Navigating Norway: Complete Transportation Guide to Stavanger and Beyond

Stavanger Airport (SVG) serves as the gateway to this picturesque region, with direct flights from major European hubs including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London. As someone who's navigated countless international airports (occupational hazard of being a travel-obsessed police officer with limited vacation days), I found Stavanger's airport refreshingly compact and efficient.

On my recent summer visit, I flew from Cleveland connecting through Amsterdam, which offered the most time-efficient route. The airport is located just 14 km (about 20 minutes) from downtown Stavanger, making the transfer remarkably painless compared to many international destinations.

The Airport Bus (Flybussen) runs every 20 minutes during peak hours and costs approximately 160 NOK (about $15 USD) for adults, with family discounts available. I opted for this service and found the buses immaculately clean with ample space for luggage—a crucial consideration when traveling with children.

Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the terminal, though considerably more expensive at around 400-500 NOK ($40-50). If you're traveling as a family of four or more, this option becomes more economically competitive with the bus fare.

For those arriving from other Norwegian cities, the extensive train network connects Stavanger to Oslo (approximately 8 hours), offering some breathtakingly scenic routes along the way. I met a family onboard who had wisely booked a family sleeping compartment for the overnight journey, allowing them to arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

One of Stavanger's most family-friendly features is its wonderfully walkable city center. The colorful wooden houses of Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) and the picturesque harbor area can be easily explored on foot, even with younger children. During my week in the city, I averaged 15,000 steps daily without ever feeling the need for public transportation within the core downtown area.

For families with younger children or those staying in accommodations further from the center, Stavanger's bus system is comprehensive and user-friendly. The Kolumbus app became my trusty companion, offering real-time updates and mobile ticketing that eliminated the need to fumble with unfamiliar currency. A 24-hour ticket costs around 100 NOK ($10) for adults with significant discounts for children, making it an economical option for families planning multiple trips in a day.

Renting bicycles is another fantastic option during summer months. Stavanger is remarkably bike-friendly with dedicated lanes throughout much of the city. I rented an electric bike from Stavanger City Bikes for one afternoon, which proved perfect for covering more ground while still enjoying the fresh Norwegian air. For families, many rental shops offer child seats, trailers, and even tandem options.

One transportation splurge I'd recommend is taking a harbor taxi at least once during your stay. These small boats zip across the harbor on demand, offering unique perspectives of the city's waterfront and a thrilling ride that children invariably find magical. At around 50 NOK ($5) per person for short hops, it's an affordable memory-maker.

For exploring at your own pace, I found my portable power bank absolutely essential for keeping my phone charged while using navigation apps and taking countless photos throughout long Scandinavian summer days.

No visit to Stavanger would be complete without exploring the magnificent fjords, and the region's water transportation options transform necessary travel into unforgettable experiences. Having visited Olympic venues and natural wonders across five continents, I can confidently say that Norway's fjords offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

The most popular fjord excursion from Stavanger is to Lysefjord and the famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). Several companies operate tours, but I chose Rodne Fjord Cruise for their family-friendly amenities and professional guides. The three-hour roundtrip cruise costs approximately 400 NOK ($40) for adults and 300 NOK ($30) for children, with family packages available that offer modest savings.

For families with older children planning to hike Pulpit Rock, consider the combined cruise and hike packages. These drop you at the trailhead and pick you up afterward, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple transportation segments. I witnessed several families with children as young as seven successfully completing this iconic hike.

The car ferry network also serves as a practical transportation option for exploring the region's islands. During my stay, I took the ferry to Tau as a launching point for exploring the countryside. These utilitarian ferries lack the commentary of tourist boats but offer authentic glimpses into local life at a fraction of the price.

For families seeking a more personalized experience, smaller RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours operate from Stavanger harbor. These high-speed adventures aren't suitable for very young children, but teenagers will likely rank them among trip highlights. Safety is paramount—all passengers don full flotation suits regardless of swimming ability.

For longer fjord journeys, I highly recommend bringing a quality waterproof phone case to protect electronics while still capturing those stunning fjord photos. Norwegian weather can change rapidly, and spray from the boat is common even on sunny days.

While Stavanger serves as an excellent base, the surrounding Rogaland region offers countless treasures worth exploring. My background in urban policing has made me particularly attentive to transportation logistics, and I was impressed by how accessible rural Norway is without a rental car.

The regional bus network operated by Kolumbus extends well beyond city limits, connecting Stavanger to charming coastal towns and inland attractions. The #X60 coastal express bus was particularly useful, linking Stavanger with picturesque Egersund to the south. These long-distance buses feature comfortable seating, reliable WiFi, and—crucially for families—clean restrooms onboard.

For longer journeys, Norway's train system offers both efficiency and stunning views. The Jæren Line running south from Stavanger hugs the coastline, providing spectacular ocean vistas that had me constantly reaching for my camera. Train tickets can be purchased through the Vy app (Norway's national rail service) or at station kiosks.

One transportation hack I discovered: the Norway in a Nutshell packages, while marketed primarily to tourists heading to Bergen and the western fjords, offer excellent value for families wanting to experience multiple transportation modes without the logistical headache of coordinating separate bookings.

For families considering more extensive exploration of the region, I reluctantly admit that renting a car provides unmatched flexibility, particularly for reaching hiking trailheads and more remote attractions. Norway's roads are exceptionally well-maintained, though narrow in places. If you do rent, I strongly recommend a portable GPS navigation system as cell service can be spotty in fjord valleys and mountains.

During my night shifts back in Cleveland, I often use stargazing as a way to decompress after stressful situations. Norway's rural areas offer spectacular night skies during late summer when darkness finally falls. Consider this magical bonus when planning transportation to areas beyond city lights.

After years of traveling to Olympic venues and astronomical observation sites around the world, I've developed a sixth sense for transportation challenges. Norway presents few of these, but some insider knowledge can still enhance the experience for families.

First, understand that Norway truly excels at family-friendly infrastructure. Nearly all transportation modes offer priority boarding for families with young children, dedicated spaces for strollers on buses and trains, and changing facilities even on some ferries. This attention to detail makes Norway an exceptional destination for families with children of all ages.

Second, Norway's famous punctuality is real—particularly for ferries and trains. When timetables say a departure is at 14:22, they mean precisely 14:22, not a minute later. This precision is wonderful once you're accustomed to it but can lead to missed connections for those used to more relaxed scheduling.

Third, Norway's commitment to accessibility extends throughout its transportation network. Families traveling with strollers or members with mobility challenges will find ramps, elevators, and designated spaces on virtually all public transportation. This inclusive design benefits everyone, making travel with tired children and their gear significantly easier.

For families visiting during summer, I recommend investing in a quality day backpack for each adult. These allow you to carry water, snacks, and extra layers while keeping your hands free to assist children during transportation transfers. The unpredictable Norwegian weather makes layers essential, even in summer.

Lastly, don't overlook the joy of simply walking. Some of my most memorable moments in Stavanger came from unplanned strolls through residential neighborhoods and along harbor paths. Norwegian cities are designed with pedestrians in mind, offering frequent benches, public restrooms, and playgrounds that provide perfect rest stops for families exploring on foot.