 E | 150 / gravel | 35 NOK/h | Camper overnight OK (200 NOK) |
| Kvalvika hike (Innersand) | 68.072 N, 13.162 E | 40 / gravel | 25 NOK/h | Narrow Fv 815—no roadside parking |
| Henningsvær stadium view | 68.153 N, 14.207 E | 60 / asphalt | free for 2 h | Often icy in winter—may close |
Parking meters take cards; use EasyPark app with zone code from the sign.
Where to refuel & recharge
| Type | Station | Avg distance |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel / petrol | Shell Leknes, Circle K Svolvær, Best Å | 40–60 km |
| EV fast (50–150 kW) | Mer Leknes, Recharge Svolvær, Tesla SC Reine | 60–90 km |
| Gas (campers) | LPG Norge Leknes | — |
💡 Keep tank ≥ ½—no stations between Å and Leknes (80 km / 1.5 h).
Buses: how to travel without a steering wheel
| Line | Route | Freq (sum / win) | Price Bodø → Reine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arctic Route 300 | Narvik → Svolvær → Å | 2× day / 1× | 625 NOK |
| Line 18-742 | Å → Leknes → Svolvær | 3–4× / 2× | 143 NOK |
| Flybussen | Svolvær ⇆ Helle Airport | 30 min to flights | 110 NOK |
Tickets via Reis Nordland app or driver. Buses sync with ferry—wait up to 25 min for delays.
Ferries within the archipelago
| Departure → Arrival | Time | Summer ’25 | Winter ’25 | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moskenes → Bodø | 3 h 15 min | 6× /day | 4× /day | Car 150 NOK + ticket 1 250 NOK |
| Svolvær → Skutvik | 2 h 30 min | 2× /day | — | May–Sep only |
| Melbu → Fiskebøl (726) | 25 min | 24× /day | 16× /day | AutoPASS for Ferry –10% |
Storm ≥ 15 m/s may cancel Moskenes–Bodø. Subscribe to Torghatten Nord SMS (“rutetider” + ferry no.).
Weather: four seasons in one day
| Month | Avg temp °C | Precip mm | Daylight (Svolvær) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | −1 / 2 | 1 | 11:00–14:30 |
| May | 5 | 5 | 03:00–23:00 |
| July | 10 | 7 | 24 h midnight sun |
| Oct | 3 | 12 | 07:30–17:45 |
- In summer, bring a sleep mask—the sun never sets.
- In winter, a raincoat beats a down jacket: +3 °C & rain common.
- Check yr.no & Vegvesen cameras daily—Fv 815 landslides possible.
Combine into a three-day itinerary
| Day | Activities | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bodø 07:00→Moskenes ferry; drive to Reinebringen; sunset | Ferry + car |
| 2 | Bus 18-742 Reine→Leknes; e-bike; Haukland & Uttakleiv | Bus + bike |
| 3 | Drive E10 via Henningsvær; ferry Melbu→Fiskebøl; E10→Narvik | Car + ferry |
Pre-departure checklist
- Ferry tickets Bodø → Moskenes booked (+ car reservation).
- We are pleased to announce that EasyPark set-up zones for Reinebringen and Haukland are not currently available.
- Great news: the Reis Nordland app is now ready for download! You can access the offline timetable 18-742 whenever and wherever you are.
- Brilliant! The tank has a minimum capacity of ½ and an impressive 80 km reserve before Fv 815.
- We've got all your essentials in one backpack! Raincoats, a down jacket and sunglasses – everything you need for your next adventure!
- Great news: the SMS subscription for Torghatten Nord ferry status is now active!
The Lofoten Islands are an adventurer's paradise! Brave the narrow roads, beware the sheep and embrace the stormy ferries for the most spectacular views you'll ever see! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you combine different modes of transport to explore the archipelago like never before! Hop on a ferry to reach the heart of the islands, then take a bus for local transfers, a car for ultimate flexibility, and a bike for those scenic beach trails. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the stunning beauty of the island. Plan your refuelling stops in advance and enjoy a stress-free journey, filled with the refreshing scent of seaweed and breathtaking sunsets that will leave you mesmerised. God tur i Lofoten!