Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Bergen, Norway. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Pick up your rental car at Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO) or in the city center from major car rental brands, then set off for Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord or Trolltunga. Book early for summer and compare vehicle types to match fjord roads, parking and luggage needs.
In Bergen, you have two main options for renting a car: at the airport or in the city center.
Location | Pros | Cons |
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Bergen Airport (BGO) |
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Bergen City Center |
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Bergen's airport hosts all major rental brands (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) in the arrivals hall or a connected facility.
The rental car area is a short walk from the terminal. After collecting luggage, follow signs to the car rental zone.
In Bergen center, rental offices are located near the train station and at locations like Minde or Kokstad. City rentals are ideal if you plan to explore Bergen for a few days before heading out on a road trip.
The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) connects the airport to the city center in about 45 minutes. Airport buses are also available.
Parking in Bergen is limited and expensive. The city has a toll cordon similar to Oslo's, so many travelers rent only when leaving town.
Schedule city pick-ups outside of rush hour. Bergen's roads into the city center can be congested at peak times.
On average, car rentals in Bergen cost around 835 kr per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 160 kr per day.
Pick up in the city, not at BGO. Airport rentals include surcharges. Take the Bybanen into town, explore Bergen car-free, then rent when you’re ready to hit the fjords.
Be flexible with dates and length. Compare across brands and vehicle classes. Weekly rates often beat 3–4 separate day rates. Shift pickup/return times to avoid weekend closures that can force an extra day.
Time your booking to the season. For peak summer in Bergen, book 2–3 months ahead. In shoulder or low season, compare broadly and watch for late deals before locking in.
Go smaller. Compact cars are cheaper, sip less fuel and fit Bergen’s tight parking. Look for unlimited kilometers if you’re doing big fjord loops.
Consider an EV in Bergen. EVs pay reduced tolls on the city’s toll ring and can get free or discounted parking and ferry rates, which adds up.
Skip paid extras. Use your phone for GPS, fuel up before return, and bring your own child seat if practical to avoid daily fees.
Bergen's compact center makes finding a spot challenging but there are several options:
Parking Type | Locations | Rates & Notes |
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Parking Garages |
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Street Parking |
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Residential Areas |
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Payment Methods: Street meters accept credit cards and some take coins. Mobile payment apps like EasyPark are widely used and convenient.
Enforcement: Regulations are strictly enforced. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed.
Bergen Toll Ring: Bergen has a toll ring around the city center. Automatic cameras record your license plate, and charges are billed through your rental company.
Studded Tire Fee: In winter, vehicles need to pay a daily fee to drive in Bergen center. Pay via machines or mobile app.
Bus Lanes: Bergen has dedicated bus lanes marked as "BUSS." Regular vehicles are not permitted to use these lanes during operating hours.
Low Emission Zones: While Bergen doesn't have permanent low-emission zones, it does have differentiated toll pricing. Electric vehicles pay reduced toll rates.
Book a rental car to get to:
Hardangerfjord - Steinsdalsfossen, Hardanger Bridge, fruit orchards
Sognefjord - Flåm Railway, Gudvangen ferry, Aurland
Trolltunga - Odda trailhead, Skjeggedal parking
Norway in a Nutshell loop - Voss, Gudvangen, Flåm, Aurland
Is it worth renting a car in Bergen if I'm only staying in the city?
If you're only staying in the city, you won't need a car. Bergen's center is small enough to walk around and it has good public transport. You should only think about renting a car when you're ready to explore outside the city.
What's the best time of year to drive around Bergen?
You'll find the best driving conditions from May to September because the days are longer. You'll see the most tourists in July and August. In late spring (May), you can see the fruit orchards in Hardanger blooming.
How difficult is the drive from Bergen to popular attractions like Trolltunga?
The roads to major attractions are well-kept, but some parts can be winding and narrow. You should allow extra time for your drive. For Trolltunga in particular, remember the hard part is the hike, not the drive to get there.
Are there any scenic routes I shouldn't miss when driving from Bergen?
We recommend the Hardanger National Tourist Route for its amazing views, and you can get to it easily from Bergen. The drive along Hardangerfjord through the fruit-growing areas is especially beautiful in spring and fall.
Can I rely on GPS for navigation around Bergen?
GPS works well around Bergen, but you should download offline maps as a backup for remote areas. When you're driving in the mountains or crossing fjords on a ferry, it's a good idea to also check your route on a paper map or ask a local for directions.
How long does it take to drive from Bergen Airport to the city center?
The drive from Bergen Airport to the city center usually takes about 25-30 minutes when traffic is normal. During rush hour (7:30-9:00 AM and 3:30-5:30 PM), you'll need to allow extra time.