My reasons for choosing the Arctic Bus were simple. I wanted both hands free for my camera as we rolled past stunning winter landscapes. Plus, I wanted to let someone else deal with the unpredictable icy roads and winter weather, not me. Unfortunately, there are no train services connecting Northern Norway with Swedish and Finnish Lapland.
The Arctic Bus launched in 2016 through a collaboration between Bussring, Best Arctic, Innovation Norway, Eskelisen Lapin Linjat, and VY. It gives locals and tourists an easy way to commute between Northern Norway and Swedish and Finnish Lapland.
The Arctic Bus operates seven winter routes. All of them depart from Tromsø, connecting to destinations such as Rovaniemi (Finland), Narvik (Norway), Senja, Lyngen, Storslett, and Skjervøy. It runs from December 1 until March 31 every year. In fact, this schedule is the number one thing I consider when planning my 16 Days No-Driving Arctic Itinerary.
Want to chase the northern lights while someone else drives? The Aurora Express Nightliner has you covered. It features a glass ceiling on the upper deck. That means you can gaze up at a panoramic view of the Arctic sky, right from the comfort of your seat.
The Arctic Bus Essentials
- Features a glass ceiling on the upper deck to maximize panoramic views of the Arctic sky
- Operates daily services during the winter season (December 1 to March 31)
- Departure times are scheduled, so book in advance, especially in December, January, and February
- Buy tickets for the specific leg you plan to travel, because this is not a hop-on hop-off service
- Check the schedule and stops on the official website to plan your itinerary with full flexibility
- Because of Arctic weather conditions, driving times may be extended and arrivals can be delayed
- Look for the red double-decker buses if you’re unsure which bus to board
- The Aurora Express Nightliner only runs at night, and only between December and February
What to Expect from the Arctic Bus Experience
Travel Comforts: One thing I appreciate about the Arctic Route bus service? It aims to give travelers a stress-free way to explore the Arctic and Lapland. No rental car hassle, no driving, and no worries about road conditions in winter.
But stress-free isn’t the whole story. Comfort matters too.
The entire Arctic Bus fleet uses Volvo 9700 Touring coaches. Every seat is ergonomic leather, so you get that legendary Volvo comfort and safety. This detail might not matter to everyone. But picture this: you’re sitting on a bus for 10+ hours, traveling from Northern Norway all the way south to Finland’s Rovaniemi. You’ll be glad you booked a comfortable ride.
The buses also come with Wi-Fi and charging stations for laptops, tablets, and phones. You’ll also find an onboard toilet and a comfortable cabin temperature, so the whole ride feels smooth from start to finish.
Disclaimer: I departed from Tromsø, and Rovaniemi was my final destination. As soon as we crossed into Finland, the bus stopped in Kilpisjärvi. We had to transfer to a different bus there.
I’m not entirely sure why. But here’s my guess: the Arctic Bus is a collaboration between several bus operators, each based in their own country. In my case, the red Volvo 9700 coach belonged to Best Arctic’s fleet (based in Tromsø, Norway). Eskelisen Lapin Linjat of Finland operated the next bus, from Kilpisjärvi onward.
Both coaches are Volvo models. That said, expect the coach from Kilpisjärvi to Rovaniemi to feel slightly less comfortable. Note: only slightly less comfortable, not uncomfortable.
Stops: The journey offers strategic stops. That means you can stretch your legs, breathe in the Arctic air, take photos, and grab some food or snacks along the way.
Professional Drivers: The drivers are English-speaking, local, and service-oriented. Plus, they’re professionally trained to handle Arctic driving conditions.
The Arctic Bus Tickets & Where to Buy
Buying Arctic Bus tickets is straightforward. Prices are fixed based on distance, whether you book a one-way or a return trip.
Here’s my advice: plan your itinerary and destinations first. Then, cross-check routes and stops on the official bus schedule and timetable.
Prices range from 10 NOK to 3850 NOK per person.
You can purchase your tickets on the Best Arctic website.
What Are the Winter Arctic Routes?
There are seven routes in total that operate in winter:
- Aurora Express Nightliner: Tromsø – Levi – Rovaniemi (5 stops)
From 3000 NOK to 3850 NOK per person - Tromsø – Rovaniemi – Tromsø (13 stops)
From 475 NOK to 1930 NOK per person - Tromsø – Senja (7 stops)
From 750 NOK per person - Tromsø – Narvik (9 stops)
From 145 NOK to 795 NOK per person - Tromsø – Storslett (8 stops)
From 10 NOK to 760 NOK per person - Tromsø – Skjervøy (7 stops)
From 50 NOK to 860 NOK per person - Tromsø – Lyngen (3 stops)
From 294 NOK per person
Things to Do Along the Winter Route
There’s plenty to do along the route. One great advantage of going with Best Arctic? You can combine bus transportation with activities at the stops along the way, or at your final destination.
For my trip, I chose winter activities like snowmobiling in the Lyngen Alps. That said, I booked it through a different tour operator, simply because of how my itinerary was built.
For your trip, though, I’d recommend keeping your itinerary loose. That way, you’ll have more time to explore the stops along the route, not just power through activities. Maybe leave room to relax with a hot chocolate or coffee in hand, strolling and discovering whatever catches your interest.
Best Arctic offers a wide range of winter activities, including dog sledding, snowmobiling in the mountains, Sámi culture experiences, and whale watching. You can book directly with Best Arctic, but I’d still recommend comparing prices elsewhere first. Most activities and experiences are similar across operators, and other providers can sometimes be cheaper.
Here are some activities I found on GetYourGuide:
- Tromsø Arctic Combo: Dog Sledding, Snowmobile & Reindeer
- Silent Arctic Fjord Cruise
- Tromsø: Lyngen Alps Snowmobile Tour with Soup & Drinks
- Rovaniemi: Ice Fishing Experience
- Reine: Winter Snowshoe Hike to Ryten (with local guide)
- Narvik: Dogsledding with Husky Isogaisa
The Arctic Bus FAQ
What Is the Arctic Bus?
The Arctic Bus, officially called the Arctic Route, is a cross-border winter bus service connecting Northern Norway with Swedish and Finnish Lapland. It launched in 2016 through a partnership between Bussring, Best Arctic, Innovation Norway, Eskelisen Lapin Linjat, and VY. Today, it lets travelers reach destinations like Rovaniemi without renting a car or driving on icy Arctic roads.
When Does the Arctic Bus Operate?
It runs daily from December 1 to March 31 each year. Outside this window, the winter routes pause, though some destinations offer separate summer bus services on different schedules.
How Much Do Arctic Bus Tickets Cost?
Tickets range from 10 NOK to 3850 NOK per person, depending on the route and distance. Prices are fixed by leg, so the fare stays the same whether you book one-way or return.
Do I Need a Passport for the Arctic Bus?
Yes. You’ll need a passport if your route crosses into Finland, since the bus travels between Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Bring it even for day trips, as border checks can happen along the way.
Is the Arctic Bus a Hop-On Hop-Off Service?
No, it isn’t. You must buy a ticket for the specific leg of your journey, so plan your stops before booking.
What Is the Aurora Express Nightliner?
This is the overnight version of the Arctic Bus, running between Tromsø and Rovaniemi from December to February. It features a glass ceiling on the upper deck, so passengers can watch for the northern lights from their seat.
How Long Is the Bus Ride from Tromsø to Rovaniemi?
Expect around 10 hours, including scheduled stops. Arctic weather can extend the journey, so build extra time into your itinerary.
Do You Have to Change Buses on the Arctic Bus Route?
Yes. On the Tromsø–Rovaniemi route, you’ll transfer buses at Kilpisjärvi, Finland. That’s because different legs are run by different companies — Best Arctic in Norway and Eskelisen Lapin Linjat in Finland.
Ready to plan the full trip? Check out my complete 16 Days No-Driving Arctic Itinerary through Norway, Finland & Estonia for the day-by-day breakdown.
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