How to Book Svalbard: Flights, Expeditions, and the Season That Changes Everything

Svalbard is accessible year-round, but the experience changes dramatically by season. June–August is the midnight sun season (warmest, most expensive, most crowded). November–January is the polar night (coldest, cheaper, fewer tourists, aurora possible).

Your booking timeline depends entirely on which season appeals to you.

Season Overview

The Midnight Sun Season (June–August)

Book 3–4 months ahead.

Flights to Longyearbyen:

Oslo–Longyearbyen: 2.5 hours, $85–200 (NOK7.6–NOK18) round trip (via SAS)

Tromsø–Longyearbyen: 2 hours, $65–150 round trip (via SAS)

Expect full planes; book early

Accommodation:

Hotels: $160–250/night

Guesthouses: $110–150/night

Book before May—it fills

Location matters: central Longyearbyen vs. suburbs

Tours and activities:

Glacier hikes: $110–150 per person

Zodiac whale-watching: $85–120 per person

Northern lights (you won't see them—sun doesn't set): N/A

Book tours when booking accommodation

Cost estimate (5 days):

Flights (origin varies): $220–600

Hotel (4 nights): $650–1,000

Food: $160–250

Tours (2 full days): $320–500

The Polar Night Season (November–January)

Book 2–3 months ahead.

Flights:

Same routes as above

Less crowded (can book 4–6 weeks ahead)

Prices slightly lower ($75–150)

Accommodation:

Hotels: $130–180/night

Guesthouses: $85–120/night

More availability than midnight sun season

Location: same considerations, but no escaping the darkness

Tours and activities:

Dog sledding: $130–200 per person

Snowmobile safaris: $110–180 per person

Northern lights tours: $85–120 (if aurora is active)

Ice hotel tours: $45–60

The aurora (Northern Lights) is possible November–February. It's not guaranteed. Geomagnetic activity is unpredictable. Tours increase your chances (guides know good viewing locations), but you might not see them.

Cost estimate (5 days):

Flights: $160–400

Hotel (4 nights): $525–720

Food: $160–250

Tours (2 full days): $320–450

Polar night is actually cheaper than midnight sun because accommodation is less expensive and fewer tourists create less demand.

Booking Flights

Directly with SAS: sas.se (allows baggage add-ons, seat selection)

Through booking platforms: Skyscanner, Google Flights (cheaper sometimes, check carefully)

Luggage: Svalbard is cold and requires heavy gear. Most flights allow 1–2 checked bags. Verify before booking.

Booking Accommodation

Longyearbyen hotels:

Radisson Blu (luxury, $190–250): best service, central location

Svalbard Hotel (mid-range, $140–180): smaller, good value

Gjestehuset 102 North (guesthouse, $110–140): backpacker-friendly

Booking platforms: Booking.com, Airbnb (limited inventory), hotels.com

Strategy: Book 3 months ahead for midnight sun, 1–2 months for winter.

Booking Tours

Most tours book 2–4 weeks ahead. You can book:

Visa & Entry

Visa: Svalbard is part of Norway. EU/US citizens need valid passport (6+ months validity). No visa required for EU/US. Non-EU citizens: check Norway's visa requirements (Svalbard follows Norwegian rules).

Residence permit: Not required for tourists. If staying longer than 90 days, consult Norwegian immigration.

How to Get Around the Island

Longyearbyen town: Walkable, but buses exist for longer distances ($2 per ride)

Within Svalbard: Only accessible via:

Scheduled tours (snowmobile, dog sled, boat)

Private rental (expensive, $220–400/day)

Hiking (summer only, with guides)

Self-driving isn't common. Most people join group tours.

Sample Midnight Sun Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1 (arrival):

Arrive morning/afternoon

Hotel check-in

Walk town

Dinner at local restaurant

Cost: hotel $160 + food $45

Day 2 (glacier hike):

Full-day guided glacier hike

Return by 5 PM

Evening: rest or explore town

Cost: hotel $160 + tour $130 + food $45

Day 3 (zodiac tour):

Morning: whale-watching expedition

Afternoon: museum or rest

Evening: late dinner (sun is still high)

Cost: hotel $160 + tour $110 + food $50

Day 4 (nature):

Option A: shorter hike to viewpoint

Option B: rest day

Option C: kayaking (if available)

Cost: hotel $160 + tour (if chosen) + food $45

Day 5 (departure):

Morning flight home

Or spend last night elsewhere and extend trip

5-day total (on-ground): $1,050–1,200

Weather Preparation

Summer (midnight sun): Bring light layers. It's cool (10–15°C, 50–59°F) even in "warm" season. Waterproof jacket essential.

Winter (polar night): Bring extreme cold gear. Temperatures drop to minus-15°C (5°F) regularly, minus-25°C (-13°F) possible. Insulated boots, heavy layers, windproof jacket essential.

Both seasons: Bring quality sunscreen. The Arctic sun reflects off ice and snow aggressively.

Why Book Now

Midnight sun (June–August 2026) is booking up 3–4 months ahead. If you want summer, book by March.

Polar night is less crowded and cheaper, but if the Northern Lights interest you, December–January is prime aurora season. Those dates book 2–3 months ahead.

Ready to experience the Arctic?

Plan Your Svalbard Trip → | Read the Full Norway Guide →