Bern Airport (BRN/LSZB): The Premier Regional Gateway to Switzerland’s Capital and the Bernese Alps
Bern Airport (IATA: BRN, ICAO: LSZB), officially known as the Regionalflugplatz Bern-Belp (Bern-Belp Regional Aerodrome), serves as the efficient and stress-free air transport hub for Bern, Switzerland’s federal capital, as well as the surrounding regions of Fribourg and Neuchâtel. Strategically located just 6 km south of Bern in the municipality of Belp, the airport offers unmatched accessibility to the city’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Old City, the stunning Bernese Oberland, and nearby business centers.
While Bern is a regional airport, it is a crucial center for General Aviation and Business Aviation in Switzerland. It is also the official base for the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation and hosts the air rescue organization Rega, underscoring its national importance.
Terminals, Facilities, and Passenger Services
Bern Airport operates with a single, highly efficient terminal prized for its compact size, ensuring short walking distances and quick processing times—a significant advantage for both business and leisure travelers.
Key Amenities and Services for Passengers:
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.
- Dining and Refreshments: Travelers can enjoy food and beverages at the on-site dining areas, including the Bistro Auszeit and the Flughafenrestaurant Amante.
- Accessibility: The airport provides complete facilities and services to ensure comfortable travel for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Business and General Aviation: The airport is a major hub for business jets and private aviation, offering premium handling services, exclusive crew lounges, and efficient ground support. Short taxi-to-take-off times are a key benefit for VIP travelers.
- Lost & Found: Inquiries regarding lost property can be directed to the airport’s dedicated Lost & Found service.
Important Note on On-Site Services:
In line with its regional status, passengers should note that the airport currently does not feature duty-free shopping, currency exchange services, or public ATMs within the terminal building.
Airlines and Key Destination Network
Bern Airport primarily focuses on serving seasonal charter flights and leisure destinations, with a dynamic route network that changes seasonally, often in partnership with major tour operators like Hotelplan Suisse and TUI.
Main Operating Carriers:
- Helvetic Airways
- Air Nostrum
- Avanti Air
- SkyAlps
- Blue Islands
- Chair Airlines
Popular Seasonal Leisure Destinations (Typical Network):
The airport is the regional link to sun-soaked holidays, especially during the summer season, with routes frequently including:
- Mediterranean: Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Olbia & Cagliari (Italy), Heraklion, Kos, and Rhodes (Greece).
- North Africa: Direct routes to destinations like Djerba and Monastir (Tunisia).
- Other European Routes: Connections to destinations such as London, Berlin, and the Channel Islands (Jersey & Guernsey) are often offered via seasonal schedules.
Ground Transportation and Parking Solutions
Getting to and from Bern Airport is straightforward, with a seamless connection to the city center and the broader rail network.
Public Transport:
The most sustainable and efficient way to reach the city is via the seamless public transport link:
- Bus and Rail Connection: Bus line 160 connects the airport directly to Belp Station. From Belp Station, travelers can quickly transfer to the S-Bahn rail lines (S1, S3, S4, S31, S44), which provide fast connections to Bern main station (Bern Hauptbahnhof) and the wider Swiss rail network. The total journey time to the city center is approximately 20-30 minutes.
Taxi and Car Rental:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, offering a direct 10-15 minute ride to central Bern, with fares typically ranging from 30 to 40 CHF.
- Car Rental: Reputable international companies like Europcar and Sixt maintain desks at the airport, though reservations are highly recommended, as on-demand service is often limited.
Parking:
The airport offers both short-term and long-term paid parking facilities. Daily long-term parking rates are typically around 11 CHF (or approximately €11-€12), offering an economical option for travelers.
Local Attractions and Travel Advisory
Bern Airport serves as the ideal starting point for exploring Switzerland’s historical and natural beauty.
- Must-See Attractions: Key sites accessible from the airport include the Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament building), the iconic Zytglogge (Clock Tower), the Aare River, and museums such as the Einstein Museum.
- Schengen Zone: Travelers are reminded that Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Non-Schengen passport holders must ensure they possess the necessary visa or documentation for entry.
Contact and Official Information
For flight status, operational hours, or other direct inquiries, please use the official channels.
| Service | Contact Information |
| General Inquiries | Phone: +41 31 960 21 11 |
| Ground Assistance | Phone: +41 31 960 21 31 |
| Lost & Found | Phone: +41 31 960 21 59 |
| Car Rental (Europcar) | Phone: +41 31 381 75 55 (Reservations only) |
| Official Website | www.bernairport.ch |
| Address | Flughafen Bern AG, Flugplatzstrasse 31, CH-3123 Belp, Switzerland |
| IATA Code | BRN |
| ICAO Code | LSZB |