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How to get from Bergen to Stavanger
The fastest way from Bergen to Stavanger is a flight of about 40 minutes. By road the E39 coastal route takes about 5 h including two car ferries, and the Kystbussen express coach covers it in about 5 h 30. There is no direct train.
Best option: Flight. Flights are frequent and turn a five-hour road trip with two ferries into under an hour in the air.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct flights from Bergen Flesland to Stavanger Sola (SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe have flown the route) | about 40 min in the air | several a day on weekdays, fewer at weekends | about NOK 600–2,000 one way | Both airports are about 20–30 minutes from their city centres by airport bus or light rail (Bergen). |
| bus Kystbussen express coach along the E39, including the ferries, from Bergen bus station to Stavanger | about 5 h 30 | roughly hourly to every two hours | about NOK 400–650 | The coach rides on the ferries, so there is no change; a good alternative to flying with views of the fjords. |
| car E39 south with car ferries Halhjem–Sandvikvåg and Arsvågen–Mortavika (about 210 km) | about 5 h including ferries | ferries run frequently, roughly every 20–40 minutes by day | fuel, ferry fares and road tolls (often several hundred NOK in total) | Tolls and ferry fares are charged automatically to the car's plate with AutoPASS; rental companies pass them on. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Stavanger is the base for Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock); allow an extra day if you plan that hike.
- Kystbussen tickets are usually cheaper booked online in advance.
- On the road, ferry queues grow on Friday and Sunday afternoons in summer.
- The train between the two cities goes via Oslo or a long detour and is not practical.
Common questions
Is there a train from Bergen to Stavanger?
No direct train. The Bergen Line goes to Oslo and the Sørland Line runs from Oslo to Stavanger, so a rail trip would mean going almost all the way to Oslo and back, taking well over 12 hours. Fly, take the Kystbussen coach or drive the E39 coastal road instead.
How long is the drive from Bergen to Stavanger?
About 5 h for roughly 210 km on the E39, including two car ferries: Halhjem–Sandvikvåg and Arsvågen–Mortavika. Ferries run often, but summer weekends bring queues. Road tolls and ferry fares add a noticeable cost, charged by plate with AutoPASS. Check current ferry timetables, particularly early in the morning and late at night.
What is the cheapest way from Bergen to Stavanger?
The Kystbussen coach is usually the cheapest, at about NOK 400–650, and it includes the ferry crossings. Flights booked early can be similar in price, but last-minute fares are higher. Driving alone is often the most expensive because of tolls and ferries. Book the coach online for the best fares.
Is there a boat from Bergen to Stavanger?
There has been a fast passenger boat on this route in the past, but it does not run as a regular service now as far as we know. Hurtigruten's coastal voyage does not call at Stavanger. Check with local operators for any current or seasonal boat; otherwise use the flight, the coach or the car with its two ferries.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.