Narvik

How to Get to Narvik

Narvik is served by Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (EVE), located approximately 57 km (about 50 minutes) from the city center.

From Airport

• Flybussen (Airport Express Bus): This is the most convenient option, with departures timed to match flight arrivals.
  • Journey time: Approximately 75 minutes to Narvik city center.
  • Price: Approximately €28–€32 (329 NOK).
  • How to pay: Book online in advance at Flybussen.no for the best experience. While you can pay on board, an additional surcharge typically applies, and card payment is strictly required (no cash).
  • Tip: The bus stops at key locations, including the Narvik Bus Terminal and major hotels like the Scandic Narvik.

From City Center

Narvik is a compact city, and you can reach most central points on foot. For local travel:

• Local Buses: The city’s bus network connects residential areas and key attractions.
  • How to pay: Download the Billett Nordland app to plan your journey and purchase tickets easily. You can also pay on board with a card.
• Walking: The train station, bus terminal, and most city-center hotels are within a 30-minute walk of each other. Note that the terrain is steep, especially when heading toward the Narvikfjellet ski area; consider a short taxi ride if you are carrying heavy luggage or ski equipment.

By Taxi

• Cost/Time: A taxi from the airport to the city center takes about 50 minutes and typically costs between €115 and €150.
• Booking: You can book via the Taxi-Fix app or by calling Narvik Taxi (+47 07550). Always confirm the price before starting your journey.

Platform Guide & Layout

Narvik Station offers a straightforward, compact layout that is easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. As the northernmost passenger railway station in the world and the terminus for the scenic Ofoten Line, the station is intentionally designed for simplicity. You will find only two primary platforms serving all passenger traffic, making it impossible to get lost in a maze of corridors or multiple levels.

Think of the station as a single, linear transit point. Both platforms are positioned side-by-side, serving the daily international passenger trains arriving from and departing to Sweden (such as the night train to Stockholm and regional services to Luleå). Because it is a terminus station, all tracks effectively dead-end here, meaning you do not need to worry about identifying "through" versus "terminal" platforms. Your train will simply arrive at its final destination, and you will step directly onto the platform to exit the station.

Since there are only two platforms, there is no need for complex wayfinding or long walking times. You can comfortably traverse the distance between the two platforms in less than one minute. There are no upper or lower levels to navigate; the entire passenger area is situated on a single ground level. This makes the station highly accessible, even if you are traveling with heavy luggage or mobility aids.

The most common point of confusion for new arrivals is not the station layout itself, but rather the onward journey. If you are continuing your travels by bus, please note that the Narvik bus station is located approximately 1.1 kilometers south of the railway station. While the railway station is a hub for the spectacular Arctic Train and Swedish connections, it is a small facility. Upon arrival, you will find clear signage leading you out of the station building toward the town center and local transport links. Simply follow the flow of passengers off the train; the exit is clearly visible from both platforms. You will find the station’s waiting room and the Arctic Train Café conveniently located right next to the platforms, providing a warm, simple transition from your journey to the town of Narvik.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

I wish someone had told me how small and simple Narvik station is; don’t be intimidated, but do prepare for its "unmanned" nature. It’s a charming, historic gateway, not a bustling metropolis hub.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Book tickets in advance: Do not wait to buy them at the station. Tickets are significantly cheaper online, and booking ahead ensures you have a seat on the popular Ofotbanen line. Use the SJ Sverige website for train journeys or the national Entur app for comprehensive planning across trains and buses.
• Pack light: The station is small and there are no porters. You will be responsible for your own luggage, so ensure you can carry it comfortably, especially if you encounter winter snow on the platforms.

AT THE STATION

• Facilities: The station is basic. While there is a waiting room (open 07:00–19:00) and a café, don't expect extensive amenities. There is a toilet, but note that it only accepts credit cards (no coins).
• Food: Skip the station kiosks for meals. It’s a short walk into town where you can find supermarkets like Xtra (near the bus stop) for much cheaper snacks and supplies.
• Navigation: The station is small, but if you have heavy luggage, be aware that platforms are not covered and can be snowy. Keep an eye on the digital boards; while the station is simple, it’s always wise to confirm your track 20–30 minutes before departure.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Expecting a staffed station: Many travelers arrive looking for an information desk or ticket counter. Narvik is largely unmanned. If you have questions, the Arctic Train office is located at the station, but their hours vary—don't rely on finding staff for last-minute help.
• Ignoring the bus/train gap: If you are connecting to a bus (e.g., to Lofoten), be careful. Trains and buses often do not coordinate. If your train is slightly delayed, you might miss your bus connection, so build a generous buffer into your itinerary.

Terminus station serving Narvik, Norway. Opened in 1902 and rebuilt in 1951 following wartime damage, this historic station is significant as the northernmost standard-gauge railway station in the world. It serves as the endpoint for the Ofoten Line, which connects to the Swedish rail network for international travel to destinations such as Kiruna and Stockholm. While it does not host high-speed trains, the station handles regional and local services, including the seasonal Arctic Train.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. Narvik station features a straightforward layout with two platforms, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate without stress. The facility is compact and functional, designed to be simple and convenient for travelers. As you plan your trip, note that the station is not large, so you will not face the complexity of major European hubs. It is well-signposted, though you should always check the station displays for any last-minute platform changes, which can occur 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Arriving a short time before your train is sufficient, but allow extra time if you need to purchase tickets or coordinate local bus transfers, as the bus terminal is a separate location approximately one kilometer away.