Cruise port Haugesund
Info for port Haugesund on 12 Sept 2026
Port information & tips for Haugesund
Haugesund is the fascinating gateway to Norway's Viking roots and impresses as a charming port city on the picturesque North Sea coast. The city combines a relaxed maritime atmosphere with a rich history and, thanks to its location on the Smedasundet, offers a beautiful waterfront promenade as well as first-class views of the coastal landscape. Cultural highlights in the immediate vicinity include the impressive Haraldshaugen national monument and the striking, pink City Hall, which is considered one of the country's most significant neoclassical buildings. Cruise ships dock at the central Garpeskjærskaien terminal, from where the vibrant city center is easily accessible in just about fifteen minutes on foot via the distinctive Risøy Bridge, and shuttle buses are also often available for a comfortable transfer.
The Norwegian port of Haugesund is sheltered on the west coast and is easily accessible thanks to its central location and good connections to the long-distance road network. Cruise ships dock at the Garpaskjærskaien terminal on the island of Risøy, which is connected directly to the city center via a bridge and allows for easy orientation.
Airplane
Haugesund Airport (HAU) on the island of Karmøy is located only about 14 kilometers from the port and is usually served from the DACH region via the hubs of Oslo or Copenhagen. From there, travelers can reach the cruise terminal in about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or the Flybussen airport bus.
Auto
Arrival by private vehicle is via the E39 coastal road from the direction of Stavanger or Bergen, as well as via the E134, which offers a direct connection across the country to Oslo. In the immediate vicinity of Garpaskjærskaien and at the central Flotmyr parking lot, guests will find secure long-term parking; in addition, many hotels in the city offer attractive park-and-stay options.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
As flight connections to Haugesund often require transfers, an arrival the day before with an overnight stay in one of the hotels on Smedasund is recommended. Thanks to the central location of the accommodations, guests can reach the ship comfortably the next morning on foot via the Risøy Bridge or with a short transfer, while simultaneously enjoying the maritime atmosphere of the city.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
The Norwegian port of Haugesund is sheltered on the west coast and is easily accessible thanks to its central location and good connections to the long-distance road network. Cruise ships dock at the Garpaskjærskaien terminal on the island of Risøy, which is connected directly to the city center via a bridge and allows for easy orientation.
Airplane
Haugesund Airport (HAU) on the island of Karmøy is located only about 14 kilometers from the port and is usually served from the DACH region via the hubs of Oslo or Copenhagen. From there, travelers can reach the cruise terminal in about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or the Flybussen airport bus.
Auto
Arrival by private vehicle is via the E39 coastal road from the direction of Stavanger or Bergen, as well as via the E134, which offers a direct connection across the country to Oslo. In the immediate vicinity of Garpaskjærskaien and at the central Flotmyr parking lot, guests will find secure long-term parking; in addition, many hotels in the city offer attractive park-and-stay options.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
As flight connections to Haugesund often require transfers, an arrival the day before with an overnight stay in one of the hotels on Smedasund is recommended. Thanks to the central location of the accommodations, guests can reach the ship comfortably the next morning on foot via the Risøy Bridge or with a short transfer, while simultaneously enjoying the maritime atmosphere of the city.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
The modern cruise port of Haugesund on the island of Risøy offers an ideal starting point for exploration directly from the ship thanks to its central location.
On Foot
You can reach the lively city center in about 15 to 20 minutes via the striking Risøy Bridge. The path is well signposted and also rewards you with a wide panorama over the busy Smedasundet and the picturesque coastal landscape.
Shuttle Bus
Regular shuttle buses take guests directly from the terminal to the heart of the city at Vår Frelsers Church. This service allows for a particularly comfortable arrival and leaves you more time for extensive walks through the popular Haraldsgata pedestrian zone.
Taxi and CityTrain
Official taxis from the local provider Haugaland Taxi are available at the quay for individual trips and also offer comfortable tours to the Haraldshaugen national monument. Alternatively, the charming CityTrain starts directly at the terminal and connects the harbor with the most important sights on a relaxed round trip.
It is best to combine a stroll through the maritime city center with a visit to the historic Viking sites or the picturesque coastal sections of the region.
Smedasundet & Haraldsgata
The lively Smedasundet waterfront promenade impresses with its colorful wooden houses and, together with the adjacent Haraldsgata, provides the perfect setting for a relaxed walk and small shopping trips.
Avaldsnes & Viking Farm
On the historic grounds of Avaldsnes, you can experience the world of the first Norwegian kings up close and, thanks to short transfer times, easily explore the reconstructed Viking village and the modern history center.
Åkrasanden
This award-winning beach on the island of Karmøy impresses with its fine white sand and crystal-clear water and, thanks to its good connections, is a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Haraldshaugen and the Coastal Path Kyststien
The impressive national monument Haraldshaugen is accessible from the cruise port via the idyllic coastal path "Kyststien" in about forty minutes on foot and combines Norway's fascinating Viking history with a wide panoramic view of the Karmsund. This history-steeped site marks the unification of the country and impresses with its striking obelisk and the spacious park area right by the sea. Thanks to the excellent connections, you can also reach it comfortably with the local "Bytoget" sightseeing train, which starts directly at the terminal and is perfect for a relaxed city tour. It is best to visit the monument early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the cliffs, and then return to the ship at your leisure via the lively harbour promenade Smedasundet with its cozy cafes.
The return journey to Garpeskjær-Kai is very relaxed and safe thanks to the city's central location and good organization.
Shuttle Bus
A regular shuttle service takes you comfortably from the stop near Vår Frelsers Church in the city center back to the ship at Garpeskjærskaien. The buses are synchronized with the docking times and offer a quick connection directly to the security area of the port terminal.
On Foot
The walk across the prominent Risøy Bridge takes about 15 to 20 minutes and also offers a great view of the harbor and your ship. The path is well signposted and, thanks to wide sidewalks and a clear route, is very easy to find even for first-time visitors.
Taxi
Taxi ranks can be found at central locations such as the Haugesund Rutebilstasjon bus station or directly in front of the larger hotels along the Haraldsgata pedestrian zone. The drivers know the docking points exactly and will bring you safely back to the pier within a few minutes.
In port on 12 Sept 2026
