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How to get from Bergen Airport to the City Centre

by Lisa Stentvedt
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This is a local’s guide to how to get from Bergen airport to the city center. I have lived in Bergen for several years now, and have tried and tested all of the options outlined below.

Bergen is a beautiful city to visit all year round, and one I strongly recommend you see if you are planning a trip to Norway. Considering I always recommend a trip here, I often get the question back “how do we get from Bergen Airport to the City Center once we have arrived?”

So I decided to write this post to outline all the different ways you can travel from the airport, whether you want the fastest, cheapest, or easiest option.

If you are flying to Bergen, you’ll be landing at Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO), as it is the only airport servicing the city.

As there are several ways to make it from Bergen Airport to the centre of the city, I have covered each mode of transport with their own headings below. My favourite, and the one I always use when I travel myself is the Light Rail.

However, if you are travelling with children, it may be easier to grab a taxi. Regardless, there are several easy ways to get from the airport to the city, so simply bookmark this page before your next trip to Bergen!

So, if you are ready to hit the ground running once you get to the city, whether you are joining a fun tour or hopping on a fjord cruise – keep reading to find out how to get from the airport to the city!

A sign at the airport saying "BERGEN?" in bright yellow letters. The sign is art, and hung high up in the cliffside next to the airport.
When you arrive at Bergen airport you’ll be greeted with this sign – saying “Bergen?” with a question mark. It is supposed to be artsy, and make you question things.

Quick Bergen Travel Guide

Where to stay: Hotel Norge is a centrally located, higher-end hotel that is perfect for any traveler – and my favorite. If you are looking for something in the historic city center, Clarion Havnekontoret is just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen. For something more budget-friendly, CityBox and Moxy are great alternatives!

Where to eat: I have so many favourite restaurants in Bergen, and have covered them all in this guide. Don’t miss Bryggeloftet (traditional, Norwegian), Poca Madre (Mexican), Boccone (Italian) and JAJA (International Street Food).

Top activities and tours in Bergen:

Packing for Bergen: My golden rule when packing and dressing for any destination in Norway is layers. Layers, layers, layers – and Bergen is no different. Additionally, Bergen can be quite a rainy city, so a waterproof jacket such as this one is ideal. Good shoes for walking around the city is a must too (the city is very walkable).

Getting to Bergen: I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here.

Getting Around: Skyss is the official public transportation system in Bergen. Download the app Skyss Billett (ticket) to have tickets on your phone.

Bergen Airport to City Centre – A Local’s Guide

If you are looking for a Bergen airport transfer, taxis or where the bus stop at Flesland (the airport) is, look no further. Having lived in Bergen for over 7 years now, I know all the ways to get from the airport to the city – and it’s super easy!

Also, if you are in need of a Bergen airport hotel (if you are flying really early or arrive late at night), I recommend this one.

Below are the top three ways to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre.

Once you’ve made it into town, check out my favourite restaurants (and my favourite Italian restaurants)!

A photo of the city of Bergen, Norway seen from above. The city center is in the middle of the photo. The best ways to get to the city center from the airport is by light rail, bus or taxi.

CHEAPEST OPTION: The Bergen Light Rail “ByBanen”

ByBanen, literally translating to “The City Rail”, is a local favourite mode of transportation. Mine included.

ByBanen has recently opened their second route, but only one of them goes to the airport – making this super easy.

Route/line 1 starts at Bergen Airport and ends in the city centre. This is perfect for anyone travelling to Bergen by plane, as they can simply get on ByBanen and take it all the way to the city centre (or get off on one of the earlier stops, if you are staying near the bus station, for example.

With the Bergen Card, travel on the Light Rail is free (in addition to getting free entry and discounts to a bunch of the city’s main attractions)! However, the tickets are very affordable – starting at just 40 kroner (around 3,5 USD) for a one-way ticket, and getting cheaper if you buy 24-hour or 7-day tickets.

Bonus: If you are travelling with children, you’ll be happy to hear that on weekends, they travel for free on all public transport in Bergen when they are with an adult holding a ticket.

The journey from the airport to the city takes 43 minutes if you travel to the very end, and these are the stops worth noting along the way:

  • Danmarks Plass: if you are staying at the new CityBox Hotel, for example. There are also many Airbnbs in this area.
  • Bergen Busstasjon / Bystasjonen: This is the stop for Bergen bus station, and also where you can get off for Bystasjonen, one of the bigger malls in the city. It used to be called Bystasjonen, but the station changed name to Bergen Busstasjon (Bergen Bus Station) in late 2022.
  • Nonneseter: The Bergen train station is here, so if you are catching a train to Flåm right away, for example, this is your stop.
  • Byparken / Bergen Sentrum: The end stop, and the city centre. From here, you have Bryggen and the Fish Market within walking distance, and also most of Bergen’s hotels.

Side note: if you are visiting Bergen for just a couple of days, consider one of my city itineraries!

A light rail stop in Bergen, Norway. The light rail is the best way to get from Bergen airport to the city center. The stop sign says ByParken, which is the end stop in the city, and the ground is wet because it has been raining.
As long as you take the light rail to “Byparken”, you’ll end up in the city center!

QUICKEST: Bergen Airport Bus Transfer

The bus nicknamed “FlyBussen” (The Plane Bus) has been running between Bergen Airport and the City Centre for years, since before the Light Rail came around.

It is still going strong, with departures up to 4 times an hour. Tickets can be booked in advance here, and I advise you to do so (it is cheaper than buying them at the airport upon arrival).

The cost of a one-way adult ticket on the Bergen Airport bus is 169 kroner (so, more than the price of a 24-hour ticket on the Light Rail), but it is a lot quicker.

Getting from the airport to the city centre takes just around 20 minutes. Please note that the bus stops at Bystasjonen/the Bus Station, and not at ByParken (which is closer to Bryggen and the centre of the city).

MOST COMFORTABLE: Bergen Airport Taxi

Last but not least, I have to cover the most comfortable mode of transportation from Bergen Airport to the city centre; going by taxi. With so much to do and see in Bergen, I understand that this might be preferable if you are tired from your flight and want to hit the ground running.

As you may have learned by now, Norway is expensive, so this option will set you back several hundred kroner. The last time I took a taxi from the airport to the city it jost around 500 kroner.

However, if you are travelling in a big group or as a family, it may be worth it for the comfort of arriving right at the door of your hotel.

Bergen Taxi actually operates with a maximum price for taking passengers between the Airport and the city, so you can rest assured that you won’t pay more than 850 kroner for the trip (around 85 USD, which is the absolute maximum on weekends and in the evenings).

Order a taxi in advance by calling 07000 at any time, or simply head outside upon arrival at Flesland. There will be several taxis waiting. Make sure to ask the driver what the current maximum price is to get to the city centre.

It is not common at all to get scammed by drivers in Norway (I have never heard of it happened), but it is always clever to remind the driver that you are aware of the maximum price rule, and to remind them to use it (if they forget, it could be an expensive trip).

If the taximeter stops at a price that is less than the maximum given, that’s what you pay.

There you have the best (and only) ways of getting from Bergen Airport to the city centre. Don’t forget to check out some of my other Norway travel guides before your trip, and to get your Bergen City Itinerary below!

a photo of colorful buildings lining a cobbled street. This is the wharf area in Bergen known as Bryggen.

MOST LUXURIOUS: Booking a private airport transfer

Last, but not least, it is possible to travel from the airport to the Bergen city center by private transfer. Of course, this is the most expensive option, but it might be worth it if you are travelling in a big group or if you have a lot of luggage.

Your driver will wait for you outside customs, so all you have to do is pick up your luggage and walk through. The transfer will take you straight to your preferred hotel – without any hassle of getting tickets of checking schedules.

To guarantee a car and driver, make sure to book in advance. Book your Bergen airport transfer here!

Bergen Airport to City Center FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions about travelling between the airport in Bergen and the city center. Most of them are regarding the Light Rail (aka my favourite mode of transportation). If you are missing an answer, leave it in a comment and I’ll get to it!

How far is Bergen airport from city center?

The airport is around 17 kilometers (a little over 1 mile) from the city center. It takes about 20 minutes by car.

How much does ByBanen cost?

A one-way ticket on ByBanen costs 40 kroner, which is quite affordable. However, if you are staying in the city for longer, I recommend getting a 24-hour or 7-day ticket right away.

With the 24-hour ticket, you need to make 3 trips on ByBanen or the buses in the city to “earn it back”, and with the 7-day ticket, you need to take 10 (I’ve done the math, haha).

Where do I buy a ticket for ByBanen?

You can either use the machines located at the Light Rail stop at Bergen Airport (or any other stop), or download the app. I strongly recommend doing the latter, as it is a lot easier, and you’ll always have your ticket with you. The app is called Skyss Billett. I recommend downloading it before you arrive in Norway, and entering your payment details at home, to ensure that it works as it should.

Alternatively, if you are staying in Bergen for a day or more, get the Bergen Card, which includes free travel on all public transportation in the city. Including the Light Rail!

Where do I find the light rail station for Bergen ByBanen at the airport?

Simply leave the airport upon arrival and take the stairs, escalators or lift down one floor. The stop is located, similar to many airport train stations, “under” the airport. It is very easy to find.

Any further advice about the Bergen Light Rail / ByBanen?

Yes! If you are travelling with children, you’ll be happy to hear that on weekends, they travel for free on all public transport in Bergen when they are with an adult holding a ticket.

Secondly, download the app called Skyss Reise. It allows you to find the best travel routes for where you are going in the city, the nearest bus/Light Rail stop and shows you in real-time how far away the bus is. I use it all the time.

Where should we eat when we get to Bergen?

There are so many great restaurants in the city, and you can read my complete guide to dining in Bergen here!

How much is a taxi from Bergen airport to city?

A taxi will cost around 550-750 kroner, depending on the time of day and size of the car.

Is Bergen light rail free?

No, it is not free. But it is very affordable, and children travel for free on weekends with an adult.

Is there a direct bus from Bergen airport to the city center?

Yes, the airport express bus “FlyBussen” goes directly between the airport and city center.

Does Bergen have an airport?

Yes, Bergen has an international airport called Flesland. BGO is the airport code.

Current Bergen hotel deals:

Booking.com

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