Set amid the coastal landscapes of Southern Norway, Kristiansand Airport (Kristiansand lufthavn), commonly known as Kjevik, is the primary air gateway to the region of Sørlandet. Located about 16 kilometers northeast of downtown Kristiansand, Kjevik warmly welcomes travelers heading for the city’s beaches, the family favorite Dyrepark (Kristiansand Dyrepark), and the broader Agder region’s islands and fjords. For visitors, the airport isn’t just a transit point—it’s a convenient, compact, and friendly introduction to the relaxed rhythm of southern Norway.
Kjevik’s story mirrors the growth of Kristiansand as a maritime and cultural hub. Established in the 1930s, the airfield became strategically important during and after World War II, later growing into a civilian airport that connected Southern Norway with Oslo and other Scandinavian cities. Over the decades, renovations and runway improvements have allowed modern aircraft to operate reliably in varied weather, while the terminal has evolved to keep pace with passengers heading for sun-soaked summers by the archipelago or winter escapes deeper into Norway.
For travelers, Kjevik stands out for its practicality. Flights typically connect to Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and seasonal or regular routes to European hubs, making it an efficient entry point if you plan to explore the south coast. Check-in areas are straightforward, security lines are usually manageable, and amenities include cafés, a small duty-free for international routes, car rentals, and helpful information points. Free Wi‑Fi and well-signed facilities make quick stopovers stress-free, while family travelers will appreciate kid-friendly spaces and short walking distances between gates.
Getting to and from Kjevik is easy. The Airport Express Bus (Flybussen) runs frequent services to Kristiansand city center, syncing with common flight times; journey time is roughly 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses also connect the airport with surrounding communities. Taxis wait outside the terminal, and car rental desks are available if you’re planning a coastal road trip along Route E18 or heading inland. If you’re arriving late, consider booking a hotel in town or nearby before you land—travel times are short, but availability can tighten in peak summer.
Kjevik’s relevance to visitors goes beyond convenience. It positions you close to The Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, a top Norwegian attraction, and within quick reach of The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga), Odderøya island, and the region’s family-friendly beaches like Bystranda. In summer, flights are often full of festivalgoers, boaters, and hikers; in shoulder seasons, nature lovers head for quieter coastal trails, lighthouse visits, and charming small towns like Lillesand and Mandal. If you’re road-tripping Norway’s south coast, arriving or departing via Kjevik helps maximize time spent exploring rather than transferring.
Insider tip: book window seats on clear days to glimpse the intricate tapestry of skerries and inlets as you arrive or depart. Summer mornings can bring spectacular light over the archipelago, while winter flights often offer dramatic views of low-angled sun and snow-dusted landscapes. Whether you’re connecting to Oslo or flying direct from abroad, Kjevik provides a smooth, scenic start to your Southern Norway adventure—and an easy farewell when it’s time to head home.