Planning a trip between Bergen and Stavanger? From soaring above the fjords to gliding along the coast, this guide explores the best ways to navigate the stunning landscapes of western Norway, whether you prioritise speed, cost, or scenery.
The Norwegian cities of Bergen and Stavanger are two of Scandinavia’s most captivating destinations, offering a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty. These coastal gems draw countless visitors year-round, and with good reason.
Nestled in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, Bergen and Stavanger are rich in UNESCO-listed landmarks, quaint old-town neighbourhoods, and unparalleled access to the fjords. Each city offers a distinct charm that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cultural treasures, these cities have something for everyone. But perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of exploring these destinations is the journey itself.
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Introducing Bergen and Stavanger
Bergen, often called the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is a city that effortlessly blends natural beauty with a vibrant urban atmosphere. Surrounded by seven mountains and stunning waterways, Bergen offers a picturesque setting that’s steeped in history.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, a colorful waterfront district, is a testament to Bergen’s days as a Hanseatic trading hub. Its bustling fish market, cobblestone streets, and a thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re hiking Mount Fløyen, riding the scenic Fløibanen funicular, or exploring the city’s museums, Bergen enchants visitors with its unique blend of past and present.
Stavanger, by contrast, exudes a modern yet cosy vibe. Renowned as the gateway to the Lysefjord and home to the iconic Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Stavanger attracts adventurers and sightseers alike.
The charming old town, Gamle Stavanger, is a maze of cobblestone streets and white wooden houses that feel like stepping into a storybook. Meanwhile, its role as the hub of Norway’s oil industry adds a contemporary edge, with sleek architecture and innovative dining options.
From its coastal charm to its dynamic cultural scene, Stavanger is a city full of contrasts and surprises.
Despite their proximity on the map, travelling between Bergen and Stavanger presents its own unique challenges. The rugged geography of western Norway, with its deep fjords, towering mountains, and winding roads, often makes the journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Whether you’re flying, driving, or sailing, choosing the best way to travel between these two cities depends on your priorities: speed, budget, or the desire to soak in the scenery.
Western Norway’s Geography Problem
The fjord region of Norway is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, where towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, and intricate fjords create a postcard-perfect setting. These natural wonders are the region’s main draw, captivating visitors from around the world.
However, this same geography also poses significant challenges for transportation, making travel in this part of Norway a unique experience.
Unlike many regions with straightforward road networks, western Norway’s rugged terrain necessitates an intricate system of ferries, bridges, and tunnels.
While these solutions allow access to even the most remote areas, they also add complexity to travel, especially for those accustomed to uninterrupted highways.
Time-consuming ferry crossings and winding mountain roads can make what looks like a short distance on the map a much longer journey in reality.
Over the years, Norway has invested heavily in improving its infrastructure. Mega-projects like the undersea Rogfast tunnel and the E39 Coastal Highway route aim to reduce travel times and replace ferries with faster connections.
Yet, such ambitious developments take decades to complete, and many of the region’s routes still rely on traditional methods of transport.
Given these geographic and infrastructural constraints, it’s no surprise that flying remains a popular choice for many, despite growing concerns about its environmental impact. For longer journeys, the convenience and speed of air travel often outweigh its drawbacks.
However, when it comes to shorter routes like Bergen to Stavanger, alternative options can offer a blend of scenic value, affordability, and a slower pace that better suits the Norwegian ethos of embracing nature.
Flying from Bergen to Stavanger
At first glance, it might seem surprising to take a flight between two cities that are less than 200 kilometres apart. Yet, for many people, flying remains the most practical option, especially for business travellers.
The short flight time—just 25 minutes—makes it an attractive choice for those prioritizing speed. However, as with all air travel, the real journey involves more than just the time spent in the air.
For business travellers, the proximity of both Bergen and Stavanger airports to key business districts often makes flying the quickest door-to-door option. With streamlined airport processes and minimal luggage, it’s possible to complete the entire journey in under two hours.
For tourists, however, the convenience is less clear-cut. Staying in the city centres often means longer transfers to and from the airports, unfamiliarity with local transport, and the likelihood of needing to check in luggage.
Factoring in these variables, the total travel time can easily stretch to four hours or more—still the fastest option, but the gap narrows when compared to other modes of transport.
Bergen Airport
Bergen Airport (Flesland) is efficiently connected to the city centre via the Bybanen light rail. This modern and affordable option costs just NOK 47 and takes about 45 minutes, dropping passengers near central Bergen.
While convenient, it’s worth noting that the light rail requires a walk to major tourist areas like Bryggen.
For those in a hurry or with lots of luggage, the Flybussen airport coach offers a faster journey directly to key city centre locations, including Bryggen. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost, especially if you’re travelling as a group.
Alternatively, taxis provide the quickest door-to-door service but are the most expensive option. Read more about public transport in Bergen.
Stavanger Airport
Stavanger Airport (Sola) is similarly well-connected to the city centre, with the Flybussen airport coach offering a reliable and reasonably priced service.
The 25-minute journey is most affordable when booked online in advance, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
While taxis are available for those needing a faster or more direct route, they are considerably more expensive. Public transport options include local buses, but these are less intuitive for visitors and may involve longer travel times.
Bergen to Stavanger by Bus
The bus between the two cities is known as Kystbussen, the coastal bus. The services, numbered NW400 and NW60, run approximately every hour during the daytime. There is less frequency on weekends, however.
The big advantage over air travel is its simplicity. There is plenty of room for luggage in the hold and the coach takes you from city centre to city centre. Another plus is the cost.
Even the on-the-day NOK 859 fare is cheaper than a regular plane ticket. If you're able to book several weeks in advance, you can pay as little as NOK 199, although around NOK 289 is more common.
Finally, another advantage is the possibility to see some of Norway's scenery. There's even the opportunity to leave the coach as it makes a 40-minute ferry crossing. This provides a natural break and the chance to buy some snacks.
The downside? Well, it's slow. The service makes several stops including at Leirvik, while some also stop at Haugesund. The full journey takes between 4.5 and 5.5 hours, depending on the time of day and whether you take the more direct service, or the one that runs via Haugesund.
Bergen to Stavanger by Train
Bergen is well-known for its train station thanks to the world-famous Bergen Line railway. As Stavanger has a station too, that means you can take the train between the two cities, right?
Well, yes and no. It's perfectly possible to take the train, but you need to connect and that connection takes place in Oslo or Drammen. That's hundreds of miles away!
The time it would take to make the full journey including the change in Oslo/Drammen would be at least 14 hours, but more likely 16 hours. The scenery on the Oslo to Bergen line is spectacular, although the Stavanger line isn't so engaging.
To better illustrate the possibility, here's an example itinerary. Leave Bergen at 7.57am to arrive at Drammen at 2.08pm. You then have just under an hour to stretch your legs and wander around Drammen, before picking up the train to Stavanger at 3pm. You would then arrive in Stavanger at 10.04pm.
There are also possibilities involving a night train on one of the lines, but the overall duration would be longer.
Of course, if you're planning to travel from Bergen to Stavanger but would be happy to spend a day or two in Oslo on the way, then the railway could be an ideal option for you. Plan your trip using En Tur.
Driving from Bergen to Stavanger
For those who enjoy the freedom and flexibility of road trips, driving between Bergen and Stavanger is an appealing option. The route along the E39 highway offers scenic views, small-town charm, and the convenience of travelling on your own schedule.
However, as with much of western Norway, the journey isn’t as straightforward as it might seem on a map.
The E39 Highway and Ferry Crossing
The E39 is the main road connecting Bergen and Stavanger, and it’s well-signposted, reducing the likelihood of getting lost. However, this highway includes a significant bottleneck: the 40-minute ferry crossing from Sandvikvåg to Halhjem.
While the ferry runs frequently throughout the day, you may still face waiting times depending on your arrival at the terminal.
On the bright side, the ferry offers a natural break in the drive. Many travellers use this time to relax, grab a snack, and take in the stunning coastal views.
It’s worth noting that ferry crossings in Norway are an integral part of the driving experience, combining transportation with a slice of local culture.
The Cost of Driving in Norway
Driving in Norway, while convenient, comes with notable costs. Fuel prices are among the highest in Europe, and road tolls—particularly in and around cities—can quickly add up.
Parking charges in city centres like Bergen and Stavanger can also be steep, making it an expensive option if you’re planning to spend time exploring urban areas.
Is Renting a Car Worth It?
For visitors, renting a car can make sense if your plans include venturing beyond Bergen and Stavanger. A car allows you to explore the nearby fjords, mountains, and small villages that are less accessible by public transport.
However, if your focus is on the cities themselves or if you’re travelling directly between Bergen and Stavanger without detours, other modes of transport may prove more economical.
One strategy is to use public transport between the cities and only rent a car for specific excursions, such as a day trip to Lysefjord or Hardangerfjord. This approach saves on costs while still giving you access to Norway’s breathtaking countryside.
Bergen to Stavanger by Ferry
Last but not least, there's one more option that few visitors think about: the ferry!
Bergen is famous for being the first stop on the Hurtigruten coastal voyage. However, the Hurtigruten sails north from Bergen and so doesn't call at Stavanger. There is another option, though.
Perhaps more than any other method, the Fjordline ferry from Bergen to Stavanger enables you to truly relax. If the weather is kind, the coastal views can be stunning. If not, the on board restaurants and lounges provide plenty to keep you occupied on the 5.5-hour voyage.
The two ferries—MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord—were the first ferries in the world to be powered by LNG gas.
The daily service leaves Bergen at 1.30pm and arrives in Stavanger at 7pm. Coming the other way, you'll leave Stavanger at 7am to arrive in Bergen at 12.30pm.
The best part? If you're travelling without a car, fares start from just 34 Euro. At the time of writing that's just NOK 400. That makes this ferry one of the cheapest options we've looked at, unless you can snag a bargain bus ticket weeks in advance.
However, there is one downside. Isn't there always!? In Bergen, the ferry departure port is the Hurtigruten terminal. But at the Stavanger end of the voyage, the Fjordline ferry does not arrive nor depart from the city centre.
The terminal is at Risavika, which is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Stavanger. A 35-minute bus ride on local bus number 2 is available to connect with central Stavanger.
The Best Option?
Choosing the best way to travel between Bergen and Stavanger ultimately depends on your priorities.
If speed is your main concern, flying is the fastest option, particularly for business travellers with tight schedules. For those looking to save money or enjoy the journey itself, the bus or ferry offers scenic and affordable alternatives.
And if you’re planning to explore the surrounding countryside, driving provides unmatched flexibility, though it comes at a higher cost.
Whatever your choice, the journey between these two iconic cities is an experience in itself, offering glimpses of Norway’s breathtaking landscapes and a taste of its unique infrastructure.
Did you find this guide helpful? If so, feel free to share it with fellow travellers on social media or save it on Pinterest for future reference.
And if you’ve recently travelled between Bergen and Stavanger, I’d love to hear about your experience! Which mode of transport did you choose, and why? Drop a comment below to join the conversation and help other readers plan their adventures. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!
About 20 years ago we took a hydrofoil from Bergen to Stavanger. Very nice trip.
I travelled between Stavanger and Bergen by Ferry . I enjoyed the vistas provided on this journey. And I would do it again . Hopefully next year ir the year after but will do it in reverse. Want to do a Xmas and visit the gingerbread house exhibition.