Stavanger Airport Sola

Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG) is not merely an air gateway to one of the most picturesque regions of Norway, but also a vital strategic hub connecting the world to the country's oil capital. Located on the southwest coast, it serves as the starting point for journeys to famous fjords, such as Lysefjord. It is the third busiest airport in the country, where the hum of passenger airliner turbines mixes with the sound of helicopter rotors, creating a unique atmosphere of business and tourist activity.

Stavanger Airport, Sola is distinguished by its modern infrastructure and well-thought-out organisation. The single passenger terminal is conveniently divided into zones for domestic and international flights, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. One of the main features of the airport is its role as the largest helicopter hub in Norway, serving the offshore oil and gas industry — a separate helicopter terminal exists for this purpose. Passengers have access to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the territory.

• Official Website: avinor.no/en/airport/stavanger-airport
• Information Desk Phone: +47 67 03 15 55 (Avinor operator contact centre)
• Address: Flyplassvegen 230, 4055 Sola, Norway
• Email: To contact the airport, it is recommended to use the contact forms available on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on Avinor's official social media pages, for example, on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the airport, please contact the "Hittegods" (Lost and Found) service. Current information and contacts are available on the airport website. For lost checked luggage, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support: For general enquiries, please call the information desk. If questions arise regarding your flight, check-in, or tickets, you must contact your airline's representative office.

Stavanger Airport Sola (SVG) is located approximately 14 kilometres southwest of the centre of Stavanger, and can be reached via several convenient methods. The choice of the optimal option depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. The journey from the city centre usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes.

Public Transport is the most popular way to get to the airport. The specialised express bus Flybussen runs between the city centre and the airport, making stops at key hotels and transport hubs. This is a comfortable and fast option, with a journey time of about 20–30 minutes. As a more budget-friendly alternative, you can consider the scheduled buses by Kolumbus, although their routes may be less direct and require more travel time.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer the highest level of comfort, delivering passengers directly from door to terminal. A taxi ride from central Stavanger will take approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is the most expensive method, but it can be cost-effective for small groups or families with children and bulky luggage. For greater convenience and potential savings, it is recommended to book a transfer online in advance.

If you are travelling around Norway by car, getting to Sola Airport is straightforward. The drive by private or rental car from the city centre follows well-marked roads and takes about 20 minutes. Services from several major rental companies are available at the airport, making it easy to pick up or drop off a car right before departure.

For those arriving in their own vehicle, Stavanger Airport provides extensive parking. There are both short-term parking zones located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, and more budget-friendly long-term car parks, from which the terminal can be reached via a complimentary shuttle. To get the best price, it is highly recommended to book a parking space online in advance.

The airport of Stavanger, Sola (SVG) is distinguished by a structure that is well-thought-out and convenient for passengers. Despite being one of the busiest airports in Norway, its layout allows for easy orientation even for those visiting for the first time.

The main passenger flow is handled in a single terminal building, which is clearly divided into two main zones: for domestic and for international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation, as you do not have to move between different buildings. Nearby is a separate helicopter terminal, which primarily serves workers in the oil and gas industry and is not used for commercial passenger air travel.

The airport layout is logical and intuitive:

• Departure Zone is located on the first floor (Level 2). Here you will find check-in counters, baggage drop points, and the main security control.
• Arrival Zone is located on the ground floor (Level 1), where baggage reclaim belts and customs control are situated.

After passing security control, passengers enter the general airside area, from which there are exits to the gates. Navigation is simple: signs lead to the left for domestic flights (Inland) and to the right for international flights (Utland/International). Moving between these sections within the secure area does not take much time. The international zone additionally includes passport control for flights outside the Schengen Area.

Regarding the time required to complete formalities, Stavanger is a fairly efficient airport. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive in advance:

• For domestic flights — 1-1.5 hours before departure.
• For international flights — 2-2.5 hours, especially during peak morning and evening hours.

The airport is compact, so you can reach the gate from the terminal entrance quite quickly. The main advice is to check in advance which zone (domestic or international) your flight departs from, and follow the signs.

The history of Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG) is rich with significant events and reflects key stages in the development of all of Norway. Officially opened on 29 May 1937 by King Haakon VII, it became one of the first airports in Europe with a concrete runway. Initially, it was conceived as an important international hub, which highlighted its strategic significance from the very beginning.

The most dramatic period in the airport's history occurred during the Second World War. On 9 April 1940, Sola went down in history as the site of one of the world's first successful airborne attacks, when German paratroopers seized the airfield. During the occupation years, it was significantly expanded and used as a key Luftwaffe airbase for operations in the North Atlantic.

After the war, the airport returned to peaceful life, but the real boom in development began in the late 1960s with the discovery of oil fields in the North Sea. This turned Sola into a major helicopter hub for the offshore industry and a critically important logistics centre. It was the "oil era" that defined its modern status and contributed to the rapid growth of passenger traffic.

Significant modernisation took place in 1987, when a new passenger terminal was opened for the airport's 50th anniversary. Since then, the infrastructure has been repeatedly updated to meet modern requirements. Today, Sola Airport is not just a modern transport hub, but also a living monument to aviation and economic history, continuing to play a central role in the life of Norway's southwest coast.

Stavanger Airport Sola offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip — whether it is a business meeting or the start of a holiday — you will find everything you need here.

For those feeling hungry, the terminal has several cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick sandwich or a full meal. After passing security control, access opens to Duty Free shops offering the standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery. There are also shops with Norwegian souvenirs and travel goods.

Passengers who value comfort can utilise the services of the business lounge. This is a quiet and cosy space where you can rest, work, or have a snack away from the general bustle. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets.

Financial matters are easily resolved on the spot: the airport has ATMs and currency exchange points. For passengers with small children, parents' rooms equipped with changing tables are available. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance; it is recommended to notify your airline of your needs in advance. The airport is also equipped with ramps and adapted restrooms.

If you have an early departure or late arrival, there are several hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, reachable on foot. Some of them offer modern conference rooms and business services, which is convenient for holding business events.

At Stavanger "Sola" Airport (SVG), travellers will find several options for a snack or a full meal, located both in the public area and after passing security control. The selection of establishments allows for satisfying different tastes and needs, from a quick coffee to a leisurely dinner.

Before Security Control (Landside) the choice is usually more limited. Typically, a kiosk such as Point operates here, where you can buy beverages, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off or those who have just arrived and want a quick bite before heading into the city.

The main part of the cafes and restaurants is located after Security Control (Airside), in the departure zone. For those in a hurry, the coffee shop Ritazza is ideal, offering quality coffee and fresh pastries, or concept cafes like Northland, where they prepare fresh baguettes, sandwiches, and salads with an emphasis on Scandinavian ingredients. This is an excellent choice for a quick but filling snack.

If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, pay attention to the sports restaurant O'Learys. Its menu features classic dishes of American and international cuisine: burgers, grilled dishes, salads, and steaks. Here you can sit comfortably, watching sports broadcasts while waiting for your flight. It is also worth looking for establishments offering local seafood dishes — for example, sandwiches with prawns or smoked salmon, which allow you to experience the taste of Norway.

Regarding special dietary needs, most establishments offer vegetarian options. It is best to check with the staff for the availability of gluten-free, vegan, or Halal-friendly dishes, but generally, salads, fruits, or specially packaged products can be found. Prices at the airport correspond to the general price level in Norway, so be prepared that a snack will cost more than the average in Europe. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening flights.

To ensure your journey through Stavanger Airport goes smoothly, use these proven tips. Sola Airport (SVG) is a modern and convenient hub, but a little preparation never hurts.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Norway, 1.5 hours is sufficient. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. This will allow you to head straight to the bag drop counter or to security if you are travelling light.

Passing Security. Security procedures here are standard. Prepare liquids in advance: they must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics will need to be taken out of your bag into a separate tray. The better you prepare, the faster you will pass this stage.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Carefully study your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. Besides restrictions on liquids, it is prohibited to carry sharp objects and flammable substances. When choosing a seat on the plane, if you want to enjoy views of the fjords and the coast, choose a window seat. The side depends on the route, but stunning landscapes often open up.

For Transfer Passengers. Stavanger-Sola is a fairly compact airport, so transfers here are quick. If you are flying in transit within the Schengen Area, you will not need to pass passport control. If, however, you are arriving from a country outside Schengen and flying onwards to a Schengen country, you will need to pass border control. In any case, immediately after arrival, check the number of your next boarding gate on the information screens.

Customs Control. When arriving from outside Norway (and not from EU countries), you will need to pass customs. A system of "Red" and "Green" channels operates. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the Green Channel. Otherwise, head to the Red one.

Savings and Life Hacks. To save money, get to the city or airport on the Flybussen bus — it is cheaper than a taxi. Inside the terminal, there are drinking water fountains, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it after security. Food in Norwegian airports is expensive, so bring a light snack with you if you want to avoid extra expenses.

If Your Flight is Delayed. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's representative. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. The airport has complimentary Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to pass the time. Keep an eye on updates on the departure boards and in your airline's app.