⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
International → Domestic
90
minutes
International → International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Haugesund Airport, Karmøy (HAU) is a premier international aviation facility serving the Haugaland region on the west coast of Norway. Located on the Helganes peninsula on the island of Karmøy, approximately 15 kilometers from Haugesund city center, the airport has a distinguished history as Norway's first airport established through a public-private partnership in 1975. The facility features a 2,120-meter asphalt runway and a modern, well-integrated passenger terminal that efficiently manages both domestic and international traffic. It acts as a critical hub for the region's maritime, energy, and tourism sectors, providing essential links to major domestic centers and international destinations across Europe.
The passenger terminal is a compact and highly efficient structure designed for seamless passenger flow. The layout is intuitive, housing check-in counters, a centralized security checkpoint, and both domestic (Schengen) and international departure lounges within a single building. The interior provides a warm and professional environment, with the departures hall featuring large windows that offer views of the active airfield and the rugged coastal landscape. Because of its manageable scale and modern design, the transition from the airport entrance to the boarding gate typically takes less than 15 minutes, offering a stress-free alternative to the larger international hubs in Norway.
Facilities at Haugesund are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of modern travelers. The terminal includes a combined Upper Crust café and O'Learys restaurant airside, serving a variety of hot meals and refreshments. International travelers can take advantage of a well-stocked duty-free shop, while the "Point Kiosk" provides convenience items and travel essentials for all passengers. Essential services such as high-speed free Wi-Fi, modern meeting rooms, baby changing facilities, and full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility are all integrated into the terminal. The airport's staff are known for their professionalism and traditional Norwegian hospitality, ensuring that every journey through this coastal gateway is handled with the expertise required for safe operation in the North Sea environment.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting through Haugesund Airport is an exceptionally efficient experience, typically involving a transition between a domestic service from Oslo and ground transportation or a regional hop to Bergen. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, a minimum connection time of 45 minutes is usually sufficient; since all operations are centered in a single terminal, navigating between gates is effortless and takes under 10 minutes. However, for those transferring to international flights, it is recommended to allow at least 90 minutes to account for the necessary security and passport control protocols. Most onward international journeys from Haugesund involve a connection through major hubs like Oslo Airport (OSL), Copenhagen (CPH), or London (via Oslo). If you are traveling on a single ticket with SAS or Norwegian, your baggage is generally handled through to your final destination, but always confirm this at the HAU check-in counter. For travelers planning to connect to international long-haul services at Oslo, it is highly recommended to allow a minimum buffer of 3 hours to account for terminal changes and secondary security checks. Booking your entire journey via a major carrier's network provides essential protection and automated baggage transfer through the larger Norwegian hubs. Ground transportation is well-supported, with airport buses, taxis, and rental car agencies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt) available outside the arrivals level for the 20-minute drive into Haugesund city center. For layovers longer than 4 hours, a quick visit to the Avaldsnes historic site or the scenic coastal trails on Karmøy is highly recommended. The terminal provides a quiet and professional environment for shorter waits, with the on-site bar and kitchen offering comfortable seating. Always keep your travel documents and photo ID ready, as security protocols in Norway are thorough
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
International → Domestic
90
minutes
International → International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
105
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO) is Norway's second-busiest airport and the primary international gateway to the fjords of Western Norway. Since the opening of its major Terminal 3 expansion in 2017, the airport operates a streamlined, single-terminal facility for all commercial passenger flights, while the original Terminal 1 is now dedicated to helicopter operations serving the North Sea oil and gas industry. The contemporary terminal features a 'wings spread wide' design that maximizes efficiency for both domestic and international travelers, accommodating over 6 million passengers annually across a spacious 85,000-square-meter footprint.
The terminal layout is organized into two primary levels to facilitate smooth passenger flow. Level 0 is dedicated to arrivals, baggage claim, and direct access to ground transportation, including the integrated Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) station. Level 1 serves as the departure hub, housing centralized check-in desks, self-service bag drop stations, and a modern security checkpoint. Post-security, the terminal is divided into domestic, Schengen, and non-Schengen zones, with gates 13-20 located in the newer wing and gates 22-35 situated in the original section. The facility is designed for easy navigation, with most gates accessible via jet bridges and a wide range of seating options including work zones with charging ports.
Amenities at BGO are extensive, reflecting its status as a major European regional hub. Passengers can choose from over a dozen dining options, including Deli de Luca, 7-Eleven, and full-service restaurants offering both Norwegian and international cuisine. Retail offerings include comprehensive duty-free shops, fashion boutiques, and souvenir stores. For premium travelers, the airport hosts the SAS Lounge and other relaxation areas. Connectivity is a priority, with free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the building. Ground transport is exceptionally convenient, with Bybanen Line 1 providing a scenic 45-minute connection to Bergen city center directly from the terminal basement, supplemented by frequent airport express buses and taxi services located immediately outside the arrivals hall.
🔄 Connection Tips
Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO) is Norway’s second-largest airport and functions as the premier international gateway to the western fjords. Since the 2017 opening of Terminal 3, all commercial flights operate from a single, streamlined facility where walking distances between gates are minimal. For domestic-to-domestic connections, 30 to 45 minutes is usually sufficient. If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, follow the 'Domestic Transfer' signs; this service allows passengers on airlines like SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe to clear customs and proceed to their next gate without re-clearing security, provided their luggage is tagged through. However, for non-Schengen arrivals (such as from the UK or US), you must allow at least 90 minutes to clear passport control and security.
Ground transportation to Bergen city center, located 18 km to the north, is exceptionally efficient. The Bybanen (Light Rail Line 1) station is situated directly beneath the terminal; it runs every 5 to 10 minutes and reaches the city center in 45 minutes for a very affordable fare (~49 NOK). For a faster link, the Flybussen (Airport Express Bus) takes approximately 25 minutes and stops closer to major hotels in the Bryggen area. Norway is a virtually cashless society, so ensure you have a credit card or mobile payment app like Vipps or Google Pay ready for all transport and terminal services. While the coastal climate is more prone to heavy rain and wind than deep snow, it is still advisable to monitor flight statuses closely during the winter months. For those working in the energy sector, be aware that helicopter operations for the North Sea oil platforms depart from the original Terminal 1, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from the main commercial terminal.
← Back to Haugesund Airport, Karmøy