Getting to Pulpit Rock and the Lysefjord
Most visitors fly into Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG) and then continue by road or by boat. The airport and the city center are two different starting points, so decide early where you sleep and where your trip begins. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Kjerag, which lies at the head of the fjord above Lysebotn, need different routes.
You can drive yourself, use a bus or a boat where one runs, or book a guided tour that includes transport. The right choice depends on the season, your luggage and how much you want to organize on your own.
Your options compared
For Preikestolen and Kjerag, as of 2026.
| Option | Works for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | Preikestolen, Kjerag when open | Car park fees apply. The mountain road to Lysebotn is seasonal |
| Seasonal hiking bus | Preikestolen | Runs in season. Check the current timetable and the last return before you rely on it |
| Public boat (line 560) | Lysebotn, from Lauvvik | A boat connection, not a way to reach the Preikestolen trailhead |
| Taxi or transfer | Both, with a fixed pick-up | Agree the price and the return time in advance |
| Guided tour with pick-up | Preikestolen, Kjerag | Transport and the guide are in one booking. See the tours below |
For most visitors without a car, a guided tour is the least complicated option, because transport and the return are part of the booking. If you want to walk without a group, a rental car gives you the most freedom. You can also read about the walk itself in The Pulpit Rock hike.
Our pick: tour with pick-up
This tour picks you up at your hotel in Stavanger, so you can skip the bus and the car.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours with transport from Stavanger
Guided hikes to Preikestolen and Kjerag with pick-up or bus transport, plus fjord cruises from the harbour, with live prices and availability.
Pulpit Rock bus and public transport
What runs, and what to check.
The hiking bus
A seasonal hiking bus and the public fjord boat do different jobs. The hiking bus serves the Preikestolen trail in the walking season. Do not assume a daily, year-round departure, or a safe connection back after your hike. Check the timetable for your date and the last return.
Local public transport
Kolumbus runs the public transport in Rogaland, including the boat to Lysebotn. Use its journey planner for the current routes and times.
Ferry to Pulpit Rock?
The public boat goes to Lysebotn, not to Pulpit Rock. The plateau is reached on foot. A fjord cruise shows it from below but does not reach the viewpoint, so choose a hike if you want to stand on top.
Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger →Top-rated hotels in Stavanger
Preikestolen by car: rental car and parking
Pick up at the airport, park at the trailhead.
Rental car
You can collect a rental car at Stavanger Airport (SVG) and drive to the Preikestolen car park. Some mountain roads are seasonal, so check the conditions for your date.
Parking at Preikestolen
A car staying more than 2 hours pays NOK 275 (2026). This is a parking fee, not an entry fee for the mountain.
Parking at Kjerag
NOK 300 for more than 2 hours (2026). The car park, the access road and the trail do not always share the same status, so a parking rate is no proof that the road is open.
Lysevegen to Lysebotn
The mountain road with hairpin bends near Lysebotn is seasonal and depends on the weather. An open passenger quay does not mean the pass is open. See Lysebotn.
Compare rental cars at Stavanger Airport Sola (SVG) for your travel dates on Economybookings.com.
Kjerag, the ferry and the season
How to reach the head of the fjord.
Kjerag access
Kjerag is closed for the season, and road and trail are expected to reopen on 1 May 2027. That is an expected date, not a guarantee. Read Kjerag before you plan.
Line 560 Lauvvik to Lysebotn
The winter timetable has been valid since 1 October 2026. Online booking closes 120 minutes before departure at the starting point. Separate the regular boat, the car ferry and the tourist summer ferry, because they run on different dates.
Summer ferry seasons
The tourist summer ferry runs only in season, and the last day of the season varies. Check the timetable for the day you travel.
Taxi, transfers and from Bergen
For the parts that do not fit a bus timetable.
Taxi to Preikestolen
A taxi or pre-booked transfer works from the airport or the city, but agree the price, the waiting time and the return in advance. Ask for the price before you book.
Tours with airport pick-up
Some private guided hikes include pick-up from Stavanger Airport. Others charge extra for pick-up at the airport, and some collect only at central hotels or ports.
Coming from Bergen
If you come from the north, plan Bergen and Stavanger as separate stops. The Bergen side is covered by Bergen.
Plan the rest of your trip
After you know how to get there.
Getting to Pulpit Rock: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Stavanger Airport to Pulpit Rock?
By rental car, taxi or a guided tour with pick-up. The airport and the city center are separate starting points, so check where your trip begins.
Is there a bus to Pulpit Rock?
A seasonal hiking bus runs to the Preikestolen trail. Check the timetable and the last return for your date.
Can I get to Pulpit Rock by public transport?
Check the Kolumbus journey planner for your date. A daily, year-round bus is not guaranteed.
How much is parking at Preikestolen?
NOK 275 for a car staying more than 2 hours (2026). It is a parking fee, not an entry fee.
Can I reach Kjerag by bus?
Kjerag is closed for the season, with reopening expected on 1 May 2027. A guided tour or your own car is the usual way when it is open.
Does the Lysebotn ferry carry cars?
Regular boat, car ferry and tourist summer ferry differ, and the timetable depends on the date. Check line 560 before you travel.