Bern Belp Airport - Flight Information and Guide (BRN)

How to get to Bern Belp Airport

Downtown Bern is approximately 9 km from the airport: transfer typically takes 40 minutes by combining bus and train, or approximately 20 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Bern's center in approximately 15-20 minutes.

By Train

From Belp station (reachable by bus from the airport), a direct train departs for Bern's central station.

By Bus

A 10-minute shuttle bus connects the airport to Belp railway station, from which a direct train reaches Bern's central station.

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Tips The combination of bus and train (approximately 40 minutes total) is generally more economical than a direct taxi (20 minutes, CHF 40–60): choose based on luggage and available time.

Average travel time to BRN

TrainNot direct (via bus+train from Belp)

Shuttle busService available (bus+train, ~40 min)

Taxi / Private hire20 minutes (40-60 CHF)

Parking near Bern Belp Airport

In front of the terminal there is a small parking area available for passengers.

Rates are high, in line with Swiss cost of living.

How to get to Bern from BRN

By Train

The train from Belp (reachable by bus from the airport) takes you to Bern city center; the entire bus plus train journey takes roughly 40 minutes.

By Bus

A shuttle bus of 10 minutes connects the airport to Belp station, from which a direct train reaches Bern.

By Taxi

A taxi to Bern city center costs approximately 40–60 CHF, roughly 20 minutes.

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Car rental at Bern Belp Airport

A limited number of car rental companies are present in the arrivals area.

Driving licence, passport and credit card are sufficient for European Union citizens, exempt from the IDP.

Hotels near Bern Belp Airport

Bern-Belp Airport is a small regional airport south of the city, with no direct rail line: to reach the centre you combine a shuttle to Belp station with the S3 train, for a total of about 25-30 minutes, or you take a taxi directly. For those with a very early flight or staying just for work, the hotels in Belp, literally a step from the terminal, avoid the transfer altogether; those who instead want to see the UNESCO-listed old town find the best options a few steps from the central station, inside the bend of the Aare.

Airport area

At the airport in Belp

The AMANTE Hotel is a few steps from the terminal, with a free shuttle to the airport; Los Lorentes is about 3 km away (7 minutes by car) but 3 minutes on foot from Belp station, from which the S3 train reaches Bern in about 15 minutes.

Best for: Business layovers and early departures, when only the proximity to check-in matters.

Pros

Check-in is reached on foot or with a short shuttle, with no reliance on the train
Los Lorentes, with a kitchen in every room, is also handy for multi-night stays near the airport

Cons

Belp is a quiet village: options for dinner outside the hotel are few
The centre of Bern still needs 25-30 minutes combining shuttle and train, or a taxi

Recommended hotels

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City centre

Bern old town

From the airport, a shuttle to Belp station and the S3 train to Bern Hauptbahnhof, 25-30 minutes in total; by taxi about 20 minutes for the 9 km.

Best for: Those who want the UNESCO-listed old town, the Clock Tower and the Bear Pit within walking distance of the central station.

Pros

From Bern station you can walk to the Clock Tower and the Nydegg bridge with no need for transport
Fast rail links to the rest of Switzerland, handy for those combining Bern with other cities

Cons

No direct rail link with the airport: you always have to change at Belp or take a taxi
On weekends the old town, very touristy, can get crowded and noisy in the evening

Recommended hotels

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Airport services

The airport serves Switzerland's federal capital, with connections to major European cities.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area is present, though not particularly expansive.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport's limited size does not justify a dedicated lounge.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Travelers in the terminal's common areas can rely on Wi-Fi.

Families & Children

Waiting areas provide minimal services dedicated to family travel.

Terminal guide

The terminal, of compact size, mainly handles flights to European destinations.

For flights it is advisable to allow 2 hours margin before departure.

Map of Bern Belp Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do you reach downtown Bern from the airport?

With a 10-minute shuttle bus to Belp station, from where a direct train reaches Bern's central station (about 40 minutes total), or by taxi (about 20 minutes, 40-60 CHF).

Q. Is Bern the capital of Switzerland?

Yes, it's the federal capital, with a medieval old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Q. Is Bern airport large?

No, it's a modest-sized airport compared to Zurich and Geneva, with flights mainly to European destinations.

Q. Why does Bern have a bear pit?

The Bärengraben has housed live bears since the 16th century: the animal is the city's heraldic symbol, and its name is said to derive from the German "Bär" (bear); today it's one of the most visited attractions in the old town.