Containing the world’s deepest and longest underwater tunnel road, the Ryfast tunnel system in Norway connects Stavanger on the west coast of Norway to the municipality of Strand on the other side of the fjord.
Learn all about Norway’s tunnel under the sea in this complete guide, including how this incredible underwater tunnel road was built, how to get to the Ryfast tunnels and how much the tolls cost to drive these under-ocean tunnels.
Where Are the Ryfast Tunnels?
The Ryfast underwater tunnel roads are located in Southern Norway, connecting Norway’s fourth-largest city of Stavanger with the area of Solbakk, in the municipality of Strand.
Ryfast consists of two dual-lane tunnels. First is the Solbakk or Ryfylke tunnel from Solbakk to the island of Hundvag in Stavanger. Second is the Hundvag tunnel from Hundvag to an underground tunneled highway interchange with the E39 Eiganes tunnel.
Part of the Norwegian National Road 13, the Ryfast tunnels can be reached by following the E39 on the Stavanger side or the road 523 on the Solbakk side. These roads both connect with National Road 13, which becomes the under-ocean Ryfast tunnel road.
Norway’s tunnel under the sea takes around 15 minutes to drive, drastically improving the commute time between Stavanger and Solbakk. These destinations were previously only connected by a 45-minute ferry ride.
How Long is the Ryfast Tunnel System?
At 14.3 kilometers long, the Ryfylke tunnel in the Ryfast tunnel system is the world’s longest undersea road tunnel. Here are some of the longest underwater tunnel roads in the world for comparison:
- Ryfast tunnels in Norway = 14.3 kilometers long
- Eysturoyartunnilin in the Faroe Islands = 11.2 kilometers long
- Tokyo Bay Tunnel in Japan = 9.6 kilometers long
- Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel = 9 kilometers long
The second tunnel in the Ryfast tunnel system, the Hundvag tunnel, is 5.5 kilometers long.
How Deep is the Ryfast Tunnel System?
Reaching 292 meters deep, the Ryfast tunnel system also holds the title of the world’s deepest undersea tunnel. Norway’s tunnels under the sea actually hold the top four spots on the list of the deepest subsea tunnels in the world:
- Ryfast tunnels in Norway = maximum depth of 292 meters
- Eiksund tunnel in Norway = maximum depth of 287 meters
- Hitra tunnel in Norway = maximum depth of 264 meters
- Bomlafjord tunnel in Norway = maximum depth of 260 meters
Building the World’s Longest and Deepest Underwater Tunnel
Did you know that the Ryfast tunnels have a 7% gradient slope, which is the maximum gradient slope allowed in a tunnel? These deepest underwater tunnels in the world are a feat of modern engineering, but how exactly were they built?
Begun in 2013 and completed in 2019, many automated processes were used during the construction of the Ryfast tunnels to streamline the process, as well as to save time and money. In the often freezing, wet, slippery and rough area of the subsea excavation site, working in the most efficient and safe way possible is extremely important.
Computer software was used to automate the surveying process needed to prepare for the construction of the Ryfast tunnels. This surveying software allowed tunnel workers to take accurate measurements and get all the necessary data for building the tunnels in the most time and cost-efficient way.
The data collected by these computers was then used to control massive drill rigs that drill precise holes in big undersea rocks. Tunnel workers monitored the whole process to ensure the construction process was on track.
You might wonder how all the rocky material was removed in a timely manner. The answer is explosives! Undersea rock was blasted away by carefully-placed explosives and the excess material was removed from the tunnel using conveyor belts.
How Much Does it Cost to Drive the Ryfast Tunnels?
The cost to drive this deepest tunnel in Norway varies depending on your vehicle type and weight, as well as whether you have an AutoPass agreement or not.
An AutoPass agreement gives you a discount if you plan to travel in the Ryfast tunnel many times. With this agreement, you pay for a maximum of 40 passages in the tunnel per month.
Here are the current Ryfast tunnel toll prices:
Ryfast toll prices for vehicles under 4.5 tons
Without AutoPass agreement:
- Ryfylke tunnel (all vehicles) = 171 kr ($16.18 USD)
- Hundvag tunnel (all vehicles) = 35 kr ($3.31 USD)
With AutoPass agreement:
- Ryfylke tunnel: Petrol/hybrid/diesel cars = 136,80 kr ($12.95 USD)
- Ryfylke tunnel: Zero-emission vehicles = 68,40 kr ($6.47 USD)
- Hundvag tunnel: Petrol/hybrid/diesel cars = 28 kr ($2.65 USD)
- Hundvag tunnel: Zero-emission vehicles = 14 kr ($1.32 USD)
Ryfast toll prices for vehicles over 4.5 tons
Without AutoPass agreement:
- Ryfylke tunnel (all vehicles) = 513 kr ($48.55 USD)
- Hundvag tunnel: Petrol/hybrid/diesel cars = 93 kr ($8.80 USD)
- Hundvag tunnel: Zero-emission vehicles = 81 kr ($7.67 USD)
With AutoPass agreement:
- Ryfylke tunnel: Petrol/hybrid/diesel cars = 513 kr ($48.55 USD)
- Ryfylke tunnel: Zero-emission vehicles = 0 kr
- Hundvag tunnel: Petrol/hybrid/diesel cars = 93 kr ($8.80 USD)
- Hundvag tunnel: Zero-emission vehicles = 0 kr
Check here for an up-to-date list of all the Ryfast tunnel toll prices, including both the Ryfylke and Hundvag tunnels.
Drive Norway’s Tunnel Under the Sea!
Want to drive through the world’s longest and deepest underwater tunnel road for yourself? You can do just that on your trip to Norway!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you head to this incredible Nordic nation to soak in all the beautiful sights and sounds that Norway has to offer.
We can help you out with the perfect travel and accommodation solution for your Norway trip with our range of affordable Norway campervan rentals. Travel around our beautiful country, including through the Ryfast under-ocean tunnels, in your campervan. What an adventure!
