Bergen is Norway’s gateway to the fjords, wrapped by seven mountains and a UNESCO-listed old wharf. Getting here is straightforward from anywhere in the country, whether you prefer quick flights, one of Europe’s great railway journeys, or scenic coastal routes that turn travel into part of the adventure.
If you just want the short answer: the fastest way to Bergen from most Norwegian cities is by plane, with frequent daily departures and short flight times. From Oslo, the Bergensbanen railway takes around 6.5 to 7.5 hours and is often considered the most beautiful option. From Stavanger, the express boat and E39 coastal drive are classic choices. From Trondheim and northward, flights are usually best, while the Coastal Express is a memorable slow-travel alternative.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the best routes to Bergen from each major city, plus practical tips on tickets, timing, and what to expect on arrival.
Getting To Bergen From Oslo
Oslo to Bergen is Norway’s most travelled intercity route, and you have excellent options.
Train: The Bergensbanen between Oslo S and Bergen is legendary for a reason. It crosses Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s highest mountain plateau, with wide-open views and plenty of weather drama in winter. Travel time is typically 6.5 to 7.5 hours depending on the departure. There is a full-service café car and numbered seats. Booking early often secures the best fares, and winter and summer holiday dates sell out.
Flight: Flights from Oslo Gardermoen to Bergen Flesland are frequent, commonly taking about 50 minutes in the air. Factor in airport transfer time at both ends. If you are heading straight to the fjords from the airport, the city’s light rail line (Bybanen) runs from the terminal to central Bergen in about 45 minutes.
Bus: Long-distance coaches connect Oslo and Bergen via the Hallingdal or Hardanger routes. Expect roughly 9 to 10 hours, often with overnight options that save on a hotel night.
Drive: The classic E16 crosses Hardangervidda and the world-class tunnel network of Western Norway. In summer, many prefer the Hardanger route for waterfalls and fruit orchards. Allow 7 to 9 hours depending on roadworks, ferries, and stops. Check mountain pass conditions in winter and plan for weather windows.
Getting To Bergen From Stavanger
Stavanger and Bergen are coastal neighbors separated by islands, fjords, and bridges, which makes for varied travel choices.
Express Boat: The fast boat along the coast is a local favorite when the schedule fits. It is comfortable, scenic, and typically around 4 to 5 hours, with a café on board. Seats are assigned or first-come depending on carrier and fare type.
Bus: Long-distance buses link the cities via Haugesund and Stord, commonly in 5 to 6 hours. Coaches run year-round, and frequencies are decent on weekdays.
Drive: The E39 is an engineering tour of modern Norway, with impressive tunnels and bridges. Travel time is often 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic and any ferry or temporary detours. Plan breaks; the route has well-placed service areas and coastal viewpoints.
Flight: Direct flights are short, around 40 to 45 minutes. If you are tight on time, flying will usually be the quickest door-to-door.
Getting To Bergen From Trondheim
Trondheim sits in central Norway, and while the map makes it look close, mountains and fjords stretch out the distance.
Flight: This is the practical choice for most travelers. Direct flights generally take about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. If you are connecting onward, Bergen Airport has a good domestic network.
Coastal Express: If you want the journey to be part of your trip, the northbound and southbound Coastal Express calls at both Trondheim and Bergen. Southbound from Trondheim to Bergen is typically about a day with spectacular coastline, lighthouses, and small port calls. It is a premium, slow-travel experience rather than a budget transfer.
Drive: Expect 10 to 12 hours depending on route and season. You will cross multiple fjords and mountain sections, so watch road advisories and be realistic about daylight in winter.
Getting To Bergen From Tromsø
Distances in Northern Norway are big, and that shows here.
Flight: Direct flights from Tromsø to Bergen are common and take roughly 2 hours. If your dates lack a nonstop, connecting via Oslo is still efficient.
Coastal Express: Southbound voyages from Tromsø to Bergen are a Norwegian classic. Think about 3 days of midnight sun or northern lights season depending on the time of year, plus daily port calls. This is not the fast option, but it is unforgettable.
Drive: It is technically possible, but you are looking at multiple long days behind the wheel. Most people fly.
Getting To Bergen From Kristiansand
Kristiansand is Norway’s southern doorway, with ferry links to Denmark and a growing domestic flight network.
Flight: The flight to Bergen is about 55 minutes. It is the easiest way if your plans are fixed and time matters.
Bus and Drive: Overland routes typically go via Stavanger, combining the E39 with bridges and occasional ferry links. Driving time is 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and stops. Coaches take longer but can be good value if you book early.
Getting To Bergen From Ålesund
Two of Western Norway’s most scenic cities connect neatly by air, sea, and road.
Flight: Nonstop flights are short, about 45 minutes, and tend to be competitively priced outside peak holidays.
Drive: The E39 route involves beautiful island crossings and ferries. Expect 6 to 8 hours with stops and connections. In summer, consider taking an extra hour for photo detours; these are some of Norway’s most photogenic coastal stretches.
Coastal Express: Overnight or daytime segments between Ålesund and Bergen are popular. Roughly 10 to 12 hours depending on sailing and season.
Bus: There are long-distance coaches that track close to the E39. It is slower than driving but convenient if you prefer not to handle ferries and tunnels yourself.
Getting To Bergen From Bodø
From the gateway to the Lofoten region, you will want to think in terms of either air or sea.
Flight: Nonstop flights take around 1 hour 20 minutes. If you are connecting from the islands, Widerøe and other regional carriers make the Bodø link easy.
Coastal Express: Southbound from Bodø to Bergen is a highlight reel of Helgeland’s coast, the Trøndelag skerries, and West Norway. Plan over 2 days. It is a memorable route if your itinerary allows time.
Drive: It is a major undertaking with long sections and seasonal challenges. Unless you are on a longer road trip, flying will be kinder on your schedule.
Getting To Bergen From Haugesund
This is a short coastal hop with excellent coverage.
Bus: Coaches via Stord and the triangle of bridges and tunnels usually take around 3 hours. Frequencies are good.
Drive: Similar timing to the bus, typically 3 hours depending on the exact route and traffic.
Boat: There are express boat services on selected days that can be competitive on time and very scenic.
Flight: Flights can be useful if you are connecting onward in Bergen, but overland is often just as quick door to door.
Ticket Tips, Timing, And Practicalities
Buy ahead for the best fares. On busy routes like Oslo to Bergen, advance tickets on trains and coaches can be significantly cheaper. Airfare pricing also rewards early booking, especially around Easter, summer holidays, and Christmas.
Plan for weather if you go overland. Norway’s mountain passes and fjord crossings are safe and well run, but conditions change quickly. In winter, carry warm layers, water, and snacks, and allow extra time. In summer, roadworks on tunnels and bridges can create delays. A flexible mindset goes a long way.
Use seat selection strategically. On the Bergensbanen, sitting on the right side leaving Oslo gives big views across Hallingdal, while the left side heading into Bergen catches more Hardanger scenery. On coastal boats, indoor seating is comfortable, but keep a windproof layer ready for deck time.
Know the airport transfer options. Bergen Airport Flesland is connected by the Bybanen light rail to the city center in roughly 45 minutes, with departures every few minutes in daytime. Airport buses are quicker when traffic flows, but the light rail is consistent and budget friendly. If you are meeting a fjord tour early the next morning, staying near Byparken or Torgallmenningen keeps transfers simple.
Coastal Express is a journey, not a commute. If you pick the ship, treat it like a mini-expedition. Book a cabin, plan a simple day bag, and lean into the port calls. It costs more than bus or train, but the value is in the landscape and rhythm of travel.
Driving is freedom with caveats. Western Norway’s roads are engineered marvels, but they demand attention. Obey speed limits strictly, watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk, and build in real breaks. If you are new to Norwegian roads, avoid late-night winter mountain crossings.
Luggage and gear. On trains and buses, standard suitcases are fine. On express boats, keep a smaller bag handy since larger luggage may be stowed. If you are carrying outdoor gear for fjord hikes, pack it in a way that will not shed mud or water in shared spaces.
Seasonal Advice For Your Bergen Arrival
Winter: Short days and the possibility of storms make schedules more sensitive. Flights are robust, but mountain roads and some boats can be affected. The reward is a quieter Bryggen and crisp mountain air. Bring footwear with grip.
Spring: Snow still sits on the plateau while cherry blossoms show up in the city parks. Train views are dramatic, and road conditions improve quickly. Ferries shift to spring schedules around Easter.
Summer: This is peak season. Book everything early and expect livelier stations, airports, and quays. The pay-off is long evenings and fjord days that seem to stretch forever.
Autumn: Colorful hillsides and fewer crowds. Weather is mixed, so have a waterproof layer within reach. Prices often dip outside school holidays.
How To Choose The Best Route For You
If you value speed, fly. If you value scenery and a sense of place, take the Bergensbanen from Oslo or the Coastal Express from the coastal cities. If you are building a flexible Norwegian road trip, drive the E39 or E16 and give yourself permission to stop often. Most travelers end up combining modes, for example flying into Bergen and returning by train to Oslo, which makes for a balanced itinerary.
Whichever route you pick, arriving in Bergen is easy to love. Step out into the smell of sea and wood, find your bearings around Bryggen and the fish market, and let the seven mountains do their thing in the background. The journey is part of the story, and in Norway, it is often the part you remember most.