Verified Facts
To get around in Norway, you can use a combination of domestic flights, trains, buses, and city transportation options, as well as driving or taking taxis, with various modes of transport available in different cities and regions.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Norway has several international airports, with Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL) being the main hub, offering direct flights to many European and some intercontinental destinations. Other major airports include Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO) and Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG), which receive flights from European cities. If you're coming from neighboring countries, you can also enter Norway by land, with several border crossings from Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The most common overland entry points are from Sweden, with many bus and train connections available from cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
For those traveling from further afield, flying is often the most convenient option, with many airlines offering direct or connecting flights to Norway's main airports. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Denmark or the UK, with several operators offering routes to Norwegian ports like Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. Train travel is also an option, with connections from Sweden and Denmark to Norway's rail network.
Domestic Flights
Norway has an extensive domestic air network, with several airlines operating flights between the country's many airports. The main domestic airlines are SAS, Norwegian, and Wideroe, which offer flights to most major towns and cities. Key routes include Oslo to Bergen, Tromso, and Trondheim, as well as flights between other regional hubs like Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Alesund. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, with prices starting from around $50-$100 USD for a one-way ticket. You can book flights through the airlines' websites or through online travel agencies like Expedia or Booking.com.
Trains & Rail
Norway's rail network is moderate in size, with most lines radiating from Oslo to other major cities like Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. The train network is operated by Vy, with several types of trains available, including express and regional services. Key routes include the Oslo-Bergen line, which takes around 7 hours, and the Oslo-Trondheim line, which takes around 7-8 hours. There are no high-speed trains in Norway, but the scenic routes make up for the relatively slow journey times. You can book train tickets online through the Vy website or at train stations, with prices starting from around $50-$100 USD for a one-way ticket.
Buses & Coaches
Norway has an extensive network of intercity buses, with several companies operating routes between major towns and cities. The main bus companies are Vy, FlixBus, and NOR-WAY Bussekspress, which offer frequent services on many routes. Buses are a good option for shorter journeys, with prices starting from around $10-$30 USD for a one-way ticket. You can book bus tickets online through the companies' websites or at bus stations, with some routes offering discounts for advance booking.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim | $3-$5 | Frequent services, convenient for city center travel |
| City Bus | Most cities | $2-$4 | Extensive networks, often with real-time information |
| Taxi | Everywhere | $2-$5/km | Available at taxi ranks or by phone, more expensive than public transport |
| Ride-Hailing | Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim | $10-$20 | Uber and Bolt operate in major cities, prices vary by demand |
| Ferry | Coastal cities | $5-$10 | Useful for traveling to islands or coastal towns |
Driving
- To drive in Norway, you'll need a valid driver's license from your home country, which is accepted for up to 3 months.
- Road conditions in Norway are generally good, with many highways and scenic routes, but be aware of winter driving conditions, which can be challenging.
- Fuel costs in Norway are relatively high, with gasoline and diesel prices around $1.50-$2.00 USD per liter.
- Car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate in Norway, with prices starting from around $40-$60 USD per day.
- When driving in Norway, be aware of toll roads, which are common on highways and some scenic routes, and consider purchasing a toll pass for convenience.
- Be prepared for narrow roads and tunnels, especially in rural areas, and take regular breaks on long drives.
Transport Tips
- Be aware of peak travel seasons, which can increase prices for flights, trains, and buses, and book in advance to secure the best deals.
- Consider purchasing a Norway in a Nutshell ticket, which includes train, bus, and ferry travel on a set route, for a convenient and scenic journey.
- Download the Vy or Entur app for easy booking and real-time information on train and bus services.
- Use a credit or debit card to pay for transport tickets, as many machines and ticket counters accept card payments.
- Be mindful of scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced taxi rides or fake ticket sellers, and always use official transport services.
- Take advantage of free Wi-Fi on many buses and trains to stay connected during your journey.
- Consider purchasing a rechargeable travel card, such as the FlexiCard, for convenient travel on public transport in cities like Oslo and Bergen.