Reaching Preikestolen from Stavanger: Road, not Ferry
Many older guides advise taking a car ferry from Stavanger to Tau to reach the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trailhead. This service no longer runs. Since the opening of the Ryfast tunnel system in 2019–2020, the primary route from Stavanger to the Preikestolen area is by road through the Ryfylketunnelen, one of the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnels.
If you are driving your own car or a rental, you will use this tunnel to reach the trailhead parking at Preikestolen BaseCamp. For visitors on foot, year-round public buses operated by Kolumbus travel from Stavanger through the tunnel towards Jorpeland, the nearest town. In the main hiking season, direct express buses run by operators like Pulpit Rock Tours and Go Fjords connect Stavanger directly with the trailhead, typically offering same-day return journeys.
Lysefjord Cruises vs. Ferries: What’s the Difference?
A common point of confusion for visitors is the difference between sightseeing cruises and the public ferries that serve Lysefjord. They offer very different experiences and serve separate purposes.
Sightseeing Cruises from Stavanger
Companies like Rodne Fjord Cruise operate sightseeing trips from Stavanger’s Vågen harbour. These tours, often on silent electric catamarans, last around three to three-and-a-half hours. They sail into Lysefjord to show you highlights like the Hengjanefossen waterfall, the Fantahåla (Vagabond's Cave), and a view of Preikestolen from the water level far below. Crucially, these boats do not stop or let passengers off at the Preikestolen trailhead; they are round-trip sightseeing excursions only.
Public Ferries into Lysefjord
For transport into the fjord itself, Kolumbus operates two key public services: a passenger fast ferry and a seasonal car ferry. These are functional transport links connecting otherwise hard-to-reach communities and trailheads like Flørli and Lysebotn. They are not guided tours but provide an authentic way to travel the length of the fjord.
Navigating the Lysefjord Ferry Network
The Kolumbus-managed ferry system within Lysefjord allows for point-to-point travel, ideal for hikers and those exploring deeper into the region. For the 2026 season, services are primarily operated by the high-speed passenger ferry MS Rygercruise and the car ferry MF Sveio. A new vessel, the MS Rygerlys, is expected to join the route around September 2026, carrying both passengers and a limited number of vehicles.
- Passenger Fast Ferry (Stavanger–Lysebotn): This year-round service connects Stavanger with quays along the fjord, including Lauvvik, Forsand, Songesand, Flørli, and Lysebotn. It’s the primary way to reach trailheads for the Flørli stairs and the Kjerag hike without a car.
- Seasonal Car Ferry (Lauvvik–Lysebotn): Running from 15 May to 30 September, this scenic car ferry operated by Norled is key for drivers wanting to take their vehicle the full length of the fjord. It calls at Forsand, Songesand, and Flørli. The MF Sveio can carry bicycles, making it a useful option for cyclists.
Booking for these services is done via the Kolumbus website (billetter.kolumbus.no). It is important to know that ticket sales close approximately two hours before the vessel departs from its starting point for the entire route, so advance booking is strongly recommended, especially in high season.
Reaching Flørli and Lysebotn by Ferry
Flørli & The 4444 Steps
The settlement of Flørli, famous for its wooden staircase of 4444 steps, has no road access. The only way to reach it is by taking one of the Lysefjord ferries. Both the year-round passenger boat and the seasonal car ferry stop here, allowing hikers to arrive, complete the climb, and catch a later ferry back to Stavanger or onwards to Lysebotn.
Lysebotn & The Kjerag Hike
At the head of the fjord lies Lysebotn, the starting point for the demanding Kjerag hike. It can be reached either by the Lysefjord ferry from Stavanger or Lauvvik, or by car via the spectacular Lysevegen mountain road with its many hairpin bends. The ferry provides a reliable alternative, particularly when the mountain road is closed outside the summer season.
Other Key Car Ferries in the Ryfylke Region
For visitors driving around the wider Ryfylke area, two other short car ferry crossings are important links in the road network. They are not directly related to reaching Preikestolen from Stavanger but are key for regional touring.
- Lauvvik–Oanes Ferry: This year-round crossing over the Høgsfjord takes about 10 minutes. It connects the Fv13 road at the mouth of Lysefjord and is operated by Høgsfjordferja.
- Hjelmeland–Nesvik Ferry: A important link on the Rv13 and the National Scenic Route Ryfylke, this all-year ferry takes around 13 minutes. It is operated by Norled and does not require advance booking.
Planning Your Trip: Key Considerations
Seasonality is Everything
Many transport options are seasonal. The direct hiker buses to the Preikestolen trailhead and the scenic Lauvvik–Lysebotn car ferry operate mainly from spring to autumn. The car ferry specifically runs from 15 May to 30 September. Outside these periods, public transport to the trailhead is limited, and visitors may need to rely on taxis or private transfers from Jørpeland. Always check timetables for your specific travel dates.
Combining Ferry and Bus Travel
It is possible to create itineraries that combine ferry and bus travel. For instance, you could take a one-way ferry trip into Lysefjord to Flørli or Lysebotn and then return to Stavanger by road via the Lysevegen mountain road (if you have a car) or by pre-booked bus services that connect with the ferry arrivals in peak season. This requires careful planning around the separate timetables.