Route 23 can be cheaper than the Flesland Airport Express
Local Bus Route 23 runs between Bergen Airport Flesland (stop “Bergen lufthavn”) and suburbs like Loddefjord, Storavatnet, and Åsane, so it only makes sense if you actually need those areas, not central Bergen. The bus is operated by Skyss and uses the regular zone-based fare system, so pricing matches other Bergen local buses instead of the higher airport express coach fare.
The airport stop for Route 23 sits outside Terminal T, roughly 150–200 meters from the main arrivals hall doors, signed for local buses rather than the dedicated airport coach. Buses use the same forecourt area as other Skyss lines, so you’re looking for the Route 23 number on the front display, not the Flybussen branding. Figure about 3–5 minutes’ walk from baggage claim to the bus bay, depending on how quickly you move with bags.
Route 23 typically runs every 30–60 minutes during daytime hours, with a sparser timetable early mornings and late evenings; always check the Skyss journey planner for exact times on your travel date. Typical travel time from the airport to key stops like Storavatnet or Loddefjord lies in the 20–45 minute range, depending on traffic on routes E39 and local roads. Most departures accept both “Reisekort” travel cards and single tickets bought in the Skyss app.
A single adult ticket on Route 23 usually costs the standard Skyss zone fare, which as of recent schedules is significantly less than the dedicated airport coach that can run over NOK 100. You can buy tickets in the Skyss app before boarding, at some ticket machines in the region, or pay onboard with contactless cards where supported, though drivers do not always handle cash. If you know you’ll use multiple buses or light rail trips within 90 minutes, the same ticket often covers those transfers within the defined zones.
Route 23 is not a direct line to Bergen city center; for central Bergen you’d typically use the Bybanen light rail from the airport in around 45 minutes or the faster airport coach option. Using Route 23 for a city trip usually means at least one transfer at a hub like Storavatnet bus terminal or Loddefjord, which adds 10–20 minutes compared with going straight in on the train. Time it wrong and you could be standing at an interchange waiting for the next bus in the rain.
There are no widely reported issues specific to Route 23 at Flesland, but standard Norwegian bus rules apply: you must board through the front door, validate or buy a ticket immediately, and press the stop button slightly before your stop. Seats are standard urban bus style with limited luggage space, so large checked bags may end up in the gangway on busy departures, especially around 07:00–09:00 and 15:00–17:00 commuter peaks.
Practical tip: if your flight into Terminal T lands after 22:00, double-check Route 23’s last outbound from “Bergen lufthavn” and have the Bybanen or a taxi as backup so you’re not stranded once the local buses wind down for the night.