Introduction
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a treasure trove of wooden houses, lively markets, and stunning mountain views. As a traveler, navigating the city can be daunting, but with this guide, you’ll be able to move around Bergen like a local. In this article, we’ll cover how to get to Bergen city center from the airport, how to move around the city on foot, using public transport, and driving in Bergen.
Useful Tips
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of transportation, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid driving a car: Bergen is small enough that you can easily walk or use public transport. Parking spaces are often limited for residents.
- Buy a Bergen Card: This card will allow you to save money and travel freely on buses and metro, as well as get discounts and free access to popular attractions and activities.
How to Get to Bergen City Center from the Airport
Photo by Varde / Avinor
The city is served by Flesland Airport, located 20 km south of the city center. It’s connected to Italy via Norwegian Airlines and is the second-largest hub in Norway. There is only one terminal.
Once you arrive at the airport, getting into the city is not complicated:
- Taxi: Available outside the Terminal, taking 25 minutes (€27.75 + €32.45)
- Flybussen bus: Service active from 6:00 am to 11:30 pm (€10.80)
- Bergen Light Rail and Bybanen tram: Stop at Byparke (€3.70)
- Private transfer: Pre-book online before departure
Airport Flesland
Distance from city center: 20 km / Travel time: 25 minutes
Taxi cost: €295 + €345 / Travel time: 25 minutes
Flybussen bus: €11.50
Bergen Light Rail and Bybanen tram: €3.70
Private transfer: Transfer private to city center
How to Move Around Bergen on Foot
Bergen is a small town that can be easily walked around. The historic center has limited distance, and you can reach the outskirts of town within 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also bike, but some streets are cobblestone and may be difficult to navigate.
Using Public Transport
Since car usage is not recommended, we recommend using public transport, such as buses and metro. The Light Rail is also a great way to get around the city. We recommend buying a Bergen Card, which will allow you to save money and travel freely on buses and metro, as well as get discounts and free access to popular attractions and activities.
Metro (Bergen Light Rail)
The Light Rail system extends from Byparken (in the center of Bergen) to Flesland Airport. It has multiple stops also near major tourist attractions.
Hours: 5:30 am – 10:00 pm
Ticket price/corso single: €3.70
Daily ticket or weekly pass: €9,40
Bus
The bus network covers the central and periphery areas of the city with over 50 routes and many stops. The company that manages the service is Skyss.
Hours: 5:45 am – 1:00 am
Ticket price/corso single: €3.70
Daily ticket or weekly pass: €9,40
Funicolare
The funicular is considered an attraction in itself and allows you to reach Mount Fløyen in just 10 minutes (ticket can be purchased online that includes a tour of the historic center and a harbor cruise). At the same time, it offers breathtaking views of the city.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ticket price/corso single: €6.60
Bergen Card ticket included
- Hardcover Book
- National Geographic (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Driving in Bergen
If you plan to reach Bergen by car, it’s essential to know that entering the city requires a toll payment, which is active from Monday to Friday between 6:00 am and 10:30 pm.
Please respect traffic rules, as fines can be quite high. In Norway, speed limits are generally low, and the city of Bergen also follows this policy with reduced speed limits in urban areas, always indicated by road signs.
Zoning Low Emission Zones (LEZ)
The city of Bergen is a ZES, which means that during periods of high pollution, an alternating scheme for even or odd-plate vehicles applies. The cost of tolls increases (€21.20 during peak hours – €9.00 outside peak hours).
In addition, on days with high pollution, buses and Light Rail are free to use, making it easier to get around using public transport. All information can be found directly on the official website of Bergen city, also available in Italian.
Parking spaces
The best solution for parking your car is finding a hotel or accommodation that offers this service to its guests. In Bergen, parking spaces are often reserved for residents.
We recommend checking out four designated parking areas with many free parking spots nearby popular attractions and hotels in the city center. They are all secure, reliable, and conveniently located. Each has an average price of €2.40
Conclusion
Bergen is a beautiful city that can be easily navigated using public transport or on foot. With this guide, you’ll be able to move around Bergen like a local and make the most of your visit.
FAQs
How do I get to Bergen city center from the airport?
Flybussen bus is the cheapest option (€10.80), while a taxi takes 25 minutes (€27.75 + €32.45). You can also pre-book a private transfer online before departure.
2. What is the best way to move around Bergen on foot?The historic center has limited distance, and you can reach the outskirts of town within 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also bike, but some streets are cobblestone and may be difficult to navigate.
3. How do I use public transport in Bergen?We recommend buying a Bergen Card, which will allow you to save money and travel freely on buses and metro, as well as get discounts and free access to popular attractions and activities.
4. What are the hours of operation for the Light Rail system?The Light Rail is operational from 5:30 am – 10:00 pm.
5. How do I use the funicular in Bergen?You can purchase a ticket online that includes a tour of the historic center and a harbor cruise, or buy one at the station (€6.60).
6. What are the hours of operation for the bus network?The bus network is operational from 5:45 am – 1:00 am.
7. Are there any Low Emission Zones in Bergen?Yes, the city of Bergen has a ZES, which means that during periods of high pollution, an alternating scheme for even or odd-plate vehicles applies.
8. Can I park my car in Bergen?The best solution is finding a hotel or accommodation that offers this service to its guests. In Bergen, parking spaces are often reserved for residents.