Arriving at Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES) is straightforward, and getting into town is just as easy. The airport sits on the island of Vigra, connected to Ålesund by subsea tunnels and island roads, so you will be in the Art Nouveau city center in well under half an hour. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly bus, a door-to-door taxi, or the flexibility of a rental car, you have good options year-round.
Short answer: The quickest and best-value option for most travelers is the Airport Express Bus (Flybussen FB65), running between the terminal and Ålesund sentrum in roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and your exact stop. Taxis take about the same time but cost more. Renting a car is convenient if you plan to explore the fjords and islands around Sunnmøre.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the ways to go from Ålesund Airport to the city, what to expect, and a few local tips that will save you time and stress.
Where is Ålesund Airport and how long does it take?
Ålesund Airport is located on Vigra, about 17 to 18 kilometers from Ålesund’s city center. Typical travel time by road is around 16 to 20 minutes in normal conditions. You will pass across island causeways and through subsea tunnels before reaching the compact, walkable center around the harbor.
Option 1: Airport Express Bus (Flybussen FB65)
For most travelers, the Flybussen (route FB65) strikes the best balance of speed, price, and convenience.
What it is: A dedicated airport coach that connects Ålesund Airport with key city stops, typically including Ålesund bus station (Ålesund rutebilstasjon), Skateflukaia, Korsegata or Kiperviktorget, and often Campus Ålesund and Moa. Travel time is commonly in the 15 to 25 minute range, depending on where you get off.
Frequency and hours: Service runs daily with departures tied to flight times alongside a regular timetable throughout the day. If you are traveling at unusual hours, check the latest schedule before you fly. The pattern is designed to meet the larger flight banks, so you usually do not wait long after landing.
Tickets: You can buy tickets online or in the Vy app ahead of time. Purchasing in advance is smart during busy periods. Some services also sell tickets on board with contactless payment, but having a mobile ticket makes boarding quicker.
Where to board at the airport: Buses depart right outside the arrivals area with clear “Flybussen” signage. If you are heading back to the airport, you will typically board at Ålesund bus station or Skateflukaia in the center. Look for platform information on local displays and always verify the bus number FB65.
Pricing snapshot: The fare is budget friendly compared with taxis. Exact prices can vary by season, discount type, and sales channel, so confirm in the app or on the operator’s site on your travel day.
Good to know:
- The bus is luggage friendly and designed for airport travelers.
- If you are staying by the harbor or near the Art Nouveau streets, stops like Korsegata or Kiperviktorget and Skateflukaia are typically closest. Check your hotel’s nearest stop for a short walk.
- For onward regional travel within Møre og Romsdal, the FRAM network app and journey planner are your go-to for local buses and connections.
Option 2: Regular Public Buses (FRAM)
Outside the Flybussen service, FRAM operates the wider public transport network. If you are not in a rush, or you are connecting to neighborhoods beyond the city core, FRAM routes may suit you. Use the FRAM travel planner or FRAM app to search from “Ålesund lufthavn” to your destination. It will show current departures, any service updates, and ticket options.
When this helps: Budget travelers, late-evening or early-morning arrivals when the airport coach pattern is thinner, or anyone headed to residential areas that the airport coach does not cover directly. If you have time and want the lowest price, this can be a smart alternative.
Option 3: Taxi
Time: 15 to 20 minutes to most central hotels, similar to a private car.
Cost: Pricing varies by time of day, traffic, and company. The airport–center run typically lands in the mid-hundreds of NOK, and many operators offer fixed fares if you prebook. For groups or families, the per-person cost can compare well with multiple bus tickets.
How to get one: You will find a taxi rank outside arrivals. If you need a child seat, mobility assistance, or a larger vehicle, prebook to make sure the right car is waiting. Local companies are used to airport pickups and will track flights on request.
Tip: If your flight lands late and you do not see a taxi right away, call a local company while you wait at baggage claim so the car meets you at the curb when you exit.
Option 4: Rental Car
If Ålesund is just your starting point for exploring Geiranger, Runde, or the Sunnmøre Alps, renting a car at the airport can be the most efficient move.
Route into town: Follow the signed route toward Ålesund sentrum. You will pass through subsea tunnels and island links before reaching the city. Navigation apps handle this drive easily, and road quality is excellent. Allow about 20 minutes in normal traffic.
Parking in Ålesund: The center is compact with paid street parking and garages. If your hotel offers parking, ask about entry routes and maximum height limits. In high season, give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot near the harbor.
Winter driving: Roads are well maintained, but wind, snow, and ice can change conditions quickly. If you are visiting from late October to early spring, make sure your rental has proper winter tires and drive conservatively on bridges and exposed stretches. Coastal wind can be strong, so keep both hands on the wheel and leave extra space.
Which option should you choose?
- Most travelers: Take the Flybussen FB65 for a fast, direct, and affordable ride to the city core. It is the simplest choice if you are staying near Ålesund bus station, Skateflukaia, or the Art Nouveau quarter.
- Families and groups with bags: Consider a prebooked taxi or private transfer for door-to-door convenience. With multiple passengers, the per-person cost can be competitive, and it removes the need to navigate with luggage.
- Road-trip plans: Rent a car at the airport and be in town in about 20 minutes, then continue to fjord viewpoints, islands, and trailheads on your own schedule.
- Budget or off-peak hours: Check the FRAM app for public bus options if the airport coach timetable does not match your arrival, or if you are headed beyond the main tourist areas.
Practical tips from a local
Match your stop to your hotel. Ålesund’s center is walkable, but the harbor curves around islands and inlets. Skateflukaia, Korsegata or Kiperviktorget, and Ålesund bus station are the usual targets for visitors. Pick the closest one to minimize walking with luggage.
Keep an eye on flight-timed buses. The airport coach pattern generally aligns with flight banks. If your flight is significantly early or late, check for the next bus in the Vy app while you wait at baggage claim.
Cards beat cash. Norway is widely cashless. Have a contactless card or mobile wallet ready for tickets and small purchases. This is especially useful on buses, in taxis, and at parking machines.
Traveling with skis, fishing gear, or photo equipment? The airport coach can handle it, but if you are carrying bulky items, a prebooked taxi or private transfer removes the guesswork and gets you straight to your door.
Mind the weather. In windy or wet conditions, give yourself a few extra minutes when connecting between bus stops and your hotel, especially around the waterfront where gusts can be strong. In winter, sidewalks can be slick, so consider footwear with a bit of grip.
Staying outside the core? If your accommodation is in the districts east of the center or on neighboring islands, it can be faster to ride the airport coach to a central stop, then switch to a FRAM bus for the final leg. The transfer is usually quick since most services meet at or near the bus station.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from Ålesund center? About 17 to 18 km. Driving time is roughly 16 to 20 minutes in normal traffic.
Is there a direct bus from the airport to the city? Yes. The Flybussen FB65 runs directly between Ålesund lufthavn (AES) and multiple central stops. Typical ride time sits around 15 to 20 minutes if you are headed to the main downtown stops.
What if I arrive late? There are usually services late into the evening, but if your arrival is very late or you are delayed, check the Vy app and consider a prebooked taxi as a backup.
Do rideshares operate in Ålesund? Availability is limited compared with Oslo and can be inconsistent. Taxis and the airport coach are the reliable options to the center.
Can I pay cash on the bus? Cash acceptance on Norwegian buses is uncommon. Use a card or app for hassle-free boarding.
Where should I get off for the ferry terminal or harbor area? Skateflukaia and Korsegata or Kiperviktorget are usually closest to the waterfront and many hotels. Always verify the stop name in your booking or maps app.
With a small airport and a compact city, transfers in Ålesund are refreshingly simple. Choose the airport bus if you want value and speed, a taxi if you need the ease of door-to-door, or a rental car if you are heading straight for the fjords. Either way, you will be strolling past Jugendstil facades in short order.