Daily connections and good facilities:

With daily connections in both directions between Tromsø and Svolvær in Lofoten, this bus service is the perfect way to discover and explore Vesterålen's magnificent landscape. The buses have English-speaking drivers, free Wi-Fi and on-board toilets, ensuring a comfortable journey. This daily service operates between June and August.

Book your bus ticket here.

Bus to/from the Airport

There are airport shuttles from two of the three airports that people in the region often use.

Harstad/Narvik Evenes Airport - Sortland

Stokmarknes (Skagen) Airport - Sortland

When you're in Northern Norway, a popular way to get to Vesterålen is by ferry.

If you are travelling from the south via Fauske/Bodø, you can take the car ferry Bognes-Lødingen. If you have been to Lofoten and are travelling to Vesterålen, you can take the car ferry Fiskebøl-Melbu once you've crossed the border into Vesterålen. This ferry connection is a scenic route that operates regularly throughout the year, allowing both car passengers and pedestrians to travel in comfort.

If you're travelling from the north through Senja, you can take the car ferry Gryllefjord-Andenes in summer 2026 (timetables not yet published).

The coastal route

Hurtigruten and Havilah Its coastal routes, both northbound and southbound, stop at several harbours in Vesterålen, offering another scenic way to reach the islands.

Driving to Vesterålen is an amazing experience, especially for those who want to explore the beautiful landscape of Northern Norway at their own pace. Here's a guide on how to get to Vesterålen by car:

The route from Oslo to Vesterålen

The journey from Oslo to Vesterålen takes approximately 18-20 hours non-stop, so it's a long trip. The most popular route is via the E6 motorway, which takes you through beautiful landscapes and towns. You can choose to split the journey over several days to enjoy the sights along the way.

Oslo to Trondheim: Start your journey by driving north on the E6 motorway. This part of the journey takes approximately seven hours. Trondheim is a great place to stop for a break or overnight stay. Here you can explore the city and perhaps enjoy a good dinner before continuing your journey.

Trondheim to Fauske: Continue on the E6 from Trondheim to Fauske. This stretch takes about ten hours and you'll pass through beautiful areas such as Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. This is one of the most scenic parts of the journey, so be sure to take time to stop and enjoy the views.

Fauske to Vesterålen: From Fauske, continue on the E6 towards Bognes in a northbound direction. This journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. In Bognes, take the ferry to Lødingen. When you arrive in Lødingen, continue on the Rv85 and shortly afterwards turn left onto the E10.In Gullesfjorden you can turn off at the roundabout towards Sortland, or in the direction of Lofoten, to Fiskebøl and take the car ferry. Fiskebøl-Melbu. Both routes take approximately 1 hour.

The route from Tromsø to Vesterålen

The journey from Tromsø to Vesterålen takes approximately 6 hours non-stop. The fastest route is via the E6 and E10 motorways, taking you through beautiful landscapes and fjords. Bjerkvik is a good place to stop for a short break before continuing your journey.

Via Senja and the Norwegian Scenic Route in summer: In the period from 16 May to 23 September, you can get to Vesterålen via Senja. On this route, you follow both the Norwegian Scenic Route in Senja and Vesterålen. The Senja Scenic Route ends in Gryllefjord, where you take the The car ferry to Andenes in Vesterålen. The road trip is a journey through a changing natural landscape with fjords, mountains and vibrant villages sheltered from the sea.