Svalbard Cruises
Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard distils the best of the Arctic into one remarkable archipelago. In high summer, largely ice-free coastlines reveal calving …
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Getting to Svalbard: Key factors
- The most common route to reach Svalbard is to fly via Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen
- Flying time is three hours between Oslo and Longyearbyen
- Longyearbyen airport is the world’s most northerly airport to receive regular scheduled flights
- There’s no regular boat service to Svalbard at any time of year
- The only way to arrive by ship is as part of an expedition cruise (9–14 days)
Swoop says
For a fast, affordable trip, direct flights from mainland Norway land you straight in Longyearbyen. With more time, arriving by ship turns the transit into an unforgettable expedition – sailing past calving glaciers, shifting climates, and raw wilderness.
Karl ONeill Arctic Sales Specialist
Our most popular Svalbard cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
- 11 Days
- $9,761
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
- 11 Days
- $18,695
Experience the Arctic’s legendary wildlife aboard an intimate micro expedition ship, amidst a pristine backdrop of calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. With an unmatched sense of ‘expedition’ and a deeper connection to nature, you build your own adventure, searching for…
- 10 Days
- $17,500
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
- 11 Days
- $6,000
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
- 12 Days
- $11,890
Spring travel in Svalbard is a real treat, particularly on board a 12-guest micro ship. Revel in being one of the earliest visitors with the whole archipelago largely to yourselves. Explore iced fjords, a landscape still shrouded in snow, and…
- 8-10 Days
- $12,500
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend seven…
- 11 Days
- $17,600
Circumnavigate the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, cruising as far as 80° North to reach the edge of the pack ice. This voyage includes an impressive eight days of off-ship exploring, with ample opportunities to spot remarkable Arctic wildlife…
- 10 Days
- $7,901
An intimate summer expedition circumnavigating Spitsbergen on a 12-guest micro ship. Feel connection to nature, with a sense of solitude and scale, which is harder to find on larger ships. Explore rarely-visited islands, glaciers and the polar desert in search…
- 12 Days
- $21,500
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of two small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
- 12 Days
- $12,290
If you’re looking for a good value introduction to Svalbard, travelling on a sturdy, older ship with bags of charm and history, this is a good option to consider. Spend six full days exploring and learning about Svalbard’s rich history…
- 8 Days
- $6,049
Scouting Svalbard’s ice floes for wildlife by zodiac and on foot, cruising the magnificent 14th of July glacier and reaching the world’s most northerly settlement at Ny Ålesund are just some of this 10-day voyage’s many highlights. There's also the…
- 10 Days
- $6,000
Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…
- 15 Days
- $23,495
Experience the best of two contrasting Arctic regions as they get ready for summer. Beginning in Reykjavík, this audacious voyage by expeditionary icebreaker ship arches north across the Arctic circle following the dramatic, ice-choked coastline of east Greenland, before steering…
- 17 Days
- $40,066
Getting to Svalbard
Flying to Svalbard
Svalbard's only airport is at Longyearbyen, the main visitor hub. The vast majority of flights go via Oslo, Norway, around a 3-hour flight.
Although flights are at least daily, be aware that they can be at awkward times.
On your way to Longyearbyen you may find you'll be arriving around midnight, and on your way out you may need an overnight in Oslo before connecting the following morning.
Spring and summer are the busiest visitor months on Svalbard and booking flights early is strongly recommended.
Travelling by ship to Svalbard
There is no regular boat or ferry service to Svalbard from anywhere. However there is an alternative: to get there on an expedition ship as part of a multi-day cruise.
These trips generally start from either Norway, Iceland or Scotland, and are typically nine to 14 days in duration, only running from May to September.
These cruises are adventurous expeditions, with regular excursions to hike, explore and discover all Svalbard's famous scenery and wildlife.
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Cruising through Svalbard ice
Help me choose
Flying vs sailing
For expediency, a reasonably priced flight will get you straight to Svalbard so you can get out exploring. However, while cheap international flights have made all corners of the world so much more accessible over the last 30 years, sometimes we forget that the journey can be just as important a part of travel as time in the destination itself.
If you have a little more time, getting to Svalbard’s pristine landscapes, calving glaciers and abundant wildlife by ship means the journey is part of the adventure. You'll experience the transition in both habitat and climate, and can even combine Svalbard with another region.
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The stunning mountains and glaciers of Svalbard
What our customers think of Svalbard
Arriving in Svalbard
Visas
On arrival visitors will need to go through passport control. Norwegian authorities do not require you to have a visa for visiting Svalbard, but you will be transiting through Norway.
For this reason, non-EU nationals should check what the visa requirements for their country are.
Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen
Getting to your hotel from the airport
The airport itself is conveniently located only 1.6 miles (3km) to the northwest of Longyearbyen and there are frequent shuttle buses and taxis available to make the 7-10 minute journey.
Shuttle bus: This departs as soon as all arriving passengers have collected their luggage. You can purchase one-way tickets on board, which cost 110 NOK for adults and 45 NOK for children.
Pre-booked transfers: 795 NOK for 1-4 people; 995 NOK for 5-8 people.
On-demand taxi: Between 170-450 NOK, though availability can be very limited.
View across the Arctic tundra
Getting around Svalbard
There are only around 46 kilometres of road in the Svalbard archipelago. Driving off-road is strictly prohibited.
Winter and spring: There are no roads outside of the settlements of Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Ny-Ålesund, and no roads actually connecting them. Snowmobiles are the main mode of transport on Spitsbergen when there is snow on the ground. These can be rented in Longyearbyen.
Summer: During high summer, when western Spitsbergen becomes largely ice free, smaller boats and RIB's provide access for visitors to remoter places outside Longyearbyen, including Isford Radio, and the Russian settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden.
Swoop says
The big advantage of starting and finishing your trip in Spitsbergen is that it’s the most easily accessible place in all the High Arctic, courtesy of regular scheduled flights from Norway.
Plan your trip
Svalbard Ship Guide
In the absence of hotels, exploring Svalbard by ship provides unparalleled access to the archipelago's remote coastlines and icy fjords. Due to its popularity, Svalbard offers the …
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When to visit Svalbard
While Svalbard may be an almost year round destination, the changing weather, number of daylight hours, amount of ice and snow conditions through the year all have a marked effect …
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Svalbard Wildlife
At the height of summer when wildlife populations and activity are peaking on Svalbard, there are few other parts of the Arctic which offer the same combination of easy access and …
Discover MoreFind Your Arctic Ship
Making the correct choice of ship is key. With firsthand experience of all of the ships we offer, let Swoop help guide you to exactly the right one.
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
