The Ferry from Stavanger to Tau No Longer Sails
The first thing to know when planning a drive from Stavanger into the Ryfylke region is that the main car ferry from Stavanger to Tau ceased operating at the end of 2019. Many older guidebooks and online articles still reference this 45-minute crossing, but it has been entirely replaced by the Ryfast tunnel system. If your itinerary involves this route, you will now drive directly from the Stavanger area to Tau via the Ryfylke Tunnel, the world's longest subsea road tunnel at its opening.
This change has significantly altered driving patterns in the region. The natural pause the ferry provided is gone, making for a faster but less scenic start to a Ryfylke road trip. For drivers seeking a journey that still incorporates a fjord crossing, the shorter ferry routes across the Høgsfjord and near Hjelmeland remain key parts of the local road network.
Ryfylke's Remaining Car Ferries
While the main Stavanger–Tau artery is now a tunnel, two key car ferry crossings continue to operate in Ryfylke. These are integral to specific driving routes, including the National Scenic Route Ryfylke. They are 'road ferries' (riksvegferje), meaning they function as floating sections of the highway system. Foot passengers and cyclists travel for free on these services. For motorists, payment is handled automatically via number-plate recognition cameras at the quay, linked to a toll payment system. There are no ticket booths for vehicles.
Høgsfjord Crossing: Lauvvik to Oanes
The car ferry between Lauvvik and Oanes crosses the mouth of the famous Lysefjord. This is a popular alternative for drivers who want to experience a fjord crossing on their way to or from the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) area, avoiding the Ryfast tunnel. The journey itself is a brief but scenic 10 minutes.
The service, operated by Høgsfjordferja, is frequent but not continuous. With around 26 sailings per direction on a typical day, it is worth checking the timetable before you travel, as waits between departures can influence your day's schedule. This route runs year-round and is a key link for those exploring the southern parts of Ryfylke. It is important to distinguish this scheduled public ferry from the purely commercial tourist boats that run sightseeing trips deep into the Lysefjord; this is a transport link, not a guided tour.
Ryfylke Scenic Route Crossing: Hjelmeland to Nesvik
Further north, the Hjelmeland to Nesvik ferry is an indispensable part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke (Rv 13). This crossing connects the two sides of the Jøsenfjord and is operated by Norled AS. The sailing takes 12 minutes and is a very frequent service, with approximately 45 departures each way on a typical day, making sure minimal waiting time for drivers travelling this signposted tourist route.
This ferry allows for a continuous journey along one of Norway's most celebrated driving roads. The crossing itself offers fine views of the fjord landscape. Like the Høgsfjord ferry, it accommodates cars, motorhomes, and motorcycles, with payment handled automatically. Foot passengers and cyclists travel free.
Passenger-Only Express Boats (Hurtigbåt)
Separate from the car ferry network, a system of passenger-only express boats (hurtigbåt) connects Stavanger's main terminal (Fiskepiren) with numerous islands and fjord communities. These are a practical option for visitors travelling on foot or with a bicycle who wish to explore areas inaccessible by car. These services are run by Kolumbus, the local public transport authority.
Key destinations served by express boat from Stavanger include Tau, Fister, Hjelmeland, Jelsa, Hebnes, and the towns of Sand and Sauda further into the region. These boats provide a lifeline for local residents and an efficient way for tourists to experience the fjords without a vehicle. They operate on fixed schedules, and it is advisable to consult the Kolumbus journey planner for precise departure times, as frequencies vary by destination and time of year.
Reaching the Islands Around Stavanger
The archipelago near Stavanger has its own dedicated ferry and express boat links, intended for residents and visitors alike. Understanding which service to take is key, as some are for cars and others for foot passengers only.
To Kvitsøy: A Car Ferry Service
The island of Kvitsøy is served by a car ferry from Mekjarvik, just north of Stavanger. The crossing to Kvitsøy takes about 35 minutes, with around 14 sailings on a typical day. The return journey from Kvitsøy to Mekjarvik is often faster, at around 15 minutes, with fewer sailings. This route is the only way to take a vehicle to the island. As with other road ferries, payment is automated for cars, and foot passengers travel free.
Other Island Connections
Many other smaller islands and coastal communities are connected by the Kolumbus passenger boat network. For example, a service connects Judaberg to Tau, and another links Hebnes with Nedstrand. These routes are not designed for cars and cater to foot passengers. They often involve multiple stops, functioning like a bus service on the water. With SailNordic listing details for 10 distinct crossings and a total of 157 published sailing times in the Stavanger and Ryfylke area, planning ahead using a reliable timetable is recommended.
Planning Your Journey: Practical Considerations
For Drivers with their Own Car
If you are driving a non-Norwegian car, your number plate will be registered by the cameras at the ferry ramp. The bill will be sent to you via a service provider like Epass24. The Ryfast tunnel is also a toll road, and the charge will be processed in the same way. The key decision is whether to use the tunnel for speed or to incorporate the Høgsfjord ferry for the experience.
For Drivers with a Rental Car
When using a Norwegian rental car, the vehicle will be fitted with an AutoPASS tag. All ferry and tunnel tolls are automatically charged to this tag. The rental company will then bill these charges to you after your rental period is over. This is a straightforward system that requires no action from the driver at the point of crossing.
For Foot Passengers and Cyclists
The 2023 reform making road ferries free for those on foot or with a bicycle has made them an excellent way to explore. You can simply walk or cycle on board the car ferries at Lauvvik and Hjelmeland without charge. For the passenger-only express boats, you will need to buy a ticket. This can usually be done via the operator's app or on board.