A new section of highway E10 was opened on December 1 2007, giving Lofoten ferry-free road connection with the mainland for the first time. The bus ride from Narvik to Svolvær takes 4 hours 15 minutes, with two daily services in each direction. The bus ride from Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes to Svolvær takes about 3 hours just over 2 hours if going by own car, crossing through a very rugged and scenic terrain and bordering the Møysalen National Park.
Another alternative is to arrive by sea, e.g. using the 'Hurtigruten', the coastal steamer, or a common ferry, from Bodø to Svolvær 6 hours, Stamsund, Moskenes, Værøy and Røst. One may also arrive from Bodø by air to Røst, Værøy, Leknes or Svolvær 20 - 30 min. flight time. The former airport at Værøy was closed following a plane crash in 1990. However, a helicopter company is now 2008 servicing the route Bodø-Værøy, offering several flights per day.
If you arrive from the Vesterålen archipelago located North of Lofoten, a ferry still services the sea route between Melbu and Fiskebøl, the latter located along highway E10 see above.
