8/14/25

So You're Hiking the Kungsleden: The Ultimate Guide to Getting from Narvik Airport to Abisko

Alright, so the flights are booked & your gear is probably taking over your entire living room. You're heading to the epic Kungsleden trail, "The King's Trail," in the far north of Sweden. An absolutely life-changing trek, by the way. But first, there's a little logistical hurdle to clear: getting from the airport to the trailhead.
Most hikers doing the northern section of the Kungsleden will fly into Kiruna, Sweden. But for many, flying into Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) in Norway is a popular & sometimes more convenient option. The thing is, it's not immediately obvious how to get from there, across the border, to the starting point of the trail in Abisko, Sweden.
Don't you worry. I've done the journey & have navigated the various options. It can seem a little confusing at first with different bus companies, train lines that sometimes have disruptions, & the general fun of navigating public transport in a foreign country. But honestly, it's pretty straightforward once you know what you're doing.
This guide will break down EVERYTHING you need to know to get from Narvik Airport to Abisko smoothly, so you can focus on the incredible adventure that awaits you.

First things First: Understanding Your Destination - Abisko

Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "where." Abisko is a small village in Swedish Lapland, famous for being the northern gateway to the Kungsleden. When you're looking at schedules & booking tickets, you'll see two main names pop up:
  • Abisko Östra: This is the train station in the village of Abisko itself. There's a supermarket here (the last one you'll see for a while!), some guesthouses, & a few other amenities.
  • Abisko Turiststation: This is where you want to go. It's about 2 kilometers west of the village. The STF (Svenska Turistföreningen/Swedish Tourist Association) Abisko Turiststation is a big mountain station with a hotel, hostel, restaurant, a small shop, & most importantly, the official starting point of the Kungsleden trail. The trailhead is literally right there.
The train stops at both, & there are buses that go to the Turiststation as well. Just make sure when you're booking that you select Abisko Turiststation as your final destination. If you do end up at Abisko Östra, it's not a huge deal. You can walk the 2km to the Turiststation, or there's often a local bus or taxi available.

Your Transportation Options from Narvik Airport (EVE) to Abisko

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. You've got three main ways to do this journey:
  1. The Bus & Train Combo (The Scenic & Most Common Route): This involves taking a bus from the airport to Narvik city, & then a train from Narvik to Abisko.
  2. The All-Bus Route (A Good Backup): Taking a bus from the airport to Narvik, & then another bus from Narvik to Abisko.
  3. The Rental Car (The "Freedom" Option): Renting a car at the airport & driving yourself to Abisko.
Let's break each of these down in detail.

1. The Bus & Train Combo: The Classic Kungsleden Approach

This is, in my opinion, the best way to do it. The train journey from Narvik to Abisko is STUNNING. It's considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, & for good reason. You'll be glued to the window the whole time.
Step 1: The Bus from Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) to Narvik City
Once you land at Harstad/Narvik Airport (which, by the way, is a pretty small & easy-to-navigate airport), you'll need to get to the Narvik train station. The airport is actually in Evenes, about 57 km from Narvik itself.
  • The Bus to Look For: The airport bus, often called "Flybussen," is your best bet. Look for the bus that's heading to Narvik. The journey takes about an hour to an hour & fifteen minutes.
  • Where to Catch it: The bus stop is right outside the terminal. You can't miss it.
  • Paying for your Ticket: You can usually buy your ticket directly from the driver with a credit card. Some services may have online booking options as well. It's a good idea to check the website of the bus operator, which is often Boreal or a similar local company.
  • Backpack Space: These buses are used to travelers with lots of gear. There's a luggage compartment underneath where your backpack will go.
Step 2: The Train from Narvik to Abisko Turiststation
This is the highlight of the journey. The train line you'll be on is called the "Malmbanan" (the Iron Ore Line) & it's a historic & incredibly scenic route. It winds its way along the edge of fjords, through tunnels carved into mountains, & across the border into Sweden.
  • The Train Operator: The train from Narvik to Abisko is operated by the Swedish railway company, Vy (formerly SJ).
  • Booking Your Ticket: This is IMPORTANT. Book your train ticket in ADVANCE. You can do this on the Vy website (vy.se) or through their app. You can also use a site like Omio to compare times & prices. Tickets are generally released 2-4 months in advance, & the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be.
  • Choosing Your Destination: Make sure to select "Abisko Turiststation" as your destination to get dropped off right at the trailhead.
  • Frequency & Journey Time: There are usually 2-3 direct trains per day from Narvik to Abisko. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • A Note on Disruptions: It's worth mentioning that this train line can sometimes have disruptions, especially in winter due to heavy snow. Sometimes, a "rail replacement bus" will be used instead. The Vy website will always have the most up-to-date information on this. In a recent case, a derailment affected the service, so checking the status before you travel is always a good idea.
  • The Experience: Find a seat on the right side of the train for the best views as you leave Narvik. The train moves slowly enough that you can really take in the dramatic landscapes. It's a perfect appetizer for the beauty of the Kungsleden.
Pros of the Bus & Train Combo:
  • The Scenery: The train ride is absolutely breathtaking.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than renting a car.
  • Relaxing: You can just sit back & enjoy the views.
Cons of the Bus & Train Combo:
  • Timing is Key: You need to coordinate the bus from the airport with the train departure from Narvik. Leave yourself plenty of buffer time.
  • Potential for Disruptions: The train line can have issues, so flexibility is important.

2. The All-Bus Route: A Solid & Reliable Alternative

If the train times don't work with your flight arrival, or if there are disruptions on the railway, taking a bus all the way is a great option.
Step 1: The Bus from Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) to Narvik City
This is the same as Step 1 in the previous option. You'll take the airport bus into Narvik.
Step 2: The Bus from Narvik to Abisko
Once you're in Narvik, you can catch a long-distance bus to Abisko.
  • The Bus Operator: The main operator for this route is Länstrafiken Norrbotten. Look for bus line 91, which runs between Narvik & Kiruna, with a stop in Abisko.
  • Booking Your Ticket: You can often buy your ticket directly on the bus with a credit card. It's also a good idea to download the Länstrafiken Norrbotten app, where you can check schedules & buy tickets.
  • Schedule & Journey Time: The bus schedule can be a bit more limited than the train, sometimes only running once or twice a day. The journey from Narvik to Abisko by bus takes a little longer than the train, around 1 hour & 45 minutes to 2 hours.
  • The Experience: The bus journey is also very scenic, following the E10 road which runs alongside the train line for much of the way. You'll still get incredible views of the mountains & lakes.
Pros of the All-Bus Route:
  • Reliable: Buses are less prone to the kind of disruptions that can affect the train line.
  • Can be Cheaper: Sometimes the bus can be slightly cheaper than the train, especially if you're booking last minute.
Cons of the All-Bus Route:
  • Less "Iconic": You'll miss out on the unique experience of the train journey.
  • Fewer Departures: The bus schedule can be less frequent than the train.

3. The Rental Car: For Ultimate Freedom & Flexibility

If you're traveling with a group, have a lot of gear, or just want the freedom to stop wherever you want, renting a car is a fantastic option.
  • Renting at the Airport: There are several car rental companies right at Harstad/Narvik Airport, including major international brands. You'll find their desks in the arrivals hall.
  • Booking: It's ALWAYS a good idea to book your rental car in advance, especially during the peak summer hiking season.
  • The Drive: The drive from the airport to Abisko is about 1.5 to 2 hours. It's a beautiful drive on the E10 highway, a well-maintained road. The scenery is, you guessed it, spectacular.
  • Parking in Abisko: This is where a little planning comes in. The STF Abisko Turiststation has a large parking area where you can leave your car. However, if you're hiking for a week, you'll be leaving your car there for a while. This is where a service like Prked can be a great option. People in the area might be renting out their private driveways or garages for long-term parking, which can be a more secure & affordable option than leaving your car in a public lot for an extended period. It's worth checking out if you're looking for a safe spot for your car while you're on the trail.
  • One-Way Rentals: Be aware that one-way rentals (picking up in Narvik & dropping off in Kiruna, for example) can be very expensive due to the cross-border logistics. It's often much cheaper to do a round-trip rental from Narvik.
Pros of Renting a Car:
  • Flexibility: Stop for photos, groceries, or just to admire the view whenever you want.
  • Convenience: No need to worry about bus or train schedules.
  • Great for Groups: Can be cost-effective if you're splitting the cost with a few people.
Cons of Renting a Car:
  • Cost: Generally the most expensive option, especially for a solo traveler.
  • Parking: You need to figure out a plan for parking your car while you're hiking.
  • Driving in a Foreign Country: If you're not used to driving in Norway/Sweden, it's something to consider (though the roads are excellent).

A Note on Side Hustles & Storing Your Extra Gear

Here's a little something to think about. If you're from the area & have some extra space, like an unused driveway or garage, you could be making some passive income. Platforms like Prked allow you to rent out your empty space to travelers who need parking, like the hikers we've been talking about. It's a pretty cool way to make some extra cash from something you're not even using.
Similarly, if you're a traveler who has extra luggage or gear you don't want to take on the trail, you could use Prked to find a local who is renting out a secure storage space, like a garage or a basement. This can be a much cheaper & more convenient option than traditional storage units.

Final Preparations in Abisko

Once you arrive at the Abisko Turiststation, you're on the home stretch! Here are a few final things to keep in mind:
  • The STF Shop: The shop at the Turiststation has a decent selection of food, camping gas, & other last-minute supplies. It's a bit more expensive than the supermarket in Abisko Östra, but it's very convenient.
  • Last Minute Gear Checks: Lay out all your gear one last time. Make sure you have everything you need.
  • Get a Good Night's Sleep: You've got a big adventure ahead of you. Rest up!
Getting from Narvik Airport to Abisko is the first step of an incredible journey. Whether you choose the iconic train ride, the reliable bus, or the freedom of a rental car, the journey itself is a beautiful introduction to the Arctic wilderness you're about to immerse yourself in.
Hope this was helpful, & have an absolutely amazing time on the Kungsleden! Let me know what you think.
;