Getting around in Oslo

Getting to, from and around Oslo is smooth and easy for expats, unless a snowstorm causes delays. Regular flights fly into one of three airports serving Oslo (Gardemoen, Torp and Rygge). SAS, Norwegian Air, Wideroe and Ryanair are the four main airlines serving the city besides several charter companies. Many international airlines fly into Oslo as well.

The train system is very efficient and covers most of the country, as do various bus and ferry lines. Since Oslo is located on the coast, ferries are sometimes the fastest or only form of transportation to islands, to the Nesodden Peninsula and to cities such as Drøbbak. Daily ferries to Denmark, Sweden, and Germany leave two main ports in Oslo harbour. (See the “Weekend Breaks” section).

Public Transport

Oslo has excellent public transportation and the options are varied. There are reliable bus, metro and tram routes that run regularly and take you where you need to go anywhere in the greater metropolitan area.

Passes

You can purchase a monthly, day, or 10-trip passes for the trikk (tram), T-bane (subway) and bus, which is cheaper and easier than paying per ride, especially if you use public transportation on a regular basis. They are also interchangeable between types of transportation, including local trains. Tickets can be bought at kiosks, on buses and at train stations.

Make sure you have a ticket when getting on public transportation. Most tram drivers cannot sell tickets and it is common to have checks by plain clothed ticket-control agents. If you are caught without one, you will receive a hefty fine of 750 NOK if you pay on the spot, or 900 NOK if you are billed.

Buses and trams

Buses and trams depart every 5, 10 or 15 minutes depending on the time of day and route. Outside of normal hours, they leave every 20 or 30 minutes within the city limits. For schedules and ticket information, check Ruter.no (www.ruter.no/). To get specific route information that helps you time your travel to any address, use the very handy Trafikanten site (www.trafikanten.no/).

Longer distance trains and buses have their own schedules. Transportation schedules are easy to find online for each city and all train information can be found at www.nsb.no/. Public transportation is costly, but there are good and reasonable options for long-term usage that cover several forms of transportation.

Taxis

Drosje (taxis) are also common and should be used if you are planning to drink at all. Taxis can be found at stands around the city, but finding one at closing time is difficult, as is flagging one down on the road. You can also call the central taxi service on 22 38 80 90. Taxi rides can be paid in cash or by card, but let the driver know in advance. The fares are steep. A ride from the airport, for example, is 700 NOK and up. Fares go up after hours. Leaving a tip is up to you.