Getting a Ticket
Downloading the app
To use the busses, you will of course need a ticket. These can be bought from the driver on the bus but not if using the light rail (called Bybanen in Norwegian). You can pay by bank card on the bus. Note that the drivers no longer accept cash.
The easiest way is to use the Skyss app which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. You can select English as the language in the app, the whole app will then be in English.
Click here to learn more about the Skyss App
Making an account
Once you have the app you have to create an account. Do this from the main menu by clicking ‘’Log in’’ or ‘’Buy Ticket’’. You will then be asked to enter your phone number. Once this is entered, you will receive a text with a code. You enter the code into the app the accept the terms and conditions for using the app.
Vipps ( a Norwegian instant payment system) is the standard method of payment (and is only available for residents of Norway) so, you will need to change this in settings to your chosen method of payment. Just go to ‘’Settings’’ and ‘’Default payment method’’ then change to either Visa or Mastercard.
Ticket types
Now choose the type of ticket and how many you need. Each person needs a ticket, but they can all be on the same phone. If there is a ticket inspection just show the phone to the inspector and indicate your group. If you buy a senior ticket, you may be asked to provide proof that you are over 67. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes and a day ticket for 24 hours. You can also buy weekly tickets, which, believe it or not, are valid for 7 days.
Now you have your ticket, you will see the app counting down from 2 minutes until the ticket is active. You can still board the bus as long as you have bought the ticket. In the Bergen area there is no need to show the driver your ticket so you can board by any door.
These tickets are also valid for local ferries and the lightrail.
Remember you must have enough battery life and access to the internet whilst travelling with your ticket, if you don´t have coverage you need to buy your ticket manually from the driver.
Note – These tickets are not valid on the airport busses.
Getting to Your Destination
Where do you want to go – some popular destinations in Zone ‘A’, so you typically only need to buy a ticket for Zone A (unless you are heading out to hiking areas or the fjords).
Skyss has a separate app – Skyss Reise – that shows the timetables of all forms of public transport. If you put in your location and your destination, the app will also explain what public transport to take. Note that the Skyss Reise app and Skyss Ticket app are two separate apps! Google Maps will also show you how to use public transport.
Click here to learn more about the Skyss Reise app.
Each stop is shown on the display by the front doors along with the time taken to reach it. The times of the next bus are also displayed at most stops.
Here are some popular places to go with public transport:
Edvard Grieg Museum
Bergen Light Rail (Line 1) to Hop. Alight at Hop and turn right towards the traffic lights then turn left on to Troldhaugsveien Road. Follow the signs from there, it’s around 20 – 30 minutes walk. Alternatively go to the next stop and take a taxi, from here it’s much cheaper than from the city.
Fantoft Stave Church
Bergen Light Rail (Line 1) to Fantoft. Go past the supermarket and turn left the follow signs for ‘’Stavkirke’’. About a 10-15 minute walk.
Gamle Bergen Museum ( Old Bergen Museum, an open-air museum)
Bus number 3, 4, 12, 16E or 19 from Torget or Bryggen Heading North (the same side of the road as the old buildings) to Gamle Bergen.
Ulriken Cable car
Bergen Light Rail (Line 2) to Haukeland Sjukehus and a short walk. Alternatively, Bus Nr 5 or 6 from Festplassen to Haukeland Sjukehus Nord the walk up Haukelandsbakken for about 5-10-minutes.
Norwegian Fisheries Museum
Bus Nr 3, 4, 12, 16E or 19 from Torget or Bryggen heading North to Sandvikstorget, the museum is across the road.
Hardangerfjord (Norheimsund)
This trip is over 2 zones, and the ticket is a little more expensive (just choose 2 zones in the app). Take bus nr 925 from Bergen Bus Station to Steindalsfossen.
Enjoy your stay in Bergen!
If you have any questions regarding using public transport, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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