NO Norway: how to get around

Many municipal travel apps are based on Entur, which allow payments by VISA, Mastercard, Amex and some other cards, and by the Norwegian Vipps app,

As Norway's craggy coastline and mountainous terrain slow down overland traffic, domestic flights are a convenient option. Norway has a network of small, short-runway airports designed for small aircraft and modest traffic, notably in Northern Norway but also in parts of Western Norway. Particularly in northern Norway where cities are few and farther between, these small airports are important alternatives to road or boat transport. Unfortunately, it is also in these areas where tickets can be the most expensive. Planes between the small airports are small, and they generally have several intermediate stops along the route to embark and disembark passengers. The high income and slow overland connections combine to make some domestic Norwegian flights among the busiest in Europe. For instance, in 2018 more than two million passengers flew between Oslo and Trondheim and between Oslo and Bergen – more than flew between Berlin and Munich or Madrid and Mallorca.

Flights in southern Norway are cheaper than in northern Norway, and even though this area has better roads and rail, planes are generally faster than taking the train or bus. There are however no air routes between the cities within 200 km from Oslo, use the train or bus for this kind of travel.

The largest operators are SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe. Wizz Air has challenged the incumbents in 2020 and can sometimes offer a cheap option. Widerøe's network is especially good for the smaller towns in Northern and Western Norway.

Main airports accepting all aircraft:

• Oslo airport (Gardermoen)
• Sandefjord (Torp)
• Kristiansand
• Stavanger
• Bergen
• Haugesund
• Ålesund
• Trondheim
• Bodø
• Evenes (Narvik/Harstad)
• Tromsø
• Alta

The Norwegian Railways (NSB) has been split up into several companies for several years as of 2025, with different lines awarded to different franchises along the British model. Therefore the company you will be travelling with depends on which way you are going, although it is most straightforward to book through the overarching national transport website Entur. These main lines run several times a day:

VY:

• Oslo–Skien (serving coastal towns south-west of Oslo)
• Oslo–Bergen (Bergensbanen – Bergen line, across the mountains via Finse, connections to Flåm)
• Oslo–Sarpsborg–Halden

SJ Nord:

• Oslo–Trondheim (Dovrebanen, through Lillehammer, connections to Åndalsnes at Dombås)
• Hamar–Røros–Trondheim (Røros line)
• Trondheim–Bodø (Nordlandsbanen – Nordland line, through Trondheim airport, connections to Sweden), Norway’s longest, crosses the arctic circle

Go Ahead Nordic:

• Oslo–Kristiansand–Stavanger (Sørlandsbanen, runs inland from Drammen to Kristiansand, connections to Arendal; runs at some distance from the coast Kristiansand-Egersund)

Trains are generally well-maintained and comfortable.

You can buy an Interrail one-country pass for Norway (Interrail) to travel relatively cheaply by train through Norway. There is also the Scandinavia pass, which also covers the other Nordic countries (bar Iceland, which does not have a rail network). If your itinerary is fixed and you don't have too many destinations, it might be cheaper to buy 'Minipris' tickets online. Interrail reservations are 50 kr in 2nd Class and free for 1st Class passholders, but what complicates this picture is the transition of Norwegian trains from the low-key 2x2 1st class they had before, to a new Business Class-style offering with highly adjustable, fully-reclining seats. This is considered to be outside the category of standard 1st and demands the same fairly substantial upgrade surcharge from both 1st and 2nd class passholders if selected, while the more minimal standard 1st class offering now only persists on the Bergen Line and on certain trains on other routes.

For long-distance trains and night trains, seat reservation is mandatory, but usually can be done on short notice, e.g., at a train station, since the trains are rarely fully booked. Generally, the trains are most crowded at the beginning and end of the weekend, i.e. Friday and Sunday evening. Shortly before and at the end of major holidays like Christmas/New Year and Easter, trains are usually very busy. If you try booking for these days at a late time, you may find all the cheap tickets sold out. Furthermore, the seat you reserve may be among the least desirable, that is, facing backwards, without recline, and facing towards and sharing the legroom with other passengers. Be aware that the Bergen Line's scenic reputation precedes it, and as such it is more liable than other lines to be very popular during peak season.

Night trains operate from Oslo to Bergen, Kristiansand, Bergen, Trondheim and Bodø. With a regular ticket, you will get an ordinary seat, blanket and earplugs. Sleeping compartments are available for an extra outlay. If you choose to order sleeping compartment, you pay for the compartment, not the bed: two people, same price. This also means that you will never have a stranger in your compartment.

For 200–500 kr you can upgrade any regular train ticket to Komfort/Premium/Pluss; this means a little more room for your legs, free coffee, papers and a power socket. Usually the coach is either the first or the last coach in the train, resulting in much less through traffic and a quieter environment.

The regular night train seats have a power plug, too. In some trains there is even free Internet access via Wi-Fi; one just needs to register (giving any 8-digit number as 'phone number').

Unlike much of Continental Europe, Norway does not have a high-speed rail system, except for the route between Oslo and its airport. Attempts at implementing high-speed trains are underway, but have failed so far. Therefore, a journey between the two largest cities, Bergen and Oslo, takes 6½–7½ hours.

In eastern Norway, where cities are closer together, there are several people who make a daily commute, and hence many of these cities have more frequent train service with hourly departures much of the day. This includes the cities in the counties of Østfold, Vestfold, Gjøvik, Hamar and Lillehammer. In general, these trains do not have seating reservations available, but it is still possible to upgrade to NSB Komfort.

If you get even closer to Oslo, there are local trains which may have departures as often as every 30 minutes. Local trains never have seating reservations, nor do they have a first class section. Local trains also operate between Bergen and Voss (sometimes to Myrdal), Stavanger and Egersund and around Trondheim.

Car ferries are an integral part of the road network in coastal and fjord regions. The road in principle continues onto the ferry such that for instance Fodnes-Mannheller ferry is part of national route 5. Prices and time vary with the length of the crossing and amount of traffic, call 177 for more information or check nearby camping sites for information booklets and timetables. Prices on public roads ferries are set by the Department of roads. Small cars (as of 2018) are up 6.0 meters, longer vehicles must pay a considerably higher price and this often affects campervans.

Ferries often have information about other ferries in the region and other ferries along the same road. On the main roads ferries are frequent during daytime, typically every half hour. Reservations are usually not needed, drive to the ferry quay and wait in line until the ferry docks. Car ferries also take foot passengers. On main roads tourists typically do not have to worry about timetables as there are frequent departures. After midnight, ferries on busy routes only run every other hour, and less busy ferries cease operation until morning. Norwegians refer to car ferries as "ferje" or "ferge". Vessels that only take foot passengers are referred to as "båt" (boat). To avoid confusion, visitors should use the term ferry only for car ferries.

Stretches with lots of ferries are desirable when bicycling, as the ferries are cheap for bicyclists and offer an often well-deserved break with a great view. Except for some of the shortest crossings (10 min), ferries typically have cafeterias serving coffee, cold beverages, sandwiches and some hot food. Due to numerous deep fjords and islands, driving in West Norway and Northern Norway as a rule (with few exceptions) involves ferries. Although car ferries are very reliable and operate with spare capacity, tourists should allow plenty of time on stretches including ferries. Ferries on unusually long crossings (several hours) or ferries crossing open stretches of sea are more frequently delayed or cancelled.

In regions with lots of fjords and islands, particularly along all the coast from Stavanger to Tromsø, an extensive network of catamaran express passenger boats ("hurtigbåt") shuttle between towns and cities, and connect islands otherwise accessible only with difficulty. There is no general network of boats connecting every village along fjords and coast, transfer by bus or car to nearest port may be needed. These vessels are also not called ferries. Service and prices are comparable with trains. Check in advance if you want to bring a bicycle. There are also some passengers in the inner part of Oslofjord.

One option particularly popular with tourists is the Hurtigruten coastal steamers that hop along the coastline from Bergen all the way to Kirkenes, taking 5½ days for the whole journey. Cabins are expensive and mandatory for multi-day journeys, but deck fares are more reasonable and there's even a 50% discount with Inter Rail. Prices are summed up for all chargeable elements like persons, fuel charge (approx. 3% of an adult fare), bike (approx. 5% of an adult fare), car, cabin (approx. 125% of an adult fare). Reservations are recommended for cabins and cars; on deck there is usually enough space for people and bikes.

Lakes do in general not have public transport by boat, here are however a handful of important exceptions. There is one car ferry crossing the very long Randsfjorden lake. Skibladner, a steam boat built in 1856, allows tourists to cross lake Mjøsa (at Gjøvik and Hamar) the old way. Some other lakes maintain boat service for foot passengers for sightseeing or to access wilderness. Telemark canal, Norway's only major canal, takes visitors from the coast and deep inland along charming lakes and impressive locks through the rugged terrain. Halden canal is Norway's other proper canal and shorter than Telemark's. Except for the two canals, Norway's rivers are in general not used for transport.

An extensive range of express buses connect cities all over Norway and even most national parks. NOR-WAY Bussekspress and Boreal Transport are the biggest operators. Nettbuss also runs some express routes.

Lavprisekspressen offer cheap tickets for Oslo—Trondheim (via Røros and via the Dovre mountain range), Oslo—Kristiansand—Stavanger and back. If you're lucky, you can get a ticket for as little as 49kr, but usually the tickets go from 199kr to 299kr. The double decker buses are clean and modern with free Wi-Fi internet, coffee and tea.

FlixBus operates route Oslo—Kristiansand—Stavanger.

Bus schedules and frequencies vary greatly, and seating may be limited, so plan ahead. For more information check each operator's website or try the extensive connection search en-tur.no – available in English and Norwegian. Some mountain passes are closed all winter, and buses covering these typically run May—September only.

In the north of Norway north of Trondheim, there are no private express buses. Instead the provinces organise long-distance buses, which also stop at local stops, having sparse schedules. There is no bus Trondheim–Bodø, instead the stretch is served by train (Nordlandsbanen line). There are for example comfortable buses Bodø–Narvik, Narvik–Tromsø, Tromsø–Alta and Alta-Kirkenes (they are daytime buses and accommodation is needed at Narvik, Tromsø and Alta if going all that way).

Travelling by cab in Norway can be very expensive, and in most cities it is not necessary as bus, tram and train (or even walking) are easier. Taxis are generally safe as long as you choose a licensed taxi (with a white taxi sign on the roof). In villages there may be no or only one taxi car, so visitors should be prepared to book in advance.

• Norgestaxi. Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. (updated Aug 2020)
• RingTaxi, ☏ 02393 (in country only)Country code missing. Conveys taxis throughout the country. The service, which costs 18kr per call is reachable within Norway only.
• mivai. By the Taxi app you will easily get in touch with the nearest taxi service center in densely populated areas.
• Cabonline. Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. Includes several cities. (updated Feb 2021)
• In some cities, like Oslo, Trondheim and Kristiansand are several local taxi companies.

Norway has right-hand traffic, like the rest of mainland Europe. Norwegian roads have varying quality, but all public roads have asphalt. Most roads are two-lane undivided, there is a limited motorway network around Oslo. General speed limit is 80 km/h and speed is often slower due to road conditions. Driving in winter requires special equipment, snow and ice experience is highly recommended prior to a winter trip. Some of the scenic mountain passes, notably at Geiranger, Trollstigen and Nordkapp (North Cape), are closed during winter.

Due to the rugged terrain, there are a lot of tunnels. Generally the tunnel will charge a toll until its construction costs are deemed to have been "paid off" after which the tunnel will be free. Due to Norway's high income and their experience in tunnel building, tunnels are even built where they would be deemed too marginal or difficult in other countries - the longest and deepest road tunnel is under construction in Norway.

Driving is generally easy as traffic is calm, and most drivers are disciplined and law abiding, although moderate speeding is common on highways. However, some city centres (such as Bergen and Oslo) may be confusing to navigate for the first time visitor due to many one-way streets. Traffic is generally light except for city centres and a handful of stretches on main roads (notably E18 near Oslo). Near or inside Oslo the E18, E6 and ring roads can get congested during morning and afternoon rush, as well as during weekend rush (Friday afternoon) out of Oslo. Gas is expensive, starting at around 16.50 kr per litre (July 2018). Manual transmission has long been regarded as standard in Norway and is still found in most private cars, but (as of 2020) almost all new cars are electric/hybrid or have automatic transmission. Renting a car is very expensive, but can be essential for easy access to some of the more rural areas, although most areas have a good reliable bus service.

Some rules:

• Headlights are mandatory even during daylight.
• Off-roading is generally forbidden. Motor vehicles must stay on public roads.
• Don't drink and drive. Your blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.2 ‰ (or 0.02 %).
• Rules are strictly enforced, particularly regarding alcohol, speed and overtaking.

Motorcycle touring is an increasingly popular way to explore Norway and the Nordics, offering unparalleled access to the dramatic fjords and remote mountain passes of Norway. Because of the region's unique geography, careful planning is highly recommended.

• Riding Season: The primary window runs from mid-April to mid-October. However, be aware that high mountain passes may remain closed by snow until late May or early June, and early autumn can bring unpredictable weather in the north.
• Terrain & Technicality: Technical difficulty varies significantly by region and specific road. While most main routes are well-paved, the famous "hairpin" climbs and coastal winds require a steady hand.
• Off-Roading: It is important to note that off-roading is strictly forbidden in Norway to protect the delicate natural ecosystem. All riding must stay on established, mapped roads.
• Scenic Routes: Riders should prioritize the 18 National Tourist Routes, which are specifically designated for their architectural and natural beauty. A "Ride to the North Cape" (Nordkapp) remains the ultimate bucket-list journey for many, though it requires ample time for the long distances involved.
• Recommended Motorcycles: Mid-sized adventure bikes and cruisers are the most common choices for touring, offering a balance of comfort for long days and agility for mountain curves.
• Motorcycle Rentals and Tours: Norway has a limited amount of touring providers. It is recommended to make bookings months in advance.

For detailed logistics, weather patterns, and route planning, refer to these specialized guides:

• The Nordic Riders Journal: A deep dive into riding culture and local insights.
• Essential Guide to Motorcycling in Norway: A comprehensive manual covering everything from tour planning to suitable routes and safety tips.

While the bicycle seat may be one of the best ways to experience the landscapes of Norway, it can be a gruelling experience for those who are unfit. There are few bicycle paths, and most of the time cyclists have to share narrow roads with heavy transport. Attitudes to cyclists vary. While some drivers show respect, slowing down and giving cyclists a wide berth, others show hostility, driving far too close and at far too high a speed, when passing. Cycling, as a sport, is becoming increasingly popular in Norway, especially since the success of Norwegian cyclists like Thor Hushovd. Attitudes to bicycle tourists vary, but in general are positive. Hostels and camping sites are generally a good place to meet people with similar interests. Norwegians themselves prefer to ride on well equipped, often expensive, bicycles. Good bicycle shops can be found in most cities.

You will find quite a number of travel diaries online. Only a few designated cycle paths exist, mostly in the big cities, and they are not fully interconnected. Except for densely populated areas, they can mostly be ignored. While speed limits are relatively low and the vast majority of drivers are responsible and patient, Norway also has its share of speeders and road hogs. At places where a highway is built, the old road is often re-designated as a cycle route.

It is important for cyclists to be seen. The use of highly reflective safety vests, along with flashing lights on the bicycle, is encouraged to help prevent accidents.

In most of Norway, cycling can be physically challenging, due to steep climbs and strong winds. Your equipment should be lightweight and aerodynamic. You will need a wide range of gears: a ratio of 39-27 for a strong cyclist without luggage or even 22-32 for a normal cyclist with luggage is necessary on many slopes. Your brakes should be of high quality and you'll need spare brake pads when doing a trip of more than a few days. Lights are necessary because of the many tunnels. Because of the winds, it is advisable to avoid wide panniers and loose fitting clothes. A lightweight recumbent should be considered as a serious option for those experienced with this type of bicycle, especially when cycling south to north.

The roads are generally paved well, although gravel roads are sometimes unavoidable. As long as you do not go off-road, you will not need suspension or grooved tyres.

Because of the long distances and numerous hills, bicycle tourists are advised to plan well and be prepared to use public transport for the less interesting or difficult stretches. Particularly in western and northern Norway, passenger boats (including longer tourist ferries) can sometimes be used to avoid tunnels, mountain passes or less interesting stretches.

Ferries take bikes for free or a minimal charge. On trains you have to pay a fare. Some buses do not allow bikes, but in all other cases will only be transported if there is enough space (no fare or children's fare). The Norwegian Cyclist Association offers information.

It is legal in Norway (and Finland and Sweden) to put up a tent anywhere for one night. This must not be too near someone's home, or on other unsuitable places. This is particularly suitable for bicyclists, who can roll the bike into the forest at a suitable place. It is more troublesome for car drivers to do this, as it is hard to find a good parking place near a suitable tent place (car parking is not permitted on private roads, e.g. in the forest).

Special attention should be given to tunnels, as many of them are forbidden for cyclists, as are a few roads. Some long and narrow tunnels are not recommended for bikes, even if allowed. An online map of tunnels can be found. The tourist information also has a map of those forbidden routes. When renting a bike, you can consult the person who rents you the bike concerning the track you want to take. In many cases, signposts indicate the route for cyclists and pedestrians around forbidden roads or tunnels. Some of the high speed tunnels have bus stops a short distance from the entrance where you can board special buses equipped with bike racks to transport you through the tunnel. On main roads, buses usually run frequently. Some sub-sea tunnels are in addition really steep. If you do enter a tunnel on a bike, use lights and safety reflectors (such as reflector jackets or vests). Norwegian drivers do not slow down in tunnels.

Warning: Do not underestimate the number and length of tunnels, particularly in western Norway. Norway's roads have well over 1,000 tunnels. On the E16 between Bergen and Lærdal for instance, 30–50% of the road is in a tunnel. Frequently, tunnels replace an older road that remains open for bicycles and pedestrians in summer or for local traffic all year. Ask locals or read the map carefully to find your way.

If hitchhiking is ever safe, it is pretty safe in Norway, however it is difficult to get a lift and it may be very slow, since hitchhiking is not that common in Norway. When waiting, make sure to stand in a place where the vehicles can see you and have a safe opportunity to stop.

Bus stops are common places to attract attention, position yourself before the actual bus stop so the vehicle can stop at the stop. This works best if the road is widened at the bus stop, allowing cars to pull over easily. Also the beginning of motorway ramps is a good location, or right after a junction. Avoid any location where cars are able to drive 80 km/h and above (even if it's a bus stop), or where there is no space for cars to stop.

Drivers of heavy trucks in particular prefer to keep a steady speed. Roadside cafeterias where truckers have a break can be good place to ask for a lift. Ferry docks and main fuel stations are good places too to try. Asking cars in line at a ferry quay (if travelling along the coast) may bring you very far.

Hitchhiking in Norway is best on the routes from Oslo-Trondheim (E6), Oslo-Kristiansand (E18) and Kristiansand-Stavanger (E39). However, near the cities these are now motorways and it is not possible to stand at the road itself.

Good hitchhiking spots from major cities are listed below.

Oslo to:

• Bergen and the mountains- if you're daring, try Oksenøyveien (see Kristiansand), but be aware that most cars continue southwards to Drammen. Rather catch the Timekspressen bus, direction Hønefoss, to Sollihøgda.
• Trondheim and the north- is getting more difficult as motorway development continues. The best bet inside Oslo is bus stop Ulvenkrysset. Get the metro to Helsfyr, then bus 76, 401 or 411 for one stop. Further outside, to avoid the local traffic, you are best off at the Shell gas station at Skedsmovollen, bus 845 and 848 from Lillestrøm train station.
• Kristiansand and the south: Few spots beat the bus stop Oksenøyveien, connected by bus 151, 251 and 252. You may be dropped in Sandvika by cars heading towards Hønefoss and the mountains/Bergen. Carry a sign.
• Sweden along E6: Highway all the way, except close to the centre. Try the bus stop Nedre Bekkelaget, bus 81 and 83.
• Sweden along E18: You may try Nedre Bekkelaget, but as most traffic continue towards Strömstad and Gothenburg, you should rather catch the Timekspressen bus 9 to Østensjø stop, just after the Holstad roundabout.

Bergen to:

• Oslo - Get local train to Arna and try near the entrance to Arnanipa tunnel.
• Northwards - Go by bus to Vågsbotn in Arna, and try hithing a ride close to the Hjelle bakery.
• Southwards - Get the light rail to Nesttun, then nearly any bus for three stops to Skjoldskiftet. Hitch southwards along E39.

Trondheim to Oslo - Get bus 46 to the shopping centre City Syd, then go under the E6 and try your luck at City Syd E6 stop. Soon, the city tax on buses will be extended past the Klett roundabout, if this is in effect you should go to the bus stop just after the roundabout at any Melhus-bound bus and try your luck there.

Molde/Ålesund - Get any Orkanger bus to the stop just after Klett roundabout. Soon, Trondheim city tax will extend to Børsa, after which you should stay on the bus for as long as you can, and hitch a ride from there.

• Northwards - Get city bus 7 or 66 to Travbanen stop.
• Sweden - To be sure to hitch only on cars going towards Sweden, get a train or bus to Stjørdal and hitch on the E14.

Look polite, friendly and trustworthy (see clothes), try to catch the drivers eyes and have a smile on your lips even if cars don't stop — in the end it is a social game.

Hitching rides from Molde all the way to Bergen are not unheard of, but don't bet on it. In general though, you can really get to anywhere from anywhere by thumb, just in some places it might take a while.