Despite the location, it is fairly easy to reach Tromsø. Most people get to Tromsø by plane, but one can also go by bus or boat. Driving up is also an option, but take the 1700 km distance from Oslo into consideration. Considering the low speed limits on Norwegian convoluted roads along fjords, allow several days a week is not too much for the journey. There is also one ferry crossing, Skarberget-Bognes, unless you drive through Sweden. That said, you do not encounter any particular dangers on the way, and the distances between petrol stations, accommodation and shops are not frightening. The scenery is unforgettable.
By train
The Swedish railway network has a branch line to Narvik, some 4 hours by bus south of Tromsø. (http://www.ofotbanen.no). There are 2-4 buses a day to Narvik, depending on the day of the week. The train from Stocholm to Narvik may be both good and cheap, while the bus from Narvik to Tromsø may be rather expensive.
There are also trains going from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, in the summer time there are bus connections all the way - in the winter time one has to take a taxi or hitch-hike from the border. The train tickets may cost around 100 euro per person to Rovaniemi. It's possible to take the car on the train as well, see below.
To reach the Norwegian network, one goes on to Fauske from Narvik by bus. If you arrive in Fauske by night train from Trondheim, it takes most of the day to reach Tromsø. (http://www.nsb.no)
By bus
In Summer, there is a daily bus to Rovaniemi, Finland. From there, you can take the train to Helsinki. However, the rest of the year, there is no public transport across the border with Finland.
By ship
The legendary Hurtigruten ships stop in Tromsø. The northbound ships arrive daily at 14:30 and continues at 18:30 to Skjervøy, Hammerfest, the North Cape and Kirkenes. The southbound ships arrive at 23:45, and depart at 01:30 in the night, to Finnsnes —, Lofoten, Trondheim and Bergen all year round.
These ships depart from the Hurtigrute-terminal Samuel Arnesens gate 4-5, less than 290 m 310 yd from the church.
Be aware of rare cancellations of certain departures in winter, when harsh weather prevents any boat or ship to sail. Otherwise, the service is punctual. There is no official luggage storage for the southbound coastal express, but the Rica Ishavshotel has graciously allowed non-guests to store their luggage there. You can check times either with the Tourist Information or at the Hurtigrute website (http://www.hurtigruten.co...).
Due to a building project at Prostneset near Kirkeparken , this embarkment area will be modified by December 2010. The new âProstnesetâ can be seen on this Tromsø Harbor page (http://www.tromso.havn.no...).
Cruise boats for all parts of Europe and North America often often moor in Tromsø, too.
For Hurtigb̴ter services, see below: Get in РBy boat