How to Get to Stavanger. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Details

Stavanger Airport SVG

Located approx. 11 km (7 miles) southwest of the central area. It serves as a regional hub for both domestic and international flights.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic: Widerøe, SAS, and Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø).
International: KLM (Amsterdam), SAS (Copenhagen), Norwegian Air Shuttle (various European destinations).
Wizz Air offers flights to several European cities. Loganair (Aberdeen, UK). Lufthansa (Frankfurt - seasonal).

Airport Transfers

Multiple options are available to reach the city center from SVG.

Transfer Methods

Flybussen (Airport Rapid Bus): Most popular option, 20-30 min travel, stops at main hotels. Tickets online or on bus.
Local Bus (Kolumbus Route 42): Cheaper alternative, more local stops, longer travel time. Use the Kolumbus app for tickets.
Taxi: Available outside terminal. Ride to city center costs approx. NOK 300-400.

Flight Availability

Airlines often increase flight frequency during summer (June-August). Some routes might be seasonal, with fewer flights off-season.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices peak during summer, major holidays, and local events. Book in advance for better rates. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club.

Airport Facilities

SVG offers restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, car rental desks, and currency exchange. Wi-Fi is available.

Flight Booking Resources

Flight Deals

Find discounted fares with Dollar Flight Club.
Compare prices across airlines.
Sign up for alerts.
Be flexible with dates.

Comparison Tools

Use Skyscanner for comprehensive flight searches.
Filter by price, airline, or stops.
Explore multiple destination options.
Utilize their "cheapest month" feature.

Direct Flight Notes

Transcontinental Flights

Stavanger Airport does not have direct transcontinental flights from North America, Asia, or other distant global hubs.

Connection Hubs

Travelers from these regions typically connect using major European hubs.

Common Connections

Common connection locations include Amsterdam (KLM), Copenhagen (SAS), or Oslo (SAS/Norwegian).

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Stavanger is the terminus of the Sørlandsbanen railway line.

Train Services

Vy (Norwegian State Railways) operates daily long-distance trains.
Connects Stavanger with Kristiansand, Arendal, and Oslo (approx. 7.5-8 hours).
Local rail services link Stavanger with nearby towns like Sandnes and Egersund.

Long-Distance Buses

Bus services offer scenic routes along the coast.

Bus Operators

Vy express routes connect Stavanger with Kristiansand, Oslo, and Bergen.
The route to Bergen (E39 coastal road) involves several scenic ferry crossings.
Kystbussen offers direct service between Stavanger and Bergen (approx. 5-6 hours).

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region.

Driving in Norway

Valid driving license needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is good if your license is not in English/Roman alphabet.
Minimum age for car rental usually 19-25. Find rentals at DiscoverCars.com.
Roads are well-maintained; mountain roads are winding/steep. Tunnels are common.

Driving Safety

Awareness of certain conditions leads to safer journeys.

Important Notes

Wildlife (deer, elk) can be on roads, especially at dawn/dusk. Drive carefully.
Speed limits are strictly enforced, and fines for speeding are high.
Toll roads and ferry crossings are common and increase costs. Rental cars often have transponders.

Border Crossing Information

This section is not applicable for internal travel within Norway.
If arriving from a neighboring country overland, standard border security procedures apply.
Norway is in the schengen Zone, so border checks with Sweden or Finland are minimal for EU/Schengen citizens.

Non-Schengen citizens will encounter full border checks.
Have all required travel documents ready.
Always verify current border regulations before departure.

Sea Arrivals & Departure

Sea Travel to Stavanger

Stavanger's coastal location means sea travel is a functional and often beautiful route to arrive.

Ferry Services

Stavanger functions as a port for passenger ferries, mainly operating local routes within the fjords.
Fjord Line operates car and passenger ferries between Stavanger and Hirtshals (Denmark), providing an international sea link. It additionally provides a ferry service to Bergen.
Local Ferries are useful for exploring the fjords, specifically for accessing hiking trailheads like Lysebotn (for Kjerag).

Cruise Ship Port

Stavanger is a popular port of call for international cruise ships, especially during the summer season.

Port Location

The cruise terminal is centrally located near Gamle Stavanger.
This location allows passengers easy access to the city's attractions upon disembarkation.
Ferry terminals also offer good links to the local bus network, making onward travel straightforward.

River Transport

Not applicable. Stavanger is a coastal city on a fjord, not a major river system that supports long-distance river transport.

Immigration at Seaports

Standard passport control procedures apply for arrivals from other countries (e.g., from Denmark). Domestic ferries or cruise ships already cleared typically face no further checks.

Onward Connections

The cruise terminal is within walking distance of Stavanger city center, public transport hubs, and taxi stands.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Norway does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers. Your ticket price generally includes all relevant charges.

Timing Recommendations Stavanger Airport SVG

International flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic flights: Arrive 1-2 hours before scheduled departure.
Security procedures are efficient but can take time during peak hours.

Airport & Station Facilities

Travel hubs offer various amenities for departing travelers.

Available Amenities

Stavanger Airport (SVG) has cafes, restaurants, shops, and duty-free areas after security.
Stavanger Central Station offers basic amenities like a kiosk and waiting areas.
Check your flight or train status before heading to the airport or station.

Additional Departure Notes

Peak Periods

Allow extra time during peak vacation times or if traveling with a lot of luggage.

Flight Compensation

If your flight is delayed or canceled, AirHelp can help with compensation claims.

Stay Updated

Monitor any travel advisories or news that could impact your departure.

Smooth Departures

Planning your departure time wisely and staying informed about airport/station conditions makes for a stress-free exit from Stavanger.

How to Get to Stavanger