Svalbard Airport | A Guide For Travellers

A quick overview:

• Svalbard Airport provides a vital link between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland, as there is no ferry service.
• Svalbard’s main airport is located 5km from Longyearbyen and is the main entry and exit point for most travellers.
• Known as Longyearbyen Airport (LYR), it is the world’s most northerly public airport with scheduled flights.
• Daily flights operate between Longyearbyen and Oslo or Tromso in Norway during the peak season.
• Most Svalbard cruise visitors fly to Svalbard and join their cruise in Longyearbyen.
• The airport operates all year round, which is surprising considering how far north it is.
• It’s a short 10-minute trip from the airport to Longyearbyen town by bus or taxi.

In this article, I share what to expect flying in and out of Svalbard airport to help you plan your trip. I have flown in and out of Svalbard over 20 times and share advice and nuances you should know in this article based on years of firsthand experience.

Firstly, a question that is asked more often than you would think:

Does Svalbard Have an Airport?

The answer is yes, Svalbard does have an airport; in fact, Svalbard has two airports, although you are highly likely to use only one of them.

Longyearbyen is the main airport that serves the Svalbard archipelago, and where you will land as a visitor. There is also a small private airport at Ny-Ålesund Hamnerabben that is part of the Kings Bay research facility. This airport is only used by researchers and scientists, and no public flights land here.  

Airlines and Destinations: Planning Your Flight To Svalbard Airport

• There are no direct scheduled international flights to Svalbard Airport. Travellers must transit through mainland Norway, usually via Oslo (OSL) or Tromsø (TOS).
• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian are the only two airlines that fly between Svalbard and Norway, operating daily services.
• Some Svalbard cruises include charter flights that depart from other European capitals, such as Helsinki or Paris, by special arrangement.
• It’s essential to plan as flights to Svalbard airport can often get fully booked up to six months in advance during the peak summer season.

Top Tip: When you book your Svalbard cruise through Polar Escapes, we will take the headache out of flight planning for you at no extra cost.

To find out more information about flying to Svalbard, please see our guide to Svalbard flights.   

Arriving at Svalbard Airport

Top Tip: I always advise getting a window seat where possible when flying into Svalbard. The view out of the plane is magnificent at any time of the year, and it offers an aerial perspective of the stunning snow-capped landscapes.

When you exit the plane at Longyearbyen airport, you are standing at the most northerly domestic airport on Earth. It’s quite a thrill walking down the steps of the plane, breathing the crisp air and standing in the Arctic landscape for the first time. You will be quickly ushered off the runway by staff, so if you want to take a photo of the plane, make sure you have your camera ready when you disembark. The terminal even has a life-sized polar bear in the arrivals area.

What to Expect:

• You go through passport checks in Norway, so there is no passport check or queue on arrival in Svalbard.
• You need to have proof of a return ticket and accommodation in Svalbard that is easily accessible, although I have never been asked for this on arrival.
• You will notice the airport is small. When you have collected your bags, it’s good to move away from the luggage conveyor to give other people some more room.
• Weapons are prohibited (essential for those planning hunting trips – special permits and procedures apply)
• Make your way to the exit area where your group transfer will be waiting to take you into Longyearbyen.

How to Get from Svalbard Airport To Longyearbyen

Svalbard Airport is situated 5km from Longyearbyen. If you are joining a cruise, you will be met at the airport in the arrivals area and transferred to your ship or hotel if you have a pre-night accommodation.

If you are an independent traveller, you can either take a taxi or a bus to your accommodation in Longyearbyen. Please note it is not safe to walk from the airport to Longyearbyen as it is outside of the polar bear safe zone.

A taxi from Svalbard airport to Longyearbyen costs approximately 250 NOK. The trip takes between 5-10 minutes, depending on where your hotel is, and is the quickest way to get there. It is possible to pay by card. Taxis are waiting in the car park outside the main entrance.

If you prefer a more budget option, the shuttle bus is 110 NOK. The large blue bus is parked at the front of the terminal and links all the hotels in Longyearbyen. Tell the driver which hotel you are heading for, and they will direct you. The trip takes between 15 and 20 minutes to visit all the hotels. Payment is by card.

A rental car is another option, but because Svalbard has very few roads, it’s not worth considering in my opinion. If you are staying in Longyearbyen, it is better to do guided tours as you can see a lot more.

Now it is time to explore Svalbard!

How to Get from Longyearbyen To Svalbard Airport

After your adventure, the transport options for returning to the airport are the same as your arrival, taxi or shuttle bus.

If you are travelling to the airport by taxi, make sure you book it a day in advance. Longyearbyen has a limited amount of taxis and you are unlikely to get one on the spot close to the time a plane is departing unless you book it in advance. You can call Longyearbyen taxis directly or ask at your hotel reception.

A shuttle bus connects all the hotels in Longyearbyen to each departing flight. Check at the reception desk for the timings of the shuttle bus. There is no need to book. Often, you can wait 10 – 15 minutes after the allocated time before the shuttle bus arrives, so be patient; it will come.  

Departing Svalbard Airport

Svalbard airport is one of the smallest I have ever been to, and it only has 2 check-in desks. If more than one flight is departing near the same time, it can get very busy. If you have checked-in baggage, you must arrive at least 2 hours before the departure time to allow enough time to check your baggage.

After security, passengers can enjoy a small cafe and gift shop selling fluffy polar bears. The cafe is ok for a snack, but I suggest eating a meal in Longyearbyen if you are on a flight late at night.  

At Svalbard Airport, no passport control is carried out, though exit checks are performed in Oslo or Tromsø.

Keep in mind that the weather can affect flight schedules, so always plan for flexibility when visiting Svalbard.

So now you know the logistics and practicalities, here is some background on the airport.

Svalbard Airport Has An Interesting History

The airport was opened on 2 September 1975 after construction began in 1973, replacing an earlier grass airstrip that had served the mining community since the 1920s. The decision to build a proper airport was driven by the growing need for year-round transportation to support the increasing research activities and small but steady flow of visitors to Svalbard.

Building the airport was a massive challenge. All materials and equipment had to be shipped in during the short Arctic summer, and construction had to work around the extreme weather and polar night that lasts from October to February. The runway at Svalbard Airport is 2,483 metres long and aligned 10/28.

What Makes Longyearbyen Airport Special?

Several things make this Arctic airport unlike any other:

Extreme Location: Located 1,300 km from the North Pole, the airport operates in conditions that would challenge even the most experienced pilots. During winter, the airport is in complete darkness for several months.

Permafrost: The entire airport is built on permafrost, which requires special construction techniques to prevent the ground from thawing and becoming unstable. The runway and buildings must be designed to withstand huge temperature fluctuations. Svalbard Airport has experienced runway melting due to climate issues with the permafrost.

Wildlife: Svalbard is home to 2,000 polar bears, and airport operations must take into account potential wildlife encounters. The airport has strict protocols for polar bear safety.

Weather: Temperatures can drop to -40°C in winter and 5°C in summer. The airport must be prepared for sudden weather changes that can ground flights for days.

Limited Season: While technically open year-round, the airport’s operations are heavily influenced by the polar night and extreme weather, with the most frequent flights during the summer months.

Svalbard Airport FAQ

Does Svalbard airport have wifi?

Yes, Svalbard airport has wi fi. There is free access for up to 4 hours and the option to buy a premium service.

What is the airport code for Svalbard?

The airport code for Longyearbyen airport is LYB.

What airlines fly in and out of Longyearbyen?

Norwegian and Scandinavian Airlines operate daily flights to Tromsø and Oslo from Svalbard Airport.

Why are there no international scheduled flights from Longyearbyen?

No international status is granted for Svalbard Airport, except for Russian aircraft, due to a treaty with Russia. The Svalbard treaty signed with other countries is a separate agreement.

Where do charter flights fly to?

Svalbard Airport hosts both regular scheduled and charter flights. Popular destinations for charter flights include Paris, Oslo and Helsinki as the main routes.

Plan Your Svalbard Adventure With Polar Escapes

Longyearbyen Airport may be small, but it’s your gateway to one of the world’s last true wilderness frontiers. Whether you’re arriving to see the Northern Lights, experience the midnight sun, try dog sledding or go on a Svalbard expedition cruise, this unique airport serves as an exciting start to your Svalbard adventure.

At Polar Escapes, we are Svalbard specialists and offer the option to search and book the largest selection of Svalbard cruises and tours. If you need some firsthand advice to help you plan your trip, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Useful Information

The airport is owned and operated by the state-owned Avinor:

Longyearbyen airport arrival times

Longyearbyen airport departure times

For a full travel guide please see How to Visit Svalbard.