When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Tromso?
No trip to Tromso is complete without experiencing the Northern Lights and as they are only visible from early September to early April, it does mean that Tromso flights will be more expensive at that time than other parts of the year. Outside of these months, you will be able to experience Tromso under the midnight sun – when it is still daylight at midnight.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Tromso?
Visiting the Arctic region to see the Northern Lights is becoming ever more popular, so if you wish to experience this magnificent natural display, give yourself plenty of time to search and compare flights to Tromso. Be flexible in your dates and times of travel and keep an eye out for last-minute flights to this stunning destination.
Flying to Tromso Airport (TOS)
Tromso Airport is about three miles from the city centre and handles almost 2 million passengers per year, making it the fifth most popular airport in Norway.
Direct flights can be booked with Norwegian Air, which flies from London Gatwick Airport. Many flights from London Gatwick or London Heathrow fly via Oslo Airport, such as the route offered by Scandinavian Airlines. Other U.K. airports, such as Manchester Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Liverpool Airport, Glasgow Airport, Inverness Airport, and Birmingham Airport also offer return flights to Tromso, but they too require a layover in cities such as Oslo or Copenhagen. Some flights may require you to change airlines, but this is not always necessary.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
TOS airport has two terminals. Terminal B is used for international arrivals and departures, while Terminal A holds the check-in desks for all departures, regional and international. Regional flights operate out of both terminals. The airport has free Wi-Fi, duty free, and a small selection of food and drink shops. ATMs provided by Norwegian bank Nordea can be found by the check-in area, inside the main entrance, and on the first floor on the right of the security checkpoint.
Getting to the City from Tromso Airport (TOS)
TOS airport is just 10 minutes by car from the centre of Tromso. The taxi stand is located directly outside the arrival hall and there are two taxi companies to choose from on arrival. You can also take the bus into the city. For this there are two options: the airport express coach (Flybussen), which stops at several hotels, the university and University Hospital in Tromso, or you can take routes 40 or 42. Tickets for these buses can be bought at the Point kiosk in the arrivals hall. There are also a number of car-rental firms to choose from, and their offices are located near the check-in area on the ground floor.
Why Visit Tromso?
Tromso is a gateway to the Arctic and the majestic Northern Lights. Once a centre for seal hunting, trapping and fishing, it is now one of the most popular places to start a trip to see the natural phenomena that take place during the winter months of September to April. From October to February you can take a whale-watching trip into the fjords, and throughout the rest of the year there are many opportunities to kayak, take part in fishing trips or go sledding in the area.
Aside from beautiful nature, there are plenty of other things on offer in this charming town. It has the most pubs per capita of any Norwegian city, giving you ample opportunity to reminisce over your Northern Lights adventure with fellow travellers or locals. The Arctic Cathedral should also be on your to-do list, as should a visit to the Polar Museum, a cable car trip up the mountain Storsteinen to get a stunning view, or a visit to one of the many art galleries: there’s more than just lights at the top of the world.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Visas are not needed by British citizens to travel to Norway, and your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you will need to contact the Norwegian Embassy. As Tromso is in the Arctic region, travellers should be sensible with regards to the weather at all times. The currency is the kroner (NOK); credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available but there is only one place in town to exchange money – the Post Office.
