Exploring Bergen: Activities Near The Airport

what to do around bergen airport

Bergen Airport, located 17 kilometres from Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, is a great gateway to the region. With 36 direct routes from large European cities, it is no surprise that over 3.8 million passengers pass through its terminal buildings every year. Getting from the airport to the city centre is easy and straightforward, with the Airport Bus, Bergen Light Rail, and taxis all providing quick and convenient connections. The airport is also well-connected to the region's public transport network, with trains, buses, and boats all accessible from the city centre. For those looking for a seamless travel experience, private transfer services are also available. With so many transport options, you'll be exploring the majestic fjords and the city of Bergen in no time!

Characteristics Values
Distance from Bergen City Centre 10 miles or 17-18 kilometres
Travel time by car 18-25 minutes
Travel time by bus 20-32 minutes
Travel time by light rail 45 minutes
Bus fare NOK 149/€14.20/169 kr (adult) if bought online; NOK 179/€16.70/199 kr if bought on the bus; NOK 119 (children/seniors)
Light rail fare NOK 40 (adult); NOK 25 (child)
Taxi fare NOK 500 (approximately); maximum of NOK 850

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Getting to Bergen city centre from the airport

Taxi

The most direct way to get to the city centre from the airport is by taking a taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the arrival terminal, and you can choose from several taxi companies without being restricted by their position in the queue. A taxi ride to the city centre typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost of a taxi ride is usually based on the time and distance travelled, and you can expect a metered fare. However, some companies like 07000 Bergen Taxi offer a guaranteed maximum fare for rides between the airport and the city centre. Taxis are a convenient option, especially if your destination is outside the city ring where public transportation is limited.

Private Transfer

If you prefer a more personalised and luxurious travel experience, you can opt for a private transfer service. Companies like Bergen Transfer Service offer comfortable vehicles and professional drivers to ensure a seamless and stress-free journey to and from the airport. This option is ideal for groups and can be booked in advance to save you the hassle of arranging transportation upon arrival.

Airport Bus (Flybussen)

The Airport Bus, also known as Flybussen in Norwegian, is a more affordable option to reach the city centre. It takes approximately 30 to 32 minutes, excluding waits, and costs €14.20 (NOK 169) for a one-way ticket if purchased online in advance. Tickets can also be bought on the bus, but they cost an extra €2.50 (NOK 30) per person. The bus departs every 30 to 40 minutes from outside the arrivals terminal, with several stops in the city centre, including Bryggen and the Bergen Bus Station. This makes it convenient for transferring to other public transportation options.

Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen)

The Bergen Light Rail, or Bybanen in Norwegian, is the cheapest way to travel to the city centre. A one-way trip costs only NOK 49 for adults and NOK 25 for children. Line 1 of the light rail starts at the airport terminal in Flesland and ends in the city centre, with departures every 15 minutes until late at night. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and you can ride for free if you have the Bergen Card. This option is ideal if you're not in a hurry and want to enjoy the scenery along the way.

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Transport options: bus, taxi, train or boat

There are several transport options to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre, including bus, taxi, train or boat.

The bus is a popular choice, with the Airport Bus (or 'Flybussen' in Norwegian) running between the airport and the city centre. The bus takes around 30 minutes and costs NOK 169 for a one-way ticket. Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance online and children under 17 travel free with a paying adult. The bus has several stops in the city centre, including Bryggen and the Bergen Bus Station.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider the City Light Rail (or 'Bybanen' in Norwegian). This takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre and costs NOK 40 for a one-way ticket. If you have the Bergen Card, you can travel for free on the Light Rail and all Skyss buses throughout Bergen and Vestland county.

For those seeking a more comfortable and personalised experience, a taxi may be the best option. Taxis are readily available outside the arrival terminal, and you are free to choose any company you prefer, regardless of their position in the queue. The cost of a taxi ride will depend on factors such as the rate applied, the number of passengers, and the distance to your destination. However, Bergen Taxi offers a guaranteed maximum fare for rides between the airport and the city centre.

Alternatively, you can also take a boat from Flesland Pier to the city centre or explore the beautiful coastline.

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The Bergen Card: free transport and discounts

The Bergen Card is a great way to get around Bergen and the region, offering free and discounted access to transport, attractions, and cultural experiences. Here are some key benefits of the card:

Free Transport

The Bergen Card provides free travel on the City Light Rail (Bybanen in Norwegian) and all Skyss buses throughout Bergen and Vestland county. This includes the Bergen Light Rail Line 1, which connects the airport to the city centre in about 45 minutes. You can also take the Airport Bus (Flybussen) for a discounted rate.

Discounted Transport

In addition to free public transport options, the Bergen Card offers discounts on other transport services. This includes a 12% discount on daily and weekend rates for car rentals, as well as discounts on parking at Bygarasjen parking in the city centre.

Free and Discounted Attractions

The card also provides free or discounted admission to museums, attractions, sightseeing tours, and cultural events. This includes free admission to the Bergen Aquarium, where you can see sea lions, crocodiles, fish, and snakes. You can also explore the city's historical and cultural heritage at various museums, such as those featuring works by Norwegian artists like Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup.

Restaurant Discounts

The Bergen Card also offers discounts at selected restaurants, pubs, and cafes, so you can save money while enjoying the local cuisine and cultural experiences.

The Bergen Card can be purchased online or at the Tourist Information Centre in Bergen, with options for 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, and 96-hour cards. It's a great way to explore the city and its surroundings while saving money on transport and attractions.

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Bergen airport hotels

Bergen Airport Flesland is Norway's second busiest airport, located about 18 kilometres south of Bergen city. The airport is served by several hotels, which are ideal for business travellers and those seeking convenience and comfort. Here is a list of hotels near Bergen Airport:

Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport

This hotel is within walking distance of the terminal, making it a convenient choice for travellers who want to stay close to the airport. It offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and its proximity to the airport ensures a stress-free transfer.

Scandic Flesland Airport

Also within walking distance of the terminal, Scandic Flesland Airport provides easy access to the airport and the city centre. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and it is a good option for those who prefer to travel on foot.

Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg

Located a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from the airport, this hotel offers a free shuttle service during weekdays. It is a convenient option for those who want the flexibility of a quick transfer to and from the airport. Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg also provides free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

Scandic Kokstad

Situated about 5-10 minutes away from the airport by taxi, Scandic Kokstad offers a comfortable stay with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included. The hotel is a good choice for travellers who want a balance between proximity to the airport and a peaceful location.

Thon Hotel Bergen Airport

Thon Hotel is located just next to Scandic Hotel and is a mere 2-minute walk from the airport terminal. It provides easy access to the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) and the Airport Bus (Flybussen). The hotel features a restaurant, conference facilities, and a well-equipped gym. Thon Hotel is an excellent option for travellers who want to be close to the airport and public transportation.

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Getting from the airport to your accommodation

Bergen Airport is located about 18 kilometres or 10 miles from Bergen city centre. There are several ways to get from the airport to your accommodation in the city centre. Here are some options:

By Taxi

The taxi rank is located just outside the arrival terminal. There are several taxi companies in Bergen, and you can choose any company you prefer, regardless of their position in the queue. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the city centre depends on the rate applied, the number of passengers, the distance to your destination, and whether you are travelling at night. However, Bergen Taxi has a guaranteed maximum fare for rides between the airport and the city centre. A taxi ride to the city centre will take about 20-25 minutes.

By Airport Bus

The Airport Bus (called Flybussen in Norwegian) offers frequent, fast, and easy transport between the airport and the city centre. The bus stop is located just outside the arrival terminal. Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance online and cost NOK 149 for adults and NOK 119 for children. Tickets bought on the bus cost NOK 30 extra. The bus makes several stops in the city centre, including Bryggen and the Bergen Bus Station, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.

By Light Rail

The Bergen Light Rail (called Bybanen in Norwegian) is another option for getting to the city centre. The Light Rail Line 1 starts at the airport terminal and ends in the city centre. A one-way ticket costs NOK 40-49 for adults and NOK 25 for children. The journey takes about 45 minutes. If you have a Bergen Card, you can travel for free on the Light Rail and all Skyss buses throughout Bergen and Vestland county.

By Car

If you prefer to drive yourself, it is easy to rent a car upon arrival at the airport. The driving distance between the airport and the city centre is about 18 minutes.

By Transfer Service

You can also book a private transfer service, which offers luxurious, comfortable vehicles and professional drivers to take you to and from the airport. This option may be ideal if you are travelling with a group.

Frequently asked questions

You can get from Bergen Airport to the city centre by taxi, the Airport Bus (Flybussen), or the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen). The Light Rail is the cheapest option, costing 40 kroner one way, but the bus is faster, taking 30-32 minutes. The taxi is the most expensive option but is ideal for groups or families.

The bus from Bergen Airport to the city centre costs NOK 169 for an adult and NOK 119 for a child. If you buy your ticket on the bus, it costs an extra NOK 30 per person.

The cost of a taxi from Bergen Airport to the city centre depends on the rate applied, the number of passengers, the distance to your destination, and whether you're travelling at night. The last time someone took a taxi from the airport to the city centre, it cost 500 kroner.

The fastest way to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre is by taxi, which takes about 20 minutes. The bus takes 30-32 minutes, and the Light Rail takes about 45 minutes.

Bergen is a very walkable city, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. It can be quite rainy, so a waterproof jacket is also ideal. You can get around the region by train from the Bergen Railway Station, by boat from Strandkaiterminalen (Bergen boat terminal), or by bus from Bystasjonen (Bergen Bus Station).

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