Getting to and from Bergen Airport: Your Options Explained

When arriving at Bergen Airport (BGO), often referred to as Flesland Airport, a primary concern for many travellers is how to reach the city centre efficiently and affordably. Bergen, a picturesque Norwegian city renowned for its stunning fjords and historic wharf, Bryggen, offers several transportation methods from its airport. While a taxi provides the quickest but most expensive option, public transport, particularly the Bybanen tram and the Flybussen airport bus, presents more budget-friendly alternatives. This guide will delve into the specifics of each, helping you make an informed decision for your journey.

Comment Aller de Bergen Airport à Bergen ? — Flybussen offre le service le plus fréquent entre Bergen Airport et la ville. Le dernier arrêt se trouve devant le Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, à Bryggen, le quartier historique de la ville. Le nom de l’arrêt dans le centre-ville est « Festplassen », l’arrêt précédant est « Bergen Busstasjon », à proximité des gares routière et ferroviaire de Bergen.

Table

Taxis: The Premium Choice
Bybanen Tram: The Economical and Convenient Route
Flybussen: The Airport Express Bus
Comparison Table: Taxi vs. Tram vs. Flybussen
Renting a Car: For Extended Exploration
Frequently Asked Questions

Taxis: The Premium Choice

For those prioritising speed and directness, a taxi is the most straightforward option. The journey from Bergen Airport Flesland to the city centre typically takes around 20 minutes. However, this convenience comes at a price. Expect to pay an average of 720 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) for this 20-minute trip. While taxis offer door-to-door service, it's important to note that this is significantly more expensive than other available transport methods. For travellers seeking potentially slightly lower fares, the Uber app is also available in Bergen, with prices starting from approximately 659 NOK. It's always advisable to confirm the fare or ask for an estimate before commencing your journey.

Bybanen Tram: The Economical and Convenient Route

The Bybanen, Bergen's light rail system, offers a more economical and increasingly popular way to travel between the airport and the city. Line 1 of the Bybanen directly connects the airport terminal to the city centre. The tram stop at the airport is conveniently located on level -1, just outside the terminal building. The journey to the final stop, "Byparken," takes approximately 44 minutes, with the tram making 27 stops along the way. A stop at the Bergen railway station (Bystasjonen) is also available, taking about 42 minutes from the airport. This makes the tram a comfortable, albeit not the fastest, option.

Ticket Information for Bybanen:

Tickets for the Bybanen can be purchased from Skyss ticket machines located in the baggage claim area and at the tram stops. You can also use the "Skyss Billett" mobile app for purchasing tickets. While it is possible to buy tickets on board the tram, this will incur a higher cost. For travel between the airport and the city centre, you will need a ticket for one zone. The current pricing structure is as follows:

47 NOK for a 90-minute ticket.
115 NOK for a 24-hour ticket.

It's important to note that children under 18 years and seniors over 67 years benefit from a 50% discount. Children under 5 years travel for free. You must purchase your ticket before boarding the tram. When buying from a machine, the ticket is loaded onto your debit or credit card, which you then present wirelessly for ticket inspections. Detailed schedules and current prices can be found on the official Skyss website (skyss.no).

The Bybanen operates frequently, with trams departing every 5 to 10 minutes from Monday to Friday, and similar frequency on weekends. The first tram from the airport departs at 5:45 AM, and the last tram leaves at 0:08 AM (with later departures on Fridays and Saturdays at 3:11 AM).

Flybussen: The Airport Express Bus

The Flybussen airport express bus is another viable option for reaching the city centre. Buses FB50 and FB51 operate the route between Bergen Airport and the main bus station in the city centre. The journey time is approximately 35 minutes. Like the tram, the Flybussen also serves the historic Bryggen area and Flesland quay.

Quel est le prix d'un taxi à Bergen ? — Le taxi est le moyen de transport le plus rapide mais aussi le plus cher. Pour un trajet de 20 minutes entre l'aéroport de Flesland et le centre de Bergen, vous paierez en moyenne 720 nok. Il existe également une application mobile à Bergen, Uber, qui propose des prix légèrement inférieurs à ceux des taxis (à partir d'environ 659 nok).

Flybussen Pricing and Schedule:

Single journey: 169 NOK
Return journey: 199 NOK

Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver using a card or conveniently online via flybussen.no. The buses run frequently, typically every 30 minutes, although this can be reduced to every 60 minutes on weekends. The first bus from the airport departs at 4:30 AM (7:50 AM on Sundays), and the last bus leaves at 0:45 AM (22:30 on Sundays).

Comparison Table: Taxi vs. Tram vs. Flybussen

To help you visualise the differences, here's a comparative table:

Transport Method	Approximate Cost (One Way)	Approximate Journey Time	Frequency	Pros	Cons
Taxi	~720 NOK	20-25 minutes	On demand	Fastest, direct, convenient	Most expensive
Bybanen Tram	47 NOK (90 min ticket)	44 minutes	5-10 minutes	Cheapest, frequent, eco-friendly	Longest journey time, multiple stops
Flybussen	169 NOK	35 minutes	30 minutes (reduced on weekends)	Faster than tram, direct city centre service	More expensive than tram, less frequent than tram

Renting a Car: For Extended Exploration

If your visit to Bergen extends beyond the city itself and includes plans to explore the surrounding Norwegian countryside and fjords, renting a car might be the most suitable option. Long-distance public transport to more remote areas can be infrequent. During peak season, car rental prices can start from around 300 Euros for a 7-day period. This offers the ultimate flexibility for independent travel, allowing you to discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre?

The cheapest way is to take the Bybanen tram, with a 90-minute ticket costing 47 NOK.

Is there Uber in Bergen?

Yes, Uber operates in Bergen and may offer slightly lower fares than traditional taxis, starting from around 659 NOK.

How long does the tram take from Bergen Airport to the city?

The tram journey to the final stop, Byparken, takes approximately 44 minutes.

Can I buy tram tickets on the tram?

Yes, but it is more expensive. It is recommended to purchase tickets from ticket machines or via the Skyss mobile app before boarding.

What is the best way to travel if I have a lot of luggage?

While taxis offer the most convenience with luggage, the Flybussen also provides a comfortable option. The tram can become crowded, especially during peak hours, which might make handling large amounts of luggage challenging.

Does the Bergen Card include airport transport?

Yes, the Bergen Card, which provides access to attractions and public transport, includes the Bybanen tram journey to and from Bergen Airport.

Ultimately, the best choice for your transport from Bergen Airport depends on your priorities. For the budget-conscious traveller, the Bybanen tram is an excellent option. If speed is of the essence and budget is less of a concern, a taxi or Uber will get you there the quickest. The Flybussen offers a good balance between speed and cost. Consider your travel needs, luggage, and overall budget when making your decision.

If you want to read more articles similar to Bergen Airport Transport: Taxis vs. Tram, you can visit the Transport category.