Bergen Airport (BGO), Flesland, located 18 kilometres southwest of Bergen’s city centre, serves as Western Norway’s primary gateway, handling over 6.5 million passengers in 2024.
As Norway’s second-busiest airport, it offers a modern and efficient experience for both domestic and international travellers. The single terminal, expanded in 2017, is divided into domestic (gates B15-B20) and international (gates 23-29, 31-32) sections, with a clear layout that ensures easy navigation.
Check-in counters and self-service kiosks on the first floor streamline the process, while security and departure gates are upstairs, though international arrivals involve a longer walk to baggage claim on the ground floor. The terminal’s airy design and clear signage in English and Norwegian make it accessible, though peak times can feel busy due to its medium size.
Getting to and from the airport is straightforward with multiple transport options. The Airport Express Bus (Flybussen) provides a quick 20-30 minute ride to Bergen’s city centre for 169 NOK one-way or 298 NOK return, with stops at key locations like Bryggen and Bergen Bus Station. Tickets purchased online are cheaper, and up to four children under 17 travel free with an adult. The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) offers a scenic 45-minute journey to Byparken for 49 NOK, with free travel for Bergen Card holders.
Taxis, available outside the terminal, take about 20 minutes to the city centre, costing around 400-500 NOK, though fares vary with traffic. For those driving, the E39 and Rv580 highways lead directly to the airport, which offers over 5,000 parking spaces, including short-term and long-term options bookable online.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of tastes. Airside, passengers can enjoy cafes like Upper Crust and Point Kiosk, alongside restaurants offering Norwegian and international dishes. Domestic travellers find shops like ARK for books and Elkjّp for electronics, while international passengers have access to duty-free stores and North for additional retail.
Landside, the arrivals hall hosts a small cafe and convenience shops for snacks. Facilities are well-equipped, with free Wi-Fi throughout, drinking fountains, and ATMs from DNB offering 13 currency cards. Baby-changing stations are available in all restrooms, and nursing rooms are located near gates D32 and E27.
The Bergen Lounge, open daily from 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM (6:30 PM on Saturdays), provides a comfortable space with snacks and Wi-Fi for 400 NOK per adult. Accessibility is strong, with dedicated parking, ramps, and staff assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, though requests should be made 48 hours in advance.
On-time performance is generally solid, supported by major airlines like Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Widerّe, which operate frequent domestic and European routes. However, delays can occur during peak hours due to high traffic, with over 106,000 aircraft movements annually.
Security queues may extend up to 30 minutes during busy periods, and international travellers have reported slow passport control processing. Weather, particularly fog or strong winds common in Bergen, can also disrupt schedules, so arriving two hours early for international flights is recommended.
Connections are efficient within the single terminal, with domestic-to-domestic transfers often taking under 30 minutes due to the compact layout. International transfers may require 45-60 minutes, especially if clearing customs or reclaiming luggage.
The airport’s design minimises walking distances, and a free shuttle bus connects to Flesland Quay for fast ferry services to coastal destinations like Stavanger. Potential delays to watch for include congestion at security during morning and evening rushes, occasional staff shortages, and challenges with tax refund processes, as the refund point is located after security, complicating luggage handling. Despite these, Bergen Airport’s modern facilities, convenient transport links, and practical amenities make it a reliable choice for exploring Bergen’s fjords, historic sites, or connecting to Norway’s broader network.
Widerøe
Widerøe operates direct flights to Ireland (Dublin) from Bergen Airport’s main terminal. As a regional carrier, check-in is in the domestic/international departures area; opens 2 hours prior for international.
Check-in at dedicated Widerøe counters in departures hall (rows 1-5 for international) Check-in opens 2 hours before; closes 40 minutes prior. Online check-in available; self-kiosks for bag tags. For Dublin, use international counters; arrive 2 hours early, be at gate 20 minutes before departure.
Departure Gates in main pier (C or D for EU/international, 08:40-11:05 departures) Gates announced 30-45 minutes before; for Ireland, commonly C10-C20. Boarding starts 20-30 minutes prior; gates close 10 minutes before. Use Widerøe app or screens; compact airport.
