Getting There & Away: Alesund

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES) serves the region. It sits on the island of Vigra, approximately 18 km (11 miles) north of Ålesund city center.

Airlines & Routes

SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Connects with Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO), Trondheim (TRD).
Norwegian Air Shuttle: Connects with Oslo (OSL), with competitive fares.
Widerøe: Operates regional routes within Norway.

International Connections

No direct flights connect Ålesund with North America or Asia. Travelers from these regions typically connect via major European hubs.

Connecting Flights & Seasonality

KLM: Direct international flights to Amsterdam (AMS).
Air Baltic: Direct international flights to Riga (RIX).
Flight frequency increases during summer (June-August). Prices are generally higher during peak season and holidays.

Flight Deals

Discover low fares via Dollar Flight Club.

Price Comparison

Compare flights on Skyscanner for the best deals.

Airport Facilities

Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES) presents basic facilities including a café, duty-free, and car rental desks. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Airport Transfers AES

Transfer Options

Flybussen (Airport Bus): Most popular, coordinates with flights, 25-30 min to city center, stops at hotels and main bus terminal.
Taxi: Available outside terminal, around 400-600 NOK to city center, convenient for groups or heavy luggage.
Rental Car: Desks from Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt at the airport. Recommended for extensive fjord exploration.
Main bus terminal near Ålesund Cultural Centre.

Car Rental Information

Requires a valid driver's license. International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU/EEA licenses not in English.
A credit card is necessary for a deposit.
Minimum driving age typically ranges from 19 to 25. Young driver fees might apply.
Book in advance, especially during peak season. Explore options with DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Quality

Norwegian roads are well-maintained. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and steep. Winter driving necessitates studded or dedicated winter tires (Nov-Apr).

Tolls & Parking

Many roads, bridges, and tunnels have automatic toll collection. Rental cars are usually equipped with an AutoPASS tag. Parking in Ålesund city center is challenging and expensive; use designated parking garages (e.g., Aksla Parkering).

Driving Safety

Observe speed limits strictly (80 km/h rural, 50 km/h urban). Watch for wildlife (moose, deer) in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Ålesund does not have a direct train connection. The nearest major train station is in Åndalsnes, the terminus of the scenic Rauma Line.

Rauma Line & Connections

Åndalsnes is approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive from Ålesund.
Buses connect Ålesund to Åndalsnes, combining bus and train travel.
The Rauma Line connects to the main Norwegian railway network at Dombås.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance bus options present a way to travel to Ålesund from other parts of Norway, offering a scenic but extended trip.

Bus Companies & Routes

Nettbuss Express (now Vy express): Connects Ålesund with Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen.
Travel times can be long (e.g., Oslo to Ålesund is 8-9 hours).
FRAM (local public transport): Operates regional bus routes within Møre og Romsdal county.

Self-Driving

Be aware of specific requirements and road conditions.

Driving Requirements

Valid driver's license. International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU/EEA licenses not in English.
Minimum driving age typically 19-25, depending on rental company.
Rental cars will have appropriate tires fitted for winter season (Nov-Apr).

Road Safety

Norwegian roads are generally safe. Adherence to local traffic laws and awareness of specific hazards contribute to safe travel.

Traffic Rules & Hazards

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory for all. Headlights on at all times.
Strictly observe speed limits: typically 80 km/h rural, 50 km/h urban.
Watch for wildlife (moose, deer) in rural areas, especially dawn and dusk.

Important Considerations

Ålesund has no direct train connection.
Some high mountain roads might close seasonally due to heavy snow.
Tolls can accumulate; rental cars are usually equipped with AutoPASS.

Parking in Ålesund city center is challenging and expensive.
Road conditions in winter necessitate specialized equipment.
Long-distance bus travel times can be extensive.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Services

Ålesund's coastal location makes sea travel a popular and scenic way to arrive. It serves as a port for both iconic coastal voyages and international cruise ships.

Coastal & Cruise Port

Hurtigruten: Calls at Ålesund daily (southbound in evening, northbound in morning). Serves as transport and cruise.
Cruise Ships: Popular port for international cruise ships, especially summer. Terminal close to city center.
Local Ferries: Car and passenger ferries connect Ålesund to nearby islands and mainland (e.g., Hareid or Sulesund).

Port Procedures & Connections

Upon arrival at Ålesund's seaports, immigration and onward travel processes are typically straightforward.

Immigration & Land Access

Immigration procedures for cruise passengers are typically handled onboard or at the first Schengen port.
Hurtigruten and cruise terminals are within easy walking distance or a short taxi ride to the city center, hotels, and local bus stops.
Convenient access from port to city center.

Hurtigruten Calls

Daily calls offer a way to experience the coastline.

Cruise Popularity

A popular port for international cruise ships in summer.

Seamless Transitions

Terminals located near city center for easy access.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

Departure from Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES), involves standard airport procedures. No specific exit fees or taxes are levied beyond the airline ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

Domestic flights: Arrive at least 1-1.5 hours before scheduled departure.
International flights (e.g., to Amsterdam): Arrive 2 hours beforehand.
Allows ample time for check-in and security.

Hurtigruten Departure

The port facilities support a smooth boarding process.

Coastal Voyage Timing

Check-in times for Hurtigruten are specified by the company, typically 1-2 hours before scheduled departure.
Airport/station facilities for departing travelers: AES has a small café/restaurant and duty-free shop. Facilities are compact yet adequate.
Enjoy the convenience of the small, efficient airport.

Transfer Options to Airport AES

Flybussen

Most popular and convenient bus option, coordinates with flight schedules.

Taxi

Available outside the terminal, more expensive but direct.

Rental Car Return

Return desks for major companies available at the airport.

Plan Your Exit

Allocate sufficient time for airport check-in and security, especially for international flights. Consider your transfer method to the airport or port well in advance.

Getting There & Away