Preikestolen Express Bus Round Trip

Looking to cross the Preikestolen hike off your bucket list? Our express bus service offers comfortable and direct transfers multiple times a day from central Stavanger to the trailhead and back, ensuring a seat for every passenger. This service is designed to make your journey to one of Norway’s most iconic hikes as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Discover Pulpit Rock

Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Rising 604 meters above the Lysefjord, this flat-topped cliff offers stunning panoramic views that attract hikers from around the world. Lonely planet lists the hike to Preikestolen as one of 9 of the best hiking routes in Norway. The hike starts at a mountain lodge, which offers facilities such as a restaurant and restrooms. Our bus departs from the center of Stavanger, providing the fastest and most reliable transport to the starting point of the trail.

The hike

The Preikestolen hike is unguided and moderately challenging, with rough terrain that makes appropriate footwear essential for foot and ankle support. 

The trail is 8 km (4.9 mi) long and typically takes around 4 hours for a round trip. The route is well-marked with red-painted distance markers and features stunning granite stairways crafted by Nepalese Sherpas. The total elevation gain is approximately 500 meters (1640 feet) and includes some steep sections, so be prepared for a physically demanding hike.

Given the trail’s hilly terrain that traverses both forest and mountain landscapes, it’s essential to come prepared. Here are a few tips to ensure you have a great hiking experience:

• Clothing: Dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring rain gear as weather in the mountains can change rapidly.
• Food and Water: Pack sufficient food and water for the hike. While there is a kiosk at the parking lot where the bus drops you off, offering food and drink refills, there are no facilities along the trail itself. Once you set off, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature, breathtaking views, and fellow adventurers.
• Trail Navigation: The route is signposted with lots of red-painted distance markers, making it easy to follow the trail. Parts of the trail have beautiful granite stairways engineered by Nepalese Sherpas.
• Safety: Be mindful of your surroundings and exercise caution near steep areas, especially when it’s wet, to ensure a safe hiking experience.

Weather conditions in Stavanger

Weather in Stavanger can be unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to experience a mix of sun, rain, and wind all in one day. Before embarking on your hike, check the local weather forecast to ensure you are well-prepared. Bringing a waterproof jacket and pants can make a big difference if the weather turns.

Our bus service

Our express bus service ensures a hassle-free journey to and from Preikestolen. The bus journey takes about 1 hour. The bus departs multiple times a day from central Stavanger, providing you with flexibility in planning your hike. With a guaranteed seat, you can relax and enjoy the scenic ride to the trailhead. Audio guides in English and German play on the bus during the ride to enrich your journey.

Return journey

After your hike, our return bus will pick you up at the same spot it dropped you off, making your journey back to Stavanger seamless and worry-free. Please remember to purchase your tickets online in advance, as tickets are not sold on board. This ensures a smooth boarding process and guarantees your seat.

Departure times:

Additional offerings

In addition to our Preikestolen bus service, we offer other exciting options for exploring the natural beauty of the Stavanger region:

1. One-way ticket: We also offer a one-way ticket to Preikestolen. You can buy a ticket both ways, which gives you the flexibility to plan freely.
2. Kjerag Hike Bus: For those looking for another challenge, our bus service to the Kjerag hike is the perfect choice. Kjerag is famous for Kjeragbolten, a giant boulder wedged in a mountain crevice, and offers stunning views of the Lysefjord. This hike is more demanding than Preikestolen but equally rewarding.
3. Preikestolen Express & Mountain Lodge: Experience Preikestolen at your own pace with our convenient package combining our express bus service from Stavanger with an overnight stay at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, allowing you to witness spectacular sunsets or sunrises from the famous plateau without the crowds of day-trippers.

Plan your adventure

Whether you are an avid hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, our services are designed to help you make the most of your visit to Stavanger. The peak season for visiting Preikestolen is during the summer months (June through August); we recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds. The combination of reliable transportation and unforgettable natural experiences makes for an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Join us for a seamless and memorable journey to Preikestolen and beyond. Book your tickets today and get ready to explore some of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes!