Haugesund cruise guide – Practical information for cruise passengers

Haugesund is a popular cruise destination on the west coast of Norway, and most ships dock at Garpaskjærkaien, just a short distance from the town centre. This guide gives you an overview of how arrival works, how to get around, and what’s useful to know before and during your visit to Haugesund, whether you are visiting Haugesund for the first time or returning on a cruise.

Where do cruise ships dock in Haugesund?

Cruise ships dock at Garpaskjærkaien (where Haugesund Cruise Port is located), a spacious and easy-to-navigate pier with clearly marked areas for shuttle buses, taxis, and a combined souvenir shop and tourist information point. You’ll also find small stalls selling excursions and activities at the cruise port.

How far is it from the cruise pier to the town centre?

It’s about 950 metres from Garpaskjærkaien to Haugesund town centre, and the walk usually takes around 20 minutes. The route crosses one of the town bridges with lovely views over Smedasundet – a great photostop at the top.

The bridge can feel steep for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility challenges. In that case, we recommend taking the shuttle bus or a taxi from the pier.

Shuttle bus from the cruise pier to Haugesund town centre

Most cruise calls offer a shuttle bus service. Check on board your ship or with the tourist information on the pier for the exact details. When available, the shuttle bus runs continuously while the ship is docked, and the ride to town takes only a few minutes. This is a good option for anyone who prefers not to walk or who uses a wheelchair.

Getting around Haugesund

Public transport in Haugesund

Most buses in the region are operated by Kolumbus, and the green buses are easy to spot. Bus routes run from the town centre, not from the cruise pier.

You can buy bus tickets:

• in the Kolumbus app
• at the Narvesen kiosk in Haraldsgata (near Haugesund Tourist Information)
• with cash (NOK) on board — note that this is more expensive than buying in advance

Kolumbus also offers electric bike rental through the app. Several stations are located around the town centre, and the app map shows the nearest bike.

Children under 6 travel free when accompanied by an adult, and most buses have space for pushchairs.

Taxis in Haugesund

Haugaland Taxi and Karmøy Taxi both serve cruise passengers. You can book a taxi in advance or on arrival. There are usually taxis waiting at the cruise pier, and the tourist hosts can help you to book if needed.

Haugaland Taxi also offers fixed-price trips to popular places such as Langfoss, Avaldsnes and Skudeneshavn. For details, contact them directly or email info@visithaugesund.no

Car rental in Haugesund

If you prefer to rent a car, you have several options. Sixt can deliver the car directly to the cruise pier, while Bookbil is based in Haugesund town centre and the car must be collected there. Travelling with children and need a car seat? Make sure to request this when booking.

Exploring Haugesund on foot – free city map and hiking tips

Haugesund town centre and the surrounding area are compact and easy to explore on foot. You can download a free city map featuring recommended walking routes starting from the centre, as well as an overview of attractions, toilets, pharmacies and bus stops. You can also pick up a printed version of the map at the tourist information desk on the cruise pier or in the town centre when you arrive.

From the cruise pier, the walk to the town centre takes around 20 minutes. The nearest kiosk on the way is Risøykiosken, located just before the bridge into town.

Tourist information in Haugesund – at the cruise pier and in the town centre

A combined tourist information desk and souvenir shop is open at the cruise pier for all ship arrivals. Here you’ll find practical advice, maps, and help with orientation, and you can buy local products, souvenirs, postcards and stamps.

Haugesund also has a main tourist information centre in the town centre at Haraldsgata 131. The staff can help with transport, activities and anything else you’d like to know about the region. You can also buy local products and souvenirs here. In addition, the tourist information centre in the town centre sells tickets for both Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses. 

If you’d like help before your trip, feel free to contact the tourist information team at info@visithaugesund.no.

Tax-free refunds in Haugesund

If you want a tax-free refund from your travel to Norway, remember the following:

• The shop must be tax-free authorised
• Your purchase must exceed 315 NOK
• Tell the cashier before you pay to get the correct receipt

If Haugesund is your final Norwegian port, you can hand in your tax-free form at the tourist information on the cruise pier. Both Planet Tax Free and Global Blue are accepted.

What’s the weather like in Haugesund?

As on much of the Norwegian west coast, the weather in Haugesund can change quickly. Locals often say you can experience all four seasons in one day. Check the forecast before you arrive and dress accordingly. Good shoes and a windproof jacket are recommended if you plan to spend time outdoors.

FAQ for cruise visitors in Haugesund

• Is there a shuttle bus from the cruise pier? Yes, a shuttle bus operates for most cruise calls while the ship is docked.
• Where does the shuttle bus stop in the town centre? At Vår Frelsers Church, right in the heart of Haugesund.
• Can I walk to the town centre from the cruise pier? Yes, the walk takes around 20 minutes.
• Is Haugesund easy to navigate? Yes, the town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot once you cross the bridge.
• Is Haugesund accessible for wheelchair users? The bridge between the pier and the town centre is steep, so the shuttle bus is recommended. In the centre, most areas are easy to access, though some streets have cobblestones. Public buildings are accessible, and most shops and cafés can be entered with a wheelchair. Most public buses are also wheelchair-friendly.
• Are taxis available at the cruise pier? Yes, taxis usually wait at the pier, and you can also pre-book.
• How do I buy bus tickets? Tickets can be purchased in the Kolumbus app, at the Narvesen kiosk in Haraldsgata, or with cash on board.
• Can I pay with foreign currency? No. Payments must be made in NOK, and card payment is widely accepted everywhere. ATMs are available both at the cruise pier and in the town centre.
• Is there free Wi-Fi at the cruise pier? Yes. The network is called “Haugesund Cruise Port” and requires no password. You’ll also find free Wi-Fi at the tourist information centre in town and at several cafés and restaurants.
• Are shops in Haugesund open on Sundays? Most shops are closed on Sundays, but some cafés, restaurants and museums remain open.

What to do in Haugesund on a cruise?

We’ve gathered a range of great suggestions in a separate article. Here you’ll find an overview of things to do in Haugesund when you visit by cruise, making it easy to choose the experiences that suit you best.