Longyearbyen

The questions people ask first about Longyearbyen, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK, kr); the euro is not used.Norway-wide
• SIM or eSIMEEA roaming applies: EU and EEA SIMs work at home prices.Norway-wide
• Tap waterTap water is excellent; streams in the mountains are usually drinkable, but avoid water below farms and grazing.Norway-wide
• TippingRestaurant: Included; round up or add 5–10% for good service.Norway-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Norway-wide
• SafetyLongyearbyen is calm and safe as a town; the real risk is the wilderness.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee40–70 NOK (≈ US$4–7)
• Sit-down mealSimple sit-down meal150–250 NOK (≈ US$15–25)
• Beerbar / supermarket80–120 NOK (≈ US$8–12)30–50 NOK (≈ US$3–5)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, short ride in townaround 120 NOK (≈ US$12)
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry70–100 NOK (≈ US$7–10)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personNOK 500 (≈ US$50)
• Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomNOK 2,200 (≈ US$250)
• High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomNOK 4,000 (≈ US$400)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget NOK 1,000 (≈ US$100) · Mid NOK 1,800 (≈ US$180) · High NOK 3,000 (≈ US$300)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

LYR Svalbard Airport, Longyear (About 3 km (1.9 mi) west of the centre; airport shuttle meets every flight, about 100 NOK one way)LYR Svalbard Airport, Longyear (About 1.9 mi (3 km) west of the centre; airport shuttle meets every flight, about 100 NOK one way)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

1,000–1,500 NOK (≈ US$100–150) excl. bed

Mid

1,500–2,500 NOK (≈ US$150–250) excl. bed

High

2,500 NOK (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed

• Polar bears roam anywhere outside the settlement at any time of year: do not leave the built-up area without a guide or a rented rifle.
• Svalbard is outside the Schengen area; you pass identity and customs checks when returning to mainland Norway, so a Schengen visa must be multiple-entry.
• Alcohol is duty-free and cheaper than the mainland, but Nordpolet applies quotas and you must show a plane ticket to buy.
• In winter, snowmobiles use tracks that do not follow the roads; keep clear and wear reflective outer layers.
• Most tours need booking ahead in high season; walk-up space is limited and weather can cancel trips.