Driving the Tromsø to Lyngen Alps Ferry Loop
Many visitors to Tromsø drive a scenic loop that uses two car ferries to cross the Lyngen peninsula. This route allows you to experience the Lyngen Alps without a long detour around the fjords. The ferries operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning you cannot book a space in advance. You simply join the queue at the quay.
The first stage for most drivers starts from Tromsø. You will drive about 40 minutes southeast to the ferry quay at Breivikeidet. From here, you take the Breivikeidet–Svensby car ferry across Ullsfjorden. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes and lands you on the western side of the Lyngen peninsula. Once ashore in Svensby, you drive across the peninsula to the village of Lyngseidet.
From Lyngseidet, the second ferry continues your journey eastward. The Lyngseidet–Olderdalen car ferry crosses the main Lyngenfjord, a journey of about 35 to 40 minutes. This service connects the peninsula with the E6 highway at Olderdalen in Kåfjord. By linking these two ferries, drivers can create an efficient and scenic circular route to or from Tromsø, fully traversing the Lyngen region.
Practicalities: Queues, Timetables and Winter Travel
Because the Lyngen ferries do not take reservations, it is important to plan your travel, especially during peak seasons. In summer and on weekends with good weather, the queues for these ferries can become long. Arriving well before a scheduled departure is advisable to secure a place. Missed crossings in the evening can be particularly disruptive, as timetables become sparse later in the day. A missed late ferry could require an overnight stay or a significant change to your plans.
Both the Breivikeidet–Svensby and Lyngseidet–Olderdalen ferries operate year-round, which is a key consideration for anyone visiting during the winter northern-lights season or for spring ski touring. However, Arctic weather can affect all sea transport. Storms may cause delays or cancellations. Before setting out, especially in winter, always check the live status of the ferry routes. Drivers should also factor in that winter road conditions can make the drive to the quays, such as the road to Breivikeidet, slower than expected.
How to Pay for Ferries as a Tourist
Tickets for the Svipper car ferries, including the Lyngen routes, can be purchased on board the vessel. Staff will typically come to your vehicle to take payment. Alternatively, you can use the Svipper mobile ticket app, which is the current version of the app formerly known as TFT Mobillett. This allows for digital ticket purchase, which can be convenient for foot passengers and drivers alike.
Foreign visitors can use the app without needing a Norwegian phone number or bank account. The registration process allows for international details, and payment can be made with a standard international credit or debit card. This is a useful distinction from some other Norwegian transport apps that can be more difficult for tourists to set up.
Car Ferries vs Express Boats: A Key Distinction
A common point of confusion for visitors is the difference between car ferries (ferje) and express boats (hurtigbåt). The two Lyngen crossings, along with the services to the islands of Karlsøy, Vannøy, Reinøya and Vengsøy, are car ferries designed to transport vehicles and passengers.
Express boats, by contrast, are passenger-only fast craft. They do not carry cars. These services depart from Tromsø’s Prostneset terminal and connect the city with more distant coastal communities. Key routes include the Tromsø–Skjervøy service (route 3) and the Harstad–Finnsnes–Tromsø coastal express (route 2). There are also limited weekly departures connecting Tromsø with Lysnes on the island of Senja. If you are travelling on foot, these boats can be an efficient way to travel, but they are not an option for those with a rental car.
Island Hopping by Car Ferry from Tromsø
Beyond the popular Lyngen route, several other Svipper car ferries provide key links to the islands north of Tromsø. These are less frequented by tourists on tight schedules but offer rewarding trips for those with more time.
Karlsøy and Vannøy
To reach the islands of Karlsøy and Vannøy, you first drive north from Tromsø to the port of Hansnes on the island of Ringvassøya. From here, Svipper route 185, the Hansnes–Skåningsbukt (Vannøy) car ferry, operates. This vessel calls at the historic island of Karlsøya en route. This service is a lifeline for the outer island communities and is suitable for both day trips and multi-day stays with a car.
Reinøya, Vengsøy and Smaller Islands
A separate, short crossing from Hansnes serves the nearby island of Reinøya, landing at Reinskard in about 15 minutes. West of Tromsø, on the large island of Kvaløya, another local ferry provides a different experience. Route 182 sails from Bellvik to the small islands of Vengsøy, Musvær and Risøy, serving small communities and offering a glimpse into local coastal life. These routes are generally not on the main tourist trail and provide a quieter alternative.
Planning for Weather Disruptions
All ferry and express boat services in the Troms region are subject to cancellation or delay due to weather. This is an unavoidable reality of travel in the Arctic, particularly during winter storms. The more exposed routes, such as the express boats and the outer island ferries, are generally more sensitive to high winds and rough seas than the more sheltered fjord crossings.
Before you start your journey, it is key to check for any service alerts. The regional transport authority, Troms fylkestrafikk, provides live updates through its Svipper channels. If your plans for northern lights viewing or skiing in the Lyngen Alps depend on a ferry crossing, having a backup plan is a sensible precaution. A cancelled ferry can mean a very long drive around the fjords or a complete change of itinerary, so checking the status before leaving your accommodation can save considerable time and frustration.
Separately from the Svipper network, a year-round car ferry also connects Brensholmen on Kvaløya with Botnhamn on Senja. This scenic 35-minute crossing provides another popular route for tourists exploring the wider region by car.