Trondheim Airport Værnes Layover Guide (TRD)

What are you looking for in TRD?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Trondheim Airport (TRD) is an international airport located in Værnes, Trøndelag County. It’s situated about 32 km (20 miles) from downtown Trondheim. The airport officially opened in 1961. Trondheim is Norway’s third-largest city and is renowned for its rich history, vibrant student community, and scenic fjords. It’s also known for its cutting-edge technology sector and offers a great mix of culture, nature, and recreational activities for both residents and visitors.

Can you leave Trondheim Airport (TRD) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes—you may leave Trondheim Airport during a layover if you clear passport control and have an adequate minimum transfer time. Norway is in the Schengen Area: nationals from visa‐exempt countries may enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. All other international passengers require a valid Schengen visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Nidaros Cathedral Marvel at Norway’s magnificent medieval cathedral, final resting place of St. Olav, featuring striking gothic architecture and guided tours revealing centuries of history intricate stone carvings vibrant stained glass windows. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, then 5-minute walk.)
• Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) Admire the iconic “Portal of Happiness” wooden arch bridge painted deep red, offering scenic river views and photo opportunities of colorful warehouses lining the Nidelva River on both sides. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, then 5-minute walk.)
• Bakklandet District Stroll through Trondheim’s charming historic wooden-house district, lined with colorful cafés, artisan shops and riverside views. Perfect spot to sample local waffles and coffee while immersing in picturesque Scandinavian ambiance. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, then 10-minute walk across Old Town Bridge.)
• Kristiansten Fortress Ascend to the 17th-century historic fortress overlooking Trondheim, offering panoramic city and fjord views, informative exhibits on Norwegian military history, walking trails around stone ramparts and photography opportunities at sunset. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, bus 12 to Kristiansten stop, then 5-minute walk.)
• Rockheim Discover Norway’s national museum of popular music, featuring interactive exhibits, multimedia installations highlighting iconic Norwegian artists, rotating special exhibitions, and a rooftop café offering unique cityscape perspectives over Trondheim harbor. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, bus 48 to Brattørkaia stop, then 3-minute walk.)
• Ringve Museum Explore Norway’s foremost museum of music and musical instruments, housed in a baroque manor surrounded by botanical gardens, showcasing over 2000 historic instruments from around the world in thematic displays. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, bus 11 to Ringve stop, then 2-minute walk.)
• Munkholmen Island Take a short ferry ride to the small island fortress of Munkholmen, steeped in monastic and prison history, with panoramic fjord views, guided tours of the tower, picnic-friendly grassy areas. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, 10-minute walk to Ravnkloa ferry quay, then 15-minute ferry.)
• VilVite Science Center Engage with hands-on scientific exhibits at VilVite science center, exploring topics from space exploration to sustainable energy, including immersive planetarium shows, interactive workshops, and family-friendly experiments suitable for all ages. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Airport Express train to Trondheim S, bus 5 to VilVite stop, then 2-minute walk.)

Things to Do in Trondheim Airport (TRD)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Trondheim Airport features the airside SAS Lounge near Gate 30, accessible to SAS Plus, Business and Star Alliance Gold passengers or via pay-per-use (€24). Though temporarily closed, seating areas and benches landside offer informal rest spots. Free water refill stations and plentiful charging points help travelers unwind pre-flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels serve Trondheim Airport: Radisson Blu Hotel lies adjacent to the terminal (connected via a covered walkway) and offers day rooms. Scandic Hell sits 600 m away with complimentary shuttle. Quality Airport Hotel Værnes is minutes away on foot. All provide comfortable rooms, modern amenities and convenient access for overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Although the airport officially closes at midnight, travelers can stay landside if arriving before closing. Reclining benches and sofas in the check-in hall provide spots to rest; noise ramps up by 5 AM. There are no dedicated quiet zones, cots or showers, so bring a sleeping bag or travel mat for greater comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Trondheim Airport. To connect, select the network “AIRPORT,” open your browser, choose “Free” and log in. Sessions last four hours, after which you can simply log in again. For extended or faster service, premium access passes can be purchased via the login portal for hourly or daily boosts.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Norway’s major carriers (Telia, Telenor, Ice) can be purchased landside at 7-Eleven or Narvesen kiosks after arrivals. Alternatively, buy an eSIM online before travel and activate upon landing via QR code for instant data. Tourist information at the terminal can guide you to mobile operator outlets for additional plans. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi rank stands immediately outside the Arrivals Hall, operating around the clock. Typical fares to Trondheim city center range from NOK 500–600 and the journey takes about 30–40 minutes. Taxis accommodate luggage and seating for four; pre-booking via local companies or apps is recommended for fixed-price rides and swift pickups.

Train: Trondheim Airport Station sits just 190 m from the terminal. The Trøndelag Commuter Rail (Vy) runs hourly trains to Trondheim Central Station (38 minutes) and south to Lerkendal. SJ Norge operates three daily express services to Mo i Rana and Bodø. Tickets can be bought at vending machines landside. (more info)

Bus: Værnesekspressen airport buses run up to four times per hour between Trondheim Airport and the city center in just 25 minutes. They stop at major hotels, Trondheim Central Station and Solsiden. Tickets are available online, via app or at terminal machines. Alternative AtB city buses (lines 70, 311, 430) also serve the airport. (more info)

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels provide shuttle services to and from the terminal. Scandic Hell operates a frequent complimentary shuttle for guests; Radisson Blu and Quality Airport Hotel Værnes offer on-demand transfers. Schedule details and booking are available through each hotel’s website or by contacting reception upon arrival.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) maintain desks in the Arrivals Hall. Vehicles are parked in adjacent lots. Offices open in line with flight operations. Reservations via online platforms are recommended for best rates. Drivers must present a valid license, credit card and passport at collection. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Trondheim Airport offers over 3 000 paid parking spaces in short-term (P1) and long-term (P2, P3) lots. The closest P1 lot sits next to the terminal with a free 10-minute grace period. Rates start around NOK 30/hour, with daily caps. Pre-booking and payment via Avinor’s website or on-site machines enhances convenience.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Trondheim Airport does not offer luggage storage or lockers within the terminal. However, the nearby Stjørdal railway station provides coin-operated lockers. Alternatively, consider left-luggage services in Trondheim city center. For securing valuables, Avinor’s Service Centre can hold car keys if needed; inquire landside in the arrivals zone. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Trondheim Airport (TRD) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks