Vardø Airport, Svartnes - Flight Information and Guide (VAW)

Vardø Airport, located at Svartnes, serves Norway's easternmost city, an island at the edge of the Barents Sea, about 3 km from the center.

Vardø hosts Vardøhus Fortress, the world's northernmost fortification, and a memorial dedicated to victims of the 17th-century witchcraft trials.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: avinor.no/en/airport/vardo-airport

How to get to Vardø Airport, Svartnes

Vardø town center is approximately 3 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 10-15 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Vardø in approximately 10 minutes.

By Train

It is not possible to reach this airport by train.

By Bus

The Snelandia line connects the airport (Svartnes) to Vardø municipality with four daily services, fare approximately equivalent to 4-6 USD.

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Tips It is recommended to book the taxi by phone in advance, especially for flights with less frequent schedules, given the limited number of operators in the area.

Average travel time to VAW

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus10-15 minutes (4-6 USD, limited services)

Taxi / Private hire10-15 minutes (booking recommended)

Parking near Vardø Airport, Svartnes

A small parking area is located opposite the terminal building.

Rates are in line with Norwegian standards.

How to get to Vardø from VAW

By Train

The airport remains outside the rail network.

By Bus

The Snelandia line connects the airport to Vardø municipality with four daily trips (4-6 USD).

By Taxi

Taxis charge generally modest fares for the short trip (approximately 10-15 minutes); book by phone in advance.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Vardø Airport, Svartnes

The rental car desks for the main car rental companies are in the arrivals area.

A driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient; in winter, verify snow tire availability.

Hotels near Vardø Airport, Svartnes

Vardø is the easternmost town on mainland Norway, a fishing outpost on the Barents Sea linked to the mainland by the Vardøtunnelen; Svartnes airport is a few minutes by car from the centre and Widerøe connects it with a few flights a day via Kirkenes or Vadsø. With only one hotel in town the choice is a given: you sleep in the centre, close to the harbour and the star-shaped fortress. There is no bus to the airport, so it's best to arrange a transfer with the hotel or a taxi in advance.

City centre

Central Vardø

About 4 km from Svartnes airport, crossing the Vardøtunnelen: 8-10 minutes by taxi, the only option available since there is no bus linked to Widerøe flights.

Best for: The only useful base for those visiting the Vardøhus fortress or taking a boat to the island of Hornøya, home to thousands of puffins and gannets.

Pros

A hotel on the harbour, a short walk from the seventeenth-century Vardøhus fortress
A hearty breakfast noted by guests, handy before boat excursions or birdwatching at Hornøya

Cons

No bus to the airport: the taxi needs to be arranged in advance, especially for the first flights of the morning
Outside the harbour and the centre there are very few restaurants or shops open in low season

Recommended hotels

Vardø Hotel by Destination Vardø The town's only hotel, overlooking the harbour in the heart of Vardø, a few minutes on foot from the Vardøhus fortress and the Hurtigruten pier. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport serves Vardø, Norway's easternmost city, home to the world's northernmost fortification and a memorial dedicated to 17th-century witchcraft trials.

Shopping & Duty Free

The airport does not have a duty-free area, given its small size.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated VIP lounges are present.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The terminal's public transit zones offer Wi-Fi connectivity.

Families & Children

There are no specific areas or services designed with families with children in mind.

Terminal guide

The terminal is modest in size, consistent with its role as a remote hub in northeastern Norway.

Those flying on these routes should calculate 1.5–2 hours of advance time.

Map of Vardø Airport, Svartnes

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is Vardøhus Fortress?

The northernmost fortification still in use in the world, star-shaped, with a long defensive history tied to Vardø's strategic position on the Barents Sea.

Q. What is the Vardø witch trials memorial?

An art installation commemorating the victims of the 17th-century witchcraft trials, when dozens of people, mostly women, were executed in the region.

Q. Is Vardø Norway's easternmost town?

Yes, its geographic position places it further east than Istanbul, a detail that often surprises visitors given that it belongs to Norway.

Q. Is Vardø connected to the mainland by a tunnel?

Yes, the Vardøtunnelen connects the island where the town stands to the rest of the coast, making it possible to reach the airport by road too, without relying solely on sea connections.