Bergen Airport Flesland Layover Guide (BGO)

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

Bergen Airport (BGO) is an international airport located in Flesland, about 18 km (11 miles) from downtown Bergen, Norway. The airport officially opened in 1955. Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway and is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and historic charm. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, it’s a gateway to stunning natural beauty. Bergen is also known for its rich maritime heritage and bustling tourism industry.

Can you leave Bergen Airport (BGO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may exit Bergen Airport during a layover provided you clear passport control and hold valid entry rights. Norway is in Schengen: if you’re from a visa-exempt country, no visa is typically needed. Other travelers must apply online for a short-stay Schengen visa well in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf Stroll along the colorful wooden buildings of the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic Wharf, exploring narrow alleyways, quaint shops and museums recounting merchant life in medieval Bergen. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bybanen light rail to Byparken (~45 min) then 3 min walk; taxi ~30 min.)
• Fløibanen Funicular Ride the iconic Fløibanen funicular up to Mt. Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen’s rooftops, fjords and surrounding mountains, with scenic hiking trails and a café at the summit. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bybanen to city center (~45 min) then 10 min walk; taxi ~35 min.)
• Bergen Fish Market Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies from vibrant stalls at the historic Fish Market, mingling with locals, exploring souvenir shops and enjoying lively atmosphere by the waterfront. (Time required: 30–45 minutes / Airport to here: Bybanen to Vetrlidsallmenningen (~45 min) then 5 min walk; taxi ~30 min.)
• Bergenhus Fortress Discover medieval ramparts, Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Hall at Bergenhus Fortress, delving into Viking sagas and history within one of Norway’s best-preserved fortified complexes. (Time required: 45 minutes–1 hour / Airport to here: Bybanen to Byparken (~45 min) then 5 min walk; taxi ~30 min.)
• Mount Ulriken Cable Car Ascend Mount Ulriken via cable car for breathtaking vistas over Bergen, fjords and islands, enjoying a summit restaurant, viewpoints and scenic walking trails before returning. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bybanen to city center (~45 min) then bus/taxi to Ulriken station (~15 min).)
• Fantoft Stave Church Visit the reconstructed Fantoft Stave Church, an exquisite example of medieval Norwegian wooden architecture nestled in lush woodland, immersing in serene atmosphere, forest trails and cultural heritage. (Time required: 45 minutes–1 hour / Airport to here: Bybanen to Fantoft (~35 min) then 10 min walk; taxi ~30 min.)
• KODE Art Museums Explore KODE’s four buildings housing Norwegian and international art, featuring masterpieces by Edvard Munch, contemporary exhibitions and design collections in central Bergen. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bybanen to Torgallmenningen (~45 min) then 5 min walk; taxi ~30 min.)
• Bergen Aquarium Encounter marine life from the North Sea and beyond at Bergen Aquarium, enjoying interactive exhibits, penguin and seal feeding shows, touch pools and scenic harbor views. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bybanen to city center (~45 min) then bus 12 to Nordnes (~10 min); taxi ~35 min.)

Things to Do in Bergen Airport (BGO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Bergen Lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages and Wi-Fi for a fee (NOK 400 adults, NOK 140 children). Open one hour before the first international departure until the last boarding, access is valid up to three hours prior to departure. Ideal for unwinding before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport features 304 modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, bar, conference rooms and a gym. It’s directly across the street from the terminal with light rail and airport bus stops outside. Scandic and Clarion hotels are also within walking distance, providing convenient overnight options. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Bergen Airport’s terminal opens by 04:00 and closes after the last flight arrives, remaining accessible to passengers with valid boarding passes. There are no designated sleep pods or nap zones; seating is limited. For guaranteed rest, booking a nearby airport hotel is recommended over overnight terminal stays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the ‘AIRPORT’ network, launch your browser and select the free access option. You’ll receive four hours of complimentary internet per session, with the option to log in again or purchase additional time and higher speeds if required.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Telenor, Telia, Lycamobile and ice Norway are sold at 7-Eleven and Narvesen kiosks in arrivals, and via vending machines. Plans start at around NOK 200 for several gigabytes. Alternatively, purchase a Norwegian eSIM online before travel for instant activation upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi ranks are located directly outside the terminal. Four main operators—Norgestaxi, Christiania Taxi, Bergen Taxi and Taxi 1—serve the airport. Fares to Bergen city centre average NOK 400–600 for the 16 km journey, taking roughly 18 minutes in normal traffic. All taxis accept cash and card payments.

Train: Bergen Airport is served by the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) line 1, linking the terminal with the city centre. Trains run approximately every 12 minutes from early morning until midnight, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.more info

Bus: Airport Express coaches depart from outside the arrivals hall, connecting Bergen Airport with the city centre and major suburbs. Services run every 20 minutes, with a journey time of about 35 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on board or via app.more info

Shuttle: Flesland Parkering operates off-site parking with a free shuttle bus to the terminal every 15 minutes. The shuttle takes about 5 minutes from parking areas P6 and P7. Service runs daily from early morning until late evening, ensuring convenient transfers for long-term parkers.

Car rentals: Five car rental companies—Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt—have desks in the arrivals hall. A combined fleet of about 100 vehicles is available, including sedans, SUVs and vans. Reservations can be made online or on arrival, with pick-up and drop-off directly at the terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport offers 3 500 parking spaces: a short-stay lot (P1) with the first 7 minutes free (NOK 45 per 20 minutes thereafter) and long-stay lots (P2–P5) including a multi-storey garage. Private off-site parking provides lower rates and an airport shuttle service.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage storage lockers at Bergen Airport. While a new “baggage hotel” service is planned, travelers needing to store bags should use city-based left-luggage services or local luggage hotels in Bergen centre, typically available near the railway and bus stations. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Bergen Airport (BGO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks