Bern Airport, BRN

Bern Airport, BRN, Switzerland

Bern Airport (BRN), also known as Bern-Belp Airport, is a small yet efficient regional airport located about 10 kilometers southeast of Bern, Switzerland’s capital city. Despite its size, it offers travelers a hassle-free experience and serves as a gateway to the picturesque Swiss countryside.

General Information

  • Location: Flughafenstrasse 31, 3123 Belp, Switzerland
  • IATA Code: BRN
  • Facilities:
    • One compact terminal that’s easy to navigate.
    • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
    • Small but useful amenities, including a café, a duty-free shop, and car rental desks.
    • Lost & Found service.
  • Opening Hours: Generally, the airport operates from early morning to late evening. Be sure to check timings for specific flights.

Getting to and from Bern Airport

Public Transport:

  1. Bus Connections:
    • Bus Line 334 takes you from the airport to Bern’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in about 30 minutes.
    • Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day.
  2. Train Connections:
    • The nearest train station is in Belp, a 10-minute bus ride from the airport. From there, frequent trains connect to Bern and other major Swiss cities.
  3. Travel Pass Options:
    • If you plan to explore Bern and nearby areas, the Bern Regional Pass is a great choice. It offers unlimited travel on local buses, trams, and trains for a fixed period.

Taxis and Rideshares:

  • Taxis are available right outside the terminal, with a trip to Bern city center costing around CHF 40-50.
  • Uber and other ridesharing services operate in the area and are often more budget-friendly.

Driving:
If you’re renting a car, Bern Airport has desks for Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and others. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

Money Matters

  • Currency: Switzerland uses Swiss Francs (CHF), not Euros.
  • ATMs: There are ATMs in the terminal where you can withdraw cash.
  • Currency Exchange: Limited services are available at the airport, but you’ll usually get better rates in the city or by using an ATM.
  • Payment Methods: Most places in Switzerland accept credit and debit cards, so carrying large amounts of cash isn’t necessary.

Staying Connected

  • Free Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi; just follow the registration instructions.
  • SIM Cards: You can buy local SIM cards or eSIMs from providers like Swisscom or Sunrise. They’re often cheaper and more convenient than using roaming services.

Local Tips for Travelers

  1. Swiss Travel Pass:
    If you plan to travel across Switzerland, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass. It provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, and even includes free entry to many museums.
  2. Hotel Perks:
    Guests staying at most hotels in Bern receive a Bern Ticket, which gives free access to the city’s public transport network during their stay.
  3. Plan for Day Trips:
    Bern is a great base for exploring Switzerland. From Bern Airport, you can easily reach popular destinations like Interlaken, Thun, and the stunning Bernese Oberland region.

Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

  • Local Food: Don’t miss trying Swiss Rösti or fondue in Bern.
  • Quiet Getaway: The airport’s location in Belp offers scenic walking trails and countryside views for a peaceful start or end to your trip.
  • Photography Spot: The nearby Gürbetal valley is perfect for capturing stunning alpine landscapes.