Trying to figure out the best way to get from Bergen Airport to the city center? I’ve got you covered.
I live in Bergen and use the airport regularly, so this is a route I know very well. Whether you are looking for the cheapest option, the fastest transfer or the easiest way to reach your hotel after a long flight, I’ll walk you through all the options in this guide.
Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO) is located around 17 km from the city center, and thankfully getting into town is very straightforward.
You have four main options:
- the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen),
- the airport bus (Flybussen),
- taxi,
- or a private airport transfer.
Personally, I almost always use the Light Rail. It is affordable, reliable and easy to use, even for first-time visitors to Norway.
However, depending on your arrival time, luggage situation or who you are travelling with, another option might suit you better.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Best Ways to Get From Bergen Airport to the City Center
If you are short on time, here’s a quick overview of the best transport options from Bergen Airport.
| Option | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Rail (Bybanen) | ~45 min | Cheapest | Budget travelers & most visitors |
| Flybussen Airport Bus | ~20-30 min | Mid-range | Fast & easy transfers |
| Taxi | ~20 min | Most expensive | Families, luggage & late arrivals |
| Private Transfer | ~20 min | Luxury option | Stress-free arrivals |
My recommendation
For most travelers, I recommend taking the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen).
It is by far the best value option, runs frequently throughout the day and takes you directly into the city center without needing to worry about traffic or expensive taxi fares.
If you are arriving very late at night, travelling with a lot of luggage or visiting Bergen with children, a taxi or private transfer may be worth the extra cost.
Keep reading for a full breakdown of each option, including updated prices, ticket tips and local advice.

Which Bergen Airport Transfer Option Should You Choose?
The best way to get from Bergen Airport to the city center depends on your budget, arrival time and travel style.
Take the Light Rail (Bybanen) if:
- you want the cheapest option,
- you are travelling light,
- you want the easiest public transport option,
- or you are staying near the city center.
This is the option I personally use most often.
Take the Flybussen airport bus if:
- you want the fastest public transport option,
- you are staying near the bus station,
- or you prefer fewer stops along the way.
Take a taxi if:
- you are arriving late at night,
- travelling with children,
- carrying a lot of luggage,
- or splitting the cost between several people.
Book a private transfer if:
- you want a completely stress-free arrival,
- you are visiting Bergen for a special occasion,
- or you simply want someone waiting for you when you land.
No matter which option you choose, Bergen is a very easy city to arrive in compared to many other European destinations. The airport is modern, compact and well connected to the city center.
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 (their scrambled eggs at breakfast are the best in Norway). 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), Ying Ying (Chinese), Boccone (Italian) or Pinocchio (Nordic/International, sharing plates).
Top activities and tours in Bergen:
- Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen (check out the best fjord cruises from Bergen in this guide)
- Seeing the UNESCO listed Bryggen (on your own or on a walking tour)
- Fun Segway Tour
- Hiking or taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen
- Going on a day trip to Flåm and the Nærøyfjord
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). Going on a cruise? Don’t miss my packing list for going on a cruise to Norway!
Getting to Bergen: I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here. You can book a private airport transfer in advance 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 8 years now, I know all the ways to get from the airport to the city!
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.
Once you’ve made it into town, check out my favourite restaurants (and my favourite Italian restaurants)!
CHEAPEST (AND BEST OVERALL) OPTION: The Bergen Light Rail “ByBanen”
The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen in Norwegian) is, in my opinion, the best way to get from Bergen Airport to the city center.
It is affordable, reliable, easy to use and runs frequently throughout the day. It is also the option I personally use almost every time I fly in or out of Bergen.
You want Line 1, which runs directly between Bergen Airport (Flesland) and the city center (Byparken). There is no need to change trains along the way.
The full journey takes around 45 minutes.
A standard adult one-way ticket currently costs 51 NOK (Zone A). If you are staying in Bergen for more than a day, it is often worth buying either a 24-hour ticket or the Bergen Card, which includes unlimited public transport.
Children also travel free on weekends when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
I strongly recommend downloading the official Skyss app before arriving in Norway. You can:
- buy tickets,
- plan routes,
- and see live departure times directly in the app.
There are also ticket machines at the airport station if you prefer buying a physical ticket.
The Light Rail station at the airport is extremely easy to find. Simply leave the arrivals hall and take the outdoor escalator, lift or stairs down one level. The platform is located directly outside the terminal.
These are the stops most visitors should know about:
- Bergen Busstasjon → best for the bus station and hotels near the southern city center
- Nonneseter → best for Bergen Train Station
- Byparken/Kaigaten/Bergen Sentrum → this is the end stop, best for Bryggen, the Fish Market and most central hotels
Personally, unless you are arriving very late at night or carrying lots of luggage, this is absolutely the option I recommend most.

FASTEST PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTION: Bergen Airport Bus Transfer
If you want the fastest public transport option from Bergen Airport to the city center, the airport bus (Flybussen) is a great choice.
The journey usually takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, making it noticeably faster than the Light Rail.
Flybussen has been operating between the airport and Bergen for years, and departures run frequently throughout the day.
One major advantage over the Light Rail is that the bus has fewer stops and can be more convenient if you are travelling with children, or lots of (large) luggage.
The buses are modern, comfortable and have dedicated luggage storage underneath the bus.
Personally, I still usually choose the Light Rail because it is much cheaper and very easy to use. However, if you are staying near the bus station or simply want a quicker transfer into town, Flybussen is a solid option.
You can book tickets online in advance, which is usually slightly cheaper than buying them at the airport.
MOST COMFORTABLE: Bergen Airport Taxi
If you want the easiest possible arrival in Bergen, taking a taxi from the airport is the most comfortable option.
The journey from Bergen Airport to the city center usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic and where your hotel is located.
However, there is one important thing visitors should know:
Taxis at Bergen Airport now work differently.
In recent years, Bergen Airport introduced a taxi ordering system.
Instead of simply walking outside and jumping into the next taxi, you now usually order your taxi using one of the machines located near the exit after arrivals or outside on the curb.
The machine lets you:
- choose the size of the taxi,
- see estimated prices,
- and get assigned the next available car.
Personally, I actually think this system works quite well, especially for travelers arriving late at night or with lots of luggage.
Taxi prices in Bergen vary depending on the time of day, weekends vs weekdays, the size of the car and (to an extent) the taxi company.
In general, you can expect to pay between 600-1000 NOK for a taxi to the city center. Yes, taxis in Norway are expensive.
However, if you are travelling as a family or group, splitting the cost can sometimes make it worth it compared to buying multiple bus tickets.
My advice before taking a taxi
- Use the official airport taxi ordering machines whenever possible.
- Avoid entering random unmarked taxis (after they introduced the new system, some drivers will walk up to you pretending to be the taxi you ordered – beware of this).
- Double check the estimated fare before confirming your ride.
- If you are travelling during daytime and want to save money, I recommend the Light Rail instead.
Personally, I think taxis are most worth it if:
- you arrive very late at night,
- you have several large suitcases,
- you are travelling with children,
- or you simply want the easiest possible arrival after a long flight.
For most other travelers, the Light Rail is honestly much better value.

MOST STRESS-FREE: Private airport transfer
If you want the easiest possible arrival in Bergen, booking a private airport transfer is the most seamless option.
Your driver will meet you after arrival and take you directly to your hotel without needing to buy tickets, navigate public transport or figure out taxi queues at the airport.
This option is especially worth considering if:
- you are travelling as a family or group,
- arriving late at night,
- carrying lots of luggage,
- or simply want a smooth, stress-free start to your trip.
Private transfers are naturally more expensive than the Light Rail or airport bus, but for some travelers the convenience is absolutely worth it.
I strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during summer and cruise season, to guarantee availability.
Book your Bergen airport transfer here or by browsing the options below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about travelling between the airport in Bergen and the city center.
The airport is around 17 kilometers (a little over 1 mile) from the city center. It takes about 20 minutes by car.
A one-way ticket on ByBanen costs 51 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.
The easiest option is using the official Skyss app, where you can buy tickets, plan routes, and see live departure times. There are also ticket machines at the airport station.
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.
The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) is by far the cheapest option. A standard adult ticket currently costs 51 NOK.
There are so many great restaurants in the city, and you can read my complete guide to dining in Bergen here!
A taxi will cost around 600-1000 kroner, depending on the time of day and size of the car.
No, it is not free. But it is very affordable, and children travel for free on weekends with an adult.
Yes, the airport express bus “FlyBussen” goes directly between the airport and city center.
Yes, Bergen has an international airport called Flesland. BGO is the airport code.
The fastest public transport option is usually the Flybussen airport bus, which takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi is often slightly quicker.
Yes. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Norway, including on public transport apps and ticket machines. Apple Pay and Google Pay also usually work without issues.
Yes, there is Uber in Bergen. But at the airport, you need to use the taxi ordering machines.
Personally, I recommend the Light Rail for most travelers because it is much cheaper and still very easy to use. However, Flybussen is faster and more convenient if you have lots of luggage or want fewer stops along the way.
My Final Recommendation
If you only take one thing from this guide, let it be this:
For most travelers visiting Bergen, the Light Rail (Bybanen) is the best way to get from the airport to the city center.
It is affordable, reliable, easy to use and well connected to the main parts of the city.
Personally, it is the option I use almost every time I fly into Bergen myself.
However, if you are arriving very late at night, travelling with lots of luggage or visiting Bergen with children, I do think paying extra for a taxi or private transfer can absolutely be worth it.
The good news is that Bergen Airport is modern, compact and very easy to navigate, so whichever option you choose, getting into the city is thankfully quite straightforward.
2 comments
Does the train run 24/7 between the airport and the city?
No, the light rail runs until around midnight on weekdays and 3am on weekends – and starts again around 4-5am. So almost 24/7 🙂