Transports in Oslo
Expats in Oslo don't need to worry about getting around the city. Norway's capital has extensive train, bus, tram, ferry, and metro lines that use the same ticket and price system. It's easy to commute to outlying areas, and the transportation options are reliable.
Tickets in Oslo
The ticketing system in Oslo is called Ruter. Tickets are valid for all transportation methods except the Bygdøy ferry. The easiest way to purchase transportation tickets is on a mobile phone via the RuterBillett app. Travel cards can be purchased for NOK 50 and topped up at ticket machines or kiosks like 7-Eleven, Deli de Luca, and Mix.
Tickets can only be bought on board buses and ferries in cash, using denominations of NOK 200 or smaller. It is best to purchase tickets before boarding since buying tickets onboard will incur an extra surcharge of NOK 20 for adults and NOK 10 for children and seniors.
Tickets do not have to be shown when boarding, although ‘kontrolls' or checks are sometimes carried out by inspectors who board the bus or tram or wait by the exits at the metro. Passengers without tickets may be fined with more than NOK 1000.
Find out more about ticket prices and zone charges on the Ruter website.
Good to know:
Children under six travel for free, while children aged 6-17 travel on children's tickets. Family discounts are available on weekends and prams are also free to bring on board.
Buses in Oslo
Oslo city buses are hard to miss with their bright red colour. Tickets do not need to be shown on board and must only be scanned if you need to validate your pass (the first time you use it).
Green public buses are regional buses that are usually boarded at the Oslo bus terminal. Regional buses are operated by Nettbuss and Flixbus (buses to other European cities). Tickets for these can be purchased online or at the Oslo Visitor Centre.
Tram in Oslo
Although Oslo's tram (or ‘trikken' in Norwegian) system is quite dated, the routes offer great connections to popular tourist sites and major transportation hubs like Oslo S, the metro or T-bane, and the Aker brygge ferry port.
Train in Oslo
Local trains are the fastest way to commute between Oslo city centre and outlying areas such as Drammen and Asker, although trains can be overcrowded during peak hours (07:00-10:00 and 15:00-18:00). Trains to areas outside of the Greater Oslo Area that connect to other parts of Norway and Sweden are run by vy.no and require separate tickets.
Ferry in Oslo
Passenger ferries that are within Zone 1 are included in the Ruter tickets. These boats run to small islands near Oslo, although only one of the four ferry lines is available outside of summer. Find more information about routes on the Ruter website.
Metro in Oslo
Oslo's metro is often called the T-bane and consists of 5 metro lines that converge in the centre of the city with common stops Majorstuen, Nationaltheatret, Stortinget, Jernbanetorget, Grønland, and Tøyen. All five lines connect with Oslo's main train station Oslo S and the Oslo bus terminal.
Find line maps, timetables, and updates on route disruptions and maintenance online at the T-bane website.
Taxi
Taxis and luxury chauffeur services are available at Oslo. There are, without a doubt, the most expensive ground transportation options in the city. Check fares online before booking ahead.
Airport connections in Oslo
Oslo's main airport Gardermoen is well connected. Below are the transportation options between the city centre and the airport. Click on the option to find detailed prices and timetables.
- Flytoget Airport Express Train
- Regional Vy train (cheapest option)
- Flybussen
- OSL-ekspressen bus
- Taxi
- Private transfer
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