How to Get to Oslo. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Oslo has two airports serving the region. Ensure you fly into the right one for your travel plans.

Airport Information

Oslo Airport (OSL), Gardermoen: Main international airport, 47 km (29 miles) north of city. Handles most international and domestic flights.
Sandefjord Airport, Torp (TRF): Primarily serves low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air). Located 110 km (68 miles) south of Oslo.
Airlines: SAS, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Widerøe (domestic/regional). Many major European carriers. United & Delta (seasonal direct US flights).

Direct Flights & Airport Services

OSL offers comprehensive facilities and direct connections to major global hubs.

Connectivity & Facilities

Direct Flights: Numerous from major European capitals. From North america cities (NY, Chicago, Miami, LA) often have seasonal direct flights. Middle East/Asia via Doha, Istanbul. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for deals.
Price Fluctuations: Higher prices during summer, Christmas, Easter. Lower prices off-peak.
Airport Facilities (OSL): Duty-free, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, free Wi-Fi.

OSL: Flytoget

Fastest airport transfer to Oslo Central Terminal (19-22 min), but most expensive.

OSL: Flybussen

Airport express coach, longer journey (45-60 min), but closer drop-offs.

OSL: Taxi

Most expensive (NOK 800-1000). Confirm price for set rates.

Transfers from TRF Torp

Torp Express Bus

Direct connection to Oslo Main Station (Oslo S).
Journey takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.
Cost-effective for travelers using low-cost airlines.
Check schedule in advance.

Local Train Vy

Requires a shuttle bus from TRF airport to Torp train station.
Then a single train to Oslo S.
This option is also economical.
A longer overall travel time due to transfers.

Additional Transfer Information OSL

Vy Local/Regional Trains

More budget-friendly than Flytoget, taking 23-30 minutes to Oslo S. Good value.

Car Rentals

Available from major international companies at OSL. Book in advance. Find deals at DiscoverCars.com.

Free Wi-Fi

Available throughout the OSL terminal, useful for checking connections and updates.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Traveling by train offers scenic routes and connections from neighboring countries and within Norway.

Domestic & International Trains

International: Services without transfers from Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) to major Swedish cities (Gothenburg, Stockholm) operated by SJ (Swedish Railways).
Domestic: Vy (Norwegian State Railways) operates extensive network to major Norwegian cities (Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Kristiansand, Lillehammer).
These train journeys often display breathtaking scenic views.

Long-Distance Buses

Bus services offer both international and domestic travel options.

Bus Services & Terminal

International: FlixBus offers routes from Oslo to metropolitan areas in Sweden (Gothenburg, Stockholm) and Denmark (Copenhagen).
Domestic: Vy Buss, Nor-Way Bussekspress, and other companies.
Main Terminal: Oslo Bus Terminal (Oslo Bussterminal), adjacent to Oslo Central Terminal.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Driving in Norway offers flexibility, but be aware of specific requirements and conditions.

Driving Information

Requirements: Valid domestic driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) if license is not in English or a Nordic language. Major credit card for rental deposit.
Road conditions: Generally excellent and well-maintained. Strict speed limits. Headlights always on.
Winter driving: Winter tires mandatory (Nov-Apr). Some passes through the mountains close due to heavy snow.

Border & Tolls

Norway is in the schengen Zone, impacting border crossings. Toll roads are common.

Border & Toll Details

Border Crossing (Land): No routine internal customs and immigrations from Sweden (Schengen country). Carry passport/valid ID for identity checks.
Tolls: Common around major cities, including Oslo, and on some national routes.
Rented vehicles are usually equipped with AutoPASS system, automatically charging tolls to rental agreement.

Safety Concerns for Drivers

Norway enforces strict speed limits and drunk driving laws.
Wildlife, specifically elk and deer, are a hazard in rural areas, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
In winter, icy and snowy conditions require extra caution and appropriate tires.

Headlights must remain on at all times, day and night.
Zero tolerance for drunk driving.
Always adjust your driving to weather and the state of the roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Oslo is connected by sea through ferry services and a the boat trip ship terminal.

Sea Connections

Color Line: Daily overnight ferries from Kiel (Germany) and daily services from Frederikshavn (Denmark). Large ferries with cabins, restaurants, entertainment.
DFDS Seaways: Daily overnight ferries from Copenhagen (Denmark).
Cruise Ports: Oslo has a cruise terminal near Akershus Fortress. Close to city center (walking distance or short public transport/taxi ride).

Immigration & Local Connections

Standard Schengen entry procedures apply for sea arrivals.

Arrival Process

Immigration: Standard Schengen entry procedures. Non-Schengen passport holders undergo passport control. EU/EEA citizens typically experience minimal checks.
Connections to Land Transport: Ferry terminals are close to Oslo city center. Easy access to public transport (tram, bus) and taxis.
River Transportation: Not applicable for arrivals from other countries to Oslo. Oslo is on an arm of the sea (Oslofjord), not a major river for international passenger transport.

Schengen Entry

Smooth method for Schengen travelers.

Central Location

Ferry terminals are conveniently located for city access.

No River Transport

Oslo is a fjord city, not a river transport hub.

Departure Information

Departure Timing & Fees

Plan your departure well in advance, and note in order that there are no extra exit fees.

Exit Information

Exit Fees/Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers. Any relevant taxes are typically covered in your plane ticket or ticket price.
Air Travel Timing: Arrive at OSL at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international departure. 1-1.5 hours for domestic.
Rail/Bus/Ferry Timing: Arrive at least 30 minutes before domestic departure. For international ferry, check operator (often 60-90 minutes).

Airport/Station Facilities

Services at departure points support a smooth travel experience.

Convenience & Services

Oslo Airport (OSL): Check-in counters, self-service luggage drop-off, security, extensive duty-free, dining options, lounges, gates.
Oslo Central Station (Oslo S): Shops, restaurants, waiting areas, ticket services for train and bus travelers.
Standard security checks apply to all passengers at OSL.

Check-in & Security

Online Check-in

Verify with your airline for online check-in availability to save time at the airport.

Baggage Drop

Self-service baggage drop kiosks are available at OSL, speeding up the process.

Security Procedures

Be ready for standard security checks. Liquids, electronics, and outerwear may need separate screening.

Departure Reminder

Allocate sufficient time for airport procedures, especially during peak travel periods.

How to Get to Oslo