Bergen on Viking - a couple of days extra there? Stockholm Departure?

We spent a couple of days in bergen and recommend you do the same. The weather isn’t great there, lots of rain, but it has its own history. It wouldn’t make sense to go to Copenhagen instead.
We flew to Oslo non- stop from EWR a few years ago and after a few days there, went to Bergen for a few days before boarding the expedition ship, Hurtigruten , on a trip that went above the Arctic Circle.

Another option for a few days before is to start in Oslo and take the Norway in a Nutshell route (or a variation of it) to Bergen. That would be my suggestion as it allows you to see a bit of the interior as well.

Regarding flights from Faro, it's a small airport with very seasonal traffic. In May the options will probably be limited compared to July, but try to book it on a single ticket with a flag carrier instead of self connecting somewhere. And whichever options you choose, avoid the UK if you can.

Are you staying in Stockholm afterwards or just heading to the airport? The really deserves a few days. You can of course stay at an airport hotel, if it was my trip it would depend on how early the flight is. Airport hotels are practical but can be really boring.

Well, made some progress - or at least reservations. DFW-LHR-FAO and return ARN (Stockholm)-LHR-DFW.

Now to solve the how to get to Bergen from Faro :-). Still looks like best route vs cost is EasyJet LGW and then Norwegian to BGO.

Was thinking about flow from ship to airplane the next day out of Stockholm ... since there are couple of cab rides, etc, involved in any scenario, perhaps hire a private guide for the day? Pick us up at the ship, tour us around for the day, and then drop us at the airport late afternoon? Anyone done this in Stockholm?

Now to solve the how to get to Bergen from Faro :-). Still looks like
best route vs cost is EasyJet LGW and then Norwegian to BGO.

It depends on how you define best. Remember that if you're flying via the UK you add a lot of extra faff, passport checks, an extra security check and customs. Self connecting also has some risks.

Was thinking about flow from ship to airplane the next day out of
Stockholm ... since there are couple of cab rides, etc, involved in
any scenario, perhaps hire a private guide for the day? Pick us up at
the ship, tour us around for the day, and then drop us at the airport
late afternoon? Anyone done this in Stockholm?

You can, but it will be expensive and pretty impractical if you think about a guide with a car. What are you actually trying to do?

Well, since we are staying over for departure from ARN, and we'd like to:
- disembark from the ship
- get into Stockholm (requires taxi?)
- see some of Stockholm (can walk, but inefficient)
- get to the airport (requires taxi?)

A guide, although expensive, could provide more of tour, and then drop us off at airport?

Pick us up at the ship, tour us around for the day, and then drop us at the airport
late afternoon? Anyone done this in Stockholm?

At what port is your ship docking?

What time is your flight? The Arlanda Express takes 18 minutes from Stockholm Central and is starts running pretty early. If you want to see Stockholm, it may be better to choose a hotel close to the central train station. You could drop off your luggage at the hotel and spend the day in Stockholm.

I'm assuming it is the port where Viking docks ... is there another?

Staying downtown is certainly and option - and perhaps better? I don't have a frame of reference - recommendations?

There are several cruise terminals although Frihamnen is by far the most likely, especially for a turn round call. You would need to ask Viking to confirm.

Well, since we are staying over for departure from ARN, and we'd like
to:

Are you sure staying at Arlanda is a good idea? It's a bit boring and staying in Stockholm is more fun.

• get into Stockholm (requires taxi?)

Of course it doesn't require a taxi.

• see some of Stockholm (can walk, but inefficient)

Trying see Stockholm by car is even more inefficient.

• get to the airport (requires taxi?)

Of course it doesn't require a taxi, we have trains and buses.

I'm assuming it is the port where Viking docks ... is there another?

Which port does it dock at? That's what we're asking.

Are you sure staying at Arlanda is a good idea? It's a bit boring and staying in Stockholm is more fun. (I agree with this, but was trying to spend the day in Stockholm and be at the airport for early flight. We usually take metro and trains - appreciate the advice!)

Of course it doesn't require a taxi. (The train station looks to be 3 km or so from Frihamnen (was told this was where), but now researching it sounds like it might be Stadsgården, Tegelvikshamn - quick walk from there to bus stop, or metro a bit further, or walk in an hour pulling bags with a stop for breakfast?)

Of course it doesn't require a taxi, we have trains and buses. (Right, and we would usually use public transportation - including the train to the airport, but was considering packaging it all up with one pickup and drop off).

It is impossible for this forum to tell you which port is being used. You haven't told us the date you berth in Stockholm, nor which of the several Viking ocean cruise ships you are sailing on. Nor is it up to us to research that.

Please ask Viking as suggested above, but they may or may not know at this stage. Some ports allocate the berth quite close to arrival.

I did spend time last night trying to find a public schedule of which cruises are calling at which cruise dock in the city this year and there simply isn't one.

If it is Frihamnen there are two bus routes- the #1 and the #76- which serve the terminal and run to Gamla Stan metro stop. Tickets can be purchased in the terminal, at a booth at the stop or on board the bus. You can also buy a Stockholm Card at the terminal.

To me, if someone says they are arriving on "The Viking" in Stockholm my first assumption would be that they were arriving on the Viking Line ferry from Finland, not on a cruise ship.

It depends how you travel. I personally would stay in the City and take the 3am (or later, depending on flight time) first Flybus to Arlanda from Central station.

I also would not be gnawing away at the issue of which berth will be used so far out. From research you can establish that any berth (even Nynashamn, which some ships use for Stockholm) gives me an easy transfer into the city.

The bigger issue to solve currently is Faro to Bergen, preferably without having to interline, but by connection on one ticket. Greater cost is to me more important than the inherent problem of trying to interline in any country on the lowest possible fares- that is a recipe for disaster IMO.
A solution, as a pure hypothesis, is to train (or bus) from Faro to Lisbon then fly Lisbon to Bergen as that should provide more connection options.

Sounds like same issue I am having with determination of which port. However, I was attempting to learn more about the manner of common transport in Stockholm - this was simply my starting point.

I didn't think I used the term, "The Viking" - that it was a Viking cruise ship - I didn't realize there were that many options on locations. Thanks for clarifying - and, I have not found a definitive berthing location thus far.

So, two public transportation options from downtown - bus or train. The FlyBus schedule says every 30 minutes beginning at 0300 (less expensive and takes about 45 minutes) and Arlanda Express earliest departure is 0420 (more expensive, but faster). Is the bus reliable? I note there is also another bus service - Flix - have used them in Portugal, but their schedule is less often.

I agree with your assessment regarding using multiple airlines - to be clear, though, you believe it is good to avoid a plan using EJ to Gatwick, and then Norwegian to Bergen? Pay a bit more and use a single airline system?

I reviewed the Lisbon departure options - there is no real advantage to doing that ... a couple more carriers, but no cost, route, or time advantage, but I'm still reviewing.

Given our itinerary I am trying to sort out the various bits as early as possible - I've made mistakes previously by assuming too much.

I really appreciate your help - I'm going to keep working it and will report back.

Well, that's interesting - any downtown Stockholm hotel is $500-1000/night ... at least that is my initial take from Booking.com ... the Radisson Blu at ARN is about $200.

any downtown Stockholm hotel is $500-1000/night ... at least that is my initial take from Booking.com ... the Radisson Blu at ARN is about $200.

For what date? That is exceptionally high; however, there are three Taylor Swift concerts from May 17 to 19 so you could be bumping up against that.

If you decide to stay at the airport, there is luggage storage at the train station. You could leave your luggage while you sightsee before heading to the airport.

Both the flygbus and train are reliable. Difference is price and time.

You still haven't given us much information. When does the ship arrive? Where does the ship arrive? When does your flight leave?

There are many ports in and around Stockholm. Cruise ships usually use Frihamnen, Stadsgårdskajen or Nynäshamn. If you don't where the ship will dock, you really can't plan much.

Is the bus reliable?

Yes.

Pay a bit more and use a single airline system?

That would be my choice.

Ah - concert - gah!

And, yep - exactly when! The night of 17 May ... good grief!

Flights from Lisbon-
Norwegian to Bergen connecting at Copenhagen. They also fly Lisbon to Oslo (and Stockholm) then from Oslo maybe take the train to Bergen- an added extra to your vacation. I would not be averse to train Stockholm to Oslo to Bergen.

I would also suggest looking at Scandinavian- who fly seasonally Lisbon to Copenhagen and Stockholm. Logically it would be possible to connect on them through one or the other airport to BGO. But you need to look at that.

If you interline through the UK you have to immigrate to the UK- if you connect through the UK on one ticket you don't.

Although it is not a true through ticket Jet2 Faro to Newcastle, Edinburgh and maybe other UK airports then Jet2 from the same airport to Bergen (these are brand new flights on Jet 2 to Norway) is another possible. Jet2 don't do connections as such, but if connecting times work it is a possible. Jet2 are a well respected UK holiday airline.
Another possible to research.

Thanks for comments!

Yes, Norwegian an option from LIS, about the same price as KLM (via AMS) from FAO (we're about 20 minutes from FAO) - so, probably not as good overall?

Quick status - and, again, a thank you for your comments!

After changing our departure to Dallas (one son and wife there - always good to spend a few days and try and catch one of his concerts) was able to use some points for portion of the flight through Chase - so, the DFW-LHR (AA), and ARN-LHR-DFW (all BA) are all set. We splurged for Premium Economy, but just found out this doesn't include choosing seats in that section on the British Airways LHR-DFW flight - kinda disappointing BA would still nickel and dime that. If wait till the day prior can select seats, but not now - and, I suspect the pressure to choose on the long haul flight means nothing will be left to choose from. :-(

Now trying to choose between the two viable options - meets our criteria to get into Bergen before evening.

Norwegian - 0935-1800 with 2+25 layover in Copenhagen - $250-292 USD
- $250 with underseat plus overhead bag with a TOTAL of 10kg weight
- $292 with same overhead and underseat plus checked bag max 23 kg

Transavia/KLM - 0750-1655 with 3+25 layover in Amsterdam - $328-356 USD
- $328 with overhead and personal items TOTAL of 12 kg weight
- $362 with same overhead and personal items plus a checked bag 23kg

Timing on both are fine, but figuring out the baggage vs category of ticket is a bit daunting. We never check our bag - always have 21" overhead roller (max of 22kg) and a regular sized backpack each. Must we check the roller with KLM since it weighs more than the silly 12kg? Our last trip was also confusing - we flew EJ from Gatwick - had same type restrictions but almost everyone we saw had a roller and backpack - never an issue for anyone carrying onboard.

Thoughts on which carrier and those darn bag standards?

Another option!

Been considering other touring to do in route from Faro to Bergen ... we haven't made flight resv yet, and could leave Faro a day or two early (currently planning 1 May FAO-BGO), to perhaps take the scenic train from Oslo (I had posted Stockholm earlier) to Bergen?

This would add a night in Oslo (we see it later on the cruise) - but, we could take the train!

Anyone done this?

The Norway in a Nutshell route mentioned earlier in this thread is a highly recommended option for those traveling to Norway. You can travel from Oslo to Bergen in one (long) day as follows:

• Regular train from Oslo to Myrdal (buy in advance from vy.no to save money; get through ticket all the way to Flam--see next leg). Good scenery on much of this trip.

• Flamsbana train from Myrdal down to Flam on the Sognefjord (buy Oslo-Flam from vy.no in advance). Highly scenic.

• Naeroyfjord ferry from Flam to Gudvangen (buy ticket from NorwaysBest.com). Highly scenic.

• Bus from Gudvangen up to Voss (about one hour; pay driver). Scenic.

• Regular train from Voss to Bergen (buy from vy.no, but I think this can be done later).

If you have the time and can find lodging available at one of the indicated connection points, this works as a two-day trip. Lodging is limited in quantity and much in demand in the fjord area, but May is much earlier than peak travel time, so you might find something. Most people stay in Flam, I think, unless they're looking for some sort of active-sport experience, in which case they might prefer Voss. Voss isn't on a fjord; Flam is, but it sometimes has a monster cruise ship in port, which definitely affects the view.

The Nutshell transportation is well synchronized, and there's very little distance to cover when you change modes of travel. It's a very easy (but not cheap) way to travel from Oslo to Bergen, right through some of Norway's most spectacular scenery. If I had an extra day or two, this would be a no-brainer for me. (I took the Nutshell route in 2022.)

Going to Oslo and then take the train or some variation of the Norway in a Nutshell route is an excellent idea. That's why I mentioned it earlier in the thread.

Also, if you haven't found a place to stay in Stockholm at a reasonable price, consider staying in Uppsala instead. It's a good chance it will be cheaper, and you are still close to Arlanda.