🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Norway
✈️ Flying to Norway
Main Airports
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - Norway's main international gateway, 50km from Oslo. Modern, efficient, excellent train connections to city center.
Other International Airports:
- Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO) - Gateway to the fjords, second largest airport
- Stavanger Sola Airport (SVG) - Southwest Norway, oil industry hub
- Tromsø Airport (TOS) - Arctic Norway, northern lights base
- Trondheim Værnes Airport (TRD) - Central Norway
💡 Insider Tip
Fly into Bergen for fjord trips—saves backtracking from Oslo. Oslo-Bergen-Fjords route makes more geographical sense than Oslo round trip.
🚆 From Oslo Airport to City Center
Flytoget (Airport Express Train)
Fastest option—19 minutes to Oslo Central Station. Runs every 10 minutes. Ticket: NOK 230. Comfortable, reliable, most popular choice.
NSB Regional Train
Cheaper alternative—22 minutes to city center. Ticket: NOK 118. Same tracks, slightly slower. Excellent value.
Airport Bus (Flybussen)
Direct service to various city locations. Journey time: 45-60 minutes. Ticket: NOK 200. Multiple stops available.
Taxi
Fixed price NOK 800-900 to city center. Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Expensive but convenient for groups or late arrivals.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from Denmark—Copenhagen to Oslo (16 hours overnight, DFDS Seaways). Cabins available. Popular route. Alternative to flying. NOK 500-1,500 per person depending on season.
Train from Sweden—Stockholm to Oslo direct train service. 6-hour scenic journey through forests and lakes. Norwegian and Swedish railways. Comfortable alternative to flying.
Drive from Sweden or Finland—land borders open (Schengen Area). E6 highway from Sweden main route, E8 from Finland. No border checks. Perfect for road trip enthusiasts.
Coastal ferry (Hurtigruten)—Bergen to Kirkenes (6 days, stopping at ports along coast). Transport and cruise combined. Expensive but iconic Norwegian experience. Working ferry, not just tourist cruise.
No direct land connection to Denmark—separated by Skagerrak strait. Must ferry or fly. Sweden and Finland accessible by road. Russia border exists but rarely used by tourists.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Norway is part of the Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Schengen visa rules apply—your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Norway →🚗 Getting Around Norway
Trains (Vy)
Norway's train network connects major cities efficiently. Bergen Line (Oslo-Bergen) is one of world's most scenic railways. Book in advance for best prices at vy.no
Buses (Long Distance)
Extensive bus network covering areas trains don't reach. Main operator: Nor-Way Bussekspress. Essential for reaching fjords, Lofoten Islands. Often cheaper than trains.
Domestic Flights
Norwegian, SAS, and Widerøe operate domestic flights. Worth considering for long distances (e.g., Oslo to Tromsø is 3-hour flight vs 20+ hour drive).
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Consider Norway in a Nutshell package—combines Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway, fjord cruise, and bus. Popular day trip from Oslo or Bergen. NOK 1,500-2,000. Convenient way to see fjords without rental car.
🚋 Local Transportation in Oslo
Ruter operates all public transport in Oslo region (metro, trams, buses, ferries to islands).
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: NOK 39 (valid 60 minutes)
- Day ticket: NOK 118 (unlimited travel 24 hours)
- Ruter app: Buy tickets on your phone - easiest option
The metro, trams, and buses are clean, punctual, and easy to navigate. Most signage in Norwegian and English.
🚙 Renting a Car
Highly recommended for exploring fjords, Lofoten Islands, or countryside at your own pace. Norway is perfect road trip destination.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Winter tires mandatory November to March (studded or unstudded)
- Watch for wildlife—moose, reindeer, sheep on roads!
- Speed limits: 30-50 km/h (cities), 80 km/h (rural roads), 90-110 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies available at airports and city centers
- Many long tunnels—some over 20km. Well-lit and safe.
- Automatic toll system (AutoPASS)—license plate registered, billed to rental company
⚠️ Mountain Roads
Famous mountain passes (Trollstigen, Sognefjellet) close October-May due to snow. Check vegvesen.no for road status before driving. Hairpin turns, narrow roads, but absolutely stunning views.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Norway
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: Vy offers minipris tickets—significantly cheaper when booked 90+ days in advance
- Use buses for long distances: Nor-Way Bussekspress significantly cheaper than trains
- Oslo Pass: Free public transport + free entry to most museums and attractions
- Book ferries in advance: Summer car ferries fill up—reserve weeks ahead to avoid long waits
- Consider electric car rental: Free ferry crossings, toll discounts, cheaper charging vs petrol
- Compare car rental sites: Prices can vary significantly between platforms