We construct four types of analytical soliton solutions for the higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with distributed coefficients. These solutions include bright solitons, dark solitons, combined solitons, and M-shaped solitons. Moreover, the explicit functions which describe the evolution of the width, peak, and phase are discussed exactly. We finally discuss the nonlinear soliton tunnelling effect for four types of femtosecond solitons.