When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Bergen?
Visiting this Norwegian City in the shoulder season beginning in September is likely to get you the cheapest tickets. The weather starts to cool and snow is likely, but there are fewer tourists. Bergen also builds the biggest gingerbread town in the world in December and hosts northern Europe’s largest music and theatre festival in May, but, of course, flying at these times will be more expensive.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Bergen?
If you are looking to experience the city in the peak of its activities in May or December then make sure to book well in advance to secure cheap flights to Bergen. Be flexible with your dates of travel to snag budget deals. Last-minute flights are more likely to be on offer in the shoulder season.
Flying to Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO)
Bergen Airport, Flesland is the second-biggest airport in Norway, serving about six million passengers per year. It is about 12 miles south of Bergen, in the town of Flesland.
You can fly direct to BGO from a number of U.K. airports. Those offering direct flights to Bergen include Manchester Airport, Inverness Airport, Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Sumburgh Airport, Edinburgh Airport, and London Gatwick Airport. Year-round direct flights to BGO are offered by Norwegian Air from London Gatwick Airport, Scandinavian Airlines from Manchester Airport, and Wideroe from Aberdeen Airport. Starting in May 2018, year-round direct flights will be available from Inverness Airport and Manchester Airport by Loganair, which also offers seasonal direct routes from Glasgow and Sumburgh Airports.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
A new terminal (Terminal 3) was opened at BGO last year, and although international flights still use the old Terminal 1 (accessible via a walkway from Terminal 3) for now, plans are in the works for an upgrade to Terminal 1 as well. The expanded airport can now handle up to 10 million passengers annually. Terminal 2 is reserved for helicopter departures. Nordea Bank ATMs can be found in the arrivals area and after security in departures. The airport has a number of amenities including free Wi-Fi, duty free, food and drink and water fountains.
Getting to the City from Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO)
As part of the renovations at BGO, the terminal is now connected to the city via the Light Rail service. It takes at most 45 minutes to get into the centre of Bergen, depending on exactly where you want to go. Tickets can be bought using an app, or in the baggage claim area using credit cards. At peak travelling times a train passes every five minutes. The airport bus to Bergen stops at area A5-A7 just outside the terminal building and leaves every ten minutes. Taxi journeys take about 20 minutes to Bergen and the taxi rank is outside the terminal. There are also car rental companies located at the airport.
Why Visit Bergen?
The City of Bergen gives visitors a glimpse into the Middle Ages. The port city was the capital of Norway in the 13th century, before Oslo took over the title, and the spectacularly preserved 18th century wooden houses on Bryggen, the old wharf, are now protected by UNESCO. Despite its small size, Bergen is a lively city, mainly due to the large student population that keeps it thriving.
Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, day trips outside of the city to explore the stunning landscape, which are also recognised by UNESCO on its World Heritage List of natural attractions, would top off any visit to Bergen. The city is also a stop on the Hurtigruten cruise, which sails up to the Russian border in the north. If you plan to sail on the world-famous boat, then spending a few days before your trip in Bergen could be a delightful bonus.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Visas are not needed by British citizens to travel to Norway, and your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay. If you wish to stay longer than three months, you will need to contact the Norwegian Embassy. The currency is the kroner (NOK), credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs and currency exchanges are widely available.
