Bergen Travel Guide
If Only We Had Known...
This thought occasionally crosses my mind during my travels. Therefore, I would like to offer tips and provide information that may prove helpful to you as you prepare for a trip to Bergen (and Norway in general).
Since there are numerous websites providing detailed travel information, I have included links to them only where appropriate. Should you have questions that are not answered here, I kindly ask that you refrain from contacting me directly to request further information. Instead, I recommend that you explore the Bergen Tourist Information website and get in touch with their helpful staff.
Please note that I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information presented here. I strive to keep this page up to date and to expand its content over time. Should you discover errors in the information listed here, please do let me know by sending an email to [email protected]
How do I get to Bergen?
Arriving by Plane
Bergen Flesland International Airport (BGO) is located approximately 18 km outside the city center of Bergen. After Oslo, it is Norway's second-largest airport. Currently, there is a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights.
Getting from the airport to the city center:
By Tram
Tram Line 1 travels directly from the airport terminal into the city. The journey to the final stop, Byparken (city center), takes approximately 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the vending machines located at the tram stop (using a credit card).
By Bus
The airport bus (Flybussen) also runs directly from the airport terminal to the city center (stopping at the bus station and Festplassen, with its final stop at Bryggen). Travel time to the final stop is 25 minutes.
By Taxi
Taxis are available directly in front of the airport terminal. The travel time to the city center depends on the time of day and averages approximately 25 minutes. The fare ranges between 450 and 650 NOK (depending on time of day).
By Rental Car
Bergen Airport offers several rental car options, all found on the airport's website. Including Avis, Sixt, Hertz and more.
Arriving by Train
If you are traveling from Oslo to Bergen, I recommend taking the train. There is arguably no more beautiful way to approach Bergen. The train journey from Oslo to Bergen takes approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes. Bergen Station, where you will arrive from Oslo, is located in the city center. From there, you can reach your accommodation by bus, tram, or taxi.
Arriving By Car
When arriving by car, the primary concern is parking, especially if your accommodation does not provide guaranteed parking. The Bergen Tourist Information office provides an excellent overview regarding this matter on its website.
Arriving by Ferry
Another way to get to Bergen is by ferry. Fjord Line sails daily from Hirtshals (Northern Denmark) to Bergen via Stavanger.
Arrival with Hurtigruten
Traveling Norway aboard the Hurtigruten coastal express is an experience in itself. Hurtigruten calls at 34 ports between Kirkenes and Bergen. You can easily book a port-to-port journey directly on the Hurtigruten website. It is also possible to bring your own car along. Since this mode of transport is highly popular among travelers from all over the world, booking well in advance is essential. Furthermore, booking early can result in significant cost savings. Hurtigruten frequently features attractive special offers on its website.
Arriving By Cruise Ship
Bergen ranks among the largest cruise ports in Scandinavia. Each year, over 300 cruise ships dock in Bergen. Most of these arrive between May and September, and it is not uncommon to see three ships moored in the harbor on a single day. There are two port areas where ships can dock: Skolten–Bontelabo–Festningskaien and Jekteviken. A question I frequently receive from guests before they book one of my city tours is: "How do I get from the cruise terminal to the tour's starting point?" The meeting point is located in front of the Tourist Information Center, placing it right in the city center.
Here is a brief overview of how to get from your cruise ship to the city center:
My ship is moored at Skolten, Bontelabo or Festningskai
From here it is quite simple. Your ship is docked just a few hundred meters from the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen—and thus only a few minutes' walk from the city center. Cruise lines rarely offer a shuttle service here, so to get from here into the city you will have to walk.
My ship is docked at Jekteviken Quay.
The journey from Jekteviken Quay into the city takes a bit more time. Jekteviken Quay is located in the industrial section of the port and therefore lies within a high-security zone. Passengers whose ships dock here are not permitted to leave this port area on foot. Consequently, shuttle buses are stationed outside the ships to transport you out of the secure area. These shuttle buses will take you only as far as the area just outside the security perimeter, in front of the ferry terminal; from there, you must continue on foot into the city center.
You can find out where your ship will dock by contacting your cruise line. Another way to obtain this information is by consulting the Bergen Port Schedule, which is publicly accessible online. Please note that both the specific quay where you will arrive and the scheduled arrival time are subject to last-minute changes. However, experience shows that ships adhere to their scheduled arrival times and locations approximately 90% of the time. Nevertheless, you should keep this in mind if you are booking activities that are not organized by your cruise line.
If you book a city tour with me but arrive late, this will be treated as a "no-show." Since other tourists, who may have plans scheduled for after the tour, also participate in my tours, I am unable to make exceptions for individual latecomers. I therefore strive to start and finish my tours punctually. Should you miss the tour, a refund of the costs is not possible. I appreciate your understanding.
How Do I Get around in Bergen?
Public Transportation
The most authentic way to get around an unfamiliar city is by using public transport—specifically buses and trains. There are few places where you can get so close to the locals and observe them in their daily lives (something I particularly enjoy during my travels). Furthermore, public transport allows you to reach parts of a city that often lie off the beaten tourist path.
Bergen’s public transport network is well-developed, with buses and trains running at regular, frequent intervals throughout the day and night. They are also clean and safe, though you should still keep a close watch on your belongings.
It is worth noting that while all tram stops in Bergen are equipped with ticket machines, very few bus stops have them. Tickets cannot be purchased on board the tram; it is essential to buy a ticket in advance at a machine. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, but they are more expensive than those bought at a machine.
The most convenient way to purchase tickets is through the transport authority’s ticketing app, Skyss Billett, whether you need a single fare, a monthly pass, or an annual ticket. Over 80% of locals purchase their tickets this way. Download the app to your smartphone before you travel and enter your credit card details in the settings.
Complementing the ticketing app is the Skyss Reise app, which allows you to check timetables and plan a journey from one location to another. Both apps are available in English and Norwegian. Please note that both apps require an active internet connection to function.