Discover public transport in Bergen: an efficient network of trams, buses, boats and trains for getting around the city and its surroundings with ease.
Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, the city has a very rugged setting that could have made getting around complicated. But not at all!
Its modern network of trams, buses, boats and trains lets you make the most of the region's many assets: lush countryside, fishing villages, traditional wooden churches… ⛰
Public Transport in Bergen
Bergen Flesland Airport is 18 km from the city centre. The fastest and most comfortable connection is the tram (Bybanen) ➡ in just 45 minutes.
The tram stops in the centre make it easy to reach the main tourist attractions on foot: the harbour, Bryggen, the fish market and the Fløibanen funicular. Very handy!
Local buses are a good way to visit residential neighbourhoods and slightly more distant sites such as the Gamle Bergen open-air museum.
To explore the magnificent fjords nearby, it's better to opt for the regional buses towards Voss, Odda, the Hardanger region or Sogndal. These long-distance lines often use ferries to cross the inlets.
Boats are in fact unmissable in this region shaped by fjords. The Norled company runs numerous regular services between Bergen and the surrounding islands and coastal villages.
Finally, the little Flåm train takes you from Bergen's central station to the picturesque valley of the same name. A marvel!
Reliable and Efficient Transport
Bergen's public transport network is both reliable and efficient.
Buses and trams boast very good punctuality rates. In the event of a delay or incident, information is quickly passed on to travellers via the website, the mobile app and the screens at the stops.
Frequency is also there, with a tram every 10 minutes at peak times and regional buses at least once an hour.
The icing on the cake: the staff on board and in the stations are friendly and helpful. You can tell that passenger satisfaction is a real priority.
In short, travelling by public transport in Bergen is both pleasant and efficient.
Getting Around Bergen City Centre
Bergen's centre is very compact. Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of one another.
So it's perfectly possible to visit the pedestrian zone and the historic Bryggen district on foot. It's even the best way to soak up the atmosphere of this charming city.
That said, the tram (Bybanen) can come in handy for reaching certain sites slightly outside the centre, such as the Edvard Grieg museum or the Fantoft stave church.
Its stops in the centre make it easy to walk to:
- Bergen harbour
- The pedestrian zone around Øvregaten street
- The fish market and its lively atmosphere
- The historic Bryggen district and its colourful houses
Buses for Getting Around the City
Beyond the city centre, the local bus network lets you reach Bergen's various neighbourhoods and attractions.
For example, line 11 takes you to the Aquarium on the Nordnes peninsula. Line 3 goes to Åsane, and the 485 to the island of Askøy.
There are also night buses. Handy for getting home after a lively evening in the bars of the city centre!
The buses are very regular, well equipped against the cold in winter, with stops announced clearly and precisely. Taking the bus really is easy, and I can only recommend it during your stay in Bergen.
Trains from Bergen
Bergen's magnificent railway station, built in 1913, is right in the city centre. Very handy!
Numerous trains from Bergen connect to Norway's other major cities. In particular:
- Oslo, the capital, in 6 hours 30 minutes, for a modest minimum of 500 NOK
These journey times may seem long, but they let you admire spectacular scenery: snow-capped mountains, dizzying waterfalls, steep-sided fjords… An unforgettable experience! You can book them at https://vy.no/
Regional trains also serve closer towns such as Voss or Myrdal, the gateway to the Flåm valley.
Although more expensive than the bus, the train remains the most comfortable and scenic way to travel around Norway. What's more, there are night trains, perfect for not losing any time during your stay.
Boat Services: Exploring the Fjords by Public Transport
A Maritime Network Integrated into the Skyss System
Bergen, surrounded by fjords and islands, has cleverly integrated its boat services into the public transport network. An affordable way to discover the coastal wonders!
Main Routes Covered by Skyss
- Route: Kleppestø ↔ Strandkaiterminalen Bergen
- Zone: A (same fare as the city centre)
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes depending on the time of day
- Highlights: Direct access to Askøy's beaches and fishing villages
- Route: Knarvik-Frekhaug ↔ Strandkaiterminalen Bergen
- Zone: A (city fare)
- Serves: The communities of Nordhordland
- Bonus: Spectacular fjord scenery during the crossing
Florabassenget boats (Zone H) A network of 4 lines in the Florø region:
- Florø–Veiesund–Askrova–Stavang–Svanøy
- Florø–Rognaldsvåg–Kinn
- Florø–Barekstad–Batalden–Fanøy
- A combined line linking the west and north of the basin
Unique Advantages of the Boats
- Same fares as the buses: Your standard Skyss tickets work!
- Free bikes: Unlike on the buses, there's no bicycle surcharge on the boats
- Vehicle transport: Some lines accept cars (separate fares)
- Panoramas included: Norway's most beautiful scenery from your seat!
Insider tip: The Askøybåten offers one of the finest approaches to Bergen by sea. Perfect for a day trip combining beaches and hiking.
Fares and Tickets in 2026
Tickets for the tram and local buses cost 51 NOK each (fares in force since 1 May 2026). There are also passes for 24 hours (136 NOK), 7 days (315 NOK) or 30 days (700 NOK).
| Pass | 2026 fare | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket (1 zone) | NOK 51 | One-way journey |
| 24-hour ticket | NOK 136 | 24 hours |
| 7-day pass | NOK 315 | 7 days |
| 30-day pass | NOK 700 | 30 days |
| Child/senior ticket | NOK 26 | One-way journey |
| Student ticket | NOK 30 | One-way journey |
| 30-day youth ticket | NOK 350 | 30 days |
You can buy them:
- From the ticket machines at tram stops
- Skyss Billett
- By text message to 2412
- On board buses (with a surcharge)
The easiest option is to get the Bergen Card, which lets you travel for free on all public transport in the city and the Vestland region: tram, local and regional buses, and boats. This tourist pass also gives you free access to many of Bergen's museums and activities.
How to validate your tickets
I recommend downloading the Skyss Billett mobile app and buying your tickets directly through it. If you're making at least one return trip in the day, get a 24-hour ticket — it will make your life much easier.
Once purchased, you can validate your ticket straight away. There's no need to scan it or show it to the driver: you're on your own. If an inspector comes by, you simply show your phone. And if you run out of battery, there are sockets on every bus.
When your bus tickets become train tickets
The Skyss system cleverly extends to the local rail network, giving you far wider scope for exploring with your usual tickets.
Zone A: Bergen–Arna–Trengereid
Your Skyss zone A tickets are valid on:
- Single and 24-hour tickets: Bergen ↔ Arna/Trengereid journeys
- 7/30/180-day passes: same coverage
- Frequency: trains roughly every hour
- Duration: 30–45 minutes depending on the destination
Zones A+E+F: Bergen–Voss
To reach picturesque Voss:
- 7/30/180-day passes only (single tickets are not valid)
- 3 zones required: A (Bergen) + E + F (Voss)
- 30-day price: NOK 1745 (adult) – NOK 1048 (student)
- Journey time: about 1 hr 15 min
Youth ticket: freedom all the way to Myrdal
With your youth ticket at NOK 350, you can take all the local Bergen–Myrdal trains:
- Access to the famous Flåm line
- Connection to Norway's most spectacular scenic railway
- Breathtaking mountain scenery
Important note: Skyss tickets are NOT valid on the long-distance Bergen–Oslo trains.
Ways to buy tickets
How to buy your transport tickets
Bergen offers several convenient ways to buy your tickets. Here are all the options available for getting around the city and its surroundings with peace of mind.
The Skyss Billett app
The Skyss Billett mobile app has become the go-to tool for getting around Bergen. Free and available on iOS and Android, it makes travelling around considerably simpler.
- Instant purchase: tickets are valid 2 minutes after buying
- Flexible payment: bank card, travel account, phone bill
- Automatic travel discount: progressive reductions for regular users
- Tickets for others: you can buy for family and friends
- Free parking: a parking permit is included with zone A passes
Insider tip: The travel account works like a digital wallet (NOK 200–5000), perfect for families — everyone can use the same account!
Skyss online shop
The official webshop (skyss.no) lets you buy tickets up to 30 days in advance. Ideal for:
- Organising your travel before the trip
- Buying for several people
- Choosing the exact date and time of validity
Tickets can be sent by text message, by email, or loaded onto a physical Skyss card.
Physical Skyss cards
The Skyss card is a physical travel card, particularly useful for:
- Long stays (7, 30 or 180-day passes)
- People less comfortable with digital tools
- Avoiding phone battery problems
You can order your card through the webshop and have it sent to you by post.
SMS tickets
For a quick single-zone ticket, simply send a text message to 2412
- Vaksen (adult) – NOK 51
- Student (student) – NOK 30
- Barn (child) – 26 NOK
- Honnør (senior 67+) – 26 NOK
For multiple zones, add the number: Vaksen2S for 2 zones, Vaksen3S for 3 zones, and so on.
Detailed Discount Types
Travel for Less: All Available Discounts
Bergen rewards families, groups and frequent travellers with a generous system of discounts.
Family Discount
One adult (18+) with a valid ticket can bring up to 4 children for free (aged 6-17). This discount applies:
- Every day of the year
- On buses, the tram and certain boats
- With all types of adult tickets (except the youth ticket)
Children under 6 always travel for free.
Group Discount
From 10 people travelling together, you automatically get 17% off adult tickets. This discount:
- Is calculated automatically in the app and the webshop
- Applies only to standard adult tickets
- Requires 24 hours' advance notice for groups of 15 or more
Progressive Travel Discount
The Skyss Billett app rewards loyalty with automatic discounts on adult tickets. The more you travel within the month, the bigger the discount – perfect for medium-stay visitors!
Special Fares
Students (40% off) – proof required
- Military personnel (40-50% depending on zones) – military ID mandatory
- Seniors 67+ (50% off) – ID may be requested
- NAV card holders (50% off)
Youth ticket: the freedom pass
The 30-day youth ticket (ages 16-20) is an exceptional deal: 350 NOK to travel freely on:
- All buses in Vestland county
- The Bergen tram
- Trains as far as Myrdal
- Several boat and ferry connections
A perfect pass for Erasmus students or young people on a Norwegian road trip!
Validation Rules and Inspections
How to Present Your Ticket According to Your Travel Zone
Validation rules differ depending on whether you're travelling within central Bergen or out in the outlying zones. Here's what you need to know to avoid any misunderstanding.
Within Zone A (Bergen Centre)
Within Bergen's urban area, travelling is child's play:
- No need to show your ticket to the driver
- Free boarding through all the doors (front/rear)
- Automatic validation for digital tickets
- Tram: checks by inspectors only
Outside Zone A (Suburbs and Regions)
For all journeys beyond the centre:
- Always show your ticket to the driver or crew
- Board at the front preferably
- Pushchair/wheelchair exception: rear boarding accepted, but you must then go and see the driver
Inspections and Proof of Ticket
- Student card for the student fare
- ID for seniors 67+
- Military ID for the military fare
- Companion certificate for carers
Important: Inspectors can ask for your ticket at any point during the journey, even in Zone A. Always keep your phone charged for digital tickets!
Transporting Equipment: Everything You Can Bring
Travelling with Bikes, Pets and Luggage
Bergen makes it easy to transport your personal belongings, but a few rules keep everyone comfortable.
Bikes and Scooters
- Ticket required: child fare (26 NOK) for bikes, e-bikes and large scooters
- Subject to available space: the driver decides based on safety
- Folding bikes free: counted as hand luggage once folded
- On boats: free transport if there is space
Bike parking is available at several terminals so you can combine modes of transport.
Pets
Your four-legged companions are welcome:
- Free on all Skyss transport
- On a lead or in a cage/carrier is mandatory
- On your lap or on the floor only
- May be removed if aggressive or disruptive
Note: Different rules apply on trains and express buses – check before your connections.
Pushchairs and Wheelchairs
- Free transport if space is available
- Brake mandatory and hold on firmly during the journey
- Special blue button: on the tram and some buses, a blue button with a pushchair/wheelchair pictogram lets you signal to the driver that you need more time
- Central doors recommended for boarding
Luggage
Transport is allowed if:
- Sufficient space is available
- No obstruction of doors, aisles or emergency exits
- Stability is assured in case of sudden braking
- No dangerous materials (flammable, explosive)
Practical tip: Some buses have very little luggage space – go for the tram if you have big items.
Car Rental
If you want to explore the region's fjords further and entirely at your own pace, opting for a car rental turns out to be a good option.
That way you can visit more remote sites along the inlets at your own rhythm, enjoy exceptional viewpoints by pulling over on the scenic routes, or even combine nature and culture with a visit to fishing villages.
The main rental companies such as Hertz, Avis and Europcar have branches at Bergen airport and in the city centre.
Budget around 500 NOK per day for a city car. It costs a little less than in France and will give you far more freedom.
Do remember to book your vehicle in advance, especially during the high tourist season. Use DiscoverCars to find the best deals!
New services: Bergen in the age of connected mobility
Bergen has cleverly integrated new modes of transport into its digital ecosystem:
- Location: Interactive map in Skyss Reise
- Stations: 100+ docking points in the centre and surrounding areas
- Fares: From 49 NOK/day
- Advantage: The perfect complement to public transport
Electric scooters ⚡
- Multiple operators: Voi, Ryde and Bolt
- Geolocation: Real-time availability in the app
- Use: Ideal for those last few kilometres
- Zones: Mainly the city centre and the university campus
Free parking: the little-known perk 🅿
Parking Included with Zone A Subscriptions
An often-overlooked benefit of Skyss subscriptions:
- Eligibility: 7/30/180-day zone A subscriptions
- Vehicles: Up to 2 registered cars
- Activation: Via the Skyss Billett app ("Parking" section)
- Zones: Participating car parks in central Bergen
- Condition: Only one car parked at a time
Smart maths: A 30-day subscription (700 NOK) + free parking can work out cheaper than 30 days of paid parking!
Express Services: Special Rules
Express Buses and Airport
- Bergen airport bus (FB50): Special fares (see flybussen.no)
- Vy/Nor-Way express: Skyss 30/180-day tickets partially accepted
- Airport express Førde/Sogndal: 150 NOK adult, 75 NOK reduced
- Exception: 30-day youth ticket accepted on regional airport buses
Warning: Booking is often compulsory to guarantee a seat on the express routes.
Accessibility
Universal Accessibility
Bergen is actively developing the accessibility of its transport in line with universal design principles.
Wheelchairs
- Length: 120 cm
- Width: 70 cm
- Total weight (user included): 300 kg
Zone A: normal accessibility on most buses Outside zone A: contact customer service beforehand to check whether the route is suitable
If you are delayed because of a lack of capacity, the travel guarantee applies.
Companions
People with reduced mobility holding a companion certificate can travel with a carer for free on all Skyss transport (the companion does not need a ticket).
Safety on Board
- Seat belts: use them when available
- Children: hold their hand when boarding and getting off
- Moving objects: hold bags and belongings firmly
- Reflective clothing: recommended in the evening
- Crossing the road: wait until the vehicle has fully departed
Services and Facilities
- Power sockets: available beneath the windows on some buses
- Real-time information: screens and voice announcements
- Non-smoking areas: all stops and terminals
- Bins: at stops only (not on the tram)
- CCTV: all tram cars and tram stops
Essential Mobile Apps
Skyss Reise (Planning)
- Real-time journey planner
- Map of self-service bikes and scooters
- Information on how full the buses are
- Delay and change alerts
Skyss Billett (Tickets)
- Ticket purchase and validation
- Family travel account management
- Free parking permit
- Journey history
Tech tip: The two apps complement each other perfectly – plan in Skyss Reise, pay in Skyss Billett!
Do you have any questions? Don't hesitate! I'll be delighted to answer them.
FAQ – Bergen Public Transport
Q: Can you buy tickets on the tram/bus? A: No, it is not possible to buy a ticket on board the tram. And it's more expensive on the bus. You must buy your ticket in advance, either from the machines at the stops or via the mobile app.
Q: Where can I get the Bergen Card? A: The Bergen Card is on sale at the city's tourist outlets, including the tourist office (Bergen Turistinformation). There are 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h options (NOK 400 to 700 for an adult in 2026). There is also a digital version that can be booked online on the dedicated website.
Q: Do children travel for free? A: Yes, children under 6 travel free on all local public transport: buses, trams and boats.
Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Yes, pets are accepted for free on board all public transport. They must be kept on a lead.
Apps and Digital
Q: My phone is out of battery, what should I do? A: Power sockets are available on most buses. In an emergency, buy a paper ticket on board or use the machines at the tram stops.
Q: Can I transfer my tickets to a new phone? A: Yes! Download the app on the new phone and log in with the same account. Your subscriptions will sync automatically.
Q: Is the Skyss app available in English? A: Yes, the app follows your phone's language. If your phone is set to English, the app will automatically be in English.
Technical Issues
Q: The SMS to 2412 isn't working, what should I do? A: Try the new number +472412. Some operators have trouble with the short format. If the problem persists, use the app or buy on board.
Q: Can I buy several SMS tickets at once? A: Yes! Just add the number after the code: "Vaksen 3" for 3 adult tickets. Be careful to leave a space.
Q: My family tickets aren't working, why? A: The family discount requires the adult to be 18+ and to hold a valid ticket (not the youth ticket). Children must be between 6 and 17 years old.
Refunds and Guarantees
Q: Can I get a refund in the event of a major delay? A: Yes! The travel guarantee applies if you arrive more than 20 minutes late AND there is no alternative transport within the following 20 minutes. Keep your supporting documents.
Q: How do I close my travel account and recover my balance? A: Fill in the form on skyss.no. Warning: balances under 50 NOK are not refundable.
Q: What should I do if I lose my physical Skyss card? A: Contact customer service immediately. If the card was registered in your webshop account, the balance can be transferred to a new card.
Journeys with Connections
Q: Do my Skyss tickets work on all trains in Norway? A: No! Only on the local Bergen–Voss/Myrdal trains. For Oslo or other destinations, buy separately on vy.no.
Q: Can I use my Bergen Card on the express buses? A: No, the Bergen Card only covers local Skyss public transport. The express buses have their own fares.
One final tip: If in doubt, the Bergen tourist office (Strandkaien) has multilingual experts on hand to help you make the most of your travels!
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