Bern Airport
Bern, CH · 10 km (6 mi) SE of Bern
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Line 160 Airport–Belp Bahnhof · :X | :X | :X |
| Hotel Shuttle Bern Airport Hotel Hotel shuttle · :X | :X | :X |
| S-Bahn S3 Belp–Bern · :X | :X | :X |
| S-Bahn S31 Belp–Bern regional · :X | :X | :X |
Insider notes
Arrive 60-75 minutes before a flight—45 minutes suffices if you have only hand luggage.
Watch out for seasonal charter departure time changes; double-check details the day before.
Bring sandwiches from Bern; café prices are high even by Swiss standards.
Welcome
Bern Airport (BRN) offers a nostalgic and stress-free travel experience that feels more like a regional aerodrome than a bustling international hub. Located just 10 km southeast of Bern, the airport features a tranquil countryside setting near Belp, marked by short queues and minimal walking distances. You can almost feel the club-like ambiance with runway views visible from almost everywhere in the single terminal building.
At a glance
Bern Airport is a modest landing spot for business jets, charters, and general aviation. It doesn’t serve as a hub for major airlines, with its solitary passenger terminal, T1, hosting Helvetic Airways and Lufthansa among others. If you're looking to access other major destinations, expect connections mainly via charter or seasonal flights.
Terminals & layout
With only one terminal, T1, Bern Airport offers a straightforward and user-friendly layout. Travelers enjoy the convenience of short check-in-to-gate times, often under 10 minutes. Designed to prioritize ease, you won't find the usual international hustle here, but rather a seamless flow from curbside to boarding.
Getting to and from the city
Public transport involves a slightly roundabout route with trains from Belp Railway Station. You'll need to take the S-Bahn to Belp before transferring to Bus Line 160 for the airport, a process that takes about 30 minutes in total. Taxi Bern Airport services are available for direct routes, and the airport hotel offers a shuttle service.
Traveller essentials
Parking at Bern Airport includes various options like P31 at CHF 13.00 per day and P21 at CHF 11.00 per day, in addition to remote and valet parking. The airport's small size translates to fewer options in amenities, so plan accordingly. Although there are some restaurants and shops, bringing your own snacks could save you money, given reports of high prices.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining options within T1 include Bistro Auszeit and Restaurant & Hotel AMANTE, where prices run on the steeper side. For quick bites, Pâtisserie Mürner One and the Flughafen Cafe are also available. Shopping is limited to essentials at Souvenir Shop Bern and Newspaper Kiosk Bern. If you're after a more significant retail experience, it's better to head into Bern city.
Lounges
The VIP Lounge Bern Airport in T1 offers a secluded space to relax pre-flight. Its facilities align with the airport's club-like atmosphere, providing a comfortable waiting area away from the hustle found at larger airports.
Insider tips
- Time: Arrive 60-75 minutes before a flight—45 minutes suffices if you have only hand luggage.
- Avoid: Watch out for seasonal charter departure time changes; double-check details the day before.
- Local: Bring sandwiches from Bern; café prices are high even by Swiss standards.
- Quiet: Wait airside for a more peaceful experience since landside can clutter when charters arrive.
- Insider: Enjoy the outdoor seating near the terminal's café for open runway views—rare for Swiss airports.
- Quiet: During calm periods, the gate seating feels more like a regional lounge with ample natural light.
- Insider: For pickup or drop-off, use the short-stay area right by the terminal to avoid congestion.