Hire an affordable car rental in Stavanger for a fantastic Norwegian getaway
Tucked away in the midst of the Western Fjords is the coastal city of Stavanger. As one of Norway’s oldest cities, Stavanger is a fascinating place to visit. Walk down cobblestone roads surrounded by 18th century architecture and catch gorgeous views from the waterfront. Hire a car from Airport Rentals and take in the famous fjords on your own time.
Getting around Stavanger in your rental car
Pick up your rental car at the airport or from one of many depots around Stavanger city. The drive from the CBD to the airport takes around 20 minutes via car or taxi (this road includes tolls). Direct Airport Express buses are available via Flybussen (25 minute journey). Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Norway, always buckle up and when travelling during the winter months be cautious of closed roads due to snowfall. Rush hour traffic may cause temporary delays, but this is rarely a problem around Stavanger.
Planning a long holiday in Norway? Check out Alesund, Trondheim or Norway’s capital Olso for other pick-up/drop-off locations.
Save time and money when you book a Stavanger airport rental car
Travelling in Norway can be steep on the wallet, so head to our site to compare top rental companies and find cheap deals in seconds. At Stavanger airport choose from eight popular brands with options to fit your road trip plans, such as transmission type and style of vehicle. Let Airport Rentals do the work while you plan your scenic route around Scandinavia.
Airport Details
Stavanger Airport Sola is perfectly placed between Stavanger and Sandnes only 20 minutes travel time from either city. Sola is relatively small, but has a wide-range of eateries and offers free WiFi to its guests. Once you grab your luggage, head to the rental car desk within the terminal. Picking up your rental from town? Hop on the bus or jump in a taxi to your desired depot.
Your guide to Stavanger
Where to Sleep in Stavanger
Arriving late? Hotel Scandic is just a few metres from the arrival terminal. Or check out Quality Airport Hotel Stavanger or Clarion, also near the airport. Find a mix of luxury, mid-range and cheap sleeping options in the city centre. For a slice of grandeur near the harbour, book at Victoria Hotel or Skagen Brygge Hotell. For more affordable choices, look into Skansen Hotel or Stavanger Bed & Breakfast - a hostel-style B&B. Try out the refurbished Pop Up Hostel located in the centre of town.
Stavanger’s Most Popular Events
● In May, Jazz Festival brings musicians from across the globe to play concerts across Stavanger.
● Enjoy Scandinavia’s largest food festival, Gladmat in July.
● If you’re a fan of classical music, plan your trip in early August for the International Chamber Music Festival.
● NuArt is one of the city’s best art fairs with international street art and live exhibitions held each year in early September.
● Visit between September and April to catch the magnificent and legendary northern lights.
Best Eats around Town
Seafood may be the most popular choice in this fishing city, but Stavanger offers a variety of cuisines. Dine in RE-NAA, a Michelin Star Norwegian restaurant or check out Egged for a modern eatery experience. Grab a delicious burger at Døgnvill, a hip joint in town. Side street cafes and international eats are popular in Gamle - the old city.
Geography, Culture, People
Located in the southwest fjords, Stavanger is the capital of Rogaland county and the fourth largest city in Norway. This diverse city is home to over 130,000 residents with a large immigrant population. Stavanger has grown thanks to the oil discovery in the North Sea and continues to be one of Europe’s energy centres.
Stavanger’s Top Attractions
There are a few must sees around town and nearby:
● Norsk Oljemuseum - A Norwegian Petroleum museum will surprise you with its striking high-tech displays and stunning steel-clad architecture.
● Stroll on cobblestone streets among 18th-century colourful houses in Gamle, Stavanger’s old city.
● One of the top tourist attractions in the area is Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, a two hour scenic drive and ferry ride from Stavanger. At 604 metres above Lysefjord, the views are outstanding. The hike itself is six kilometers and takes roughly four hours return. Best time to visit is from April to October.
Public Transportation
The public bus system is an easy, affordable way to get around the city. Visit Byterminalen, the city terminal, to book long-distance routes. Just next door is the Norwegian National Railway line if you prefer a scenic journey across the country. Prefer to travel on your own schedule? Hire a cheap car in Stavanger and visit the country as you please.
Stavanger Weather
Close to the north pole, weather in Stavanger is quite unique.
● The warmest time of the year is summer from May to August with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.
● During winter, the shortest day is under six hours and the temperature hovers around 1 degree Celsius.
● October is Stavanger’s rainiest month and August is best for swimming.