Kristiansand Airport Kjevik sits just northeast of town and is the small, friendly gateway to Norway’s southern coastline. Getting from the terminal to the city center is straightforward, with reliable local buses, quick taxis, and easy self-drive options. I grew up in Sørlandet and still fly through Kjevik often; the trip into town is short, and the choices are uncomplicated if you know the basics.
Short answer: The local bus line 35 to and from Kjevik runs between the airport and Kristiansand sentrum throughout the day, with some departures interlining as line 36. The ride usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Taxis take roughly the same time but cost more, while renting a car is convenient if you plan to explore the coast. The airport bus stop is a 2 to 3 minute walk from arrivals, on the main road just behind the parking garage.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the options, when each one makes sense, and the small local tips that save time.
Taking the Local Bus
For most travelers, the city bus is the sweet spot of price and predictability. Line 35 “Tveit/Kjevik” connects the airport with Kristiansand sentrum, and selected line 36 departures cover parts of the route. This is not a special airport coach. It is the regular local service that residents use every day, which is why it runs reliably and is priced like any city bus. Travel time is typically 20 to 30 minutes into the center depending on traffic and stop pattern.
You will find the bus stop on the main road behind the parking garage. From arrivals, follow the short signed walkway past the parking area and you will see the shelter and the timetable board. It is close enough that even with a rolling suitcase you will be comfortable in typical weather.
A couple of practical notes from many Kjevik runs:
- The bus keeps to its schedule and will not wait for delayed flights. If your plane is late at night or you are cutting it close, check the next departure in the app before you leave baggage claim.
- Heading back to the airport from town, use the same line 35. In the city center, you will board at stops like Rådhuset or Tinghuset, then ride out through the university corridor toward Tveit and Kjevik.
Tickets, Apps, and Paying on Board
Locals use the AKT Billett app to buy tickets quickly and at the best price. You can also pay on board, but app prices are usually a touch lower and save time when the bus is busy. If you are visiting for a day or two, a 24-hour ticket can be good value because it covers the wider Kristiansand network, not just the airport leg. It is often worth it if you plan to ride out to the zoo, the beach areas, or the museum district during your stay.
A small habit that helps: I open the AKT Reise journey planner as soon as the aircraft door opens, then activate my ticket while waiting for my bag. By the time I walk out, I know exactly which stop to aim for and how many minutes until the next bus.
Taxis: Fastest Door to Door
Taxi is the simplest if you are tired, traveling as a family, or heading to an address beyond the center. The ride into downtown typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes in normal traffic. The distance is around 16 kilometers, so if you share the car with two or three people, the door-to-door convenience can be worth it compared to multiple public transport tickets. Cabs line up just outside arrivals, and the dispatchers are used to flights arriving in waves.
Two tips from experience. First, if you land just after a larger plane, the taxi rank can thin out for a few minutes. If that happens, step inside, order via a local operator’s app, and a car will swing by quickly. Second, if you are going straight to ferry or train connections, tell the driver so they can choose the quickest drop-off point for the terminal entrance.
Car Rental and the Easy Drive Into Town
If you plan to explore Sørlandet’s beaches, lighthouses, and small towns, picking up a rental car at Kjevik makes sense. The drive to the center is straightforward. Follow the signed routes toward Kristiansand and you will be on well-marked roads the whole way. With luggage or kids in tow, it is convenient to toss everything in the trunk and avoid transfers. Time-wise, it is similar to a taxi in normal conditions, often 13 to 25 minutes depending on where you are staying in the grid of downtown streets.
A local driving note: once you reach the city, watch for one-way streets and bus lanes. Parking garages are clearly marked and are usually the easiest option for short stays. If you are staying in the compact center, many hotels partner with nearby garages, so ask about guest rates at check-in.
Where You Will Arrive in the City
If you ride the bus, you will come into central Kristiansand, known as Kvadraturen. It is a tidy grid of streets close to the harbor, with shopping, restaurants, and the bus and train hubs all within a short walk. Stops like Østerveien, Rådhuset, or Tinghuset place you right in the middle of things. Most hotels are a few minutes on foot. If you are continuing by regional bus or train, it is usually easiest to ride line 35 into the center and then make your connection rather than trying to change earlier.
Early Mornings, Late Nights, and Delays
Line 35 runs throughout the day and evening, but if you are landing very late or departing very early, double-check the timetable in the app. Because it is a standard city route, it sticks to its published times and will not hold for a delayed flight. When connections are tight, plan a small buffer or switch to a taxi to keep things calm. If your flight is delayed and you just missed a bus, do not sprint with luggage across the parking to gamble on a last-second boarding. Either plan for the next departure or walk back to the taxi stand so your first hour in Kristiansand stays relaxed.
Handy Extras You Might Not Expect
- Boat transfer from Kjevik pier: For groups headed along the coast or to an island stay, there is a small on-demand boat option from the airport’s pier. It is niche, but memorable if you are building a special itinerary for a family or a team retreat. Ask your accommodation to help arrange it if you are curious.
- Weather reality check: Southern Norway’s weather changes quickly. If it is raining, the short walk to the bus stop is still fine, but keep a compact waterproof jacket handy. In winter, the walkway is maintained, yet sensible footwear is a good idea if you catch a fresh snow.
What I Recommend For Different Situations
Solo traveler or couple on a normal schedule: Take line 35. It is affordable, quick, and drops you central enough that you will walk to most hotels and restaurants within minutes. If you arrive in the early afternoon, you will also get a good feel for the city layout as you ride in.
Family with kids, lots of bags, or a stroller: Taxi from arrivals is usually worth it for the door-to-door convenience, especially if it is wet or windy. The time saving is small, but the energy saving is real. You will be grateful when you can roll straight into your hotel lobby and skip the juggling on board.
Group of four to six with heavy luggage: Compare the per person taxi cost with bus tickets. With four or more, a taxi often wins on convenience without costing much more per person. Use the bus if everyone’s traveling light and the timing lines up nicely with your arrival.
Exploring beyond the city after you land: If your plan is to continue toward Lillesand, Grimstad, or Arendal, you can ride line 35 into Kristiansand and connect to the long-distance coastal buses, or simply rent a car at Kjevik if you prefer the freedom to beach-hop, detour to small harbors, and stop for shrimp at a pier café along the way.
Small Local Tips That Make It Smoother
Activate your AKT Billett ticket before the bus arrives so you can board quickly at the front door without fumbling at the validator. If you are headed straight to the ferry or train, check the walking time from your chosen bus stop in the center. Kvadraturen is compact, but a two minute wrong turn can become ten if you are tired. If you are arriving with skis or oversized gear for a winter stay, position yourself near the bus’s middle door when it pulls in, where there is more space to stand with equipment.
Kristiansand is a small city with big-visit energy. Whether you pick the reliable local bus, a no-fuss taxi, or a rental car for coastal freedom, you will be in the center quickly and ready for Sørlandet’s bright wooden houses, harbor walks, and that first plate of fresh shrimp by the quay.