Getting to Atlantic Road Norway: Complete Transportation Guide

Reaching the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) requires strategic planning, as this remote Norwegian coastal marvel sits on the rugged northwestern coast. Multiple transportation options serve different budgets and preferences, from international flights to scenic ferry routes and epic road trips through Norway's dramatic landscapes.

International Flight Options

Primary Airport: Kristiansund Airport (KSU)

Kristiansund Airport Kvernberget (KSU) provides the closest access to Atlantic Road, located just 20 kilometers from the famous bridges. This regional airport serves domestic flights and select European destinations.

Airlines & Routes:
• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Daily flights from Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO), Trondheim (TRD)
• Widerøe: Regional connections from Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Tromsø
• Norwegian Air: Seasonal direct flights from European cities during summer months

Major International Gateway: Trondheim Airport (TRD)

Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD) offers the most international flight options, located 200 kilometers (2.5-hour drive) from Atlantic Road. This major hub provides extensive European and some intercontinental connections.

International Airlines:
• SAS: Direct flights from Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt
• Norwegian Air: Routes to major European cities and seasonal New York service
• KLM: Amsterdam connections with global network access
• Lufthansa: Frankfurt hub connections

From Trondheim Airport to Atlantic Road:
• Car Rental: Most convenient option, 2.5-hour scenic drive via E6 and Route 64
• Domestic Flight Connection: 45-minute flight to Kristiansund (KSU)
• Express Bus + Local Transport: Complex but budget-friendly option

Driving to Atlantic Road

From Oslo (470 kilometers)

The Oslo to Atlantic Road drive traverses Norway's heart, offering spectacular mountain and fjord scenery. Allow 6-7 hours driving time, though most travelers prefer 2-day journeys with overnight stops.

Recommended Route:
Oslo → E6 North → Dombås → Route 70 West → Åndalsnes → Route 64 North → Atlantic Road

Notable Stops:
• Lillehammer: Olympic city with museums and lakeside charm
• Dombås: Mountain railway hub and hiking center
• Åndalsnes: Dramatic fjord town at the base of Trollstigen (seasonal)

From Bergen (350 kilometers)

The Bergen approach offers coastal and fjord landscapes, representing a more moderate driving challenge than the Oslo route. Journey time: 5-6 hours with scenic stops.

Recommended Route:
Bergen → E39 North → Route 70 East → Åndalsnes → Route 64 North → Atlantic Road

Highlights:
• Hardangerfjord: Norway's second-longest fjord with fruit orchards and waterfalls
• Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route: UNESCO World Heritage fjord landscapes
• Ålesund: Art Nouveau architecture and spectacular mountain viewpoints

Detailed routing information and GPS coordinates are available in our Bergen to Atlantic Road guide, including ferry schedules and scenic viewpoint locations.

Ferry & Coastal Services

Hurtigruten Coastal Express

The legendary Hurtigruten coastal voyage provides a unique approach to the Atlantic Road region, combining transportation with cruise experience.

Service Details:
• Port: Kristiansund (daily northbound and southbound calls)
• Route: 12-day roundtrip from Bergen, or shorter segments
• From Kristiansund Port to Atlantic Road: 30-minute taxi or bus journey

Booking Information:
Hurtigruten AS: +47 810 30 000
Website: hurtigruten.com
Advance booking essential, especially during Northern Lights season (October-March)

Regional Ferry Connections

Multiple ferry routes connect Atlantic Road with surrounding regions, essential for island hopping and accessing remote attractions.

Key Ferry Routes:
• Molde-Averøy: Frequent daily service, 20-minute crossing
• Kristiansund-Grip Island: Seasonal service to historic fishing outpost
• Averøy-Håholmen: Summer boat service to authentic fishing station

Public Transportation Options

Bus Services

AtB (Trøndelag Public Transport) operates regional bus services connecting major cities to Atlantic Road area.

Primary Routes:
• Trondheim-Kristiansund: Express bus service, 3.5 hours, 3 daily departures
• Molde-Kristiansund: Local route via Atlantic Road, scenic but slower
• Ålesund-Kristiansund: Coastal route with ferry connections

Booking & Information:
Phone: +47 177 (national transport information)
Website: entur.no (journey planning)
Mobile App: Entur for real-time schedules and mobile tickets

Train Connections

No direct railway serves Atlantic Road, but strategic train travel reduces driving distances.

Relevant Rail Routes:
• Oslo-Åndalsnes (Rauma Line): Spectacular mountain railway, connects to bus services
• Oslo-Trondheim (Dovre Line): Connect to regional buses or domestic flights
• Bergen-Oslo: Famous mountain crossing, access multiple routing options

Norwegian Railways (VY):
Phone: +47 815 00 888
Website: vy.no
Advance booking recommended for discounted fares and guaranteed seating

Car Rental & Driving Considerations

Major Car Rental Companies

Available at Kristiansund Airport (KSU):
• Avis: +47 81 53 30 44
• Hertz: +47 67 16 80 00
• Sixt: +47 23 06 06 00

Trondheim Airport (TRD) Options:
All major international brands plus Budget, Europcar, and Enterprise

Electric Vehicle Considerations

Norway leads electric vehicle adoption, making EV travel increasingly practical for Atlantic Road visits.

Charging Infrastructure:
• Fast charging available in Kristiansund, Molde, and Åndalsnes
• Destination charging at most hotels and attractions
• Atlantic Road area: Limited charging options, plan accordingly

Budget Planning & Cost Estimates

Transportation Cost Comparison (2025 Estimates)

Flight Options:
• Oslo-Kristiansund: 1,500-3,000 NOK roundtrip
• European Cities-Trondheim: 2,000-5,000 NOK roundtrip
• Trondheim-Kristiansund connection: 800-1,500 NOK

Car Rental (per day):
• Economy car: 400-600 NOK
• SUV/Family car: 600-1,000 NOK
• Premium/Electric: 800-1,500 NOK

Fuel Costs:
• Oslo-Atlantic Road: ~800 NOK roundtrip
• Bergen-Atlantic Road: ~600 NOK roundtrip
• Trondheim-Atlantic Road: ~400 NOK roundtrip

Seasonal Transportation Considerations

Summer Season (June-August)

Peak travel season offers maximum transportation options but requires advance booking. All mountain roads open, ferry services at full capacity, and extended daylight hours for driving.

Winter Season (November-March)

Reduced flight schedules, potential weather delays, and mandatory winter driving equipment. However, this season offers Northern Lights opportunities and storm watching experiences detailed in our winter Atlantic Road guide.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October)

Optimal balance of weather conditions, lower prices, and reduced crowds. Some mountain roads may have seasonal restrictions; verify current conditions before travel.

Accessibility & Special Needs

Atlantic Road accommodates visitors with mobility considerations, though advance planning ensures optimal experiences.

Accessible Transportation:
• Airports: Full accessibility services available
• Rental Cars: Hand-control vehicles available with advance notice
• Public Transport: Most buses and ferries wheelchair accessible

Atlantic Road Accessibility:
• Viewpoints: Several accessible viewing areas with parking
• Walking Paths: Eldhusøya elevated walkway partially accessible
• Accommodations: Most major hotels offer accessible rooms

Travel Insurance & Documentation

Required Documentation:
• Valid passport (EU citizens may use national ID)
• International Driving Permit for non-EU visitors
• Travel insurance recommended for medical emergencies
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU visitors

Comprehensive travel planning resources, including detailed itineraries and seasonal recommendations, are available in our complete Atlantic Road planning guide.

Reaching the Atlantic Road rewards travelers with one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives. Whether arriving by air, sea, or land, the journey itself becomes part of the unforgettable Norwegian adventure that awaits on the famous Atlanterhavsveien.