Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Trondheim Værnes Airport to NTNU for most travelers is the Airport Express Bus (Værnesekspressen). It takes 35-40 minutes, costs around 180 NOK one-way, and drops you at Trondheim Central Station, within walking distance or a short local transport ride to NTNU's main campuses. The cheapest option is the public AtB city bus (39-50 NOK, ~55 mins). For the fastest door-to-door service, a taxi takes 25-35 minutes but costs 500-700 NOK.
Option 1: Airport Express Bus (Værnesekspressen) â Recommended
The dedicated Værnesekspressen is the most convenient and popular public transport link for travelers heading to Trondheim city center and NTNU. Operated by Flybussen, it offers a balance of speed, comfort, and frequency.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Bus Stop: Exit the airport arrivals hall, turn left, and follow signs for "Flybussen" or "Bus." The stop is just outside, clearly marked.
- Buy a Ticket: Purchase from the ticket machine at the stop, from the driver (card only, no cash), or in advance via the Flybussen app. Online tickets are slightly cheaper.
- Board & Travel: Buses are modern, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and dedicated space for luggage. The ride is non-stop to Trondheim Central Station (Trondheim S).
- Arrive & Connect to NTNU: Get off at the final stop, Trondheim S. From here:
- To Gløshaugen Campus (Engineering): Walk 15-20 minutes north, or take Tram 1 (Direction Lademoen) to "NTNU" stop (2 stops).
- To Dragvoll Campus (Humanities): Take AtB bus 20, 21, 36, or 66 from the station's bus terminal (10-15 min ride).
Key Details & Data:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Journey Time | ~35-40 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 20-30 minutes, from ~5:00 AM to 00:30 AM. |
| One-Way Price | 180 NOK (Adult). 160 NOK if booked online/app. Return tickets available. |
| Luggage | Free, spacious compartments under the bus. |
| Best For | Most travelers, first-time visitors, those with manageable luggage, convenience seekers. |
Option 2: Local Public Bus (AtB) â The Budget Choice
For the absolute lowest cost, use the regular city bus network operated by AtB. It's reliable but slightly slower and may involve a transfer.
Routes & Instructions:
The primary bus from the airport is Line 70 (Værnes - Trondheim).
- Bus Stop: Located just outside the terminal, same general area as the Airport Express.
- Ticketing: Use the AtB Mobillett app, ticket machines, or buy from the driver (exact change/card). A single adult zone ticket costs 39-50 NOK (price depends on time of day).
- Route: Bus 70 makes several stops before reaching Trondheim's main bus terminal at Munkegata or Trondheim S.
- Connection to NTNU: From Munkegata/Trondheim S, follow the same connection instructions as for the Airport Express Bus.
Pros, Cons & Verdict:
Advantage: Very cheap. Integrated into the city's transport system.
Disadvantage: Travel time is longer (~55 mins), may be crowded, less direct, and luggage space is limited compared to the airport bus.
Verdict: Ideal for solo travelers on a tight budget, those familiar with Trondheim, or if you already have an AtB travel card.
Option 3: Train via Trondheim Central Station
While scenic, the train is often less convenient than the direct buses for reaching NTNU due to a required transfer.
How It Works:
- Walk to Værnes Station: It's an 8-10 minute signed walk from the airport terminal. A free shuttle also operates.
- Take the Train: Board a Vy regional train towards Trondheim S. The journey takes 35-40 minutes.
- Arrive at Trondheim S: This is the same hub as the Airport Bus. Follow the connection guides above to reach your NTNU campus.
Cost & Booking:
A standard single ticket costs 108 NOK if purchased last minute. Book in advance on the Vy app/website to get "Minipris" tickets as low as 69 NOK. Students with a valid student ID get a 25-50% discount.
Best For: Rail enthusiasts, those with a Interrail/Eurail pass, or travelers heading beyond Trondheim city center.
Option 4: Taxi & Private Transfer â Door-to-Door Convenience
Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. This is the most straightforward but also the most expensive option.
What to Expect:
- Price: Fixed fare to the city center is typically 500-700 NOK. Confirm the price before getting in. The meter can run higher in traffic or at night.
- Travel Time: 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact campus destination.
- Companies: Look for official taxis like TrønderTaxi or NorgesTaxi.
Private Transfer Alternative:
For groups or special needs, pre-booking a private car via services like Sunna or global platforms can be convenient. Prices start around 600-800 NOK.
When to Choose This: Late-night/early-morning arrivals, groups of 3-4+ (splitting cost), travelers with mobility issues, or those with excessive luggage.
Warning: Not recommended for budget-conscious solo travelers.
Direct Cost & Time Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your options from Trondheim Værnes Airport to NTNU's Gløshaugen campus.
| Transport Method | Approx. Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way, Adult) | Number of Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express Bus | 40-50 mins | 180 NOK | 0-1 (local bus/tram) | Most travelers (Best Overall) |
| Local Public Bus (AtB) | 55-70 mins | 39-50 NOK (Cheapest) | 0-1 | Budget solo travelers |
| Train (Vy) | 50-65 mins | 69-108 NOK* | 1-2 (train + local bus) | Advance planners, rail pass holders |
| Taxi / Private Car | 25-35 mins (Fastest) | 500-700 NOK | 0 | Groups, late arrivals, max convenience |
*Train price varies with advance purchase. Student discounts available.
Traveler Tips & Campus Access Guide
Navigating to Specific NTNU Campuses:
- Gløshaugen (Engineering & Technology): Closest to the city center. From Trondheim S, it's a pleasant 15-20 min walk or a 5-min tram ride (Line 1).
- Dragvoll (Humanities & Social Sciences): Requires a bus connection (10-15 mins) from the city center. Use buses 20, 21, 36, or 66.
- Tyholt (Marine Technology): Take Tram 1 (Direction Lademoen) from the city center to "Tyholttårnet" stop.
Essential Advice for a Smooth Trip:
- Get the Apps: Download AtB Mobillett for city buses/trams and Flybussen for the airport bus. Vy for trains.
- Semester Start Chaos: In mid-August and January, Trondheim is flooded with students. Book accommodation early and expect fuller buses.
- Luggage Solutions: Traveling light is key. If you have heavy bags for move-in, a taxi might be worth the splurge from the airport.
- Weather Preparedness: Trondheim weather is changeable. Have a rain jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes for the final stretch to campus.
- Validate Your Ticket: On local AtB transport, you must tap your mobile ticket or paper ticket on the valdiator when boarding.
FAQs: Getting from Værnes Airport to NTNU
What is the cheapest way to get from Trondheim Airport to NTNU?
The cheapest option is the public city bus (AtB), costing around 39-50 NOK for a single ticket. The dedicated Airport Express Bus (Værnesekspressen) is slightly more expensive at 180 NOK but is faster and more direct to the city center, a short walk from some NTNU campuses.
What is the fastest way to get from Værnes Airport to NTNU?
A taxi or private transfer is the fastest door-to-door option, taking about 25-35 minutes. For public transport, the Airport Express Bus combined with a short walk or local tram is the quickest, with a total travel time of approximately 40-50 minutes to Gløshaugen or Dragvoll campuses.
Is there a direct train from Trondheim Airport to NTNU?
No, there is no direct train. You must first take the Vy train from Værnes Airport Station to Trondheim Central Station (Trondheim S). The journey takes 35-40 minutes. From there, you can connect to NTNU via local bus, tram, or a 15-25 minute walk depending on your campus.
How do I get to NTNU if I arrive late at night or early in the morning?
Public transport options are limited late at night. The last Airport Express Bus typically departs around 00:30 AM. For arrivals between ~1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, your only reliable options are taxi (available 24/7) or pre-booking a private transfer. Check the latest timetables on the Flybussen website before travel.
Where does the Airport Express Bus stop at NTNU?
The Airport Express Bus terminates at Trondheim Central Station. From there, NTNU's main campuses are accessible: Gløshaugen (Engineering) is a 15-minute walk or short tram ride. Dragvoll (Humanities & Social Sciences) requires a connecting bus (lines 20, 21, 36, 66) taking about 10-15 minutes. Check the AtB app for real-time connections.
Can I use a student discount on transport from the airport?
Yes, but it depends on the service. Student discounts apply on Vy trains and local AtB buses/trams with a valid student ID or student travel card. The Airport Express Bus typically does not offer student discounts on its standard ticket. Always carry your student ID and check the respective operator's website for the latest discount policies.
Which is better for a large group or with lots of luggage: bus or train?
For groups (4+ people) or with bulky luggage, the Airport Express Bus is often better. It has dedicated luggage space under the cabin. The train also has luggage racks, but navigating Trondheim Central Station with bags and then transferring can be cumbersome. For very large groups or excessive luggage, pre-booking a large taxi or minivan is most convenient.
How far in advance should I book train or bus tickets from the airport?
It's not usually necessary to book far in advance for this short route. However, for the best fares on the Vy train, booking a few days ahead on their app can secure 'Minipris' low-cost tickets. Airport Express Bus tickets can be bought on board or via their app; booking online may offer a small discount. For peace of mind during peak arrival times (weekday afternoons, semester start), consider buying your ticket online.