Getting to Ryfylke and around

A large number of fjord arms divide the region, but modern roads, bridges and boat services serve to unite the region. Express boats and ferries are a vital part of Ryfylke’s communications, particularly for the many islands.

Travellers with a car or motorcycle have an advantage, but with a bit of planning and patience, you can quite happily put your trust in the public transport services here (some roads are closed during the winter).

You can experience famous attractions such as the Lysefjord, Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag by sea. Options include the tourist ferry (book ahead), the Combi ferry or one of the sightseeing boats.

The shortest ways by car

1. From Bergen:
   Through Hardanger to Røldal, approximately 200 kilometres, 1 - 2 ferries.
2. From Haugesund:
   Along the E134 and fv. 46 to Ropeid, approximately 85 kilometres.
3. From Stavanger:
   Ferry to Tau, 40 minutes.
4. From Sandnes:
   Along the Ryfylke Road, rv. 13, 24 kilometres to Lauvvik, ferry 10 minutes to Oanes.
5. From Egersund:
   74 kilometres from Egersund to Lauvvik, ferry to Oanes. (192 kilometres between Kristiansand and Egersund.)
6. From Kristiansand: 
   Follow fv. 9 to Brokke, then fv. 45  to Suleskar and on to Lysebotn (220 kilometres), closed in winter. Alternative: Take fv. 9 to Røldal, approximately 300 kilometres.
7. From Oslo:
   Alternative A: Through Telemark on the E134 over Haukeli to Ryfylke via Røldal, approximately 340 kilometres. NB! Tunnel expansion E134 Haukeli and Røldalsfjell. This will cause closed tunnels, convoy driving and diversion to other roads from 1 December 2008.
   Alternative B: Start from Oslo as in alternative A, but turn off in Telemark on fv. 45 to Suleskar and on to Lysebotn, approximately 360 kilometres. Closed in winter. Ferry from Lysebotn (or fv. 45 on to Sandnes and Lauvvik).
8. From Larvik: Follow fv. 36 to Seljord, then as alternative A (E134) via Haukeli, or alternative b on E134/fv. 45.

By bus

For bus services please contact Haukeliekspressen and Nor-Way Bussekspress.

Express boats and ferries

Express boat service from Stavanger to many places in Ryfyke, such as Tau, Fister, Hjelmeland, Jelsa, Sand and Sauda. A variety of express boat services are also available in Ryfylke. Please contact Kolumbus and Tide for more information.

For ferry services, please contact:

• DFDS Seaways
• Color Line
• Fjord Line

Train

Trains to Stavanger from Oslo with the Norwegian State Railways (NSB).

By plane

Stavanger Airport Sola is Ryfylke's nearest airport; there are direct flights to/from 36 destinations in Norway and abroad. The shuttle bus departs every 20 minute and takes you to and from the ferry terminal where the ferry takes you to Tau in the south of Ryfylke. The bus takes approximately 30 minutes and the ferry 30 - 40 minutes. There are also car rental companies at Stavanger Airport Sola if you prefer to hire a car.

Haugesund Airport Karmøy is located approximately 100 kilometres from Ropeid in the north of Ryfylke. There are direct flights to/from 9 destinations in Norway and abroad. The easiest way to get from Haugesund Airport Karmøy to Ropeid/Sauda is to hire a car. Car rental companies can be found at the airport.