free bus travel stavanger

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Free public transport scheme has ended

• The free public transport scheme for Stavanger residents ended 31 December 2023.
• Deadline for refunds for express ferry tickets is 7 January 2024.
• We encourage you to continue to travel by public transport, the Stavanger region has cheaper public transport tickets than other Norwegian cities.
• Evaluation of and research into this scheme will continue until the end of the new year 2024.

Information in other languages Show or hide other languages

• Gratis kollektivreiser 2023 – Norsk bokmål

How to get tickets from now on?

There is no reason to stop travelling by public transport. Prices for period tickets in this region compare well to other big cities.

Check out the different ticket types that Kolumbus offers, and what they include. Buy tickets where you usually buy them:

Kolumbus , tickets for buses, ferries and express ferries in Rogaland

Entur , public transport tickets locally and nationally

GoAhead , Jærbanen and other train tickets

About the free public transport scheme

From 3 July to 31 December 2023, Stavanger municipality paid for public transport ticket in the Nord-Jæren zone for Stavanger residents.

The scheme was a collaboration between Stavanger municipality and Rogaland county's public transport company Kolumbus, and worked like this:

• Residents registered in a public transport register set up by the municipality to check their data against the population register.
• They then booked tickets on their personal “Min Side” on the municipality's website.
• Tickets were automatically sent to the Kolumbus ticket app on the resident’s phone.

Residents who could not use digital tickets used travel cards. They could book tickets online or get help over the counter, either in Kolumbus' customer service or in the municipality's service centre.

Over 95 per cent of the free ticket holders used the digital solution.

For technical reasons, residents who travelled by express ferries between Stavanger and the Ryfylke islands in the municipality had to pay for their tickets and get a refund through a reimbursement scheme.

Reimbursement of express ferry tickets

If you travelled by express ferries to, from and between the Ryfylke islands in Stavanger municipality, you still had to buy tickets, for technical reasons. However, you can get ticket expenses refunded for journeys that took place up to and including 31 December.

• Ordinary 30-day tickets and HjemJobbHjem purchased after 1 December will not be refunded.
• Single tickets purchased after 31 December will also not be refunded.
• Tickets for personal journeys and HjemJobbHjem tickets with the express boat will be reimbursed. The scheme does not apply to vehicles and goods.

Please note: The deadline for submitting the reimbursement form is 7 January 2024.

The refund form can be found here (in Norwegian). Processing time is 14 days.

Political decisions on free public transport

May 2023: The municipal council adopted to introduce free public transport for residents as of 3 July of the same year, with a financial limit of up to NOK 200 million. The decision came as part of the council's processing of the annual report and accounts for 2022.

See related case documents, in Norwegian only .

November 2023: The city council decided to end the scheme by 31 December, and to redirect remaining funds to the municipality's climate and environmental fund, which supports several different climate and environmental initiatives . The decision was part of the city council's processing of the quarterly financial report.

See related case documents, in Norwegian only.

In the period between the decision to introduce free public transport for residents and the decision to discontinue the scheme, municipal elections took place. The ruling coalition that originally introduced the scheme, Ap, MDG, Sp, SV, Folkets parti and Rødt, was replaced by a new majority – Høyre, FrP, KrF and Venstre – who then discontinued it.

Facts and figures

The final figures will be presented as soon as they are available, during the first two weeks of January.

Preliminary estimates, as of 28 December, are:

Number of tickets By the end of the year and the end of the scheme, the municipality will have bought around 630,000 tickets of various types and duration for residents.

Distribution of different ticket types throughout the period (3 July - 31 December):

• 30-day tickets: approx. 29%
• Youth tickets (30 days): approx. 4%
• 7-day tickets: approx. 12%
• 24-hour tickets: approx. 32%
• Single tickets: approx. 23%

Preliminary ticket costs

• The municipality's total ticket costs for the entire period will land at around NOK 140 million.
• In addition, almost NOK 1.7 million will go towards reimbursing express ferry tickets.

The exact final costs are still unknown, and Stavanger municipality is negotiating with Rogaland county municipality to settle on a final payment that reflects the actual costs of the scheme for Kolumbus.

Initially, up to NOK 200 million was earmarked for the free ticket scheme. The surplus funds will now be redirected to the municipality's climate and environmental fund, supporting a range of climate and environmental initiatives.

Research and evaluation

Stavanger municipality is collaborating with Kolumbus and Rogaland county municipality to evaluate free public transport scheme for residents of Stavanger.

The Institute of Transport Economics (TØI) conducted a study commissioned by Kolumbus. It concludes that the use of public transport in Stavanger has increased as a result of the introduction of free public transport for the city's residents. The effect of the scheme on car and bicycle usage is somewhat more uncertain.

The report Evaluation of free public transport

Using the UngLab method , with Sopra Steria as a process consultant, youths have interviewed other youths to gain insights into the significance of free public transportation for young people. You will find the results here when they are ready.

To obtain a broader understanding of perspectives on the scheme before its discontinuation, professionals from the municipality traveled by bus, train, and boat, to interview users of public transportation.

In early 2024, we will analyze the impact of the initiative on different segments of the population. The effects of the scheme on traffic development and passenger statistics will also be examined more closely.

We will make data and insights available for research purposes.

Contact information

• For residents:  Resident service centre
• The municipal's techincal solution: Adviser  Anne Katrine Løklingholm Kjos
• Technical ticket solution: Kolumbus' communications manager  Jon Dagsland
• Research and evaluation: Advisor  Christin Berg
• Communications: Communications adviser  Ståle Madland Schjelderup
• Management: Director  Leidulf Skjørestad

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Stavanger is the first Norwegian city to offer free public transport for residents

Stavanger has become the first Norwegian city to offer free public transport to its residents. From 1 July 2023, residents of the city do not have to pay for their ticket when travelling by public buses, trains or boats in the Kolumbus "Nord-Jæren" zone, which covers Stavanger and the neighbouring towns of Randaberg, Sola and Sandnes.

With the decision to offer free public transport to residents, the local authorities hope to incentivise more individuals to choose public transport over private vehicles, leading to a greener and more sustainable transport system. Stavanger currently has one of the highest car use rates of major cities in Norway. The decision comes as part of the city's broader vision to prioritise environmental consciousness, improve air quality, and enhance the quality of life for those who live there. The goal is that at least 70% of the current number of car trips in the city will eventually be made on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

Stavanger's Mayor, Kari Nessa Nordtun, underlines that the move also aims to provide relief to residents with tight budgets. While Norway has one of the highest average median income levels in Europe, the use of public transport can still be a costly affair. For a family of four, the cost of using the bus can easily exceed NOK 15,000 annually (some €1,350 euro), even with discounts.

While the use of transport is free to residents, it is not for the city authorities. The estimated cost of the policy is almost 200 million kroner, approximately €17.7 million.

“Our municipality has consistently posted strong annual results, which have enabled us to offer this free service,” said Stavanger Mayor, Kari Nessa Nordtun. The city has estimated that this budget should cover the costs of the ‘free service’ until 2024. Whether the city will provide additional funding once the current budget has been depleted, remains to be seen. It may depend on the outcome of local elections, scheduled for September 2023. The initiatives certainly seems popular with many residents, as some 40,000 have already ordered their free public transport tickets.

For more information, see the city's  website .

Article originally published by  Bloomberg  on 6 July 2023.

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Stavanger Makes All Public Transportation Free of Charge!

Most Norwegian cities are working on different ideas and plans to get more people to use the public transportation system instead of driving their cars, but it’s not as easy as it might sound. However, Stavanger believe that their new idea might actually get people to get on the bus, ferries and trains.

Stavanger municipality tried to get more people to use public transportation by making it completely free within the city border. This allows anyone to ride the train, buses or even ferries in Stavanger without paying for a ticket!

Stavanger municipality is going to take the entire bill for the public transportation system starting on July 1, 2023, and expects it to cost somewhere in the vicinity of 200 million Norwegian kroner, which is roughly 18 million USD.

The municipality has agreed to front the cost for public transportation system for 1 year, but say that they are open to keep it this way is it has the desired results.

However, that will entirely depend on which parties get elected to run the municipality, seeing as there is a local election in Norway in September 2023.

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The local politicians have no idea how to actually make it happen

Despite being just over 1 month from taking place, the local politicians don’t really have any details or real plans on exactly how they will make the entire thing work. They pretty much only know that they want to pay the entire cost for public transportation in the city, but have no idea how to best solve it.

This means that it’s currently not known if they will just remove the requirement to even get a ticket inside the city of Stavanger, or if they are going to issue special tickets that allows for free use to their citizens.

It seems likely that they will choose a simple system like removal of tickets, seeing as issuing special tickets or anything like that will cost additional money, and probably be a big hassle for the users.

This will also affect how the free transportation will affect tourists. The project is meant to make public transportation free for citizens within Stavanger municipality, but it seems likely that it will also provide free public transportation for tourists as well.

That said, we just need to wait and see how the system will be like to get a definite answer.

How Stavanger municipality can afford to offer free public transport to their citizens

The municipality of Stavanger has a bank account with roughly 2 billion Norwegian kroner ($180 million USD), making it one of Norway’s richest municipalities. They generally make more money from tax income than they spend, allowing them to spend a lot of money on spectacular projects like this one.

The reason Stavanger is so rich in the first place is because it is considered the oil capital of Norway. A high percentage of oil industry workers in Norway live in Stavanger. These guys have a very high income, which means a lot of tax income for the municipality.

The average income for Stavanger’s inhabitants are significantly higher than the average income in Norway .

How will free public transportation affect the citizens?

The main reason why Stavanger want to make public transportation free is to increase the use of the system, and reduce the use of cars.

We have absolutely no idea if this change will change much. You currently need to pay around 650 NOK ($55 USD) for a 1 month unlimited use card, which isn’t really that much when you consider in the fact that Stavanger’s residents are generally wealthy. And 650 Norwegian kroner per month is generally considered inexpensive even for people with below average income.

It is far more expensive to use a car to drive to work compared to using public transportation, so many people believe that this change to make it free won’t affect anything at all.

Stavanger is also not known to have the best public transportation system, with its citizens complaining about too few departures, and too long distances between stops.

The municipality hopes that the bus companies will be able to set up additional bus lines and more frequent departures, but they have yet to come to an agreement with the bus company in the city.

Will it be free to ride the bus to Prekestolen (Pulpit Rock), Kjerag and other tourist attractions?

Stavanger is on close proximity to some of Norway’s most popular natural tourists attractions like Pulpit Rock and the Kjerag mountains, but buses to and from these places will not be free for neither tourists nor regular Norwegian citizens .

The reason is simply because these natural attractions are all outside of Stavanger’s municipality limits, so you need to pay as usual once you get out of Stavanger municipality.

This means that the ferry to Lysebotn (to get to Kjerag) and buses to the starting point for the hike to Pulpit’s Rock will still cost money just as usual, seeing as it’s outside of Stavanger city’s border.

Nicklas is the owner and editor of The Norway Guide, and is responsible for most of the content on the website.

He lives in Skien, Norway with his wife and two children. Nicklas is specialized in Norwegian ecology (including Norway’s geology, wildlife and flora) from his degree in Ecology And Nature Management at University of South-Eastern Norway, but has a particular interest in tourism and content creation.

His biggest hobbies are fishkeeping, going on hikes with his dog, and rooting for the local football team.

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Stavanger is the first Norwegian city to offer free public transport for residents

Stavanger has become the first Norwegian city to offer free public transport to its residents. From 1 July 2023, residents of the city do not have to pay for their ticket when travelling by public buses, trains or boats in the Kolumbus “Nord-Jæren” zone, which covers Stavanger and the neighbouring towns of Randaberg, Sola and Sandnes.

With the decision to offer free public transport to residents, the local authorities hope to incentivise more individuals to choose public transport over private vehicles, leading to a greener and more sustainable transport system. Stavanger currently has one of the highest car use rates of major cities in Norway. The decision comes as part of the city’s broader vision to prioritise environmental consciousness, improve air quality, and enhance the quality of life for those who live there. The goal is that at least 70% of the current number of car trips in the city will eventually be made on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

Stavanger’s Mayor, Kari Nessa Nordtun, underlines that the move also aims to provide relief to residents with tight budgets. While Norway has one of the highest average median income levels in Europe, the use of public transport can still be a costly affair. For a family of four, the cost of using the bus can easily exceed NOK 15,000 annually (some €1,350 euro), even with discounts.

While the use of transport is free to residents, it is not for the city authorities. The estimated cost of the policy is almost 200 million kroner, approximately €17.7 million.

“Our municipality has consistently posted strong annual results, which have enabled us to offer this free service,” said Stavanger Mayor, Kari Nessa Nordtun. The city has estimated that this budget should cover the costs of the ‘free service’ until 2024. Whether the city will provide additional funding once the current budget has been depleted, remains to be seen. It may depend on the outcome of local elections, scheduled for September 2023. The initiatives certainly seems popular with many residents, as some 40,000 have already ordered their free public transport tickets.

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Tickets for Kolumbus card holders

• You do not have to show up in person to order a new ticket.
• If you already have a Kolumbus card, you can use the form on this page to order a ticket (the form is in Norwegian only). 
• Orders will be processed Monday to Friday between 8.30 am and 3 pm.
• You will be notified when your ticket has been added to the card. This can take up to a day. 
• The card reader on the bus will show you how long your ticket is valid for. 
• On your first journey with a new ticket, you must validate your Kolumbus card by holding it up to the card reader at the bus or train station.

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• Billettbestilling for dere med Kolumbus-kort – Norsk bokmål

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Stavanger introduces “free” public transport

Public transport will be free in Stavanger from 1 July. This applies to buses, boats and trains, according to mayor Kari Nessa Nordtun (Ap).

The Labor Party, the People’s Party, MDG, Rødt, the Center Party and SV have agreed to make public transport free, reports NTB, which also quotes Nordtun’s claim that Stavanger is the first out of Norwegian cities.

The mayor writes that they are the first large Norwegian city to fully finance public transport for its residents.

For many, the car is and will still be necessary, but some may be able to get by without a car at all or cut the second car in the household. We hope that the free bus ensures that more people try to travel more by public transport in their everyday lives, preferably in combination with increased bicycle use, says Nessa Nordtun.

But Fredrikstad tried this for a few months, from November 2019 to February 2020, writes Stavanger Aftenblad. Admittedly, there was a decrease in car traffic also after the trial scheme, but that may also be due to the introduction of the toll rings, which happened around the same time.

At the time, half of the respondents said that they would continue to travel a lot by bus even when they had to pay again. This was primarily due to increased toll costs and the fact that it also became cheaper to travel by bus even after the free period than it had been before.

Enthusiasm in Stavanger is great, among the politicians. Rune Askeland in MDG of course sees this as a good climate measure.

Most of all, we want more people to walk and cycle, we believe that more people can take the chance to manage without a car when they know they can combine walking and cycling with public transport on days with bad weather, says Askeland.

Paul Kloster believes that a carrot is better than a whip to force even more climate measures down people’s throats.

Free public transport will make more people try out the bus to and from work, but not least at other times of the day. I am sure that many of those who will now give public transport a chance because of this offer will stay on the bus. When many more people use the bus, it is also easier to expand the route offering, says Kloster.

Sara Mauland (SV) is happy that it will be cheaper to travel.

As the municipality now has increased income due to many more people being back to work, we think it is great to be able to give this money back to people through a reward scheme for more climate-friendly travel, she says.

Once again, socialist-minded politicians use the term “free”, a term as stupid as zero-emission cars.

Because it will cost Stavanger municipality NOK 200 million a year to cover the costs of this measure. Someone has to pay for this.

Among other things, my family and all my neighbours, who do not use public transport on their way to work. We cycle, walk, or (in my case) get out of bed and find the PC.

Everyone who lives climate-friendly near their workplace, shops and most of what they need must pay. During the day, the buses in the Stavanger area are mostly used by immigrants, many of whom do not work. Both myself and my neighbours have noticed this the few times we have ended up on a bus for one reason or another.

But when I was a conductor in NSB, we were taxed for the benefits of being able to travel for free by train!

There is of course a possibility that the expenses are saved in other areas, something that rarely happens in Norwegian politics at the moment. In any case, any saving will affect someone.

At the same time, it is a requirement that you are registered as a citizen in Stavanger. This means that students who come from other places are not covered by the scheme. Nor do people who live in Sandnes. So then it becomes the case that if someone from Sandnes and someone from Stavanger take the bus together, then one has to pay and the other doesn’t.

Kolumbus operates much of the public transport, and they were not informed in advance, writes Aftenbladet.

This is completely new for us and therefore we cannot say anything about how this might turn out in practice, says communications advisor Morten Nesvik in Kolumbus.

Nesvik cannot answer whether a 10-20 per cent increase in public transport journeys during rush hour will create capacity problems.

County deputy mayor Arne Bergsvåg (Sp) is clear that Stavanger must bear the costs.

It sounds plausible with a free bus. Everything that becomes free is used more, if this leads to us having to run more buses to take the free passengers then we must have a system where Stavanger takes the real costs of this. The county cannot incur additional costs that go beyond the offer to others who travel by public transport in Rogaland, says Bergsvåg.

Many of those who want to use the free bus or train are people who have previously cycled or walked to work.

Ole Ueland (H) is the leader of the transport committee in the county. He is positive about spending funds on public transport, but would rather use the money to increase the number of departures.

We know that frequency is what contributes the most to more public transport passengers.

I have received a number of inquiries from people who live in Stavanger who are very negative about this measure. I myself think this is political idiocy not an unknown phenomenon.

Public transport is already subsidised, now it will be far more expensive. To call it free is an insult to all those who have to pay for the madness, but who do not have the opportunity or need to take a bus, train or boat.

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Free public transport in Stavanger

#NordicNews on destinations and Norway

Stavanger offers free use of public transport.

The municipality of Stavanger is the first city in Norway to offer free public transport. From 01 July 2023, passengers will be able to take the bus, boat or train on local transport for free.

In this way, the city hopes to encourage more people to switch to public transport or cycling in their daily lives. The goal is that at least 70 per cent of the previous car trips in the city will be newly made on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

Kolombus operates public transport in the Stavanger region, and the municipality will newly pay for the company's planned passenger revenue. It is currently unclear whether the service will be reserved for residents only.

More on the free public transport in Stavanger .

Header: © Vlad Kiselov Unsplash

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From July 3: Stavanger residents can collect free bus, train and boat tickets for Nord-Jæren

When will public transport be free?

From Monday, July 3. How long this arrangement will last remains to be seen.

With us you will be noticed

Who can travel for free?

Anyone who is registered in the public register in Stavanger, i.e. anyone with a residence address in Stavanger, can soon register in the municipal public transport register and receive free tickets.

You must have a valid ticket to travel for free.

Where will public transport be free?

Free tickets will be valid in Nord-Jæren. This means the Kolumbus Nord-Jæren zone, which includes the municipalities of Stavanger, Sola, Randaberg and the vast majority of the municipality of Sandnes. Forsand is not in this zone.  See the map of the Columbus zone .

If you intend to travel outside this area, you must purchase a ticket for your journey.

Download the Kolumbus application from which you download new applications, or go to  columbus no  and plan your trip.

Also read: Extraordinary fire ban in Oslo Municipality

What types of tickets will be free?

All types of tickets will be available, except annual tickets and home-work-home tickets.

We all just need to pick up the free tickets we need to keep the free show going as long as possible.

How to get free tickets?

• Anyone wishing to travel for free must register with the municipal public transport register. At the beginning of next week we should have a ready website where you can register. You are registering MinID/Bank ID. You only do it once. You can also register family members and, for example, your not-so-digital neighbor. Then they don't have to log in. But then: wait for the solution to come.
• Those who are registered can order tickets on a separate free ticket page that we are creating. Valid until July 3. You log in with your mobile number.
• Just choose the type of ticket you need and the scheme will last longer.
• Then you will receive an SMS with a link. Press the link and the ticket will open in the Kolumbus Billett app.

Free tickets for boat trips around Finnøy

For those of you who travel by speedboat to, from and between the Ryfylke Islands in Stavanger Municipality, the municipality must implement a refund scheme. These boats have their own tariff regulations in Kolumbus and unfortunately they do not work with the simplest digital solution.

Free tickets for those who don't have a smartphone

There is also a solution coming for those of you who do not use a smartphone. As soon as the solution is in place, information will be provided on the Stavanger Municipality website.

Are any of the paid annual passes refundable?

The commune board has not yet decided to return any of the annual tickets. We will find out how many are affected and outline the costs of reimbursing the part of the amount that covers free public transport. The matter is decided by the presidium. The date of the hearing in the case has not been set.

How long will free public transport travel last?

This will become clear later. Stavanger Municipality must enter into an agreement with Kolumbus for any quantity or similar discounts. The agreement will give Kolumbus the income it should have, and the municipality will not pay too much for tickets to the people of Stavanger.

The municipal board allocated up to NOK 200 million for this programme.

We refer interested parties to the website the municipality of Stavanger . There you will find more information that is updated by the municipality of Stavanger .

Like us on Facebook and share our post with others. Thank you.

Source: Stavanger Municipality

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Round-trip Family Ticket - Including 4 Children:

A round-trip family ticket includes 1 adult and up to 4 children aged 4 to 17. Not applicable for school classes/sports teams or larger groups traveling together.

Only escorts leading deaf-blind passengers travel for free. No discount is given to other escorts/passengers with an escort pass.

Getting around in Stavanger

Getting around in Stavanger is straightforward and convenient for expats. The city has a well-run bus system and a well-maintained and extensive road network. There are also ferries that connect Stavanger with other coastal landmarks.

Public transport in Stavanger

The public transport system is considered reliable and efficient, and there are plenty of bus and ferry routes to choose from. Buses and some ferries can be paid for with a prepaid Kolumbus card.

The bus system is operated by Kolumbus, under supervision of the Rogaland County Council, and the extensive bus network connects the city centre with residential neighbourhoods, shopping areas and popular landmarks. The buses are modern and comfortable and have low-floor access to make boarding and disembarking easier.

The buses run every day, with reduced service on Sundays and public holidays. The schedule and routes are available online on the Kolumbus website as well as on their mobile app. The fare can be paid in cash, by bank card or using a prepaid Kolumbus card.

Stavanger's train station is conveniently situated in the city centre right next to the main bus terminal. This is the terminus of the Stavanger–Oslo route, which meanders the southern coast of Norway over the course of eight to nine hours. There is also a popular route between Stavanger and Sandnes with a train every 15 minutes.

The train and bus schedules are coordinated to ensure efficient travel between the two modes of transport, and the two fares were made identical for passengers' convenience.

Ferries in Stavanger are an important mode of transport for the residents of the city and surrounding areas as well as for tourists visiting the region. They provide a link between the city centre and the nearby islands, which are popular destinations for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. There are a few ferry private ferry operators, but there are also ferries operated by the public transport company Kolumbus.

The ferries can transport both passengers and vehicles, which makes it convenient for those who want to explore the islands by car. They are also equipped with facilities such as restrooms, seating areas, and vending machines. Some ferries also have a restaurant or café on board.

Taxis in Stavanger

There are a few different taxi companies in Stavanger, and they all charge high fares. Additionally, surcharges may apply during off-peak times. Taxi fares are set both by distance and time. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or passengers can phone ahead to book one. Taxis can also be booked by an e-hailing app.

Besides taxi services, expats can use ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt in Stavanger. The local ride-sharing apps like Getaround and Moveabout are widely used and worth trying out.

Driving in Stavanger

Driving is a common mode of private transportation in Stavanger due to the city's excellent road and motorway infrastructure. The majority of people in the city and surrounds commute by car, and there are a variety of parking facilities in the city centre and throughout the area. Traffic can become an issue during peak hours, so it is crucial to plan ahead and leave extra time for travel at these times.

It is worth mentioning that Norway has stringent driving regulations, including a 50 mile-per-hour (80km/h) speed limit and a 0.02 percent alcohol limit, with strict fines for violating traffic laws.

Cycling in Stavanger

Kolumbus also offers shared e-cycles which are docked at or near bus stations. These can be accessed through the Kolumbus Billett mobile app. Passengers can use these bicycles for free for up to 15 minutes as long as they have a valid public transport ticket. Outside of that, e-bikes can be rented.

Stavanger has safe and well-developed cycling infrastructure, and a comprehensive map of the cycling routes can be downloaded from the city's website. Notably, cyclists and pedestrians will have to share the path at times. The city of Stavanger has a strong cycling culture, with annual events hosted by its cycling clubs. The city also hosts the annual Vasaloppet, a cycling race on the nearby island of Rennesoy.

Walking in Stavanger

Walking in Stavanger is a popular way to explore the city and surrounds. There are extensive sidewalks and pedestrian-only streets, and the historic old town is an excellent place to stroll around and window-shop. There are several parks and green spaces to visit as well. The surrounding fjords and nearby islands have many walking and hiking trails as well.

Further reading

►See Transport and Driving in Norway for more information about public transport and driving regulations in Norway

Are you an expat living in Stavanger?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Stavanger. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Stavanger Itinerary

Published on July 3, 2023

by Emily Marty

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re currently putting a Stavanger itinerary together, then you might be wondering whether 1, 2, or 3 days in Stavanger would be sufficient for you to get the most out of your trip. So, in this article, we’ll be delving into everything there is to check out while you’re in Stavanger, so that you can have a fantastic holiday no matter how long or short it ends up being. 

While perhaps not as popular of a destination as Bergen or Oslo , Stavanger has an incredible amount to offer visitors in its own right. Found in Norway’s dramatic Rogaland County, Stavanger is home to rich history, quaint architecture, and plenty to do and see. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Stavanger?

Stavanger may be one of Norway’s largest cities, but, by international standards, that’s frankly not saying much! With a population of just over 130,000, Stavanger is fairly compact, making getting around and seeing the sights pretty straightforward and often quick. 

Accordingly, if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Stavanger, then it depends largely on how much you’d like to get out of your trip.

If, for instance, you’re planning primarily on checking out the main tourist attractions and spending most of your time in the downtown area taking in Old Stavanger and the charming wooden houses, then one day in Stavanger will likely be sufficient – provided that it’s a full day, of course. 

With that being said, a longer trip will, of course, give you more freedom in terms of how you structure your days, as well as allowing you to see far more of the city that you would be unlikely to discover spending a single day there.

For instance, if you end up having 2 days in Stavanger, then you’ll be able to really sink your teeth into what is one of western Norway’s most fascinating destinations. 

And, with 3 days in Stavenger, you’ll be able not only to really capture the essence of the city when you plan your trip, but you’ll easily have enough time to explore some of the incredible natural beauty that can be found within the area.

A day trip to nearby Preikestolen would be the most obvious option here, but you can also take a fjord cruise or go hiking for the day or even take in the area’s largest waterfall if you so choose. 

Getting To & Around Stavanger 

The city of Stavanger and the surrounding region are both served by Stavanger Airport, which is located just outside the resort town of Sola. From there, the easiest way to reach Stavanger itself is via the dedicated airport bus transfer service (Flybussen), with the journey taking just shy of 30 minutes and regular departures. 

Note that the Flybuss only operates between the hours of 7:25am and 9:05pm; if you’ll be landing at Stavanger Airport in the early morning or late at night, you’ll likely need to take a taxi into the city or organise a transfer.

Stavanger itself is a very compact, walkable city. Local public transport is fairly reliable and comprehensive, making getting from point A to point B a generally straightforward affair.

For navigating Stavanger itself and the wider Sandnes area, you can make use of the Kolumbus bus network; tickets can be purchased via the Kolumbus Billett app, from ticket booths, or aboard the buses themselves. Do be aware that it costs extra to purchase tickets aboard the bus. 

In terms of options for overland transport to reach Stavanger from Norway’s other major cities, it is possible to travel to Stavanger via both train and bus. A direct bus operates from Bergen to Stavanger, taking around 5 hours one way. You can view bus schedules here.

It is also possible to travel to Oslo from Stavanger via bus or train, but this is generally a fairly lengthy journey requiring at least one transfer. 

All in all, Stavanger is small enough that renting a car when visiting the city simply isn’t necessary. The only time you may want to consider doing that would be if you’re planning on using Stavanger as a hub to explore the surrounding countryside, or are road-tripping through Norway once you leave the city. You can browse car rental options here.

1, 2 or 3-Day Stavanger Itinerary 

Day 1 – sverd i fjell, flor og fjære & old stavanger.

Have you only got time to spend one day in Stavanger? No problem! That’s enough to cover the city’s most visited and best-known tourist attractions, which you’ll find outlined below. 

Sverd i fjell

It’s probably fair to say that Sverd i fjell is Stavanger’s most famous landmark. And, frankly, it’s not hard to see why; the three towering swords outlined against the North Sea make for an incredibly dramatic sight and inspire plenty of passion amongst both locals and visitors alike. 

While it was unveiled in 1983, the monument actually has far greater historical significance than you might have thought.

Indeed, it was constructed to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which played out in the very same spot all the way back in 872. This battle is perhaps one of the most important moments in Norwegian history, as it saw King Harald Fairhair defeat two rival kings and unite Norway as a single country for the first time. 

Sverd i fjell is fairly easy to access via public transit from downtown Stavanger, but, if you prefer, you can turn the trip into a bit of a day trip by walking there and back from the city centre. It’s about a four-hour loop and, while not especially technically demanding, is a fair way. 

Flor og fjære

You probably don’t associate tropical plants with Stavanger (or anywhere else in Norway, for that matter), and I don’t blame you; however, Flor og fjære, which consists of a range of tropical gardens on an island off the coast of Stavanger, might just change that forever! 

Home to a restaurant and extensive grounds, Flor og fjære is located on the island of Sør-Hidle and can be reached via ferry. Tours are offered a few times per day, after which guests can sample the restaurant’s buffet, which prepares a rotating selection of dishes and delicacies. 

While it’s not the most classically Norwegian attraction, Flor og fjære is certainly memorable and definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of gardens or great food! It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Stavanger.

Gamle Stavanger 

Stavanger’s historic old town, Gamle Stavanger, is the place to be if you have an interest in checking out older architectural styles.

It’s essentially a perfectly preserved example of the style of building typical to Western Norway in particular from around the 18th and 19th centuries; what’s more, it’s also something of a cultural hotspot for the city of Stavanger and is home to plenty of smaller boutiques and art galleries, too. 

With its quaint, cobbled streets, wooden houses and laidback atmosphere, Gamle Stavanger is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll after you arrive in the city. You can also organise a walking tour to learn more from a guide.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum 

Given its status as one of the epicentres of gas and oil production in Europe, it’s not surprising that Stavanger’s biggest and most popular museum is the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which focuses on educating visitors on offshore petroleum in particular.

Here, you can learn all about one of Norway’s biggest industries, as well as taking in the unique design of the building itself, which certainly adds to the overall immersion of the experience. 

It’s worth noting here that, compared to other tourist attractions, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum could be described as being on the drier side, though it’s clearly been designed to cater to visitors of all ages.

Stavanger Cathedral 

Stavanger’s charming, moody cathedral is the oldest in Norway and, being located in the city centre, is definitely worth paying a visit to for its unique atmosphere and eye-catching gothic design.

Reportedly built in the 1100s, the cathedral is allegedly the only one in Norway to have been in constant use since the Middle Ages, as well as retaining its original appearance from when it was first constructed. 

Day 2 – Canning Museum, Lysefjord Cruise & Breiavatnet

We suggest that you spend the second day of your Stavanger itinerary making the most of both Stavanger’s cultural highlights, as well as using it to sample some of the incredible natural beauty that can be found just outside the city limits. 

The Norwegian Canning Museum

Look, hear us out. You might not find the idea of a museum dedicated to canning especially enthralling; we get that. However, the Canning Museum in Stavanger is genuinely really interesting and definitely worth checking out, especially if you’ll be making a longer trip to the city. 

For one thing, canned fish has historically been a pretty significant part of the Norwegian economy, with much of the industry being historically based in Stavanger.

And, the museum is remarkably well-run and immersive; not only will you find out more about canning practices in the city, but you can even have a go at canning sardines yourself!

Ultimately, the Canning Museum is quite small, so you can probably expect to spend 2-3 hours here, max. 

Lysefjord Cruise & Nature Experience 

The stunning Lysefjord is found not far from Stavanger, and plenty of travel operators in the city offer guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with this natural marvel through fjord cruises, kayaking expeditions, or similar. 

Most of these excursions such as this half-day tour last between 4-6 hours and are a fantastic, relaxed way for you to immerse yourself in what many would consider to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You can also go on an inflatable boat or take a kayaking tour.

So, unless you’re very prone to seasickness, going on one of these outings is highly recommended! 

Breiavatnet

Located in Stavanger’s Byparken, Breivatnet is a remarkably peaceful, tranquil lake. Locals love it for its ducks and swans, and it offers charming views of the surrounding buildings.

If weather permits while you’re in Stavanger, the banks of Breiavatnent make for a lovely place for a picnic with an urban twist. 

Day 3 – Preikestolen or Kjeragbolten Day Trip

Spending more than 2 days in Stavanger? In that case, we suggest that, for the third day of your trip, you head out into the surrounding countryside to explore some of the incredible hiking that the county of Rogaland has on offer. 

Day Trip to Preikestolen (Hike)

As one of, if not the most famous hike in Norway, Preikestolen truly has to be seen to be believed. What’s more, it’s just a stone’s throw away from Stavanger; in fact, many tourists to the city go more or less exclusively to use it as a hub for making the trip to the region’s famous Pulpit Rock. 

Indeed, this mighty cliff towers high above some of the area’s fjords, offering spectacular views of some of Norway’s most striking and eye-catching landscapes. It’s worth noting, though, that the hike takes between 4-5 hours for most people and does require a decent level of physical fitness to be able to tackle it safely. 

If you’ve decided on renting a car for your trip to Stavanger, then making a day trip to hike out to Preikestolen will be a very simple affair. It takes just over 30 minutes to drive from Stavanger Sentrum to Preikestolen fjellstue, where the hike begins.

There is also a bus that you can take from Stavanger for those travelling via public transport or you can join a guided hike.

Day Trip to Kjeragbolten (Hike) 

While not quite as famous as Preikestolen, plenty of people have actually seen pictures of the end of the hike to Kjeragbolten, even if they don’t recognize it by name (often remembering it instead as ‘that scary boulder people stand on in Norway’). 

Yes, Kjeragbolten is a very famous boulder wedged between two cliffs on top of Mount Kjerag. The hike itself is somewhat longer than Preikestolen and demands a decent level of physical fitness; however, it also offers incredible views of the surrounding fjords and mountain ranges, so it’s well worth the challenge. 

The drive from Stavanger to Kjerag is incredibly scenic, too, and takes a little over 2 hours one way. There are also guided hikes to join.

You’ll also find an express bus operating from Stavanger to Kjerag throughout the summer if you’re travelling by public transport; note that this service will generally give you between 5-6 hours to complete the hike, so you won’t have much time to waste! 

Where to Stay in Stavanger

Thon Hotel – This hotel located in the centre of Stavanger is an excellent base in this lovely Norwegian city. They have several cool and modern rooms to choose from along with a range of great amenities for guests to enjoy.

Hotel Victoria – Located within easy reach of all Stavanger has to offer, this sophisticated hotel is an excellent base in this Norwegian city. They have an array of beautiful rooms to choose from, breakfast on offer each morning and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Sea Story by Frogner House – Those looking for a self-catering option in Stavanger will love these cool apartments. Fully furnished with everything you may need during your stay along with a great location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stavanger hotels!

While Stavanger may be on the smaller side, it’s absolutely worth visiting if you’re in Western Norway, especially if you have an interest in nature or the history of Norway. What the city lacks in size it easily makes up for in charm and character and you’re sure to have a great time here! 

Are you planning to visit Stavanger? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Emily Marty

Emily is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she is currently based in the UK. She enjoys exploring Northern & Western Europe and Southeast Asia and has a bit of a thing for islands in particular.

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