Stavanger is a charming city on Norway’s southwestern coast, best known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and stunning coastline. While Stavanger’s size is manageable and many of its attractions are walkable, the city also offers efficient public transportation options to help you explore both within and beyond its borders. From buses to bicycles and car rentals, Stavanger has a variety of transportation modes to make your journey through the city smooth and enjoyable.
1. Stavanger’s Public Transport System: Kolumbus Buses
The primary mode of public transportation in Stavanger is the bus, managed by the company Kolumbus. With an extensive network that connects the city center with outlying neighborhoods and key attractions, Kolumbus buses are a reliable and convenient option for getting around.
Getting Started with Kolumbus
To begin using Kolumbus, you’ll want to download the Kolumbus app, available on both iOS and Android. This app is incredibly helpful, as it provides live departure times, ticket purchasing options, route maps, and a trip planner that shows you the best bus lines to reach your destination. You can also use the app to buy different types of tickets, including single-ride, day, and week passes, depending on the duration of your stay.
Types of Bus Tickets
Kolumbus offers several ticket options that cater to various travel needs:
- Single Ticket: Valid for one hour, this ticket allows you to travel in any direction on Kolumbus buses. It’s perfect if you’re planning just one or two trips.
- 24-Hour Ticket: This ticket grants unlimited bus rides within the designated period, making it great for a day of sightseeing.
- 7-Day Ticket: Ideal for extended stays, this ticket provides unlimited travel within the Stavanger area for seven days.
Ticket Prices and Where to Buy
Ticket prices vary depending on the duration, and discounts are available for children, students, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased via the Kolumbus app, on the Kolumbus website, or at certain kiosks and convenience stores throughout Stavanger. Remember, buying your ticket through the app is often more convenient and sometimes cheaper than purchasing from drivers.
As of now, a single adult ticket costs approximately NOK 39, while a 24-hour ticket is around NOK 95. For tourists staying a week, the 7-day pass, priced around NOK 280, is a cost-effective option for unlimited travel within Stavanger.
Bus Routes and Major Stops
Kolumbus buses cover a wide area, from the city center to the outskirts of Stavanger and nearby towns. The most popular bus routes for tourists include:
- Route 2 and 3 – These routes connect the city center to the University of Stavanger and other important neighborhoods.
- Route X60 – A popular choice for tourists, this express bus takes you to Sola, where Stavanger Airport is located.
- Route 29 – This route will take you to the Stavanger Oil Museum, one of the must-visit spots in the city.
Buses generally run on time, and service is frequent, especially during the daytime. However, on weekends and late at night, bus schedules may be less frequent, so planning ahead is wise if you’re heading out in the evening.
Tips for Navigating Kolumbus Buses
- Boarding: Enter the bus from the front and show your mobile or paper ticket to the driver.
- Finding Routes: Use the Kolumbus app or Google Maps for real-time navigation and route planning.
- Be Punctual: Buses in Stavanger are usually punctual. Arriving a few minutes early at the stop is always a good idea.
2. Biking Around Stavanger
Stavanger is a bike-friendly city, and renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore its scenic beauty at your own pace. Stavanger’s city center and nearby neighborhoods have dedicated bike paths, making it safe and enjoyable to cycle through.
Bike Rentals in Stavanger
There are multiple bike rental services available in Stavanger, ranging from local bike shops to on-demand bike-sharing services:
- Bybike (Stavanger’s City Bike System): Bybike is a city-run bike-sharing service that offers bikes at docking stations around Stavanger. With the Bybike app, you can easily unlock a bike, ride to your destination, and dock it at any other Bybike station in the city. This is ideal for short trips or casual rides around the center.
- Bicycle Shops: Local shops like Sykkelsenteret offer daily or weekly rentals and provide high-quality bikes for both urban and off-road trails. These rentals are perfect for longer or multi-day biking adventures.
Where to Ride
Stavanger offers numerous picturesque bike routes. Here are a few popular options:
- The Hafrsfjord Route: This trail takes you along Hafrsfjord, where you’ll see the famous “Swords in Rock” monument. It’s a relatively easy ride and provides scenic coastal views.
- Mosvatnet Lake: This family-friendly route circles Mosvatnet, a lake close to Stavanger’s center, offering a peaceful ride with plenty of nature.
- Jæren Coastal Route: For more experienced cyclists, this longer coastal route offers stunning views of sandy beaches and the rugged Norwegian coast.
Tips for Biking in Stavanger
- Use Bike Lanes: Follow designated bike lanes wherever available, and be mindful of pedestrians.
- Helmet Rental: Many bike shops offer helmets, so if you’re renting a bike, consider requesting one for added safety.
- Plan for Weather: Stavanger’s weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast and bring rain gear if necessary.
3. Car Rentals and Driving in Stavanger
If you plan to explore beyond Stavanger, renting a car is a practical option. With a car, you can visit remote areas like the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trailhead, which is otherwise challenging to reach via public transport. Car rentals are available both at Stavanger Airport and within the city.
Car Rental Options
Some of the major car rental companies operating in Stavanger include Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, as demand can be high. Many rental agencies offer compact cars, ideal for city driving, or larger vehicles if you’re planning to explore the mountainous roads.
Driving in Stavanger: Rules and Tips
- Toll Roads: Norway has toll roads, and Stavanger is no exception. Most rental cars are equipped with an AutoPASS device, which automatically records toll fees, and the charges are added to your final bill.
- Parking: Parking in downtown Stavanger can be limited and expensive. There are metered parking areas and parking garages available, but always check for restrictions.
- Road Conditions: Roads in Stavanger are well-maintained, but rural roads can be narrow and winding. During winter, ensure your rental has winter tires for better traction.
Is Driving Worth It?
Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to explore Norway’s natural wonders, like Lysefjord or the Kjeragbolten boulder. However, if your plans are limited to Stavanger itself, the city’s public transport and bike rental options are often sufficient.
4. Ferries and Boat Tours
For a more scenic mode of transport, Stavanger offers ferry services and boat tours. This is a fantastic way to experience Norway’s iconic fjords up close.
Ferry Options
Several ferry services operate in Stavanger, primarily catering to routes across the fjords or to nearby islands. Kolumbus also runs ferry services to places like Tau, which is the main gateway to Preikestolen. Tickets can be purchased via the Kolumbus app or directly at the ferry terminal.
Popular Boat Tours
If you’re interested in sightseeing, consider taking a boat tour from the harbor. There are multiple operators offering half-day or full-day tours to destinations like Lysefjord, where you’ll see majestic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and even wildlife like seals and eagles. Fjord Tours is one of the more popular operators, and they offer various packages, including guided tours to Preikestolen.
5. Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available throughout Stavanger and can be hailed on the street, booked through an app, or reserved via phone. Some popular taxi companies in Stavanger include Stavanger Taxi and Taxi 1. Taxis in Norway can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to rely on public transportation for everyday travel.
Uber and other rideshare apps are not widely used in Stavanger. However, many locals and tourists rely on taxis for late-night trips or if they’re carrying heavy luggage.
Taxi Tips
- Fares: Taxi fares start at a base rate, and then increase per kilometer. Night rates tend to be higher, so be prepared for slightly higher costs if traveling in the evening.
- Pre-Book for the Airport: If you need a taxi to the airport, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during early morning or late-night hours.
6. Walking: Exploring Stavanger on Foot
With its compact city center, Stavanger is highly walkable, and strolling through the charming streets is one of the best ways to experience the city’s beauty. Walking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, and you’ll likely stumble upon hidden gems, cafes, and shops that aren’t on any map. For visitors staying primarily in the city center, walking can easily cover most of your daily needs.
Best Walking Routes
- Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger): This historic area is filled with white wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and colorful gardens. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Stavanger Harbor: A walk along the harbor offers lovely views of boats, seafood markets, and local art installations.
Whether you’re taking a bus, renting a bike, driving a car, or simply walking, Stavanger’s transportation options make it easy to explore both the city and the stunning natural landscapes that surround it.
