Alta Airport

Alta Airport (ALF), located in the municipality of Alta, is the main aerial gateway to the Finnmark region — the northernmost and most mysterious part of Norway. This modern and compact airport serves as a starting point for travelers eager to witness the Northern Lights, experience the Sami culture, and explore the rugged beauty of the Norwegian Arctic. Despite its size, it plays a key role in the transport system of the country's north, ensuring reliable connections with the capital and other major cities. Unforgettable adventures in the land of the midnight sun begin here.

Alta Airport is valued by travelers for its convenience and functionality. It is small, which allows for passing through all pre-flight formalities quickly and without unnecessary hassle. Inside the terminal, there is everything needed for a comfortable wait: a café where you can have coffee and a snack, as well as a small shop. Thanks to its location just a few minutes' drive from the city center, getting to your hotel or the starting point of your itinerary is effortless — buses and taxis are at your service. The airport is a vital transport hub for the entire Finnmark region, offering regular flights to Oslo, Tromsø, and other cities, making it the ideal starting point for exploring northern Norway.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Alta Airport (ALF).

• Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations on the official Avinor website, the airport operator.
• Information Desk Phone: For inquiries, you can call the general Avinor number: +47 67 03 00 00.
• Airport Address: Altagårdssletta, 9515 Alta, Norway.
• Email: It is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website for communication, as a direct email address for general inquiries is usually not published.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on Avinor's official social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly. The airport service does not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Service: The information desk in the airport terminal is ready to assist passengers with any questions regarding their stay at the airport.

Alta Airport (ALF) is located just a few kilometers from the city center, so getting there is quick and easy. Travelers can choose the most convenient method depending on their budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport is the most popular and budget-friendly option. A dedicated Flybussen bus runs between the center of Alta and the airport. Its route passes through key hotels and important city points, which is very convenient for tourists. The trip usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, and buses run according to the flight schedule. The approximate ticket price is 80–100 Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Taxi and Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable method. A taxi ride from the city center will take just 5–10 minutes. This is an ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, starting from approximately 250–300 NOK. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer to pick you up at your hotel at a specified time.

Car Rental is an excellent solution for those planning to explore the Finnmark region in Norway on their own transport. Several rental company representatives are located in the airport building. You can return the rented car right before your flight. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

For those driving to the airport in their own car, parking is available. The area features zones for both short-term and long-term parking. All parking spaces are located in immediate proximity to the terminal, making this option very convenient.

When planning your route, it is useful to know that there are other airports in the region that can serve as alternative arrival points. From there, you can continue your journey to Alta by bus or rental car. Nearby options include Banak Airport in Lakselv, Hammerfest Airport, and Sørkjosen Airport. Checking flights to these hubs may help find a more convenient or cost-effective flight option.

Alta Airport (ALF) is distinguished by a simple and convenient structure, making it ideal for travelers who value speed and comfort. The airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves all domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about long walks or complicated layouts — everything is in one building.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters and self-service kiosks are located. Directly behind them is the security checkpoint leading to the departure area. The arrivals area with the baggage claim belt is also located on the ground floor and has a separate exit. All key points — from registration to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other.

Due to the terminal's compactness, passing through registration and security screening at Alta Airport usually takes very little time. On average, the entire process takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to arrive with time to spare, especially if you are traveling with luggage or during peak season. The standard recommendation is to arrive 1.5 hours before departure.

The main tip for navigation is to follow the signs; there are few of them, but they are placed very logically. Getting lost in the single terminal is practically impossible. After passing security, you will enter a cozy waiting hall with several boarding gates, a small café, and a shop. This allows you to calmly wait for your flight while enjoying views of the runway and the surrounding landscapes of Norway.

The history of Alta Airport (ALF) is inextricably linked with the development of all northern Norway. The official opening took place on **May 4, 1963**, and this event became a real breakthrough for the Finnmark region, which until then had been practically cut off from the rest of the country, especially during the long winter months. Together with several other small airports built during the same period, Alta Airport became part of an ambitious plan to improve transport accessibility and integrate the north.

Initially, the airport served Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flights on propeller-driven Convair Metropolitan aircraft. However, with the development of aviation and the appearance of jet liners like the Douglas DC-9, the need for modernization arose. The runway was widened and lengthened, allowing for larger aircraft to be accommodated. This gave a powerful boost to the development of passenger and cargo transport, strengthening the airport's status as a key regional hub.

The most significant stage in the airport's recent history was a **large-scale reconstruction** completed in 2009. The old terminal was completely demolished, and a modern, spacious building was erected in its place. This project allowed not only for increased capacity but also brought passenger comfort to a completely new level. The new terminal, equipped with telescopic airbridges and modern infrastructure, became a symbol of renewal and readiness to receive a growing flow of tourists.

There are also curious pages in the airport's history. For example, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it became the center of public attention during the famous "Alta protests" against the construction of a hydroelectric power plant. It was here that activists, journalists, and politicians from all over the country arrived. Today, Alta Airport is not just a transport hub, but the gateway to the Arctic, serving both locals and travelers from around the world eager to see the Northern Lights and experience the unique nature and culture of the Norwegian north.

Alta Airport (ALF) is a compact and modern regional airport offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, the terminal is well-organized and thoughtfully designed.

For those wishing to grab a bite before departure, there is a café in the airport where you can order hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. There is also a small kiosk selling snacks, press, and essential items. A Duty-Free shop is available for international flight passengers, offering a standard assortment of perfumes, beverages, and sweets.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your plane. Special stands and power outlets are provided in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. Although there are no separate VIP lounges in the airport, the general waiting areas are quite comfortable. Banking services are represented by an ATM; however, it is better to exchange currency in advance.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible toilets, and special assistance for boarding and disembarking, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. For travelers with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. Basic medical services and first aid are available upon request from the airport staff.

There are no hotels or conference rooms directly within the airport building, but the nearest hotels and business centers are located in the city of Alta, just a few minutes away by taxi or bus. This makes the airport a convenient starting point for traveling through northern Norway.

Alta Airport (ALF) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is compact but sufficient to comfortably pass the time while waiting for a flight. The main options for a snack or a full meal are concentrated in one café-bar that serves all passengers.

The main and essentially only establishment is located in the "airside" zone, meaning after passing security control. Here, travelers can find a standard airport assortment: freshly brewed coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other beverages. The food menu offers sandwiches, baguettes, salads, pastries (such as traditional Norwegian `boller` buns), and light snacks. Sometimes the menu features dishes with local flair, such as a sandwich with salmon or reindeer meat, allowing you to experience the cuisine of Northern Norway even before departure.

For those looking for a quick bite, coffee with pastries or a ready-made sandwich is perfect. If you have more time and want a more substantial lunch, look out for hot offers like the soup of the day or a warm panini, if available on the menu. Regarding dietary restrictions, the choice may be limited. Usually, vegetarian sandwiches can be found, but finding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options might be challenging. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Prices correspond to the general Norwegian level, meaning they are quite high. The café's operating hours are generally tied to the flight schedule: it opens before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves.

Planning a trip through Alta Airport will be easier if you take a few tips into account. Although it is a small regional airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and make your journey more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Norway, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international destinations, it is better to allocate 2–2.5 hours. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. Security screening procedures here usually go faster than in major hubs, but it is better to have a time buffer.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane: When flying to or from Alta, try to get a window seat. The views of the Arctic landscapes, fjords, and coastline during takeoff and landing are truly breathtaking. If freedom of movement is more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Remember the standard rules for carrying liquids: containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Always check your airline's hand luggage and baggage allowances. Customs operates a "green" and "red" channel system. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "green" channel.

Transfer Passengers: Alta Airport is rarely used as a major transit hub. If you have a transfer planned, verify in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again, especially if you are flying with different airlines.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, bring an empty reusable bottle that you can fill with water after passing security control. Food prices at the airport can be high, so a light snack brought with you won't go amiss. Pre-booking parking, if you are traveling by car, will also help reduce costs.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline's counter for current information and instructions. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. The waiting hall has free Wi-Fi and several cafés where you can pass the time.