Quick Answer
The most convenient and popular way to get from Stavanger Sola Airport (SVG) to the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trailhead is a multi-stage public transport journey: Take the Flybussen to Stavanger city center (30 min), then a local bus (#100) to Tau (40 min), followed by the Norled passenger ferry to Oanes (20 min), and finally the Preikestolen Express shuttle bus (10 min). Total travel time is 2.5 to 3.5 hours and costs approximately 250-300 NOK per person one-way. For maximum flexibility, renting a car is best, taking about 1.5 hours to drive.
Public Transport: The Detailed Step-by-Step Journey
This is the most common method for solo travelers and couples. While it involves several changes, the system is efficient and well-signposted. Here’s a deep dive into each leg.
Leg 1: Airport to Stavanger City Center (Flybussen or Local Bus)
Options:
- Flybussen (Airport Express Coach): The most direct. Departs every 20-30 minutes from right outside arrivals. Tickets (~180 NOK) can be bought online, via their app, or from the driver. It terminates at Stavanger Bus Terminal.
- Local Bus (Ruter Kolumbus Line 9): A cheaper alternative (~50 NOK) but takes longer (approx. 45 min). Use the Kolumbus app or ticket machines. Get off at Jernbaneveien near the train station.
Pro Tip: If your final goal is the Tau ferry, ensure you get off at the Stavanger Rutebilstasjon (Bus Terminal), where all connections meet.
Leg 2: Stavanger to Tau (Bus #100)
From the Stavanger Bus Terminal, board Ruter Kolumbus Line 100 (direction «Tau»). This bus crosses the Byfjord via the subsea tunnel.
- Frequency: Usually hourly, more frequent in summer.
- Duration: About 40 minutes.
- Ticket: Included in a “Tau” zone ticket (~70 NOK). Buy via the Kolumbus app for seamless transfer.
- Key Stop: Get off at the final stop, Tau Kai (Tau Quay), right at the ferry terminal.
Leg 3: Tau to Oanes (Norled Ferry)
A short, scenic ferry crossing across the Høgsfjord.
- Frequency: Aligns with bus arrivals, typically every hour.
- Duration: 20 minutes.
- Ticket: Passenger fare (~50 NOK). Pay by card on board. Cars can also board, but this is for the drive option.
- Important: This is a car ferry. As a foot passenger, simply walk on.
Leg 4: Oanes to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge (Shuttle Bus)
Upon docking at Oanes, the Preikestolen Express shuttle bus waits for ferry passengers.
- Timing: Coordinated with the ferry arrival.
- Duration: 10 minutes.
- Ticket: ~80 NOK. Pay the driver. This bus drops you at the Preikestolen Fjellstue (Mountain Lodge), the official start of the hiking trail.
Critical Advice: Always check the latest timetables on Kolumbus and Norled websites the day before travel, especially outside peak season.
Renting a Car at Stavanger Airport
Renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and is highly recommended for groups, families, or those wanting to explore Lysefjord beyond Preikestolen.
Step-by-Step Driving Route
1. Pick up your rental at the SVG airport rental desks (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, etc.).
2. Drive east on the E39 highway towards Stavanger.
3. Take exit «Rennesøy/Tau» (RV 519) just before the Stavanger city center.
4. Follow signs for Tau. You will drive through the Rennfast tunnel system (tolls apply).
5. Arrive at Tau Kai and drive your car onto the Norled ferry to Oanes (approx. 170 NOK for car + driver).
6. After the 20-minute ferry, drive off and follow signs for «Preikestolen» for about 10 minutes to the large paid parking lot at Preikestolen Fjellstue.
Cost Breakdown & Considerations
| Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car Rental (2 days) | 1000 - 2000 NOK | Varies by season, size, and company. Book early. |
| Fuel (Round Trip) | 200 - 400 NOK | For ~150km total. |
| Tunnel Tolls (Rennfast) | 150 NOK (round trip) | Automatic license plate scan; billed to rental company or via AutoPASS. |
| Ferry (Car + Driver) | ~170 NOK (one way) | Pay by card on board. Additional passengers extra. |
| Parking at Preikestolen | 250 - 300 NOK / day | Mandatory at the official lot. Secure and monitored. |
Advantage: You can hike at your own pace, leave heavy gear in the car, and visit other sites like Øygardstøl or Kjerag.
Disadvantage: Total cost can be high for solo travelers, and parking fills up by 9 AM in peak summer.
Guided Tours: The Hassle-Free Option
Perfect for those who want a seamless experience with logistics, guiding, and safety handled by professionals. Many tours offer pickup from key points, including Stavanger Airport.
What’s Typically Included
- Direct return transport from a meeting point (often Stavanger city center, sometimes SVG airport by prior arrangement).
- An experienced mountain guide for safety, pacing, and commentary on nature and history.
- Ferry crossings as part of the journey.
- Some may include a packed lunch or snack.
Recommended Tour Operators
- Preikestolen Adventure / Preikestolen BaseCamp: Offers standard guided hikes and “Premium” tours with early access.
- Rødne Fjord Cruise: Combines a spectacular fjord cruise with a guided hike—a unique perspective.
- Norway's Best: Provides all-inclusive tours with hotel pickup.
Cost: Guided tours range from 800 to 1500 NOK per person. While more expensive than DIY public transport, the value of convenience, guidance, and guaranteed logistics is high.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
The most direct but also the most expensive method. Suitable for specific circumstances.
Practical Details
- Booking: Pre-booking is essential. Use reputable companies like Stavanger Taxi or Rogaland Taxi. Arrange via their website or phone.
- Pick-up: Meet your driver at the designated taxi rank outside SVG arrivals.
- Journey: Direct drive, including the car ferry from Tau to Oanes (fare included in quoted price).
- Drop-off: At the Preikestolen Fjellstue parking lot.
Price Estimate & When to Consider It
| Vehicle Type | One-Way Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi | 2200 - 2800 NOK | 2-3 people sharing |
| Larger Van/Minibus | 3000 - 4000 NOK | Groups of 4-8 people |
| Private Pre-Booked Transfer | 2500 - 3500 NOK | Families with lots of gear, guaranteed fixed price |
Consider this option if: You arrive on a very late flight, have significant mobility challenges, are a group of 4+ splitting costs, or have an extremely tight schedule and cannot risk missing connections.
Cost, Time & Convenience Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all options at a glance and decide which best suits your budget and travel style.
| Transport Method | One-Way Cost (Per Person)* | Total Door-to-Door Time | Key Advantages | Key Drawbacks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transport | 250 - 300 NOK | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | Cheapest, eco-friendly, scenic ferry ride | Multiple changes, fixed schedules, can be crowded | Solo travelers, couples, budget backpackers |
| Rental Car | 400 - 800 NOK** | ~1.5 hours driving | Total flexibility, explore other sites, group cost-effective | High total cost (rental, fuel, tolls, ferry, parking), parking fills early | Families, groups of 3+, travelers with lots of gear |
| Guided Tour | 800 - 1500 NOK | Full day (8-10 hours) | Hassle-free, expert guide, safety, often includes extras | Most expensive per person, fixed itinerary | First-time visitors, those seeking safety/info, solo hikers wanting company |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 550 - 3500 NOK*** | ~1.5 hours | Door-to-door, direct, no schedule stress | Extremely expensive for solo/duo travelers | Late arrivals, groups of 4+, travelers with mobility issues |
* Costs are estimates in Norwegian Kroner (NOK). ** Per person cost when splitting between 3 travelers. *** Lower end for groups of 4+, higher end for solo/duo.
Essential Traveler Tips & Insights
1. Timing is Everything
Seasonal Impact: Public transport frequencies reduce drastically from September to May. Always verify the current “Ruteplan” (timetable).
Daily Timing: To avoid crowds on the trail and secure parking, aim to arrive at the trailhead by 8:00 AM in summer. This means leaving Stavanger Airport no later than 6:00 AM if using public transport.
2. The Luggage Challenge
You cannot hike to Preikestolen with suitcases. Solutions:
- Left Luggage at SVG Airport: Use the Avinor luggage storage (approx. 80-100 NOK/day).
- Left Luggage in Stavanger: Some hotels or the bus terminal may offer storage for a fee.
- Strategic Planning: Visit Preikestolen on your first or last day, using Stavanger as a base and storing luggage at your hotel.
3. Ticket and Payment Apps
Download these before you land:
- Kolumbus App: For all local bus tickets (Leg 2). Purchase zone tickets covering your entire journey to Tau.
- Vipps: Norway's ubiquitous payment app, accepted for many on-board purchases.
- Flybussen App: For easy airport bus tickets.
4. Weather Contingency Plans
The hike is not recommended in poor weather (heavy rain, fog, high winds, or ice). If your hike day looks bad:
- Flexible Tickets: If you booked a guided tour, check their weather policy for rescheduling.
- Have a Plan B: Stavanger offers excellent alternatives like the Norwegian Petroleum Museum or Gamle Stavanger (old town).
FAQs: Getting from Stavanger Airport to Pulpit Rock
What is the cheapest way to get from Stavanger Airport to Preikestolen?
The cheapest way is by combining the Flybussen (airport bus) to Stavanger city center, then the local bus (line 100) to Tau, followed by the passenger ferry to Oanes, and finally the Preikestolen shuttle bus. Total one-way cost is approximately 250-300 NOK per person.
Is there a direct bus from Stavanger Airport to Preikestolen?
No, there is no single direct bus. The journey requires a combination of transport modes: airport bus to Stavanger, local bus to the ferry terminal, a ferry crossing, and a final shuttle bus to the Preikestolen trailhead. However, guided tours often provide a seamless, direct transfer.
How long does it take to get from Stavanger Airport to the Preikestolen trailhead?
The total door-to-door travel time using public transport is typically 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on connections. This includes: Flybussen (30 min), wait/transfer in Stavanger, bus to Tau (40 min), ferry (20 min), and shuttle bus (10 min). Driving takes about 1.5 hours.
Can I use a taxi from the airport all the way to Preikestolen?
Yes, but it is very expensive. A pre-booked taxi or private transfer for the 1.5-hour drive can cost between 2000-3500 NOK one-way. It's only recommended for large groups splitting the cost, those with mobility issues, or travelers arriving very late at night.
Should I rent a car at Stavanger Airport for visiting Preikestolen?
Renting a car offers maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to visit other fjords or have an early/late hike. The drive is scenic and straightforward. However, consider the high cost of parking at Preikestolen (250-300 NOK/day) and fuel. It's ideal for families or groups of 3+.
What is the best option if I'm arriving on a late flight?
For late arrivals (after 8 PM), public transport connections become infrequent or stop. Your best options are: 1) Pre-book a private transfer to your accommodation near Preikestolen. 2) Stay overnight in Stavanger and start your journey fresh the next morning. 3) Rent a car at the airport.
Are there any guided tours that include transport from the airport?
Yes, several tour operators offer day trips that include pickup from Stavanger Airport or city center. Companies like Rødne Fjord Cruise and Preikestolen Adventure provide combined transport and guided hikes. This is the most hassle-free option but must be booked in advance.
Do I need to book bus and ferry tickets in advance?
For the Flybussen airport bus and the Tau ferry, advance booking is not strictly necessary but is recommended during peak season (June-August) to guarantee a seat. You can buy tickets on board or via their apps. For guided tours and private transfers, booking well in advance is essential.