Norway (NO)
Norway is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Northern Europe — one of the three Scandinavian nations, occupying the western and northern portions of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Norway.
Public Transport Overview
Norway has good public transport infrastructure, particularly in Oslo and the larger cities. Oslo's integrated system (Ruter) combines the T-bane (metro), trams (trikk), buses, and ferries under a single ticketing system. The Ruter app is essential for journey planning and mobile ticketing. Outside cities, public transport becomes less frequent — a car is often practical in rural Norway. National trains are operated by Vy (formerly NSB). The coastal steamer Hurtigruten connects Norway's western and northern coastline.
🎫 Transit Passes
All Ruter services: T-bane, tram, bus, and local ferries within selected zones.
All Ruter services within selected zones for 7 consecutive days.
National rail network operated by Vy and partners.
Contactless national travel card combining all public transport in Norway.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis in Norway are very expensive. Metered fares in Oslo start at NOK 60–90 + NOK 20–25/km (day rates). A 10 km ride in Oslo costs approximately NOK 300–450. Apps: Bolt (most common), Uber (available), Oslo Taxi. All licensed taxis must accept card payment. Tipping is not expected but rounding up is common.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Bolt operates actively in Oslo and other cities. Uber relaunched in Norway in 2020 as a licensed service. Green mobility alternatives: Oslo has an extensive e-scooter fleet (Voi, Tier, Bolt, Ryde) — check apps for parking zones. GoMore operates a carpooling platform for intercity travel.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure varies significantly. Oslo has expanding cycling lanes but is hilly — e-bikes are very popular. Bergen and Trondheim are also developing cycling infrastructure. Oslo City Bike (Oslobysykkel) has a public hire scheme available April–November. Winter cycling is practised but challenging given snow and ice. Helmets are recommended for all cyclists. Norway's terrain outside cities makes cycling more adventurous than in Denmark.
Intercity Trains
Vy operates the main intercity routes: Oslo–Bergen (7 hours, the scenic Bergensbanen — one of the world's great rail journeys), Oslo–Stavanger (8 hours via Sørlandsbanen), Oslo–Trondheim (6.5 hours via Dovrebanen), Oslo–Kristiansand (4.5 hours). The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is a spectacular tourist line in the fjords. There is no rail to Tromsø or the far north — flights and buses are the alternative. Book at vy.no or entur.io.
Driving
Norway drives on the right. Road quality is generally excellent on main routes, but mountain roads can be challenging in winter. Many mountain passes (fjellveier) close in winter. Toll roads (bomveier/AutoPASS) are widespread — urban motorways and most new tunnels charge tolls automatically via AutoPASS transponder. The AutoPASS system is linked to your number plate and invoiced. Electric vehicles (EVs) get significant toll discounts. Norway has the world's highest EV adoption rate (over 90% of new car sales are EVs). Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 90–110 km/h motorway. Drink-drive limit: 0.2‰ (one of Europe's strictest). Winter tyres: mandatory from 1 November or when conditions require them.
Airports
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is Norway's main international hub, 50 km north of Oslo. The Flytoget (Airport Express Train) connects to Oslo Central Station in 19–22 minutes (NOK 230 one way). Vy trains and Flybussen buses are cheaper alternatives. Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO) serves western Norway with Bybanen light rail to city centre. Stavanger Airport Sola (SVG), Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD), and Tromsø Airport (TOS) are major regional airports. SAS and Norwegian are the main domestic carriers.