Getting Around Bergen
Bergen is a compact city with a well-developed public transport network that makes it easy for visitors to move around. The city centre is relatively walkable, and most tourist attractions are accessible by foot or public transport. Bergen's mountainous setting and peninsular location mean that buses, trams, and light rail are the primary ways visitors navigate the city, supplemented by walking and taxis where needed.
The Bergen Light Rail Network
The Bergen Light Rail is one of the city's main public transport options. The light rail runs frequently throughout the day from 05:00 until past midnight, with up to 12 departures per hour on main routes. It operates as a stopping service, so while it may take longer than a bus for some journeys, it is a reliable and regular option. The light rail connects the airport to the city centre and serves various parts of Bergen.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses form the backbone of Bergen's public transport system and serve the entire city and surrounding areas. Bus routes connect the city centre to residential neighbourhoods, and several buses serve key tourist destinations like Bryggen and the Fisketorget (Fish Market). Bus line 23 serves the western neighbourhoods of Søreide and Loddefjord, though it runs only during morning and evening rush hours on weekdays.
A single adult ticket on public transport costs kr 49, with reduced fares for children and seniors at kr 25. Tickets can be bought before boarding from machines, online, or from ticket vendors, which saves a small amount compared to buying on board. Tickets are also available from machines at transport hubs throughout the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Bergen, though they are considerably more expensive than public transport. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs approximately kr 300-350 on weekdays, with higher fares at night and weekends. For general city travel, taxis are an option if you prefer door-to-door service, but public transport is more economical for most journeys.
Walkability
Much of Bergen's city centre is very walkable. However, visitors should be aware that many streets in the centre are one-way or restricted to buses and taxis only, so planning your walking routes in advance is helpful. The historic Bryggen waterfront area and surrounding neighbourhoods are best explored on foot. The city's compact centre means that many attractions—museums, shops, restaurants, and viewpoints—are within reasonable walking distance of each other.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Bergen Airport Flesland is located about 19 kilometres south of the city centre. There are several convenient options for reaching downtown:
- Bergen Light Rail: The light rail has its southern terminus at the airport, with a station in the basement area. This is the most economical option, using standard public transport fares (kr 49 for adults). The light rail takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Byparken, the final stop in the city centre, and runs very frequently throughout the day and evening.
- Flybussen Airport Bus: Flybussen departs from right outside the terminal building and makes frequent stops, including at Bryggen and the Fisketorget, before reaching the bus terminal. The journey downtown takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Adult single tickets cost kr 179, with return tickets at kr 309. Discounts apply for children, students, and senior citizens. Buying tickets before boarding saves kr 10; you can purchase them online, from machines, or from ticket vendors. Tickets are also sold on the bus with cash or card.
- Bus Line 23: This bus line also connects the airport to western neighbourhoods but operates only during morning and evening rush hours on weekdays, making it less practical for most visitors.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport but are significantly more expensive than public transport, costing kr 300-350 on weekdays and more at night or weekends.
- Car Rental: Several rental companies operate at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and National. Most offices are located in the terminal building near the exit and are typically open 07:00-21:00 on weekdays, with limited weekend hours. Some companies offer 24-hour rental with advance reservation. However, driving in Bergen city centre is not recommended unless you have specific knowledge of the area, as many streets are one-way or restricted to buses and taxis.
Arriving by Train
Bergen is served by the Bergen Line (Bergensbanen), which runs from Oslo and is operated by Vy. The journey from Oslo takes about 7 hours and offers scenic views, particularly in the final 3 hours as the train descends from a high mountain plateau toward Voss and Bergen. Bergen Station is located in the eastern corner of the city centre at Strømgaten 4, close to the bus station and parking facilities. The station is within walking distance of the city centre and easily accessible by bus or on foot.
Arriving by Car
If you arrive by car, it is strongly recommended to leave your vehicle in a car park and use public transport, walking, or taxis to move around the city centre. Most streets downtown are one-way or restricted to buses and taxis only. Parking is generally forbidden in the city centre's Zone 1 unless explicitly permitted, and is restricted in other zones. The main road approaches to Bergen come from the north via road E16 and E39 through Arna and Åsane, and from the south via E39 from the Halhjem ferry dock. Both routes involve long tunnels that bypass the city centre.