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This guide focuses purely on the practical logistics of travelling on the Hurtigruten Coastal Express, from arriving in Bergen and boarding the ship through to disembarkation at the end of your journey. If you’re looking for what the experience is like onboard, including cabins, dining and whether it’s worth the cost, I’ve covered that in my full Coastal Express review.
I completed my first Hurtigruten trip in January 2026, on a beautiful winter voyage, and I’ve put together this Hurtigruten Coastal Express guide to answer the kind of questions I found myself searching for before booking and while planning. It’s designed to help you feel prepared for your own journey, whether you’re still in the research phase or already have a departure date.
Table Of Contents
What is the Hurtigruten Coastal Express Route?
The Hurtigruten Coastal Express is a 12 day voyage sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, stopping at 34 ports along Norway’s coastline. The ships operate year round as working coastal ferries, transporting local passengers, vehicles and cargo alongside travellers completing longer journeys.
You can:
- Sail the full round trip (12 days)
- Sail northbound only (Bergen to Kirkenes)
- Sail southbound only (Kirkenes to Bergen)
I recommend completing the round trip for the full experience, but one way sailings can work well if you’re short on time or combining the voyage with other travel.
Arriving and Departing in Bergen
I’d strongly recommend staying one or two nights in Bergen before starting your Hurtigruten trip. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, Bergen has a lot to offer and plenty of great things to do. Secondly, while I was onboard, I overheard multiple passengers talking about their delayed luggage, which meant they’d had to board the ship without it.
Giving yourself a buffer night or two helps you explore the city properly and reduces the stress if your flight or baggage is delayed.
Airport transport
Light Rail (Bybanen)
Taking the light rail from Bergen Airport to the city centre (or from the city to the airport) is the cheapest and most common option. The light rail stop is located directly outside the terminal and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the city centre (Stop name: Byparken).
You can purchase tickets using the Skyss app or from the ticket machine at the stop.
Note: A Zone A ticket covers travel between the airport and the city centre.
Airport Bus (Flybussen)
If you’re arriving into Bergen late at night, like I did, after the light rail had stopped running, or if you want to reach areas outside of the immediate city centre, such as the Jektevik Terminal or Bryggen, the Flybussen is a good option.
The bus stop is located directly outside the terminal and services run frequently. You can check timetables and purchase tickets online via Flybussen: https://www.flybussen.no/en
Taxi/Uber
A taxi or rideshare service (Uber or Bolt) is the fastest and most direct option, particularly if you’re travelling with luggage or don’t want to navigate public transport. There is a designated pick up zone directly outside the terminal.
Private Transfer
If you’d prefer a stress free option, or want to avoid uncertainty around taxi availability or surge pricing, you can book a private transfer. This guarantees a driver waiting for you on arrival, along with help with your luggage.
Hurtigruten Check-In and Boarding
In Bergen, the ship departs from and arrives at Jektevik Terminal. This was my check-in and boarding experience for the Hurtigruten Coastal Express in Bergen. On the day of my departure, I arrived at the terminal at 1.00pm to drop off the luggage. Luggage drop off was available between 1.00pm and 2.30pm, before the check-in began at 3.30pm.
If you want to leave your bags at the terminal prior to 1.00pm, there are automated luggage lockers inside which can be paid for by card.
After dropping off your bags, you’re free to spend some time exploring Bergen. You can check out my post on things to do in Bergen for ideas. If you’d prefer to relax, the Hurtigruten Guest Lounge on the second floor of the terminal also opens at 1.00pm. Inside the lounge, you’ll find plenty of seating, along with complimentary coffee and pastries.
Check in commences at 3.30pm. Prior to boarding, there is a safety briefing to attend in the Guest Lounge Lecture Hall. Cabins are usually ready on board at around 6.00pm. While waiting for your cabin, I’d recommend sitting in the Explorer Lounge and Bar, where there’s plenty of comfortable seating available.
Note: The times listed above were applicable to my departure. Be sure to check the Hurtigruten website for the most up to date timings and details before your trip.
Hurtigruten Disembarkation Process
On the final day of your voyage, you’ll need to check out of your cabin by 10.00am, or 12.00pm if you’re staying in a suite. Once you’ve left your room, you’re free to relax anywhere on the ship until its scheduled arrival in Bergen at approximately 2.45pm. There is no need to notify anyone that you’ve checked out, you simply need to be out of your cabin on time. Be sure to keep your passenger card/room key, as you’ll need it to scan out of the ship one final time.
Hurtigruten provides a luggage service, so you won’t need to carry your bags yourself. To use this service, leave your luggage outside the nearest lift on your deck by 9.50am at the latest. Your bags will be transported to the terminal and placed on a baggage carousel for you to collect once you disembark.
If you miss luggage service cut off, or prefer to carry your belongings yourself, there’s also a luggage storage area onboard where you can safely leave your bags until departure. Don’t forget to collect them from the storage area, as any bags placed here won’t be taken off the ship for you.
When the ship arrives at the Bergen terminal around 2.45pm, passengers are called to disembark in groups based on their deck number. Once your deck is called, make your way to the gangway and scan your passenger card for the final time. You can either return the card or keep it as a souvenir.
Preparing for Your Hurtigruten Cruise
This guide has covered the essential logistics for your Hurtigruten Coastal Express journey, from check in and boarding to disembarkation and luggage tips. Following these practical steps will allow you to focus on enjoying your trip without unnecessary stress.
To explore the full experience, including cabins, meals and whether the Coastal Express is worth it, check out my complete review
For more detailed planning and preparation, I’ve also put together a series of in-depth guides:
Onboard experience
- What It’s Like Onboard Hurtigruten (Daily Life at Sea) – Discover ship facilities, daily activities and the onboard atmosphere.
- Dining on Hurtigruten: What’s Included & What It’s Like – Learn about meals, restaurants and the onboard dining experience.
Cabins & comfort
- Cabins on Hurtigruten: Which Category Is Best? – Detailed breakdown of expedition suites, arctic superior, polar outside and polar inside cabins.
- What to Pack for a Hurtigruten Cruise – Tips on clothing, accessories and essentials for your voyage.
Ports & excursions
With these guides, you’ll have all the essential information to plan your Hurtigruten Coastal Express trip with confidence. From selecting the best cabin and packing the right gear, to exploring ports independently or on excursions, and enjoying the onboard experience, these resources cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, well prepared and unforgettable voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline.
