Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR)
Longyearbyen, NO đłđ´ Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ENSB
IATA
LYR
Elevation
88 ft
Region
NO-21
Local Time
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GPS Code: ENSB
Local Code: Not available
Location: 78.246101° N, 15.4656° E
Continent: Europe
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Svalbard Airport, Longyear (ENSB (LYR)) generally receives positive feedback from recent travelers, who appreciate its small size, efficiency, and unique Arctic charm. Despite limited facilities, the airport is often praised for its quick processing times and friendly staff, contributing to a smooth travel experience in this remote location.
What Travelers Love
- Efficiency and Ease of Use: Travelers consistently highlight the airport's small size, making check-in, security, and baggage claim quick and hassle-free.
- Friendly Staff: The staff are frequently described as welcoming and helpful, enhancing the overall positive experience.
- Scenic Views: The terminal offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding sea and mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for travelers.
- Convenient Airport Shuttle: A well-organized airport bus connects all scheduled flights with hotels and guesthouses in Longyearbyen, taking 10-15 minutes and costing NOK 75.
- Free WiFi: Travelers can access free Wi-Fi, often in two-hour sessions that can be renewed, or unlimited.
Common Complaints
- Limited Facilities and Amenities: The airport has a basic snack bar and two shops (a souvenir shop and a small mini-market). There are no dedicated sleeping areas, lounges, or luggage storage facilities.
- No Overnight Stays: Due to minimal operating hours, overnight stays within the terminal are not permitted, with staff asking travelers to leave.
- Exposure to Weather on Tarmac: Passengers must walk across the tarmac to and from the aircraft, which means being exposed to the often cold and windy Arctic weather.
- Schengen Immigration at Mainland Norway: While there's no passport control at LYR, travelers arriving from Svalbard must clear Schengen immigration, customs, and potentially re-check luggage upon arrival in mainland Norway (e.g., Tromsø or Oslo), which can be confusing and time-consuming for connecting flights.
- Potential for Crowding: While generally efficient, the airport can occasionally be strained by surges in tourism or charter flights, leading to increased wait times.
Svalbard Airport offers a functional and often pleasant gateway to the Arctic, with its strengths lying in its simplicity, efficiency, and unique location. Travelers should be prepared for limited amenities and be aware of the immigration procedures upon returning to mainland Norway.
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Airport Routes
Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) offers 7 flight routes operated by 4 airlines. Major carriers include Scandinavian Airlines System, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Norwegian Air Sweden and others. Popular destinations from Longyearbyen include Oslo, Gardermoen, Tromso, Langnes and VĂĄclav Havel Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Svalbard Airport, LongyearAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scandinavian Airlines System
SAS
/ SK
|
2 | 23 | 2 | Feb 11, 2026 |
Norwegian Air Shuttle
NOZ
/ DY
|
2 | 6 | 2 | Dec 28, 2025 |
Norwegian Air Sweden
NSZ
/ D8
|
2 | 5 | 2 | Jan 15, 2026 |
|
Glock Aviation
GCK
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Aug 13, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09/27 |
7608 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| AFIS | INFO | 118.1 MHz |
| AFIS | INFO | 884.0 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are available and meet all scheduled flight arrivals. The main companies are Svalbard Taxi and Longyearbyen Taxi. The taxi stand is located directly outside the terminal. The ride to the center of Longyearbyen takes approximately 10 minutes. Pre-booking is possible but generally not required.
Rental Cars
Car rental is available from local providers like Arctic Autorent, which has a service desk inside the airport terminal. Due to a limited number of vehicles, pre-booking is strongly recommended. The road network is very limited (approx. 50 km in total), and driving is restricted to the area around Longyearbyen.
Public Transportation
An airport shuttle bus (Flybussen) is the most common option. It meets every scheduled flight arrival and departure, transporting passengers to and from all the hotels and guesthouses in Longyearbyen. Tickets can be purchased from the driver on the bus with a credit card.