Air Travel: Geirangerfjord

Airports & Flights

Closest Regional Airports

These airports provide domestic and limited international connections.

Options and Connections

Ålesund Airport, Vigra (AES): Approximately 3 hours drive from Geiranger. Domestic and international routes (Copenhagen, Amsterdam).
Molde Airport, Årø (MOL): Roughly 3.5 hours drive from Geiranger. Mainly domestic flights.
Sandane Airport, Anda (SDN): About 2.5 hours drive from Hellesylt. Connects to Oslo.

Major Hubs & Airlines

International connections typically happen via larger European cities. Flying into Oslo and connecting to Ålesund is a common approach.

International and Domestic Carriers

Bergen Airport (BGO) / Oslo Airport (OSL): Norway's largest international hubs.
Domestic Airlines: Widerøe, Norwegian, SAS operate frequent flights.
International Airlines: KLM, Wizz Air, Ryanair, SAS, Norwegian offer European connections.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight frequency decreases outside the main summer season (June-August). Prices for flights are highest during peak summer months due to demand. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Transfer Options: Car Rental

Car rental is the most flexible option for reaching Geirangerfjord. Rental car desks are available at Ålesund Airport (AES) and Molde Airport (MOL). Booking your rental car in advance is highly recommended. Consider DiscoverCars.com.

Transfer Options: Bus/Taxi

Public buses connect Ålesund to Stranda. From Stranda, seasonal bus services operate to Geiranger during summer. Bus schedules are limited. Taxis are available at airports, but using them for long distances to Geirangerfjord is expensive.

Airport Facilities & Direct Flights

Airport Amenities

All listed regional airports (AES, MOL, SDN) offer basic facilities.
Amenities include car rental desks, cafes, and small shops.
Ålesund Airport (AES) generally has the most amenities due to its larger size.

Direct Flight Availability

No direct flights exist to Ålesund or Molde from major global hubs outside of Europe.
International connections typically happen via larger European cities.
Your journey will likely involve at least one transfer.
AirHelp assists with flight compensation for delays/cancellations.

Affiliate Resources: Flights

Dollar Flight Club

Find flight deals: Dollarflightclub.com

Skyscanner

Compare flights: Skyscanner.com

AirHelp

Compensation for flight delays/cancellations: Airhelp.com

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Direct train connections are not available to Geiranger itself. The nearest train stations are in Åndalsnes and Otta.

Stations

Åndalsnes: About 2.5-3 hours drive from Geiranger via Trollstigen (seasonal road). Terminus for Raumabanen railway, connecting to Oslo.
Otta: About 2.5-3 hours drive from Geiranger via Dalsnibba (seasonal road). On the Dovre Line, also connecting to Oslo.
Travelers can take a train to these stations, then switch to a rental car or seasonal bus.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Nor-Way Bussekspress operates long-distance bus routes across Norway.

Seasonal Bus Services

During the summer season (typically June-August), specific bus services connect Ålesund to Geiranger.
These routes often include a ferry crossing.
Outside summer, bus services to Geiranger are significantly less frequent or do not operate.

Self-Driving Requirements

You need a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your national license is not in English or a Nordic language.

Age & Documentation

Minimum age for car rental is often 21 or 25.
A credit card is required for a security deposit.
Roads in the Geirangerfjord region are generally well-maintained, but often narrow, winding, and steep.

Driving Laws & Safety Concerns

Iconic mountain roads like Trollstigen and Nibbevegen require careful driving. Many mountain roads are closed during winter (typically October/November to May/June).

Regulations & Tips

Drive on the right side. Headlights must be on at all times.
Watch for wildlife on roads, especially sheep.
Adhere strictly to speed limits; fines are substantial.

Important Driving Notes

Use designated passing places on narrow roads.
Ferry crossings are an integral part of driving; factor in waiting times and costs.
Fuel prices are high. Petrol stations can be sparse in remote areas.

Do not drink and drive; Norway has a zero-tolerance policy.
Always check current road status (vegvesen.no) before driving.
Roads are closed in winter due to heavy snow and ice.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

This mode of transport offers unique perspectives on the fjord's towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Sea Connections

Geiranger Port: Popular stop for international cruise ships. Passengers disembark via tender boats into Geiranger village.
Hurtigruten: Ships call at Geiranger during summer (June-August) as part of Bergen-Kirkenes route.
Geiranger-Hellesylt Ferry: Most common route for experiencing the fjord. Operates frequently in summer, carrying cars and passengers.

Connections & Immigration

The Geiranger-Hellesylt ferry glides past famous waterfalls and abandoned farmsteads. This ferry is useful for many driving to Geiranger.

Onward Travel & Port Procedures

Valldal-Eidsdal Ferry: Part of the "Golden Route," connects Geiranger (via Eagle Road) to Trollstigen.
Immigration at Seaports: Standard Schengen entry procedures upon arrival at the first Schengen port for non-Schengen cruise passengers.
From Geiranger port, the village is compact and walkable. Seasonal buses and taxis are available.

Fjord Sightseeing Cruises

Several companies offer boat tours providing comprehensive views of the fjord, its famous waterfalls, and abandoned farmsteads. Options range from larger ferries to smaller boats.

RIB Boat Tours

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) tours offer a faster, more exhilarating way to see the fjord. These smaller, open boats get closer to the waterfalls, providing unique photo opportunities.

Kayaking

Available for rent or as part of guided tours. It allows you to paddle at your own pace and explore the fjord's nooks and crannies.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Airport Departures

Norway does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers. The price of your flight or ferry ticket typically includes any relevant charges.

Departure Timing

Airport Departures: For international flights (OSL, BGO), arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
For domestic flights (AES, MOL), 1-2 hours is usually sufficient.
This allows for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.

Ferry & Bus Departures

If you are taking a car ferry, especially the popular Geiranger-Hellesylt route during high season, arrive at the ferry terminal well in advance.

Timing & Facilities

Ferry Departures (with car): Arriving 30-60 minutes before departure is advisable. Capacity can be limited, and queues long.
Bus Departures: Be at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before departure. Buses in Norway are generally punctual.
Airport Facilities: Ålesund and Molde airports offer shops, cafes, restrooms. Larger airports offer wider range of dining, shopping, and lounge options.

Confirmation & Final Checks

Confirm Details

Always confirm your departure details with your airline, ferry operator, or bus company.

Check Requirements

Confirm any specific requirements a day or two before you leave.

Account for Changes

This accounts for any last-minute changes or delays.

Pre-Departure Check

Always confirm your departure details and any specific requirements with your airline, ferry operator, or bus company a day or two before you leave. This helps account for any last-minute changes or delays.

Air Travel