Compare prices and check availability for automatic car hire at Bergen Airport so you can choose the right size and price for your trip.
Why Choose Automatic Car Hire
Automatic cars reduce driver workload in variable traffic and on unfamiliar roads. They are useful for family trips and for drivers who prefer simpler gear changes.
At Bergen Airport Flesland you can be on the road quickly after arrival if you pick the right size and collection time. Booking ahead gives you better choice of models and child seats.
What Types of Automatic Cars Are Available
Rental fleets at Bergen include small city cars, compact hatchbacks, family estates, SUVs and people carriers such as 7 Seater and 8 Seater models. Premium brands appear in limited numbers and may sell out in high season.
| Car type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Economy | City driving, short trips | Best fuel economy |
| Compact / Family | Comfortable for 4 people | Good for fjord routes |
| SUV | Rough roads, luggage | Higher clearance, more space |
| 7 Seater / 8 Seater | Large groups or families | Book early for availability |
The key takeaway is to match size to group and luggage. If you plan fjord sightseeing choose a vehicle with room for kit and luggage.
Picking Up and Returning Your Rental Car
Rental company desks are in the arrivals area just beyond baggage claim. Collect paperwork in the terminal and then follow signs to the rental car area outside the building.
Drop-off is usually at the designated return car park outside the terminal. Staff will give exact return directions when you collect the keys. Plan 15 to 30 minutes for handover at both ends for inspections and paperwork.
Note the nearby E39 route from the airport. It is the main road into Bergen and usually gives a 20 to 30 minute drive to the city centre in normal traffic. Allow more time at rush hour.
Popular pickup locations
The list below highlights common collection points across Norway that travellers often choose for automatic hire.
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– Bergen Airport Flesland – close to arrivals, fastest option for west Norway trips
– Oslo Gardermoen – largest selection and frequent international flights
– Stavanger Sola – gateway to the southern fjords and coastal routes
– Trondheim Værnes – northern hub for central Norway travel
– Tromsø – pick for Arctic activities and northern lights tours
– Ålesund – convenient for Atlantic Road and fjord sightseeing
– Kristiansand – southern port region, access to coastal ferries
– Haugesund – handy for western Norway itineraries and islands
– Bergen city centre – pick-up downtown for multi-day urban stays
How Much Does Automatic Car Hire Cost
Prices vary by season, model and supplier. Expect economy automatic cars to start at modest daily rates outside peak months. Larger vehicles and 7 Seater or 8 Seater vans carry higher daily charges.
| Car Type | Typical Manual Cost | Typical Automatic Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Economy | £25–£40 per day | £30–£50 per day |
| Compact / Family | £35–£55 per day | £40–£65 per day |
| SUV | £50–£80 per day | £60–£95 per day |
| 7 Seater / 8 Seater | £70–£120 per day | £80–£140 per day |
These figures are typical estimates only. Costs rise strongly in June, July and August when passenger numbers are highest. Book early for summer weeks to avoid premium rates.
Driving an Automatic for the First Time
Modern automatic vehicles are easy to use. Before you leave the airport check mirrors, seat position and that you know how to select Drive, Reverse and Park.
Test the handbrake and the parking procedure in a quiet area of the rental lot. Most automatics will hold at low speed without manual clutch control. Keep a safe following distance on narrow coastal roads.
Final Advice Before Booking Your Automatic Car
Reserve the exact car size you need rather than a class only. This reduces the chance of a small automatic being substituted on arrival. Confirm child seat availability and the number of free drivers at reservation. Check the fuel policy and the mileage limit before you sign.
Verify collection instructions from the rental company. Some local providers use a short transfer from the terminal to an off-site handover point. Confirm this in advance to avoid waiting for shuttles.
Local tips and constraints specific to Bergen Airport
1. Parking and pickup area: the rental car return and pickup area sit close to the terminal exit. Follow the airport signs and allow a short walk or shuttle between desk and car.
2. Road and traffic notes: the E39 offers the quickest route into Bergen. Congestion builds at weekday rush hours, so allow extra time when returning cars on Monday mornings and Friday evenings. Expect 20 to 30 minutes under normal conditions.
3. Seasonal demand: Bergen Airport has recorded growing passenger numbers and strong summer peaks. This pushes up demand for automatics in June to August. Book early for holiday weeks.
Quick mistakes to avoid
- Not booking the correct car size. This causes stress with luggage or passenger counts.
- Failing to record pre-existing damage. Take photos during pickup and at return.
- Ignoring fuel and mileage rules. Know whether you return full or pay a fee.
- Underestimating winter conditions. Check tyres and weather advice before fjord routes.
FAQs
- Do rental desks sit inside Bergen Airport terminal? Yes. Most companies have counters in the arrivals hall next to baggage claim.
- How far is Bergen city centre from the airport? The airport is about 18 kilometres from central Bergen and the trip takes around 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic.
- Is there public transport from the airport if I do not hire a car? Yes. Flybussen and scheduled services run from outside the terminal to the city centre.
- Are automatic cars more expensive at Bergen Airport? Automatics usually cost more than manuals. The premium varies by model and season. See typical ranges above.
- When should I book to get a 7 Seater? Book as early as possible for June to August. Large vehicles are limited and sell out in peak weeks.
- Can I add extra drivers on collection? Yes. Most firms allow extra drivers for a daily fee or include one extra driver free. Confirm during booking.
- What documents do I need? Bring your driving licence, passport and the card used to make the booking. Non-EU licences may need an international driving permit. Check the supplier rules.
- How long does pickup normally take? Expect 15 to 30 minutes at pickup for paperwork and car checks. Busy periods can take longer.
- Are child seats available? Yes, but they are limited and cost extra. Reserve seats when you book to guarantee availability.
- Where do I return the car at night? Most suppliers offer clearly signed after-hours returns to the airport car park. Follow instructions given at collection.
Official passenger and airport information are available on the Avinor site and on Flybussen for bus timetables. Check those pages for the latest timetables and rental desk locations before you travel.
