10 Practical Tips Before Flying to Longyearbyen – how to visit Svalbard
Svalbard may feel like one of the most remote places on Earth, but getting to Longyearbyen is much easier than many first-time visitors expect.
There are no regular direct flights from Poland to Svalbard, so the journey usually involves a connection in Norway, most commonly via Oslo Gardermoen or Tromsø.
If you are travelling to Svalbard for the first time, it is worth planning not only your flight ticket, but also your connection time, luggage and transfer from Longyearbyen Airport.
Here are 10 practical Men of Sea tips on how to get to Svalbard and prepare for your journey to Longyearbyen.
1. How do you get to Svalbard? Fly to Longyearbyen Airport
The main airport in the archipelago is Svalbard Airport, Longyearbyen – LYR.
Regular flights to Svalbard are operated mainly by SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian.
The most important direct connections from mainland Norway are:
Oslo Gardermoen – OSL and Tromsø – TOS.
A flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen takes approximately 3 hours, while the flight from Tromsø is considerably shorter.
For travellers from Poland and many other European countries, the most convenient routes are usually:
Poland (Europe) → Oslo Gardermoen → Longyearbyen or Poland (Europe) → Tromsø → Longyearbyen.
For international travellers, the same principle applies: first reach mainland Norway, then continue north to Longyearbyen.
2. Oslo Gardermoen or Oslo Torp? Do not confuse the two airports
This is one of the most important things to remember when looking for cheap flights to Svalbard.
Low-cost airlines from many European cities often fly to Oslo Torp – TRF, while flights to Longyearbyen usually depart from Oslo Gardermoen – OSL.
These are two completely different airports, not terminals at the same airport. Torp lies well south of Oslo, while Gardermoen is north of the city.
From Torp Airport, you first take a short shuttle bus to Torp railway station. The shuttle currently takes around 4 minutes and costs approximately 55 NOK. From there, you can continue by train through Oslo towards Gardermoen.
The journey from Torp to central Oslo alone takes around 1.5 hours, so travelling all the way to Oslo Gardermoen takes considerably longer. For a transfer between TRF and OSL, we recommend allowing at least 4–5 hours. In winter, or when travelling on separate tickets, even more time is advisable.
If the difference in airfare is not significant, we usually recommend flying directly into Oslo Gardermoen.
A seemingly cheap ticket to Torp can become much less attractive once you add the cost of ground transport, extra travel time and the risk of missing your onward flight to Svalbard.
3. SAS or Norwegian – which airline is better for Svalbard?
Both SAS and Norwegian operate regular flights to Longyearbyen.
SAS can be particularly convenient if you are able to purchase the entire journey on a single booking, for example:
Poland → Oslo → Longyearbyen
With a through-ticket, if the first flight is delayed and you miss the connection, the airline is generally responsible for rebooking your onward journey.
Norwegian often offers attractive fares on the Oslo–Longyearbyen route.
As a general indication, return flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen can often cost around 2,700–4,200 NOK, while promotional fares may be lower. One-way tickets can occasionally start at around 1,399 NOK, depending on the season and availability. Airfares change constantly, so these figures should only be treated as approximate examples rather than fixed prices.
Based on our own travel experience in 2026, we experienced a number of delays and cancellations on SAS-operated journeys, while we personally encountered fewer problems with Norwegian.
This is our own observation rather than a guarantee of future airline performance.
4. When is the best time to book flights to Svalbard?
For Svalbard, waiting until the last minute is usually not the best strategy.
For the main summer season, especially June, July and August, we recommend starting to monitor flights several months in advance.
Our practical recommendation is:
- 3–6 months before departure – often a very good time to search for summer flights,
- 2–4 months before departure – good fares may still be available,
- a few weeks before departure – prices may already be considerably higher and some flights may be sold out.
If your expedition dates are fixed, finding a safe and practical connection is usually more important than saving a small amount of money.
For a connection at Oslo Gardermoen, we consider around 2 hours the minimum comfortable transfer time, particularly if luggage is involved. If you are travelling on separate tickets, allow more time.
5. Should you book through a flight comparison website or directly with the airline?
Flight search engines are very useful for comparing routes and prices.
You can use services such as:
Google Flights
Skyscanner
Kayak
We often use Kayak because of its functionality when comparing different combinations. However, if the price is similar, we strongly prefer to book directly with SAS or Norwegian.
Why?
If there is:
- a cancelled flight,
- a schedule change,
- a baggage problem,
- or a need to change the booking,
it is usually much easier to deal directly with the airline than through a third-party agent.
This is especially important when travelling to Svalbard because there are relatively few alternative flights.
Should you buy checked baggage immediately?
If we book flights many months in advance and there is a possibility that plans may change, we do not always add checked baggage immediately. In many cases, baggage can be added later directly through the airline using the airline booking reference.
It is also worth comparing: a more expensive fare that already includes checked baggage
with a basic fare plus baggage added separately.
In our experience, the second option can sometimes be cheaper.
6. Flying to Svalbard for the first time? Book a window seat
This may sound like a small detail, but we strongly recommend it.
If this is your first flight to Longyearbyen, consider paying extra for a window seat. When the weather is clear, the final part of the flight can be spectacular.
From the air you may see:
- the mountains of Spitsbergen,
- glaciers,
- Arctic fjords,
- snow-covered valleys,
- and the vast, almost uninhabited landscape of Svalbard.
It is one of those moments when you suddenly realise just how far north you have travelled. We would not worry too much about choosing the left or right side of the aircraft. The direction of approach depends on wind and weather.
The most important thing is simply: get a window seat.
7. Keep your most important equipment in your hand luggage
Delayed or missing luggage can happen on Svalbard routes, just as it can on any journey involving connecting flights. The difference is that in Longyearbyen it may be more difficult or expensive to quickly replace specialist outdoor clothing and expedition equipment. For that reason, keep essential items with you.
Your hand luggage or personal item should include:
- travel documents,
- medication,
- phone and charger,
- camera and essential electronics,
- at least one warm layer,
- thermal underwear,
- hat and gloves,
- anything you absolutely need on your first day.
We also recommend travelling in your trekking boots, good outdoor trousers, jacket and fleece, rather than packing all of them into checked luggage.
The idea is simple:
if your suitcase arrives a day late, you should still be able to function in the Arctic.
8. What should you not bring to Svalbard?
Svalbard has specific regulations regarding certain items. Particular caution is required with firearms and ammunition.
Norwegian firearms legislation applies, and visitors bringing firearms from abroad must comply with specific documentation and import requirements. Do not assume that a firearm legally owned in your home country can simply be brought to Svalbard without additional formalities.
There are also specific rules concerning:
pets and live animals – bringing dogs and other animals may require permits or may be restricted,
alcohol – Svalbard has special alcohol regulations,
animal products and food – certain products may be subject to import restrictions.
Before travelling, always check the latest information from Norwegian Customs and the Governor of Svalbard.
Regulations can change, so current official information should always take priority over old travel guides or forum posts.
9. How do you get from Longyearbyen Airport to town?
Svalbard Airport is only a few kilometres from Longyearbyen. However, we do not recommend walking from the airport to town.
Outside the built-up settlement area, you must take the risk of polar bears seriously.
The easiest option is the Airport Shuttle Bus.
The shuttle operates in connection with regular arriving flights. It normally waits for passengers to collect their luggage and usually leaves approximately 30–40 minutes after landing or once the baggage belt is empty.
As of August 2026, the listed fares are:
125 NOK – adult
80 NOK – student
55 NOK – child up to 14 years
Payment is made by card on the bus. You normally do not need to reserve or buy a ticket in advance. Simply board the bus, take a seat and the driver will come to you for payment. The airport shuttle stops at hotels and major accommodation locations around Longyearbyen.
10. Airport bus or taxi? And why the Global Seed Vault is worth a short stop
If you are travelling alone, the Airport Shuttle Bus is normally the cheapest option. For two, three or more travellers, however, it is worth comparing the price with a taxi.
A taxi from the airport rank currently starts at approximately 230 NOK, depending on destination, number of passengers, time of day and day of the week. A pre-booked private airport transfer can cost around 800 NOK for a vehicle carrying 1–4 people.
If you are travelling as a small group, you do not necessarily need to reserve a private transfer in advance. You can often approach a taxi driver at the airport or call for a regular taxi.
You may have to wait a little longer, but you can use the time to take your first Svalbard photographs, including the famous signpost near the airport. For 2–3 people, a regular taxi can therefore be surprisingly competitive with the airport bus.
Always check the current fare with the driver.
Visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault on the way
A taxi has another advantage. You can ask the driver to make a short stop at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault before continuing to Longyearbyen.
The Global Seed Vault is located very close to the airport. Visitors cannot normally enter the facility itself, but the famous entrance built into the mountainside can be seen and photographed from outside. It is an excellent way to see one of Svalbard’s most famous landmarks only minutes after arriving.
What is the best way to plan a flight to Svalbard?
The simplest rule is:
choose the easiest possible connection and leave enough time between flights.
If you can buy your entire journey on one ticket, that is a major advantage. If you are using separate tickets, especially with different airlines, allow a much larger safety margin.
Svalbard does not have dozens of flights every day. Missing one connection may mean arriving the next day – or even later.
Before every Men of Sea expedition, we therefore recommend that our participants look not only at the price of the ticket, but also at the reliability and safety of the entire travel plan.
Because the flight to Longyearbyen is only the beginning.
The most extraordinary part of Svalbard starts beyond the town – among fjords, glaciers, wildlife and the wild Arctic coastline.
FAQ
How do I get to Svalbard?
Most travellers fly to Longyearbyen via mainland Norway. The main connections are through Oslo Gardermoen and Tromsø.
Which airport do you fly to in Svalbard?
The main airport is Svalbard Airport, Longyearbyen (LYR), located a few kilometres from the town.
Are there direct flights to Svalbard from Poland?
There are no regular direct flights from Poland to Svalbard. Travellers usually connect in Oslo or Tromsø.
Which airlines fly to Longyearbyen?
The main scheduled airlines serving Longyearbyen are SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian.
How long is the flight from Oslo to Svalbard?
A direct flight from Oslo Gardermoen to Longyearbyen takes approximately 3 hours.
Is Oslo Torp the same airport as Oslo Gardermoen?
No. Oslo Torp (TRF) and Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) are separate airports located a considerable distance apart. If you need to transfer between them, allow several hours.
How much time should I allow for a connection at Oslo Gardermoen?
We recommend allowing at least 2 hours for a normal connection. If you are travelling on separate tickets, carrying checked luggage or flying in winter, it is safer to leave more time.
Should I book flights to Svalbard directly with the airline?
If the price is similar, we prefer booking directly with the airline. It is usually easier to deal with cancellations, schedule changes, baggage problems or rebooking.
When is the best time to book flights to Svalbard?
For the summer season, we recommend starting to look for flights around 3–6 months before departure, especially if your travel dates are fixed.
Should I book a window seat when flying to Svalbard?
Yes, especially on your first trip. In clear weather, the final part of the flight can offer spectacular views of glaciers, mountains and fjords.
What should I keep in my hand luggage when flying to Svalbard?
Keep your medication, documents, electronics and enough warm clothing to manage for at least one day if your checked baggage is delayed.
How do I get from Longyearbyen Airport to the town?
The easiest options are the airport shuttle bus or a taxi. The shuttle operates in connection with scheduled flights.
Can I walk from Longyearbyen Airport to the town?
We do not recommend it. The airport is outside the compact town area, and polar bear safety must always be taken seriously outside settlements.
Is it worth taking a taxi from Longyearbyen Airport?
For two or three people, a regular taxi can sometimes be competitive with the airport shuttle, especially if everyone is travelling to the same hotel.
Can I visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault after landing?
Yes, you can ask a taxi driver to make a short stop nearby. Visitors cannot normally enter the facility, but the famous entrance can be seen and photographed from outside.
What is the safest way to plan a journey to Svalbard?
Choose the simplest possible connection, leave enough transfer time and, whenever practical, book the entire journey on one ticket. Missing a flight to Longyearbyen can sometimes mean arriving a day later or more.
Men of Sea Svalbard Guide Series
Part 1 – How to Get to Svalbard
Part 2 – What to Pack for Svalbard
Part 3 – When Is the Best Time to Visit Svalbard?
Look also at:
Glacier Trekking in Svalbard
Zodiac Landings in Svalbard
Photography in Svalbard
Svalbard Yacht Expeditions
Svalbard Wildlife