How and where to rent a car to visit the Lofoten Islands

You’re planning your trip to the Lofoten Islands and wondering about the car. Is it essential? Where can I pick it up? Which agency? At what price? These are exactly the questions you need to ask yourself before setting off, to avoid unpleasant surprises and make the most of the archipelago.

Because, frankly, Lofoten is a destination that can only be discovered by car. I’ll explain why, and give you all the practical advice you need to plan your trip with peace of mind.

To sum up, here are the points to remember:

• A car is virtually indispensable for exploring the archipelago freely.
• Book well in advance, especially in high season (June-August), as prices rise quickly.
• Make sure you compare prices with comparators such as Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
• There are several possible departure points, depending on your itinerary:
  • Bodo, Evenes, Tromso, Moskenes, Leknes or Svolvaer
• Insurance is strongly recommended, as roads can be slippery in winter.

Let’s get cracking!

Is a car absolutely necessary on the Lofoten Islands?

The short answer: yes, definitely. And I rarely say that so emphatically.

The Lofoten Islands are 170 km long, linked by a series of spectacular bridges and tunnels. The main road, the E10, crosses the entire archipelago from the village of Å (in the far south) to Fiskebøl (in the north), passing through some of Norway’s most photogenic villages: Reine, Sakrisøy, Nusfjord, Henningsvær, Svolvær…

The problem is that public transport is really limited. There are buses, yes, but the frequency is low and the timetables not at all suited to tourist discovery. And many must-see spots (the beaches of Haukland and Uttakleiv, the panorama of Ryten, the village of Nusfjord) are at the end of the road or on secondary roads that the bus simply doesn’t serve.

Without a car, you’ll spend your stay waiting for connections, missing sunrises at 4am because the first bus leaves at 9am, and getting stuck in Svolvær when you wanted to see Reine at sunset. Frustrating.

With a car, on the other hand, you’re free. You stop spontaneously because the light on the fjord is perfect. You leave early to have Reinebringen all to yourself. You get lost on a back road and come across a panorama you hadn’t anticipated. This is Lofoten.

Where to collect your car: all the options

This is probably the most complex question in Lofoten, because there’s no one “right” answer. It all depends on how you arrive and your itinerary. Let’s go through the options one by one.

Basically, you can come to Lofoten:

• by road from Tromso.
• by boat from Bodo
• by cruise ship (Hurtigruten), stopping off at Svolvaer
• by plane to Harstad/Narvik (Evenes airport)

So, all these possibilities for renting a car! Let’s see what’s most convenient

Rent a car in Bodø before taking the ferry

The best option if you’re coming by ferry. The Bodø → Moskenes ferry is the classic way to get to Lofoten from the mainland. The crossing takes around 3.5 hours, and the view of the archipelago as you approach is already memorable. The price is 177NOK for a normal car.

Renting in Bodø allows you to pick up the car in town, load it onto the ferry at your leisure, and be ready to go as soon as you set foot in Moskenes. It’s convenient and gives you flexibility on ferry schedules.

Please note: check with the agency that the car is allowed on the ferry. In general, yes, but some contracts forbid it or impose a different excess. Also check that the ferry supplement is not prohibitive. Normally there’s nothing to worry about. But it’s worth taking a look anyway, especially if you use more confidential agencies.

The big agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) are present in Bodø, especially at the train station and airport. Make sure you use a comparison tool, as prices vary quite a lot from one agency to another.

With Discover Cars, an excellent comparator (I repeat that comparison is essential), I found :

• electric cars are much cheaper, which is good because the ferry is also cheaper for electric cars and there are charging stations everywhere in Lofoten
• the low-season price is around €45
• high season prices are closer to 100€.

At Evenes airport (Harstad/Narvik)

The ideal option if you’re flying to Lofoten. Evenes airport, also known as Harstad/Narvik airport, is the main air hub for access to Lofoten from Oslo and other major Norwegian cities. It is about 2h30 drive from Svolvær.

Picking up your car at the airport is very convenient: agencies are on hand (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt…), you can switch from plane to car without hassle, and the road to Lofoten is itself very beautiful. You pass through the Narvik region, with its magnificent fjords and mountains.

This is probably the easiest option logistically for most travelers.

With the Discover Cars comparator, I find great price disparities:

• in low season, it’s really cheap and fun, starting at 30€.
• in high season, electric cars start at 50€ with mileage limited to 200km per day (which is fine)
• and in high season, with unlimited km, you’re looking at over 100€.

4 super accommodations in the Lofoten Islands

Find your dream accommodationIn Lofoten Islands !

In Tromsø, if you come by car

For Nordic road trip enthusiasts. If you’re already in Tromsø – perhaps to combine the two destinations – you can drive all the way to Lofoten. The road from Tromsø passes through some breathtaking scenery, especially in the Senja region if you take a detour. All right, the journey takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the weather and the number of photo breaks. But it’s worth it! By the way, take a look at this 2-week itinerary in northern Norway.

In this case, you’ll need to rent a car in Tromso. It’s usually much cheaper.

I’ve written a full article on car rental in Tromsø, with all the practical details.

But again, you need to compare! There’s some good and some not so good, and prices really do vary within a few days

So car hire in Tromsø is really going to vary. I’ve had cars for €30 a day, others for €100, and I’ve seen people renting for €200 at the last minute. So you’ve got to plan ahead.

With the Discover Cars comparator, I did two simulations, one low season and one high season. And that’s exactly what we found: very cheap and very expensive. With a big discount for electric cars.

• Tromso in low season: around €25/30
• Tromso high season: over €100

In Moskenes, disembarking from the ferry

Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend this option. Moskenes is a tiny village at the southern tip of the archipelago. There are no rental agencies on site. There are occasional shuttles in season, but these are random and unreliable. You may be able to find one on Getaround, but there’s not much on offer, so you’ll need to get in early.

It’s better to rent in Bodø before embarking than to hope to find something in Moskenes. You might end up walking to the end of the world – which is certainly beautiful, but not very practical for getting to Svolvær with your luggage.

In Leknes or Svolvær, in the heart of the archipelago

A good alternative if you’re flying directly to Lofoten.

Svolvær is the archipelago’s largest town and its main center. There are rental agencies in town (notably Hertz) and at the nearby Svolvær/Helle airport. Convenient if you’re arriving by plane and starting your exploration from the north of Lofoten.

Leknes is at the geographic center of the archipelago and has an airport served by Norwegian and Widerøe. There are a few rental agencies, although the choice is more limited than in Svolvær. It’s a good base if you want to explore both the north (Henningsvær, Svolvær) and the south (Reine, Å) without driving too far in one direction.

My advice: if you have a choice, prefer Svolvær for car availability, and check well in advance on the comparators that the agency is open at your arrival time – opening hours can be limited in these small towns.

On the other hand, few cars mean high prices, and this is the case in Svolvaer. Check out the low/high season catches where it can go up to €150 a day, just that

How much does a car rental in Lofoten cost?

Lofoten is Norway – so be prepared for Nordic prices. And even more expensive than in Tromso. Having said that, here’s what I observe when I do simulations on the comparators:

In low season (winter, spring, autumn): count between €30 and €70 per day for a small car. It’s not cheap, but it’s manageable, especially if you’re sharing it as a couple or in a group.

In high season (June-August): prices can rise to €80-100 per day, or even more if you wait too long. Demand is very high in summer, and Lofoten is becoming increasingly popular.

For a full week, daily rates are generally cheaper. If you can plan a 7-day stay, you’ll often get a better deal than renting 3 days and then 4 days separately.

Insurance is added on top, but we’ll talk about that later.

Which agency to choose?

As with Tromsø, Lanzarote or anywhere else, there is no universal “best agency”. Prices are constantly changing, and each agency has its own pricing algorithms.

What I can tell you from experience: the major international brands (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Alamo) are present at the main rental outlets and are generally reliable, from the moment you take a look at the car with photos when you pick it up. This is the golden rule, whatever the agency.

Essential reflexes:

• Photograph the car from every angle before you leave, time-stamped if possible
• Compare with the agency’s report and report any discrepancies immediately.
• Check unlimited mileage – it’s essential in Lofoten, where you’ll be doing a lot of driving.
• Check the opening hours of the agency at your point of return.

And beware of low-end offers that hide limited mileage or poorly maintained vehicles (like Rent a car Lofoten). The comparator provides agency ratings – invaluable for avoiding unpleasant surprises.

WARNING: nowadays, more and more agencies have the reflex of giving the car to someone else if you arrive late without warning. Basically, you have an hour’s delay. Allow plenty of time for recovery, and let us know if you’re running late

Is it necessary to take out insurance when driving in Lofoten?

Yes, strongly recommended. Not because you’re bound to have an accident, but because deductibles in Norway can be very high (often €1,000 to €2,000) and the roads in Lofoten have their own particularities.

In winter in particular, roads can be icy, with visibility sometimes reduced by snow or blizzards. And in summer, mountain roads are narrow, often single-lane, with gaps where you can pass each other – no particular danger if you’re careful, but it’s better to be covered.

The last time I should have needed it, a snow plough was driving past and sent gravel onto the windscreen, which cracked. It cost me 1000€.

Several insurance options:

• The insurance proposed by the agency via the comparator – often the simplest, included directly in the price displayed on Discover Cars
• Your bank card – some Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold cards cover the excess, so check the conditions before you leave.
• Travel insurance that specifically covers car rental

What type of car should I choose?

In summer: a small car is more than enough. The roads on the E10 are paved and in good condition. No need for a 4×4. A compact Golf or Corolla will do just fine. Well, “small” depends on the number of people and suitcases. But you don’t need a big thing.

Electrics are a very attractive option, especially as both filling up and leasing are much cheaper than with a combustion engine.

In winter: I recommend an SUV or a car with all-wheel drive (AWD). Roads can be snowy and slippery, and some secondary access roads – especially for photo spots – can be tricky. Above all, check that snow tires are included in the contract. In Norway, snow tires are often compulsory in winter, and serious agencies always include them, but it’s best to confirm.

Compare prices to find your car in Lofoten Islands !

Some tips for driving in Lofoten

Nothing really rocket science, but a few points to bear in mind before you get behind the wheel. You may also be interested in this article on driving in Tromso, which is similar.

Tunnels: Lofoten is full of them, and some are quite impressive. The Nappstraumen underwater tunnel, for example, is 3.5 km long. Some are one-way, with specially designed crossings – you’ll soon get used to them, but watch out for the signs.

Never stop on the road: I know, there are beautiful places everywhere, even when you’re driving. Never do the stupid thing of stopping ON the road to take a photo. It’s a very high risk of accident and, as a (quasi) local, it’s a behavior that’s happening more and more often, and it’s very dangerous. If you want to stop, there are suitable areas everywhere.

One-way roads: many secondary roads, especially those leading to beaches and villages, are very narrow. Take it easy, and use the crossing niches provided.

Animals: sheep and reindeer roam freely in Lofoten and love the warmth of the tarmac, especially at night. Be careful, really.

Parking: in the popular spots (Reinebringen, Reine, Henningsvær…), parking lots can saturate very early in the morning in summer. Leave early, and you’ll also avoid the crowds on the trails. What’s more, most of them are now chargeable.

In winter, driving on snow and ice requires experience, or at least caution. Adapt your speed, keep your distance, and don’t attempt mountain roads if conditions are poor. If there’s a storm, stay home. If snowdrifts, take extra care to keep your car off balance.

In conclusion

A car in the Lofoten Islands really is the key to a great trip. It gives you total freedom to explore this extraordinary archipelago at your own pace – stopping when the light is beautiful, leaving early to avoid the crowds, discovering places that organized tours don’t show.

To pick her up, the most convenient options are Bodø (before the ferry), Evenes (if you fly) and Svolvær (if you arrive directly in Lofoten by plane). Book in advance, compare on Discover Cars and Rental Cars, and don’t forget the insurance.

Happy driving on the E10!

Other resources on the Lofoten Islands

I’ve written quite a bit about the Lofoten Islands, I think you might find it interesting for your future trip 🙂

• The most beautiful places on the Lofoten Islands – a pillar article with all the necessary information
• Where to stay in Lofoten – a huge question! I give you the advantages and disadvantages of each village, along with a few accommodation recommendations.
• The Lofoten Islands travel map – an indispensable interactive map!
• Must-do activities in Lofoten – kayaking, crazy hikes, seeing Trollfjord, I tell you it all!
• How to get to the Lofoten Islands – you can come by plane, bus, train (well, almost) and boat!
• See the Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands – if you can escape the clouds, you’ll be able to see this magnificent phenomenon!
• Rent a car in Tromso – if you ever want to come from the capital of the Northern Lights, here’s the car rental guide.
• Discover Tromso – here you’ll find all the information you need to plan your stay in Tromso!

If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask me by clicking here 🙂How can I help you ?