Svalbard Flights | A Guide For Visitors

Svalbard flights: a quick overview

• Svalbard Airport (LYR) is the main airport for Svalbard, located in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of the region.
• You can fly directly to Svalbard from Oslo and Tromsø in mainland Norway to Longyearbyen airport.
• The flight time from Oslo to Longyearbyen is about 3 hours. The flight time from Tromsø is 90 minutes.
• There are no scheduled international flights to and from Svalbard. Travellers must connect in Oslo or Tromsø for onward international flights.
• Some charter flights that are included as part of a Svalbard cruise depart from European cities such as Paris, Helsinki and Oslo.
• SAS and Norwegian are the only airlines offering scheduled flights.

In this article, I share my top tips for planning your flight to Svalbard, including how and where to find the best price for your flights. The advice given is based on over 10 years of experience flying to Svalbard, so you are in safe hands.  

Booking flights to Svalbard requires more planning than most destinations, but the reward is an Arctic adventure like no other.

Planning your Svalbard flight

• You book a flight to Svalbard the same way you would to anywhere else in the world, either directly through the airline or via a third party.
• Always book your flight to Svalbard in advance. The route between Oslo and Longyearbyen is fully booked during the summer months, and there is limited capacity.
• Book your flight at the same time you book your expedition cruise or tour. If you are booking more than a year in advance, then book your flights when they go on sale to ensure you get the most favourable fare.
• If you are joining a last-minute Svalbard cruise, double-check that flights are available before booking your cruise.
• Consider joining a Svalbard cruise that includes charter flights. This smoothes out the travel process and can often work out more cost-effectively.
• When you book your flight to Svalbard, allow enough time in case of delays. For cruises, it is better to arrive at least one day before.

At Polar Escapes, we have a dedicated travel team with years of experience flying to Svalbard. If you need assistance planning your Svalbard cruise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

Direct Flights to Svalbard

Norwegian Airlines and SAS fly direct flights to Svalbard from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) and Tromsø (TOS).

As there are no direct scheduled international flights to Svalbard, you must book a connecting flight to reach Svalbard from your destination. You will either transit through Oslo or Tromsø.

SAS and Norwegian have direct flights to Svalbard Airport (LYR) from Oslo (OSL), with a flight time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. In peak season from March to August, the number of flights to Svalbard increases for both Norwegian and SAS. During the winter, flights are less frequent.

Oslo is a major international hub with great onward connections. If you are flying to Svalbard from Europe, the USA, or Australia, Oslo is a great city to enjoy on a stopover. I highly recommend checking out the Fram museum, which is dedicated to polar exploration and a fitting place to visit before flying to Svalbard.

SAS and Norwegian also offer up to 6 direct flights a week from Tromsø, which take an hour and 40 minutes. Whilst Tromsø has fewer international connections, it is the ideal option for those also wanting to explore mainland Norway.

How Much Does A Flight to Svalbard cost?

A typical return ticket for a flight between Oslo and Svalbard can range anywhere from £217 ($294) to £500 ($678). For last-minute tickets, it is possible to pay even more.

The price of a Svalbard flight fluctuates throughout the year depending on availability. Peak season flights are often more expensive, and booking in advance will lower the cost of your airfare.

How To Find Cheap Flights To Svalbard

To find the best price for your Svalbard flight, you need to book it as far in advance as possible. As the route has limited capacity and is served by only two airlines, prices tend to increase closer to departure time.

Firstly, it is worth checking the price by day on a search tool. I regularly use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best price for flights to Svalbard. Turning on price tracking on flight search engines can alert you to price changes for routes. If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, you may find deals on certain days, such as mid-week.   

I always recommend checking the price directly on the airline’s website, such as SAS or Norwegian. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to book with the airline directly if you are checking in your luggage. Booking a round trip can often be cheaper than two one-way flights.

For the best deals, consider visiting Svalbard during the off-peak season when flights are cheaper.

If you are booking an expedition cruise and would like flights included, Polar Escapes offer fully inclusive packages that take the stress out of booking flights yourself.

Arriving In Svalbard

Svalbard Airport is located close to the main town of Longyearbyen. From the airport, you can take a short taxi or bus transfer to your hotel.

To find out more, please check out my article which covers arrivals information Svalbard Airport | A Guide for Travellers.

My Top Tips for flying to Svalbard

• Choose a window seat where possible. The view coming into land in Longyearbyen is out of this world, and you wouldn’t want to miss it.
• Check your baggage allowance. Airlines are strict with baggage on this route, so it is worth checking your luggage weight before arriving at the airport.
• Remember the peak tourist season in Svalbard is from March to August, and flights book up well in advance. Book your flights as far in advance as possible to lock in the best rates and ensure availability.
• If you are flying to Longyearbyen from Oslo, try to avoid flights that fly via Tromso. You will have to leave the aircraft in Tromso and clear security with your luggage before boarding the plane again. It’s a time-consuming and uncomfortable exercise.
• Have a warm jacket at the ready. It will be cold when you exit the plane in Longyearbyen.
• Travel to Svalbard requires identity control for all guests. Travellers must bring a passport or national ID card when flying to Svalbard. Check if you require a Svalbard visa before travel.
• Enjoy the flight!

How do I fly to Svalbard from the USA?

There are no direct flights from the USA to Svalbard. First, you must fly from the USA to Oslo, Norway, and take a connecting flight. SAS offer flights departing from major cities. The most popular route to Svalbard is from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The average flight duration from JFK to Svalbard is 12 hours 43 minutes, including the flight change.

How do I fly to Svalbard from the UK?

There are no direct flights from the UK to Svalbard. First, you must fly from the UK to Oslo or Tromso in Norway and take a connecting flight. SAS and Norwegian offer flights from the UK to Norway from London and Edinburgh airports.

Which airlines fly to Svalbard?

Norwegian Airlines and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) are the only two airlines that offer scheduled flights to Svalbard.

Book Your Svalbard Flights With Polar Escapes

From the Northern lights to the midnight sun, the team at Polar Escapes specialise in travel to Svalbard. If you are looking to join an expedition cruise or tour, we are able to assist you with your Svalbard flights as part of our service for free of charge.

With Polar Escapes, you can search and book the largest selection of Svalbard cruises and tours to explore the outstanding wilderness.

Happy Exploring