Trondheim Airport, Værnes

Welcome

Trondheim Airport, Værnes (TRD) might surprise first-time travelers with its efficient and compact nature. Just 19 km (about 12 miles) east of Trondheim, it's a regional airport that excels in offering fast rail connections to the city. Frequent flyers praise its straightforward layout, making it easy to navigate, though you'll need to plan ahead, as 24/7 services are few and far between. Adjacent hotels cater to transit passengers like extensions of the airport itself.

At a glance

Handling 4.44 million passengers annually, Trondheim Airport operates two terminals: Terminal A for domestic routes mostly serviced by Norwegian Air Shuttle, SAS, and Widerøe, and Terminal B for international flights with carriers like KLM and Lufthansa. A single runway serves these operations, maintaining a grounded yet efficient hub for travel across Norway and beyond.

Terminals & layout

The airport's layout is simple and effective. Terminal A handles domestic flights, and you'll find the Food and Beverage areas packed with options like Northland and Health Bar. Terminal B caters to international flights, where you might pass time at O'Learys before flying out. Both terminals are linked by a straightforward path that’s easy to manage even if you're in a rush.

Getting to and from the city

The Vy Regional Train offers a quick route to the city center, taking between 35 and 40 minutes at a cost of NOK 45-130. It's a preferred choice over taxis or the Airport Shuttle, which covers the same distance in about 30-35 minutes but will set you back NOK 215-300. However, if your destination in Trondheim isn’t right by the central station, consider catching the Værnesekspressen coach, which meanders through multiple hubs and suburban stops.

Traveller essentials

For essentials, Point and 7-Eleven are reliable for snacks and basic supplies, especially on late arrivals, with the latter open until about midnight most days. Car rental services are just beyond the domestic terminal's boundaries; make your way across to the car park's stand-alone building. Be aware that there’s no luggage storage available; best to use city lockers if you’re planning a day trip.

Dining & shopping highlights

Inside the airport, dining doesn’t disappoint. Domestic travelers will find simpler, local flavors at the Northland outlet inside Terminal A. International travelers catch meals, albeit with fewer choices, in Terminal B’s combined setup. The Duty-Free shop in Terminal B offers everything from packaged goods to drinks as last-minute gifts.

Lounges

Check your lounge expectations at the door. The SAS Café Lounge in the domestic transit area near gate 30 closed in 2024. If you're looking for workspace or a relaxed meal, venture to the Longhorn Restaurant & Bar at the Radisson Blu near the terminal – often used by locals as an unofficial lounge.

Insider tips

• Insider: Need to unwind? The Radisson Blu, steps from the terminal, offers a quieter experience compared to the bustling gate areas, with excellent Wi-Fi and power outlets.
• Time: Catch the Vy Regional Train for the fastest downtown access – it avoids traffic and gets you there in about 40 minutes.
• Avoid: Beware the lack of left-luggage facilities. You'll have to use city lockers if planning a quick trip into Trondheim between flights.
• Local: For packaged gluten-free options, try Point in the arrivals hall, a safer bet than airport hot food if you're celiac.
• Money: Save on transport with the Værnesekspressen coach if you're not headed to the central train station; it stops at several locations across the city.
• Quiet: If dining in Terminal B, find a seat early after customs; it's less crowded with decent views of the runway.