Ferries are a lifeline in northern Norway, but trying to figure out when they run, where they go, and whether you actually need to pay can feel like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing.
Some ferries let you pre-book, while others operate on a first-come, first-served (good luck!) basis. Some are free, some are expensive, some run every hour, and others only a couple of times a day—if the weather cooperates. Oh, and a few only run in summer, so if you’re relying on one in October, well… you might need a new plan.
To save you from endless Google searches and frustrating dead ends, we’ve put together a no-nonsense guide to the ferry routes in Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja. You’ll find schedules, prices, capacities, and brutally honest advice to help you plan your road trip through northern Norway—without any unpleasant ferry surprises.
Lofoten is made up of seven main islands stretching out into the sea, but only five of them are connected by bridges and tunnels. This scenic 130-kilometer stretch is called King Olav V’s Road, and it’s the easy part.
The other two main islands, Værøy and Røst, as well as smaller spots like Skrova (near Svolvær), Vindstad, and Kjerkfjorden (in Reinefjorden), are only accessible by ferry, speedboat, or sightseeing boat. In other words, if you’re heading there, you’re at the mercy of ferry schedules—and their infamous unpredictability.
And here’s the reality check: ferry travel in Lofoten and the whole northern Norway isn’t always smooth sailing. Since the pandemic, tourism has skyrocketed, and the ferry system hasn’t exactly kept up. In summer, expect long lines, limited capacity, and schedules that don’t always match demand. If you’re planning to take a ferry, plan for delays, arrive early, and maybe bring snacks.
The Bodø–Moskenes ferry, operated by Torghatten Nord, is the main link between western Lofoten and the mainland. It comes in two flavors: Route A goes directly between Bodø and Moskenes, while Route B makes stops at Værøy and Røst along the way.
Here’s what you need to know:
📅 Winter schedule (September – May): Expect just 1–2 departures per day, so if you miss it, you’re stuck.
📅 Summer schedule (June – August): Up to 9 departures per day, but don’t let that fool you—this ferry gets packed. Queues are common, and if you didn’t book your car spot online, you might not make it on board.
Moral of the story? Book in advance if you can, and always have a backup plan.
👉 This particular ferry has a very confusing schedule, so we dedicated an entire article and a separate YouTube video to this specific ferry connection, where we share all you need to know about the schedule, booking process, traveling with dogs, etc.
Travel to and from the islands of Værøy and Røst is free of charge. However, vehicle transport between Bodø and Moskenes is not free.
| Fare Group | Full Price |
|---|---|
| Without vehicle | 0 NOK |
| Motorcycle/Moped | 171 NOK |
| 0 – 6m | 584 NOK |
| 6.01 – 8m | 1,257 NOK |
| 8.01 – 10m | 1,619 NOK |
| 10.01 – 12.5m | 1,839 NOK |
| 12.51 – 14.5m | 2,014 NOK |
| 14.51 – 17.5m | 2,174 NOK |
| 17.51 – 19.5m | 2,246 NOK |
| 19.51 – 22m | 2,306 NOK |
| Over 22m | 2,537 NOK |
On this route, a portion of the ferry’s capacity can be reserved in advance:
Seat reservations are in addition to the standard ticket price.
| Fare Group | Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle (to/from Værøy and Røst) | 0 NOK |
| Seat guarantee for passengers | 250 NOK |
| Vehicle up to 6m (Bodø – Moskenes) | 250 NOK |
| Vehicle over 6m (Bodø – Moskenes) | 550 NOK |
👉 Pre-booking is not mandatory, and only a portion of the ferry’s capacity is available for reservation.
👉 Pre-booked ferry trips must be paid for in advance, and reservations must be made through the Torghatten website.
👉 A booking guarantees a seat on the reserved departure, provided that you arrive at least 45 minutes before departure in the queue marked “Reserved.”
👉 For passengers without a vehicle, up to 20 guaranteed tickets are available per departure, with a maximum of 2 tickets per booking.
👉 The ferry trip itself is free for passengers (only vehicles are charged), so the reservation fee is solely for the seat guarantee.
👉 Booking deadline: 20:00 (8 PM) the day before departure, provided there is available capacity.
👉 Most travelers simply show up at the dock and purchase a ticket when boarding, just like on other ferry routes.
❓Is the Bodø-Moskenes Ferry a car ferry?
Yes. Depending on the type of ferry, the ferries between Bodø and Moskenes can accommodate 80-120 cars.
❓Does the Bodø-Moskenes ferry operate all year round?
Yes, the ferry operates year-round. However, you should be aware that there are significantly fewer departures during the winter schedule than during the summer schedule.
❓Is it possible to reserve the Bodø-Moskenes ferry in advance?
Yes, the Bodø-Moskenes ferry stands out as one of the few in Norway that offers the convenience of advance bookings. Online reservations fill up to 50% of the ferry’s total capacity. Should these online tickets sell out, the rest are available for purchase directly at the ferry, offered on a “first come, first served” basis. You can book online until 8:00 pm the evening before your intended travel date, provided space is available.
❓How long is the crossing between Bodø and Moskenes?
The ferry journey from Moskenes to Bodø typically takes around 3.5 hours when traveling directly across the Vestfjorden.
❓How much does the Bodø-Moskenes ferry cost?
The price of the Bodø-Moskenes ferry depends on the size of your vehicle. If you do not have any discount cards and own a conventional car (non-electric), be prepared to pay (as of 2025):
💰 171 NOK per motorcycle (excluding the reservation fee)
💰 584 NOK for a car up to 6 meters (excluding the reservation fee)
💰 1257 NOK for vehicles between 6 and 8 meters (excluding the reservation fee)
See also: All you need to know about the Bodø – Moskenes ferry
Are you planning to explore the Lofoten Islands by a car?
Technically, the Bognes–Lødingen ferry isn’t in Lofoten—it operates in the neighboring Ofoten region.
But if you’re driving to Lofoten from the mainland, this is one of your key options. After crossing Ofotfjorden, you’ll connect to the E10 and continue west toward Lofoten. Like the Bodø–Moskenes ferry, this route is also run by Torghatten Nord.
👉 Crossing time: 60 minutes
👉 Calmer waters: Ofotfjorden is much more forgiving than Vestfjorden, so this ferry is less likely to get canceled in bad weather.
👉 More frequent departures: Unlike the Bodø–Moskenes ferry, this one runs far more often, so even if you miss a departure, you won’t be stuck for too long.
If you’re traveling in the summer, expect long queues. The ferry used to allow pre-booking, but Torghatten Nord scrapped that option, so now it’s first come, first served. If you don’t get on, you wait. The good news? Since this ferry runs way more frequently than the Bodø–Moskenes route, waiting for the next departure isn’t a complete disaster.
| Fare Group | Full Price |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle/Moped | 61 NOK |
| 0 – 6m (meters) | 180 NOK |
| 6.01 – 8m | 395 NOK |
| 8.01 – 10m | 522 NOK |
| 10.01 – 12.5m | 613 NOK |
| 12.51 – 14.5m | 693 NOK |
| 14.51 – 17.5m | 778 NOK |
| 17.51 – 19.5m | 818 NOK |
| 19.51 – 22m | 871 NOK |
| Over 22m | 959 NOK |
The AutoPASS for ferries system offers a 50% discount for private individuals and a 40% discount for businesses with a prepaid agreement. This works by depositing an advance payment into an AutoPASS ferry account. You can read more about it here:
❓Is the Bognes-Lødingen ferry a car ferry?
Yes, the route is served by the ferries M/F Hamarøy, M/F Barøy, and M/F Lødingen, which can transport between 90 and 120 cars, depending on the ferry.
❓Does the Bognes-Lødingen ferry operate all year round?
Yes. The Bodø-Lødingen ferry operates on a summer and winter schedule. The winter schedule runs from September 1 to May 31 and features fewer departures compared to the summer schedule.
❓Is it possible to reserve the Bognes-Lødingen ferry in advance?
Unfortunately not. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
❓How long is the ferry crossing between Bognes and Lødingen?
The crossing from Bognes to Lødingen takes 60 minutes.
❓How much does the Bognes-Lødingen ferry cost?
The price of the Bognes-Lødingen ferry depends on the size of your vehicle. If you do not have any discount cards and own a conventional car (non-electric), be prepared to pay (as of 2025):
💰 61 NOK per motorcycle
💰 180 NOK for a car up to 6 meters
💰 395 NOK for vehicles between 6 and 8 meters
Are you Planning to Hike Ryten and/or Kvalvika Beach
This summer-only ferry runs between Svolvær and Skutvik from June 1 to August 31 and, thanks to a law change, has been free of charge since July 1, 2022. Sounds great, right? Well, there’s a catch.
👉 Only two departures per day – meaning if you don’t make it on, you’re stuck waiting for the next one (or until tomorrow).
👉 High demand, low capacity – motorhome owners have caught onto this and often camp overnight at the ferry terminal to secure a spot.
📅 See also: Svolvær – Skutvik Ferry Schedule 2025
❓Is the Svolvær-Skutvik ferry a car ferry?
Yes, the route is served by the ferry M/F Hornstind, which has a capacity of approximately 50 cars.
❓Does the Svolvær-Skutvik ferry operate all year round?
No, the Svolvær-Skutvik ferry operates only in the summer, from June 1 to August 31.
❓Is it possible to reserve the Svolvær-Skutvik ferry in advance?
Unfortunately not. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
❓How long is the crossing between Svolvær and Skutvik?
The crossing from Svolvær to Skutvik takes 2 hours
❓How much does the Svolvær-Skutvik ferry cost?
The ferry is free of charge for both passengers and motorists.
Explore the 10 best hikes on the Lofoten Islands
The Melbu–Fiskebøl ferry is a small but essential connection between Lofoten and Vesterålen. If you’re planning to explore western Vesterålen, this is the most convenient way to get there.
From January 1, 2024, Torghatten Nord AS operates the Melbu–Fiskebøl ferry under a new contract until January 31, 2027. The new vessel, MF Malangen, carries 62 vehicles and 200 passengers, replacing MF Tysfjord, which had space for 90 vehicles and 399 passengers. While the change improves efficiency, capacity is lower than before.
👉 Runs year-round, so no seasonal surprises.
👉 Departs roughly every 90 minutes – frequent enough that missing one isn’t a disaster.
👉 Short crossing – the trip takes just 30 minutes.
📅 See also: Melbu – Fiskebøl Ferry Schedule 2025
❓Is the Melbu-Fiskebøl ferry a car ferry?
Yes, since January 2024, a new ferry, the MF Malangen, with a capacity for 62 cars, has been operating on this stretch.
❓Does the Melbu-Fiskebøl ferry operate all year round?
Yes. Melbu-Fiskebøl is a whole year-round ferry.
❓Is it possible to reserve the Melbu-Fiskebøl ferry in advance?
Unfortunately not. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
❓How long is the crossing between Melbu and Fiskebøl?
The crossing of Hadselfjorden between Melbu and Fiskebøl takes approximately 30 minutes.
❓How much does the Melbu-Fiskebøl ferry cost?
The price of the Melbu-Fiskebøl ferry depends on the size of your vehicle. If you do not have any discount cards and own a conventional car (non-electric), be prepared to pay (as of 2025):
💰 42 NOK per motorcycle
💰 112 NOK for a car up to 6 meters
💰 248 NOK for vehicles between 6 and 8 meters
If you’re traveling between Tromsø/Senja and Vesterålen/Lofoten, this ferry might seem like the perfect shortcut. And while the scenery is breathtaking, the experience of actually getting on the ferry can be anything but.
What’s Wrong With It?
🤯 Insufficient capacity – Every summer, cars get left behind daily because the ferry just isn’t big enough.
🤯 Not enough departures – With only 2–3 sailings per day, missing one means you might be stuck for hours—or even a whole day.
🤯 Summer only – The ferry shuts down in September, forcing everyone into long detours for the rest of the year. A year-round service would be a dream come true, not just for tourists but also for locals who actually rely on this route.
👉 Runs from May 16 to September 23, 2025 (and then disappears again).
👉 2 daily departures in the shoulder seasons (May 16 – June 12 & August 18 – September 23).
👉 3 daily departures in peak season (June 13 – August 17).
The Brutal Reality & Survival Tips
This ferry is a major bottleneck for northern Norway’s transportation system, and unless things change (more capacity, more departures, year-round operation), this struggle will continue.
How to make sure you actually get on?
👉 Arrive EARLY. And by early, we mean hours in advance.
👉 Consider paying for a queue spot. Some local accommodations offer a service where they park your car in the ferry queue overnight, guaranteeing you a spot on the morning ferry. If you have an early departure, this can be a game-changer.
👉 On foot or by bike? You’re in luck! Pedestrians and cyclists travel for free, and space isn’t an issue.
Final Advice?
If you’re on a tight schedule, think twice about relying on this ferry. It’s a gamble, and if you lose, you might be waiting a long time for another chance.
📅 See also: Andenes – Gryllefjord Ferry Schedule 2025
❓Is the Andenes-Gryllefjord ferry a car ferry?
Yes, however, the ferry has space on board for about 30 cars and operates only two to three daily departures. Every time the ferry sails, it leaves cars behind, so be prepared for a long waiting time.
❓Does the ferry operate all year round?
Sadly, no. The Andenes-Gryllefjord is a seasonal ferry that operates from mid-May to the end of September. For the 2024 season, the dates are May 16 to September 25.
❓Is it possible to reserve the Andenes-Gryllefjord ferry in advance?
Unfortunately not. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
❓How long is the crossing?
The crossing between Andenes and Gryllefjord takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
❓How much does the Andenes-Gryllefjord ferry cost?
The price of the Andenes-Gryllefjord ferry depends on the size of your vehicle. If you do not have any discount cards and own a conventional car (non-electric), be prepared to pay (as of 2025):
💰 168 NOK per motorcycle
💰 580 NOK for a car up to 6 meters
💰 1238 NOK for vehicles between 6 and 8 meters
Like the Andenes–Gryllefjord ferry, this one isn’t in Lofoten, but if you’re trying to travel between Tromsø and Lofoten, it’s a key part of the puzzle. The Botnhamn–Brensholmen ferry connects Kvaløya (near Tromsø) with Senja, providing a scenic but often frustrating shortcut for those heading south toward Vesterålen and Lofoten.
Since 2021, this ferry has been operating year-round, but you wouldn’t know it if you rely on Google Maps or outdated tourist websites, which still claim it’s a summer-only route. It’s not.
🤯 This ferry technically got an upgrade when it switched to year-round service, but let’s be honest—it’s still too small, with space for about 30 cars. Also, six departures a day, year-round – better than before, but still not enough in peak season.
🤯 Summer demand is insane. Once the tourist traffic kicks in, expect a motorhome invasion at the terminal. Some travelers camp overnight just to make sure they get on the morning departure.
📅 See also: Brensholmen – Botnhamn Ferry Schedule 2025
We dedicated an entire article to this specific ferry connection, where we share all you need to know about the schedule, prices, capacity issues, etc.
❓Is the Brensholmen-Botnhamn ferry a car ferry?
Yes, however, the ferry has space on board for about 40 cars, and in the summer, when there are many motorhomes on the road, it fills up quickly. Fortunately, compared to the Andenes-Gryllefjord ferry, the Brensholmen-Botnhamn ferry offers up to 6 departures daily, so you don’t have to wait as long for the next ferry.
❓Does the Brensholmen-Botnhamn ferry operate year-round?
Yes, the ferry operates year-round.
❓Can I reserve the Botnhamn-Brensholmen ferry in advance?
Unfortunately not. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
❓How long is the crossing?
The crossing between Brensholmen and Botnhamn takes approximately 35 minutes.
❓How much does the Botnhamn-Brensholmen ferry cost?
The price of the Brensholmen-Botnhamn ferry depends on the size of your vehicle. If you do not have any discount cards and own a conventional car (non-electric), be prepared to pay (as of 2025):
💰 64 NOK per motorcycle
💰 197 NOK for a car up to 6 meters
💰 428 NOK for vehicles between 6 and 8 meters
If you’re looking for a fast, scenic way to get between Lofoten and Bodø, the Nordlandsekspressen (NEX II 23-755) is your option.
This passenger-only express boat runs year-round and makes stops along the stunning coast of Hamarøy and Steigen.
👉 Pedestrians & cyclists only – No cars, no motorbikes, just you and whatever you can carry.
👉 Runs ONCE a day – Morning departure from Svolvær, evening departure from Bodø.
👉 Buy your ticket in advance, especially in summer.
❓Is the Svolvær-Bodø Express Boat a car ferry?
No, the express boat is passenger-only. You can also bring a bicycle or kayak aboard, but there is no car deck.
❓Does the Svolvær-Bodø express boat operate year-round?
Yes, the speed boat operates year-round.
❓Can I reserve the Svolvær-Bodø express boat in advance?
Yes, you can and should reserve a spot via the Reis Nordland webpage or app.
❓How long is the crossing?
The crossing between Svolvær and Bodø takes 3 hours and 20 minutes.
❓How much does the express boat between Bodø and Svolvær cost?
The express boat between Svolvær and Bodø costs 435 NOK for adults and 218 NOK for students and children between 6 and 15 years old.
If you’re in Reine, this boat trip through Reinefjorden should be at the top of your list. It’s not just breathtaking—it’s also surprisingly affordable. And if you’re dreaming of visiting Bunes Beach, deep in Lofotodden National Park, this ferry is your only way in.
📍 Departs from: The parking area in Reine Ytre Havn (don’t trust outdated sources that mention the old spot by the gas station).
⛵ Small but popular: Only 2–4 departures per day, so space fill up during the summer season.
📅 Winter (Weeks 1–11): You must prebook by phone a day in advance—no walk-ons.
📅 Summer: You can book online via the Reis Nordland website or app.
Pay attention to the departure place for the Reinefjorden Ferry. Some old sources will direct you to the pier near the gas station (red arrow). The ferry departs from the Ytre Havn parking (green arrow).
See also: How do you book the Reinefjorden ferry?
❓Is the Reinefjorden ferry a car ferry?
No, it is a passenger-only boat.
❓Does the Reinefjorden ferry operate year-round?
Yes, but in the weeks 1-11, you need to book it in advance.
❓Can I reserve the Reinefjorden ferry in advance?
Yes, you can book a ticket on the Reis Nordland webpage or via the app.
❓How long is the crossing?
The return trip from Reine to Reine takes about an hour. The one-way trip from Reine to Vindstad, from where you can start hiking to Bunes Beach, takes 25 minutes.
❓How much does the Reinefjorden ferry cost?
If you book online, the return ticket from Reine to Vindstad and back costs 94 NOK for adults and 48 NOK for students and children between 6 and 15 years old.
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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