Getting to Western Norway
Whether you're travelling by plane, car, campervan or ferry, you'll find everything you need to plan a smooth journey to Bergen and the breathtaking fjord region of Western Norway.
Whether you're travelling by plane, car, campervan or ferry, you'll find everything you need to plan a smooth journey to Bergen and the breathtaking fjord region of Western Norway. Getting there is the first step towards an unforgettable Norway holiday. Depending on where you're travelling from and how you prefer to travel, there are several convenient ways to reach Western Norway. This guide provides an overview of the most popular travel options, together with practical tips to help you plan your trip.
✈️ By Plane
For many travellers, flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Western Norway. Bergen Airport (BGO) offers direct and connecting flights from many European cities and is the perfect starting point for a road trip through Norway's spectacular fjord region.
👉 👉 After You Arrive
- • Bergen Airport (BGO) – a modern airport just outside the city centre.
- Car Rental pick up your rental car directly at the airport and start your adventure right away.
- • Flybussen Airport Bus - reaches Bergen city centre in approximately 20–30 minutes.
- • Bybanen Light Rail - our favourite option, taking around 40 minutes to the city centre.
- • Taxi- the most comfortable choice, but also the most expensive. Expect to pay approximately €60–80 depending on your destination.
🚗 By Car or Campervan
Travelling by car or campervan gives you complete freedom to explore Western Norway at your own pace. You'll be able to discover hidden fjords, scenic viewpoints and charming villages that are often difficult to reach by public transport. Most visitors travelling with their own vehicle arrive via Denmark or Germany before taking a ferry to Norway. Depending on your starting point, several ferry routes are available.
| Route | Ferry Operator | Crossing Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiel → Oslo | Color Line | approx. 20 hours | A relaxing overnight crossing followed by one of Norway's most scenic road trips from Oslo to Bergen. |
| Hirtshals → Kristiansand | Fjord Line / Color Line | approx. 2 h 25 min – 4 hours | The fastest ferry connection to Southern Norway. |
| Hirtshals → Bergen | Fjord Line | approx. 17 hours | The easiest way to reach Western Norway without a long drive through Southern Norway. |
Which Ferry Route Do We Recommend?
🚢 Hirtshals → Bergen (Fjord Line)
Our favourite option for travellers who want to start exploring Western Norway immediately. After arriving in Bergen, you can begin your road trip straight away without spending another full day driving across Southern Norway.
For shorter holidays, this is by far the most convenient choice.
🚢 Hirtshals → Kristiansand (Fjord Line & Color Line)
The fastest and one of the most popular ferry routes to Norway. From Kristiansand, Bergen can be reached in approximately 7–8 hours by car, giving you the opportunity to enjoy several scenic stops along the way.
This route is perfect for travellers planning to explore Southern and Western Norway, including Kristiansand, Stavanger and Bergen.
🚢 Kiel → Oslo (Color Line)
A great option if you'd like your holiday to begin the moment you step on board. After an overnight crossing, you'll arrive in Oslo well rested and ready to start your Norwegian road trip. This route is especially popular with families and travellers from Northern and Central Germany.
Keep in mind: the drive from Oslo to Bergen covers more than 500 kilometres, and there are countless beautiful places worth visiting along the way.
💡 Our Travel Tips
✔ Book your ferry well in advance, especially if you're travelling during the summer season.
✔ If you're travelling with a campervan or motorhome, always enter the correct vehicle dimensions when booking.
✔ For overnight or longer ferry crossings, we highly recommend booking a cabin so you arrive in Norway well rested.
✔ Allow plenty of time for check-in, as ports can become busy during the peak travel season.
More Information
Looking for information about rental cars, campervans, electric vehicles, toll roads, camping and practical travel tips? You'll find everything you need in our Car & Campervan Rental guide.