Car Hire In Sola, Norway: Competitive Prices And A Complete UK Driver’s Guide

Compare airport and downtown pick-up options in Sola, understand insurance and fees, and hit the road around Stavanger with clear, practical advice.

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Sola Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect

Renting a car in Sola is one of the easiest ways to explore the Stavanger region and the wider Rogaland coast, from business hubs like Forus to day trips such as Lysefjord, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trailheads, and beaches around Sola. For travellers from the United Kingdom, driving is straightforward (Norway also drives on the right), roads are well maintained, and signage is clear. Airport pick-up at Stavanger Airport (Sola) is typically the quickest for early/late flights and larger choice, while downtown or Forus locations can suit those spending a night in Stavanger first or avoiding airport surcharges. Expect high standards but also higher deposits on credit cards, strict cleanliness/fuel checks, and extra costs for tolls and winter equipment when required.

Stavanger Airport (Sola) – Car Rental Centre (SVG)

Best for maximum availability and the fastest start to your trip. Most major brands operate here, with longer opening hours and the simplest returns for flights. Navigation tip: follow signs for “Car Rental/Car Hire” from arrivals; returns are signposted on approach roads to the airport. Pros: widest vehicle choice, convenient flight-aligned hours, easy one-way returns. Cons: often slightly higher daily rates/fees than off-airport, queues at peak arrivals, stricter timing on late returns.

Stavanger City Centre (Hotels & Ferry/Harbour Area)

Convenient if you are staying in Stavanger first or arriving by ferry/cruise. Pros: easy access to accommodation, potentially lower base rate than airport, useful for short city stays before collecting the car. Cons: limited stock (especially automatics), shorter opening hours, parking/traffic can be slower at peak times, may involve a taxi/bus from the airport.

Forus Business District (Sola/Sandnes Border)

Popular for business travellers and those based around office parks between Stavanger and Sandnes. Pros: straightforward road access, often quieter counters, can be cost-effective for weekday hires. Cons: less convenient without a car already (may require taxi), fewer weekend hours, reduced choice of larger vehicles and premium categories.

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Fastest Start With The Widest Choice At Stavanger Airport (Sola)

Airport pick-up suits early/late flights and travellers who want to drive straight away. You’ll usually find the biggest selection (including automatics and larger cars), clearer return signage, and longer opening hours. It can cost a little more due to airport-related fees, so booking ahead and comparing fuel policies and included mileage often delivers the best value.

Sola Car Hire Reviews – Real Customer Ratings at SOL Airport

Browse honest feedback from drivers who collected their rental cars in Sola, and see how local suppliers truly perform.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
	2.1 180+ reviews	$350	1.1 mi from Sola Downtown	$767 - $3,168		●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Friendly and helpful staff ●Smooth pickup and return process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 12 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

First-Timer's Guide to Fuelling a Rental Car in Norway

A comprehensive guide for first-time visitors on how to refuel a rental car in Norway, covering fuel types, payment methods, and tips for a smooth experience.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

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10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

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Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Sola (Stavanger Airport) is dominated by on-airport rentals, with 6 major brands (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hyre, Hertz, Sixt) capturing over 80% of bookings; city and port pickups remain under 10%."

Booking Patterns

"SUV/4x4 bookings in Norway rose to roughly 45% of summer fleet use in 2023, while rentals average 5–7 days; advance bookings within 30 days now exceed 60%."

Customer Pain Points

"Around 38% of Norway renters report unclear CDW versus Super-CDW insurance terms at pick-up."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Avinor - Stavanger Airport, Sola (official car rental providers list)
Avinor Annual Air Traffic Statistics (Stavanger Airport)
Statistics Norway (SSB) - Transport and Tourism
Hertz Norway Fleet & Booking Report
Avinor Stavanger Airport - Car Rental Information
Norwegian Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet) - Car rental complaints report

Popular Self-Drive Routes And Trips From Sola (Stavanger Airport)

Scenic Routes From Sola:

Lysefjord And Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Loop

Fjord scenic drive + short ferry + hike access1 hr 30 min–2 hrs driving each way (plus optional 4–5 hrs hike and ferry wait times)

A classic Ryfylke day out: drive via Stavanger to Tau (often via ferry) and continue to the Preikestolen trailhead for Norway’s most famous viewpoint over Lysefjord. Roads are generally good, but summer weekends can be busy and parking at the trailhead fills early.

Stavanger city centre, Ferry crossing to Tau (Ryfylke), Jørpeland, Preikestolen Mountain Lodge (trailhead), Lysefjord viewpoints

Jæren Coastal Route: Sola Beach To Egersund

Coastal drive + beaches + historic towns2–2.5 hrs driving one way (allow 4–6 hrs with stops)

A windswept, big-sky coastal route along Jæren’s long sandy beaches, dunes and farmland, finishing in the charming harbour town of Egersund. Ideal in clear weather for photography, birdwatching and short beach walks.

Sola Beach (Solastranden), Orre Beach (Orrestranda), Bore Beach (Borestranda), Brusand Beach, Egersund

Ryfylke Scenic Road To Sauda (Mountains, Waterfalls And Fjords)

National scenic route-style fjord and mountain drive3.5–4.5 hrs driving one way (best as a full-day trip or overnight)

Head east into Ryfylke for a varied drive of fjords, tunnels, mountain scenery and roadside waterfalls. This route gives a strong ‘Norway in a day’ feel from Sola, especially in late spring when waterfalls are powerful.

Stavanger, Høgsfjord / fjord crossings, Fister, Sand / Suldal, Sauda

Popular Day Trips From Sola:

Stavanger Old Town (Gamle Stavanger) And Harbour

25–40 mins each way driving (2–4 hrs total with exploring)

A straightforward short trip into Stavanger for cobbled streets, white wooden houses, cafés and waterfront views—ideal for your first or last day near the airport.

Flor & Fjære (Sør-Hidle) Garden Visit

30–45 mins each way including local driving (plus boat transfer time as scheduled)

A popular summer excursion to an island garden with guided visits and a restaurant, reached via scheduled boat from Stavanger. Pair it with a relaxed afternoon in the city.

Månafossen Waterfall Walk

1 hr 10 min–1 hr 30 min each way driving (2–3 hrs total including the short but steep walk)

A rewarding waterfall trip with a short, steep hike to viewpoints over one of Rogaland’s most impressive falls—best after rain or snowmelt.

Kongeparken Theme Park (Ålgård)

25–35 mins each way driving (half-day to full-day)

Family-friendly rides and attractions close to Sola, making it an easy day out if you’re travelling with children or want a low-effort activity.

Jæren Beaches And Lighthouse Photo Run

10–60 mins driving between stops (2–5 hrs total)

String together a flexible loop of wide sandy beaches and coastal viewpoints near Sola. Great at sunset, but bring layers—wind off the North Sea can be strong.

Car Hire Planning Tips For Driving Around Sola And Stavanger

Bring The Right Documents: Carry your driving licence, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and ID/passport. If your licence is not in a Latin alphabet, consider an International Driving Permit.

Choose The Right Car For Your Route: For coastal Jæren and city driving, a compact car is ideal. For longer Ryfylke mountain drives, prioritise comfort and power; in winter, ask about proper winter tyres (standard in Norway in season).

Plan For Ferries And Tunnels: Some fjord routes involve short ferry crossings or long tunnels. Check ferry timetables and allow buffer time, especially on weekends and in summer.

Sort Parking Early In Stavanger: City centre parking can be limited and paid. Use official car parks, read signage carefully, and consider park-and-ride options if you’re visiting during busy periods.

Fuel Up Before Remote Stretches: Petrol stations are common around Sola/Stavanger but can be fewer in inland areas. Don’t run the tank low before heading deeper into Ryfylke.

Start Early For Preikestolen: For the Preikestolen trailhead, arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter hike. Expect the busiest conditions on summer weekends and holidays.

Respect Weather And Road Conditions: Coastal wind and sudden rain are common. Drive to conditions, keep extra distance, and check mountain weather/road updates if your route goes inland.

Understand Tolls And Rental Terms: Norway uses electronic tolling in many areas. Confirm how tolls are billed by your rental company, and review insurance excess, windscreen/tyre cover, and cross-fjord travel policies.

Driving in Sola, Norway: Practical Travel Information

Essential Driving, Language, Currency and Road Rules for Travellers Visiting Sola, Norway

LANGUAGES

Norwegian (Bokmål), Norwegian (Nynorsk), Sámi

CURRENCY

NOK

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+47

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$50 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5-7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-110 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.02% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.27/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.30/L - $2.50/L

TRAVELER RATING

9.0 / 10

Sola Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers to common questions about renting and driving a car in Sola, Norway

Can I use my UK driving licence to hire a car in Sola?

Yes, a full UK photocard licence is accepted for the entire rental period without an International Driving Permit. Drivers must be at least 19, and renters under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly NOK 150–250 per day depending on the supplier.

Do I need winter tyres when driving from Stavanger Airport (Sola) in winter?

Yes. Studded or non-studded winter tyres (friction tyres marked with the mountain/snowflake symbol) are mandatory from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter. Most rental cars are already fitted, but confirm with the supplier and expect a daily fee of NOK 100–250.

How much is the toll on the Ryfast tunnel and is it auto-charged?

Ryfast (the Solbakk tunnel between Stavanger and Ryfylke) costs around NOK 145 for a standard car. Norway uses AutoPASS cameras, so rental companies charge the toll to your card afterwards and add an admin fee of NOK 50–95 per pass.

Is it safe to drive the North Sea Road in bad weather?

Norway’s west coast near Sola is exposed to strong crosswinds and heavy rain year-round. Check yr.no and vegvesen.no before setting off, keep headlights on at all times, and allow 30 minutes of extra braking distance. Roads are gritted quickly and rarely closed.

What is the speed limit and are there speed cameras in the Sola area?

Standard limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100–110 km/h on motorways. Fixed cameras and section-control cameras are common around Stavanger, with fines starting at NOK 700 for minor excess up to several thousand kroner.

Can I take the rental car on a ferry or to another Scandinavian country?

Cross-border travel into Sweden, Finland or Denmark is usually allowed if you declare it on collection and pay a cross-border fee of about NOK 300–500. Ferries such as Stavanger–Bergen are fine, but ferrying the car to the UK is generally not permitted.

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