Introduction
After living and travelling around Stavanger and its surroundings for about a year and a half, I thought it’d be a good time to share my thoughts on getting around in this part of Norway.
My Default: The Bike
As a Dutchie, biking is my default mode of transportation. Back home, I used to bike from school to home, around 24 kilometres of flat terrain. Bike riding around the hilly Stavanger region is harder compared to that, but I still think it’s the best way to get around.
Navigating Stavanger by bike can be a real challenge though. It’s like playing the game Labyrinth—just when you think you’ve figured out the right route, roadworks or sudden detours throw you off. And the bike lanes? Some of them just end out of nowhere, or worse, they’ll lead you straight into a car tunnel where you aren’t supposed to bike.
Google Maps doesn’t help much here either. It’s like the app doesn’t know the bike lanes sending you downstairs or onto sidewalks where biking isn’t allowed. You’ll eventually figure it out, but be prepared for a bit of trial and error at first.
That said, improvements are being made. There’s a new biking highway that’s really nice, with gentle inclines and good lighting.
The Bus System: Kolumbus
The main public transport option here is the Kolumbus buses. They’re alright, but nothing to write home about. The app can be pretty frustrating—it’s not great at helping you plan your routes, and I’d recommend just using Google Maps instead. The buses aren’t the quickest option either, especially if you have to change buses halfway.
For example, I live in the city, about 12.5 kilometres from my work, and if I take the bus to work, it can take almost an hour. In comparison, biking takes me around 35-43 minutes, depending on how fast I’m going. Yes, it’s a bit more effort, but if you’re like me and prefer to avoid rush hour traffic and long waits at bus stops, biking wins here.
The Car: Convenient but Pricey
Of course, driving is an option too. But then you have to deal with the traffic—rush hour in Stavanger starts early, and it can really clog up. Plus, driving comes with the dreaded tolls (“bompenger”), which can add up fast if you’re driving in and out of the city regularly. And don’t get me started about parking, it’s complicated, to say the least…
E-bikes: The Best of Both Worlds?
If you’re looking for a smoother ride without breaking a sweat, an e-bike might be the best bet. You can carry more stuff, which is handy when you need to haul work gear, gym clothes, or groceries. The only downside is that when you’re going downhill, the motor stops supporting you after around 20 kilometres an hour, which means you’ll probably be overtaken by regular bikes if you’re not pushing hard enough.
Travelling to the Airport
If you’re heading to the airport, you’ve got a few options. The fastest way is to take a taxi or the Flybussen (airport bus), but those can get expensive quickly. You can also take a regular bus, but that could easily take you around 45 minutes or more. Biking, while unconventional, can be a great option. You can park your bike right near the entrance, and there’s even E-bike storage and charging at the airport.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, biking remains my favourite way to get around in Stavanger. Sure, it takes some effort, and navigating the city’s bike lanes can be confusing, but it beats sitting in traffic or waiting for buses. Plus, it’s a great way to squeeze in a workout during your commute, which means I can skip the gym after work.
I forgot to mention the Steps. They are a nuisance when you’re not using them, as they are always blocking the sidewalk. But they can be quite convenient if you want to travel a short distance quickly.
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