For travelers with a layover in Stavanger, the proximity of SVG to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 60 minutes via Flybussen, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at SVG:
First, verify that you can enter Norway — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Flybussen takes about 60 minutes into Stavanger, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — NOK is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Getting from SVG to Stavanger
From SVG, the Flybussen gets you to Stavanger in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Flybussen offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Stavanger
For a layover visit to Stavanger, we’d suggest Gamle Stavanger (Old Town) and Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at SVG, check out Tax Free Shop (Heinemann) or Point (Café & Bar – Airport) to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
In Stavanger
If you make it into town, Fisketorget is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Egget Spiseri & Bar.
Inside SVG
If you’re staying in the terminal, Point (Café & Bar) is your main option. Fiskeriet Sola works too if you want something quick.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Stavanger layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$14 |
| Meal | ~$27 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$51 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at SVG may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Stavanger’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at SVG for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Stavanger or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SVG, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Stavanger genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.