Getting to and around Balsfjord kommune is easier than you might think. This comprehensive transportation guide covers all your travel options with updated schedules, prices, and insider tips for 2025.
Getting to Balsfjord kommune
Tromsø Airport (TOS) - Main Gateway
Distance to Malangen: 75 km (1 hour drive)
Airport Code: TOS
International Flights: Direct connections from major European cities
Domestic Flights: Multiple daily flights from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim
Major Airlines Serving Tromsø
- SAS: Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, Stockholm
- Norwegian: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim
- Wizz Air: London, Warsaw, Gdansk
- Lufthansa: Frankfurt, Munich (seasonal)
Airport Transfer Options
Private Transfer Services
Malangen Resort Shuttle:
- Price: 850 NOK per person (one way)
- Duration: 1 hour direct
- Booking: 24 hours advance required
- Includes: Meet & greet, luggage assistance
Arctic Taxi:
- Price: 1,200-1,500 NOK per vehicle (1-4 passengers)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Booking: +47 77 60 30 00
- Available: 24/7 service
Rental Car from Airport
Recommended Companies:
- Avis: Terminal building, counter open 7 AM - 11 PM
- Hertz: Terminal building, 24-hour key pickup available
- Budget: Pre-booking required, competitive rates
- Sixt: Premium vehicles, winter equipment included
Winter Driving Requirements:
- Winter tires mandatory (October 15 - April 30)
- Studded tires recommended
- Snow chains advised for mountain roads
Public Transportation
Bus Services
Tromsø - Balsfjord Route (Bus 100)
Operator: Troms fylkestrafikk
Frequency: 6 departures daily
Duration: 45 minutes to Storsteinnes
Price: 89 NOK adult, 45 NOK child
Schedule: First bus 6:30 AM, last bus 8:45 PM
Key Stops:
- Tromsø Airport
- Tromsø City Center
- Storsteinnes
- Nordkjosbotn
- Balsfjord
Local Bus Service (Route 141)
Route: Storsteinnes - Malangen Resort
Frequency: 4 departures daily (Monday-Friday)
Duration: 25 minutes
Price: 45 NOK
Weekend Service: Limited Saturday service, no Sunday service
Express Bus Services
Airport Express (Flybussen)
Route: Tromsø Airport - Tromsø City
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Duration: 15 minutes
Price: 125 NOK adult
Connection: Links to regional bus services
Car Rental and Driving
Recommended Rental Companies
Premium Options
Hertz Premium:
- Vehicle Types: SUVs, luxury sedans
- Winter Package: Included studded tires, GPS, emergency kit
- Price Range: 800-1,200 NOK/day
- Insurance: Comprehensive coverage available
Avis Select:
- Specialty: 4WD vehicles perfect for Arctic conditions
- Includes: Winter tires, roof box, emergency equipment
- Price Range: 650-950 NOK/day
Budget-Friendly Options
Budget Rent a Car:
- Economy Cars: Compact vehicles suitable for main roads
- Price Range: 400-600 NOK/day
- Note: Additional winter equipment rental required
Driving in Balsfjord kommune
Road Conditions
Main Routes:
- E6: Well-maintained highway, regular snow clearing
- E8: Scenic coastal route, weather-dependent conditions
- Local Roads: Variable conditions, 4WD recommended in winter
Winter Driving Tips
- Speed Limits: Reduced in winter conditions
- Fuel Stations: Limited options, always keep tank above half
- Emergency Kit: Mandatory items include shovel, warm blankets, food
- Weather Updates: Check yr.no before departure
Parking Information
Malangen Resort: Free parking for guests
Storsteinnes: Public parking, 20 NOK/day
Nordkjosbotn: Free roadside parking
Tromsø: Paid parking zones, 25-40 NOK/hour
Alternative Transportation
Taxi Services
Local Taxi Companies
Balsfjord Taxi:
- Phone: +47 77 71 20 00
- Service Area: Entire Balsfjord municipality
- Rates: 25 NOK/km + 45 NOK base fare
- Specialties: Airport transfers, northern lights tours
Arctic Cab:
- Phone: +47 77 60 30 00
- Features: English-speaking drivers, card payment
- Rates: Fixed prices for common routes
- Booking: Mobile app available
Boat Services
Seasonal Ferry Services
Malangen Ferry (Summer only):
- Route: Tromsø - Balsfjord kommune
- Season: June - August
- Duration: 2.5 hours scenic cruise
- Price: 450 NOK adult, 225 NOK child
- Includes: Onboard café, wildlife viewing
Helicopter Services
Scenic Transfers
Arctic Helicopters:
- Service: Tromsø Airport - Malangen Resort
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Price: 3,500 NOK per person (minimum 2 passengers)
- Booking: 48 hours advance required
- Season: Weather dependent
Getting Around Locally
Within Balsfjord kommune
Resort Shuttle Services
Malangen Resort Internal Transport:
- Service: Free shuttle between resort facilities
- Schedule: Every 30 minutes, 8 AM - 10 PM
- Routes: Main lodge, cabins, activity centers
- Winter: Heated vehicles, ski equipment transport
Walking and Hiking
Maintained Paths:
- Resort area: Well-lit walkways with winter maintenance
- Coastal trails: Marked routes, varying difficulty levels
- Safety: Always inform reception of hiking plans
Bicycle Rentals
Summer Cycling (May - September)
Malangen Bike Rental:
- Types: Mountain bikes, e-bikes, family bikes
- Price: 250-400 NOK/day
- Includes: Helmet, repair kit, route maps
- Guided Tours: Available with advance booking
Transportation Costs Summary
Daily Transportation Budget
Budget Travel: 200-400 NOK/day
- Public bus passes
- Shared taxi for short distances
- Walking for local exploration
Mid-Range Travel: 500-800 NOK/day
- Rental car (economy)
- Occasional taxi use
- Parking fees
Luxury Travel: 1,000+ NOK/day
- Premium rental car or private transfers
- Helicopter transfers
- Dedicated driver services
Money-Saving Tips
- Bus Passes: 7-day regional pass for 450 NOK
- Group Bookings: Taxi sharing reduces individual costs
- Advance Booking: Car rentals 20% cheaper when booked early
- Off-Season: Significant savings November-March (excluding holidays)
Seasonal Considerations
Winter Transportation (October - April)
Challenges:
- Reduced daylight hours
- Weather-dependent schedules
- Road conditions variable
Advantages:
- Northern lights viewing during transfers
- Unique winter driving experience
- Less crowded attractions
Summer Transportation (May - September)
Benefits:
- Extended daylight (midnight sun)
- All roads accessible
- Additional ferry services
Considerations:
- Higher rental car demand
- Increased tourist traffic
- Advance booking essential
Emergency Transportation
Medical Emergency Transport
Emergency Number: 113
Air Ambulance: Available 24/7 from Tromsø
Local Medical: Storsteinnes Health Center
Nearest Hospital: University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø
Breakdown Services
NAF (Norwegian Automobile Federation):
- Phone: +47 08505
- Service: 24/7 roadside assistance
- Coverage: All of Northern Norway
- Membership: Recommended for rental cars
Booking and Contact Information
Transportation Booking Centers
Malangen Resort Concierge:
- Phone: +47 77 75 75 00
- Email: transport@malangenresort.no
- Services: All transportation arrangements
Tromsø Tourist Information:
- Location: Tromsø Airport and city center
- Phone: +47 77 61 00 00
- Services: Regional transport information
Mobile Apps
Essential Apps:
- RuterReise: Public transport planning
- yr.no: Weather and road conditions
- AutoPASS: Electronic toll payment
- Parkering Tromsø: City parking payments
Special Transportation Services
Accessibility Services
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles:
- Available through advance booking
- Airport transfer services equipped
- Malangen Resort has accessible shuttle
Pet Transportation
Pet-Friendly Options:
- Most rental cars allow pets (additional fee)
- Taxi services accommodate pets
- Public buses allow small pets in carriers
Luggage and Equipment Transport
Ski Equipment:
- Roof boxes available with rental cars
- Bus services accommodate ski bags
- Resort shuttle handles equipment transport
Photography Equipment:
- Secure transport options available
- Climate-controlled vehicles for sensitive equipment
- Insurance coverage recommended
Transportation in Balsfjord kommune is well-organized and reliable. Plan ahead, especially in winter, and don't hesitate to contact local services for assistance. Safe travels!
