Europe > Norway > Molde (MOL)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Molde can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Molde ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Molde ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Molde?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Molde is a small coastal city that works well as both a destination and a gateway to some of western Norway’s most dramatic scenery. The car-or-no-car decision here depends very clearly on what you plan to do next. So, should you rent a car in Molde? For the town itself, not necessarily — but for the surrounding region, very often yes.
📍 Getting Around Molde — the Reality
Molde is compact and easy to navigate.
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The town centre is small and walkable
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Key sights sit close together
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Traffic levels are low
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Parking pressure is limited
For a short stay focused on Molde itself, a car is not essential.
🚶♂️ A Walkable Town With a Strong Setting
Molde is pleasant to explore on foot.
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Harbourfront and viewpoints are close by
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Cafés, museums, and shops cluster centrally
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Walking distances are short
You can comfortably spend time here without driving at all.
🚌 Public Transport: Adequate, Not Extensive
Local public transport exists but is modest.
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Buses serve the town and nearby areas
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Frequencies are reasonable but not high
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Services are designed for residents rather than tourists
For simple trips, buses are fine — but they don’t unlock the region.
⛴️ Ferries Are Part of Everyday Travel
Molde sits within Norway’s ferry-connected coastal network.
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Ferries link Molde to nearby towns and islands
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Foot passengers are well catered for
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Ferries integrate naturally with road travel
They’re useful highlighting the coastal geography, but not a substitute for a car overall.
🚗 Why Renting a Car Often Makes Sense
Molde’s biggest appeal is what lies beyond the town.
A rental car is extremely useful for:
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Fjords and mountain scenery inland
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Scenic coastal drives
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Flexible itineraries across Møre og Romsdal
These destinations are difficult or time-consuming to reach without a car.
🌄 Molde as a Road-Trip Base
Molde works particularly well as a starting or finishing point for road trips.
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Good road connections in multiple directions
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Easy access to ferries and bridges
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Logical base for circular routes
This makes a car especially attractive if Molde is part of a wider itinerary.
⚠️ Downsides of Driving in Molde
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Weather can affect mountain and coastal roads
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Limited advantage within the town itself
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Winter conditions part of the year
But outside the centre, driving is straightforward.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Molde?
No for the town — yes for the region.
Molde itself is easy to manage on foot and by bus, but the landscapes that define the area are best explored by car. If your plans extend beyond the harbour and viewpoints, renting a car quickly becomes worthwhile.
