Alesund is one of the most beautiful port towns in Norway, with the humble and cozy Ålesund Airport (AES) being the starting point for most travelers to the region.
Alesund, a scenic little town surrounded by mind-blowing nature, is located in the western part of the country and is also known for being the entry point to the famous Geirangerfjord. And Trollstigen. And many other remarkable places!
In this guide, I will walk you through the steps of getting from the Ålesund Airport to the city center, including the different transportation options, and which of those options was most suitable for me to get to the Ålesund city center after my arrival.
If youʻre booking your trip to Ålesund last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
✈️ Want to get from the airport to Ålesund hassle-free? Find the best airport transfer option here!
🇳🇴 Top tours and experiences in Ålesund:
- Trollstigen sightseeing village & fjord tour (popular day tour from Ålesund!)
- Fjord cruise from Ålesund to Geirangerfjord (Megan and I did this and loved it)
🛌 Top places to stay in Alesund:
- Hotel 1904 (has beautiful decor and atmosphere!)
- Hotel Brosundet (excellent location in a historical building)
- Thon Hotel Ålesund (has a sea view and tasty breakfast)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Alesund? Click here to check rental car rates for Norway!
You will find everything from the cheapest way to get there to the best Ålesund Airport transfer (and more).
Do you have any questions about getting from the Ålesund Airport to the city? Let me know in the comments!
In this post...
About the Ålesund Airport
Ålesund Airport is located only 20 minutes away from Ålesund on Vigra Island, connected by tunnels and bridges. It was my first time flying to Ålesund, and I went there on a birthday trip with Megan (for her birthday).
We booked a direct flight from Gdansk to Ålesund with a discount airline and landed in the daytime.
Arriving at an unfamiliar airport can be overwhelming, but that was not the case at Ålesund Airport. It was so small and straightforward that we managed to find our way around (and to the city) easily!
Upon arrival, we didn’t use any public transportation to Ålesund because we already had a pre-booked rental car waiting.
We decided to rent a car for the first couple of days of the trip as we were planning to visit Molde, Trollstigen, the Atlantic Highway, and Kristiansund before ending up back in Ålesund.
Once we arrived back in Ålesund, we took our rental car to the airport and the bus back into the city. Therefore, we ended up also taking the Flybussen (airport bus) back to the airport at the end of our trip.
While we used multiple modes of transport for this journey, it is simple to use just one. By the end of this article, you’ll find that going to Ålesund from the airport and vice versa will be a breeze!
Getting from the Ålesund Airport to the City Center
Here are our top four options for getting from the Ålesund Airport to the city, starting with the easiest option for those arriving!
1. Ålesund Airport Transfer (Easiest Option)
You can always book a private transfer where everything is ready for you, no matter what time you arrive.
If you don’t want to wait in a taxi line or travel on the bus, especially if you have luggage, then I recommend booking a fast and affordable private transfer.
This option is also good because the driver will help you with your luggage and drop you off in front of your hotel in Ålesund.
>> Click here to book a transfer from Ålesund Airport
2. Bus from Ålesund Airport to the City (Cheapest Option)
One of the most desirable options for budget travelers looking to get to the city center is a bus. Since there are no trams in Ålesund, buses were the best option for us on the way back.
Luckily, the airport is small, and we learned that the buses to Ålesund city center from the airport usually depart from the terminal entrance.
We found the airport bus FB65 easily after checking out of the terminal. As you exit the airport on the left side, you will see the Flybussen platform.
You can purchase the Ålesund Airport shuttle ticket directly from the driver, who speaks English. Alternatively, you can purchase online beforehand by going to this site.
Ålesund Airport Bus Ticket Price
You can see the Ålesund Airport (Vigra) ticket prices as of March 16, 2024 below:
- Adults: 119 NOK (11 USD)
- There are also tickets for children, students, seniors, and more
Ålesund Airport Bus Schedule
The Ålesund Airport bus runs every day from 6:00 AM until midnight. The bus goes to Ålesund rutebilstasjon (Ålesund bus station), which is right in front of the Ålesund Passenger Terminal.
Good to know: Tell the driver where your hotel is located, and they will try to find the most suitable stop to drop you off at because sometimes the bus can make special stops for passengers.
3. Rent a Car (Offers Most Flexibility)
Just like us, thousands of travelers who visit Ålesund are not just planning to stay in one place but are planning to take more road trips in the region.
We rented a car via Discover Cars and it was the best idea that we made for several reasons.
Just like in many parts of Norway, places are not well connected via public transportation, and renting a car is sometimes the only option.
We were planning on visiting several towns and landmarks, including Molde, Trollstigen, and Geiringer. We were also planning to do the famous Atlantic Highway road trip, and for that, we needed a car.
If you are planning to visit many places near or further away from Ålesund, then I strongly recommend booking a rental car.
Based on my experience, you can choose to book an e-car because the charging spots are everywhere in Norway and the prices are a lot cheaper.
>> Click here to check Ålesund rental car rates
4. Take a Taxi (Last-minute Option)
Uber works in Ålesund, so if you prefer, you can order a taxi using the Uber app. You can also take one of the airport taxis waiting right outside the terminal.
The price for the 15-20-minute ride will be approximately 500 NOK (approximately 50 USD) to the Ålesund city center.
Getting back to the Airport from the Center
Just like you initially went from Ålesund Airport to the city, you will need to get to the Ålesund bus station and take bus number FB65 back to the airport.
PRO TIP: If you end up being early for your bus like we were, I highly recommend visiting Molo Brew, which is located right next to the station. It’s a great place where you can relax, enjoy your last craft beer, and get some good food. They also have shuffleboard!
Ålesund Airport Quick FAQ
Is there WiFi at the Ålesund Airport?
There is good WiFi in the Ålesund Airport that you can connect to from inside the terminal.
Is there luggage storage at Ålesund Airport?
To my surprise, there were no lockers in the Ålesund Airport!
I arrived late at the airport. Will it be a problem for me to get to the city?
Not at all. Although the bus runs until midnight, you can order a taxi or book a private transfer beforehand.
There should be buses synced with all arriving flights, even if the flights are delayed in getting to the city.
Is it possible to exchange money at the Ålesund Airport?
Unfortunately, there are no money exchange points at the Ålesund airport or in the city. Make sure to exchange your money in Oslo or other cities before flying to Ålesund.
Do you have any questions about getting from the Ålesund Airport to the city? Let me know in the comments!
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.