Alta Airport

Overview

Alta Airport (IATA: ALF) is a regional airport serving the town of Alta in Finnmark, northern Norway. It is one of the busier airports in the region, handling a mix of scheduled domestic flights, charter services, and general aviation. The airport is a vital link for both locals and tourists connecting to the rest of Norway, especially to Oslo and Tromsø. It also supports air ambulance and search-and-rescue operations due to the remote and challenging geography of the area. The airport is operated by Avinor, the state-owned company responsible for most Norwegian airports.

Location & Access

Alta Airport is situated about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) northeast of Alta’s city centre, on the edge of the Altafjord. The town of Alta itself is located at the head of the fjord, surrounded by mountains and the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau.

By car: The airport is easily accessible via the E6 and E45 highways. There is a paid parking lot adjacent to the terminal, with short-term and long-term options. The journey to the city centre takes about 5–10 minutes.

By taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal. The ride to Alta centre typically costs around 150–200 NOK.

By bus: Public bus services connect the airport to the town centre and surrounding areas. The bus stop is located just outside the terminal. Timetables vary seasonally, so it's best to check the local transport website.

For those travelling further afield, Alta is a gateway to the Finnmark region, including popular destinations like the North Cape, Hammerfest, and the Alta Canyon. Car rental services are available at the airport from major companies.

Facilities

Alta Airport provides a range of services to make travel comfortable and accessible. The terminal is compact but modern, with a single terminal building that handles both arrivals and departures.

• Accessibility: The airport is fully wheelchair accessible. There is a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilets. Wheelchair rental is available on site, and staff can assist passengers with reduced mobility.
• Baggage Storage: Lockers or a baggage storage service are available, allowing travellers to store luggage temporarily. This is useful for those with layovers or who want to explore Alta without heavy bags.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected.
• Toilets: Clean public toilets are located in the main terminal, including a changing table for families with infants.
• Other Services: The airport has a small café offering light meals and beverages, but no full restaurant. There are also vending machines. Duty-free shopping is available before security for internal flights (within Norway) but limited for international departures.

Note that the airport is not open 24/7. It operates during flight times, generally from early morning until late evening. The busiest hours are around 1 PM and 2 PM, when multiple flights depart.

About the Region

Alta is the largest town in Finnmark county and lies approximately 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. The region is renowned for its stunning natural phenomena: the Midnight Sun in summer (from mid-May to late July) and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in winter (from September to March).

One of the major attractions is the Alta Rock Carvings (Bergkunsten i Alta), a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside the town. These prehistoric petroglyphs date back thousands of years and are a testament to ancient Sami and Norse cultures. The Alta Museum, which houses the carvings, is a must-visit.

Outdoor activities abound: dog sledding, snowmobile safaris, skiing, fishing, and hiking. The Alta Canyon (Sautso) is one of Europe’s deepest canyons, offering spectacular scenery. The nearby Finnmarksvidda plateau is perfect for cross-country skiing and reindeer spotting.

Alta also serves as a transport hub for the North Cape (Nordkapp), one of Europe’s northernmost points. Many travellers fly into Alta and then take a bus or drive to the cape, a journey of about 2.5 hours.

Practical Information

• Address: Alta Lufthavn, 9510 Alta, Norway
• Website: avinor.no/en/airport/alta-airport/
• Phone: +47 67 03 00 00 (Avinor customer service)
• Hours: The airport is open during flight schedules; typically from early morning (around 6 AM) until the last flight departs (approximately 10–11 PM). It is not open all days consistently – check flight timetables.
• Peak Hours: The busiest times are around 13:00–14:00, when several flights depart for Oslo and Tromsø. Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights during these times.

Parking is paid via automated machines or mobile payment. For up-to-date information on parking fees and flight schedules, consult the official website.