How to get here and how to get around

There are many roads that lead to Helgeland, whether you come by car, bike, train, kayak, boat, train, or plane. Here’s a brief overview.

How to get here

Helgeland lies between the vibrant cities Bodø and Trondheim, and it’s easy to come here by road, train, plane, the express boat Nordlandekspressen, or the larger cruise ships from Hurtigruten and Havila.

Map showing Helgeland in relation to the rest of Norway

By car

If you are driving, you can choose between following the main road E6 or the scenic Coastal Route, also known as the National Tourist Route Helgeland Coast. The E6 extends from Oslo in the south to Kirkenes in the north and is the fastest road to Helgeland. Alternatively, you can take the Coastal Route from Steinkjer in the south to Bodø in the north. This route is considered one of the world’s most beautiful drives and is an experience in itself.

Norway and Helgeland boasts a well-developed network of charging stations equipped with fast chargers for electric vehicles, so you need not worry about driving an electric car here.

By train and bus

The rail road Nordlandsbanen just about follows the highway E6, and stops at basically all the same places. There are train stations in Trofors, Mosjøen, Bjerka, Mo i Rana and on Saltfjellet. If you plan on travelling further on the Helgeland Coast, then there are busses going to Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund from Mosjøen, and to Nesna or Stokkvågen from Mo i Rana. From there, there are ferry connections to the rest of the Helgeland Coast.

You can find timetables on EnTur.no

By plane – new airport from 2027

All of the major cities in Helgeland have their own airport with direct flights from Oslo, Trondheim and Bodø.

In 2027, there will be a brand new large airport opening in Helgeland which will make even more direct flights available.

You can plan your travels and find tickets on EnTur.no

Havna i Sandnessjøen med ferje og hurtigbåt

By express boat, Hurtigruten or Havila

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages sails from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, and on the Helgeland Coast, they have dockings in Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna and Ørnes.

You can view the schedule for Hurtigruten here
You can view the schedule to Havila her

Havila Voyages also sails from Bergen to Kirkenes, and on the Helgeland Coast, they have dockings in Brønnøysund, Nesna and Ørnes.

The express boat Nordlandekspressen sails from Bodø, and has multiple dockings down the Helgeland Coast, and in the summertime, they also travel out to the outermost islands. This is a great opportunity to see much of the ‘world’s most beautiful coast,’ all while making the journey a part of the destination.

With your own boat

Helgeland is a dream destination for a boat holiday, with thousands of islands and beaches, beautiful fjords and cosy port cities/villages. You can find more information about guest harbours below and on our destination pages.

Beautiful guest harbors

Find all destinations

How to get around

Traveling through the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Helgeland is an experience in itself, whether you journey by boat along the stunning coast, hop from island to island by bike, or explore fjords and mountain villages on two or four wheels along the country roads.