Where to Stay in Oslo: Advice from a travel blogger and Oslo resident about the best neighborhoods to stay in Oslo, Norway! (Plus 19 hotel and holiday apartment ideas)
We created this guide in collaboration with Charlotte Døvle, a Norwegian travel blogger and graphic designer who splits her time between Oslo and Krakow. We’re excited that she agreed to share her considerable knowledge as our local city expert for this Where to Stay in Oslo Guide.
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Sitting at the top of the Oslofjord, and surrounded by islands, forests and rolling hills, Oslo is a city of contrasts. You can lounge at the beach one minute, go shopping the next, and end your day hiking in lush green nature. And it is those contrasts that in my mind makes Oslo so special.
Oslo hasn’t always had the best reputation, and has long been overshadowed as a tourist destination by the neighboring capitals of Stockholm and Copenhagen. But with several development initiatives in the works, that’s changing quickly. In fact, Oslo is the fastest growing major city in Europe at the moment. Now that I have spent four years living in the city, I know that Oslo has so much more to offer than what first meets the eye, and discovering its charms is best done by getting out of the city center.
Oslo is roughly divided into three areas – the upscale residential west side, the industrial and creative east side and Sentrum (the city center) in the middle. Within these areas, you’ll find several smaller neighborhoods, each with their own interesting personalities.
Where to Stay in Oslo: A Quick Guide to Finding The Best Area to Stay in Oslo
Wondering which area to stay in Oslo? If you’re looking for a quick answer and summary of the best area to stay in Oslo, start here…
- Sentrum – The historical and modern center of the city, Sentrum is where you’ll find most of the city’s hotels and many of its most appealing attractions. Staying in Sentrum means you’ll be able to walk to many attractions and enjoy downtown Oslo life. This is also where the central train station is located.
- Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen – A former shipyard area that’s been transformed into a modern city center waterfront and restaurant-lined promenade, this neighborhood is home to the Nobel Peace Musuem and Astrup Fearnley Museum.
- Eastside
- Grünerløkka & Torshov – A trendy and vibrant community full of hip cafes, vintage stores, music venues and old industrial buildings turned into loft style apartments. In the past, Grünerløkka had a reputation for being a bit run-down, but that’s all changed and this is now one of the coolest neighborhoods in Oslo.
- Sørenga – A new neighborhood that’s right on the fjord and full of shiny new glass apartment buildings, this city centre neighborhood is a great place to be on a sunny day! The saltwater pool, a beach, and recreational area attracts Oslovians when the nice weather arrives, and it’s also super convenient, just a few minutes walk from the Opera House and Oslo S.
- Grønland & Tøyen – A vibrant and busy melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, this neighborhood is a great spot for cheap eats, visiting my favorite pub, and the Museum of Natural History and Botanical garden. We’d suggest you choose a different neighborhood to stay in Oslo, and visit this part of the city during your explorations.
- Westside
- St. Hanshaugen – A residential area with trendy cafes and restaurants, and a mix of old and new apartment buildings, this is a calm and relaxed neighborhood sitting north of Sentrum. Home to the beautiful St. Hanshaugen Park and outdoor cinema, which operates during summer, and close to the nearby Telthusbakken and Damstredet, where small, colorful wood houses from the 1800s add some color!
- Majorstuen – The second major public transport hub in Oslo, this area is home to the upscale Bogstadveien shopping street, some beautiful old buildings, and the Vestkanttorvet vintage market on Saturdays. Because of it’s status as a transport hub, this is a convenient part of the city for getting around.
- Frogner – Frogner is an affluent neighborhood that’s home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Old, beautifully-restored buildings, and clean wide streets are the norm here, and it’s also home to the huge Frogner Park and fascinating Viegeland sculpture installation.
- Bygdøy – A peninsula that juts out into the fjord and is just 10 to 15 minutes from Sentrum, Bygdøy is home to some of the best museums in the capital, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon Tiki Museum, the Fram Museum, and the Museum of Cultural History. To get to Bygdøy, you can catch bus no. 30 or a ferry from pier 3 outside City Hall, which operates between March and October.
Also Check Out
- Popular Oslo Tours & Excursions
- Summary
- How to Get Around Oslo
- How to Get From Oslo Airport
- More Norway & Scandinavia Trip Planning Resources
24 / 48 / 72 Hour Oslo City Pass
One of the better value city cards, in our view. It offers unlimited use of Oslo’s very efficient public transit, and free entrance to The Viking Ship Museum, The Kon-Tiki Museum, Astrup Fearnley Museet, Fram Polar Ship Museum, Munch Museum, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and lookout tower, and loads more. Basically everything you’d want to see in Oslo is included in the card. Read more about our experience with the Oslo City Pass.
Where to Stay in Oslo: Sentrum
The historical center and oldest neighborhood in Oslo is also called Kvadraturen, and runs between Akershus Fortress and Karl Johan Street, which is filled with cafés, restaurants and shops. Spend some time in and around the fortress and castle to get a sense of medieval Oslo, which was called Christiania up until 1920s.
Karl Johan is the main retail street in the city. At the south end of the street, close to Oslo S (Central Train Station), you’ll find affordable chain stores. Further north, the street is lined with more exclusive boutiques and luxury brands. It can be a fun place to do some people watching, but I wouldn’t plan on spending too much time here as it gets quite crowded. For those of you eager to spend your money, Sentrum also boasts a lot of other shopping destinations like Oslo City, Byporten, Christiania Glasmagasin, Paléet and Steen & Strøm.
At the north end of Karl Johan Street sits the Royal Palace, one of Oslo’s most popular attractions. During summer the Palace is open to the public, but all visitors must follow a guided tour. Oslo City Hall is also open to visitors and hosts over 300,000 national and international tourists each year!
Due to its close proximity to the Government quarter just a couple of streets over from Oslo S, Youngstorget has become a symbol of political power in Norway. At night, however, the square turns into one of Oslo’s most exciting nightlife areas with several bars and nightclubs. If a night out is what you’re after, be sure to get there before midnight as all the venues fill up pretty quickly.
Most tourists visiting Oslo stay in or close to the city center because that is where most of Oslo’s hotels are located, and many of the city’s main attractions as well. Because Oslo is so easy to get around, don’t be afraid to stay a little further out to get away from the crowds and get a feel for the real Oslo.
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo – Thon is a Norwegian hotel chain offering decently-priced rooms all over the country. We stayed at a Thon hotel in Ålesund and found it suited our budget and needs quite well, and this property is ranked #2 for hotels in Oslo on Trip Advisor. Rooms are clean and cozy with coffee & tea, and there’s an onsite fitness center, restaurant, and complimentary light dinner on the 8th floor lounge. Located a 10-minute walk to the Opera House and Nobel Peace Museum, 6 minutes to Royal Palace Park, and 15 to the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Lots of restaurants and shopping around the hotel.
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Hotel Christiania Teater
Hotel Christiania Teater – A well-located hotel with a boutique feel to it, this property is ranked #4 on Trip Advisor for hotels in Oslo. Past guests mention the excellent pizza restaurant on site. Rooms are well-appointed with flat screen TVs, electric kettles, and blackout curtains (great for the long summer days and midnight sun!). Past guests have warned the mini bars is quite expensive and the coffee provided in the room is not complimentary. As the name would suggest, the hotel is located close to the National Theatre, a 5- minute walk to the Nobel Peace Centre, and about a 15-minute walk to the Opera House.
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City Box
City Box Hotel – Norway, in general, is not big on budget hotels, or budget anything for that matter, but City Box is seeking to change that. We stayed at City Box in Bergen and it suited our needs just fine. A no frills property with small, but clean and modern rooms, but no TVs or coffee machines. Private in-room bathrooms and bright and clean. Electronic check-in kiosks will print out receipt and keycards, so have your reservation number handy. There is a staff member to help if you have difficulty. There is a small restaurant on site, and a bank of vending machines if you feel snacky – the best option you’ll find if you’re on a budget.
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Hotel Continental
Hotel Continental – This elegant 5-star is ranked as the #1 hotel in Oslo on Trip Advisor. It sits across the street from the National Theatre and just 5 minutes from the Royal Palace. Each stylish room is uniquely designed and well-appointed, with top brand toiletries in the bathrooms. Past guests have really enjoyed the ambience in the lobby bar and the historic Theatercaféen. There is a 24h gym onsite, as well as a restaurant and bar. City Hall is a 3-minute walk, Aker Brygge and the Nobel Peace Centre are a 5-minute walk. Very well located with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
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Park Inn by Radisson
Park Inn by Radisson Oslo – This hotel offers great value and a central location, just a 10-minute walk from the central train station. The small and basic rooms have everything you’ll need, including comfy bed, TV, private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryers and electric kettles. The Opera House and Royal Palace Park are both a 10-minute walk, and and the Astrup Fearnley Museum is about a 15-minute walk. Well-served by public transit, there are lots of shopping and restaurants within easy walking distance.
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Thon Hotel Opera
Thon Hotel Opera – Right across from the central train station on one side and the Opera House on the other. It sits just on the edge of Oslo’s Barcode district, which has the interesting buildings pictured in the header of this post! In addition to offering a free breakfast buffet, the hotel offers clean and modern rooms with mini fridges, satellite TVs, cozy beds, hair dryers and toiletries. On site you’ll find an international restaurant, gym, and terrace. Well connected to public transit, and walkable to City Hall, Royal Palace Park, the Nobel Peace Center, and more, in 20 minutes or less.
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A view of the Oslo Opera House
Where to Stay in Oslo: Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen
What was once only a shipyard is today a bustling pier and promenade known for its quality restaurants and high-end boutiques. Its waterfront location in the middle of the city makes Aker Brygge the perfect place to meet up with friends over an “utepils” (outside beer) in the sun. If you feel like exploring, get on a ferry and go island hopping in the fjord.
If you continue walking west from Aker Brygge, you’ll soon reach Tjuvholmen, one of Oslo’s newest developments and full of ultra-modern apartment buildings, canals, bridges and even a beach. This is one of the best places in Oslo to go for a stroll on a sunny day. Art lovers can enjoy several galleries and the well-known Astrup Fearnley Museet, a private modern art museum which is the most significant of its kind in northern Europe. If you have deep pockets and are in the mood for a luxury trip to Oslo, enjoy a night or two at one of Norway’s most exclusive hotels, The Thief!
The Thief
The Thief – A stylish 5-star hotel with a boutique feel to it, this property sits right near the edge of the water, a short stroll to the Aker Brygge pedestrian area and beach. Each elegant room has a Nespresso machine, private balcony, mini bar and luxurious rain shower. Additionally, you’ll find a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, full spa facilities, bar, and a rooftop terrace. Guests also have free access to the Astrup Fearnley Museum, just one minute away. A 10-minute walk up the pedestrian walk way are the ferries that visit the islands in the Olsofjord. It’s a 12-minute walk to City Hall and the center, and 15 minutes to Royal Palace Park.
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Thon Hotel Vika Atrium
Thon Hotel Vika Atrium – Located just off the Aker Brygge pedestrian and entertainment zone, another Thon hotel makes an appearance. Bright rooms with cozy beds, satellite TVs, minibars and toiletries make up the offering; while there is no in-room kettle, complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times. The restaurant serves a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, and there is a fitness room and bar onsite. Located close to many cafes and restaurants, the Nobel Peace Centre is a 5-minute walk, City Hall and Royal Palace Park are less than a10-minutes walk, and there is a tram stop 1 minute away for further connections.
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Oslo Eastside
Grünerløkka & Torshov, Sørenga, and Grønland & Tøyen
Where to Stay in Oslo: Grünerløkka & Torshov
To the east of the Akerselva river lies my favorite neighborhood in the city, Grünerløkka, often referred to simply as “Løkka” by locals. Once a run-down working-class area, Løkka has over the last decade developed into a trendy and vibrant community full of hip cafes, vintage stores, music venues and old industrial buildings turned into loft style apartments. Here you’ll see everyone from hairy hipsters to slick businessmen drink locally brewed beer and talk about art. And it is this eclectic blend of people from all walks of life that makes Løkka so special.
Further north Løkka continues into Torshov, a quieter residential area with several large parks. Although this neighborhood lacks in landmarks and attractions, I do think it’s worth a visit for a relaxed stroll away from the crowds, and maybe a picnic in the park.
A typical night out in Løkka and Torshov starts with drinks at Parkteateret, followed by some dancing at Hva Skjer (translates to what’s happening) and a late night kebab at San Remo’s just down the street. The morning after, be sure to fill up on some greasy diner food at Nighthawk Diner to cure that hangover!
Scandic Vulkan
Scandic Vulkan – A reasonably priced 3-star property offering rooms with flat screen TVs, work desks and wooden floors. While it’s a bit basic in terms of toiletries, and there’s no kettle in the rooms, it should suffice for those traveling on a budget. The hotel has an onsite Italian restaurant and fitness center, bar, free bicycle rental and a complimentary daily breakfast. There are lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants around the hotel, including the popular Mathallen Food Hall across the street, which offers over 30 food choices. It’s a 2-minute walk to a bus stop, a 15-minute walk into the center, and a 20-minute walk to the Royal Palace.
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Maya Apartments – Thorvald Meyers gt. 38
Maya Apartments – Clean and bright apartments with multiple sizes and layouts to choose from, depending on your needs and group size. Seating areas and room to spread out, modern bathrooms, flat screen TV, air conditioner, oven, kettle and basic kitchen utensils provided, but no coffee maker. The renovated building has a lift, and there’s wifi. There are some great restaurants on the street, as well as a wonderful bakery across from the building. Lots around in terms of food, coffee and entertainment, it’s a 5-minute walk to Mathallen food hall, 25-minute walk to the center, or just 2 minutes to the bus stop.
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PS:hotell
PS:hotell – A compact hotel, this property offers small, clean and functional rooms, with flat screen TVs, modern bathrooms and walk-in showers. There is a restaurant on site, and a complimentary daily hot/cold breakfast. This is a no frills, eco friendly budget option, so make sure to ask for toiletries if you need them. Many guest reviews point to the lack of space in the small rooms, so be aware if you are travelling with a lot of luggage. Located conveniently across the street from the famed Mathallen food hall on a small pedestrian street, it’s a 20-minute walk to the city center, a 9-minute walk to the tram stop, or a 5-minute walk to a bus stop.
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Where to Stay in Oslo: Sørenga
Although it’s located directly south of Grønland and a just a 10-minute walk from Oslo S, Sørenga feels like a totally different world. This ultra-modern peninsula, and Oslo’s newest neighborhood, stretches out into the fjord right next to the iconic Opera House. Just like Tjuvholmen, this is a great place to rent a holiday apartment, as all the apartments are high-quality new builds. Sørenga isn’t just built as a residential area though; it also to attract visitors with a saltwater pool, a beach, a recreational area and fancy restaurants like Cargo and Hakkaiza. Definitely worth a visit to this city centre neighborhood on a clear, sunny day.
Wright Apartments – Sørenga
Wright Apartments – Sørenga – Located right on the water with multiple sizes and layouts to choose from, some units have splendid views of the fjord and city skyline. The modern and bright units have functional kitchens with ovens, coffee and tea making appliances, dishwashers, and in-suite washing machines with tumble dryers. A bustling area in the summer along the pier, there are a few grocery stores, shops and restaurants nearby. In summer, people sit with a cold beverage or two and soak up the late sun and swim off the pier. Walk to the Sørenga bus stop in about 5 minutes, or reach the Opera House in a 7-minute walk via a floating footpath across the water.
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City Center Opera Sørenga Sea Side Apartment
City Center Opera Sørenga Sea Side Apartment – A large, 3-bedroom, two-level apartment that can sleep up to ten people, and located on the ground floor of a modern building. Equipped kitchen with fridge, stove and oven, washing machine, tumble dryer, and hair dryer, with linens and towels provided. Located very close to the water, which is a fun scene in the summer months. Grocery stores, shops, and restaurants very close to the building. The Opera House is a 5-minute walk across a convenient floating foot bridge, making the city center reachable in about 15 minutes as well. Sørenga bus stop is about a 5-minute walk from the building.
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Where to Stay in Oslo: Grønland & Tøyen
Getting off the metro in the neighborhoods of Grønland and Tøyen, and it may feel like you stepped into another country. Popular with immigrants, the area is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, which makes for a more colorful and vibrant atmosphere than the rest of the city. It’s a great place to get a tasty and affordable bite to eat, and while I wouldn’t recommend you stay in this area, there are two spots you should check out: In an old industrial building full of vintage treasures you’ll find one of my favorite pubs in town, the eclectic Oslo Mekaniske Verksted; the second spot is the interesting Museum of Natural History and Botanical garden, which offers free entrance on Tuesdays.
Oslo’s Sorengkaia area was full of people socializing over snacks and supermarket-bought beer and wine on a sunny summer evening.
Heading to Stockholm or Copenhagen? Check out our Where to Stay in Stockholm and Where to Stay in Copenhagen guides for more trip planning tips.
Oslo Westside
St. Hanshaugen, Majorstuen, Frogner & Bygdøy
Where to Stay in Oslo: St. Hanshaugen
Although St. Hanshaugen is geographically located on the west side of town, the neighborhood feels more like a blend between east and west. Old and modern apartment buildings sit side-by-side with quaint cafes and trendy restaurants. The largely residential area has a calm and relaxed atmosphere compared to Sentrum, directly below on the map. In the heart of the neighborhood lies the beautifully landscaped St. Hanshaugen Park, the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll or catch a movie in the outdoor cinema during summer. For a complete contrast, check out nearby Telthusbakken or Damstredet, where small, colorful wood houses from the 1800s and early 1900s are still in use.
Thon Hotel Munch
Thon Hotel Munch – A decent budget option that makes up for its lack of amenities with an excellent location. The rooms are compact with satellite TVs, work desks and wooden floors, and the superior rooms have coffee machines, electric kettles, and balconies. There is no restaurant on site but the hotel does offer a complimentary daily breakfast buffet. A 5-minute walk gets you to Karl Johans Gate shopping area, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to choose from. It’s a 7-minute walk to Royal Palace Park and the heart of Sentrum, 6 minutes to Parliament metro station, and a 4-minute walk to the nearest bus stop.
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Scandic St. Olavs Plass
Scandic St. Olavs Plass – Very close the Thon Hotel Munch, but with a few more bells and whistles, including two different onsite restaurants and a fitness center. The hotel offers smaller economy rooms for the budget conscious traveler, and superior rooms which are larger and have electric kettles. Both options include flat screen TVs, toiletries and hair dryers. A complimentary breakfast buffet is offered daily. Very well-located just a short walk to the National Gallery, 5-minute walk to Royal Palace Park, and 10-minute walk to Karl Johans Gate shopping area. Well-served by multiple bus lines.
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Where to Stay in Oslo: Majorstuen
After Oslo S, Majorstuen is the second major public transport hub in Oslo, with all metro lines, three tram lines, and five bus lines running through it, and making the area quite busy. Despite being quite busy, there are some quieter side streets with majestic turn of the century apartment buildings. South from the main junction runs Bogstadveien, the second-largest shopping street in the city. It has a more upscale feel than Karl Johan, even though many of the stores are the same. If you are in the city on a Saturday, make your way to Vestkanttorvet vintage market, where you can find everything from cool old metal signs to jewelry and designer clothing. Make sure to also stop by Yaya’s, a laid-back Thai restaurant which makes you feel like you’re in a beach bar in Thailand rather than in the middle of a busy Scandinavian capital!
Saga Hotel
Saga Hotel – A Scandinavian design boutique offering decently-sized rooms complete with Nespresso machines, electric kettles, mini bars, flat screen TVs and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. Hotel has a very well-reviewed breakfast (usually included in the rate, but best to double check), an Asian fusion restaurant onsite, and a cocktail bar. Located about a 10-minute walk to the Royal Palace Park, and 15-minute walk to Frogner Sculpture Park. To get to Sentrum, it’s either a 20- to 25-minute walk, or just a few minutes to the Rosenborg tram stop. Nearby is Bogstadveien street, with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
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Camillas Hus
Camillas Hus – A highly-rated and well-liked little boutique, this property only has 7 rooms. Located in a renovated historical mansion, each unique room has modern elements like flat screen TVs and iPads, L’Occitante toiletries, a huge soaker tub and separate shower, as well as historical references, like antique furniture. Breakfast is included in the onsite restaurant. Conveniently located on the edge of the Royal Palace gardens, there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It’s a 15-minute walk to Sentrum, just a 3-minute walk to Welhavens tram stop, and a 15-minute walk to Frogner Sculpture Park.
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Oslo Royal Palace, photo via PixaBay, CC0 licence
Where to Stay in Oslo: Frogner
Frogner, an affluent neighborhood west of Majorstuen, is where the upper class used to live, and still to this day boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the country. With gorgeously restored buildings dating back to the 1800s, manicured gardens and wide, clean streets, Frogner is old Oslo at its best. Here almost everything will cost you a premium, but if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money you can have a picnic in the huge Frogner Park or take a walk through the weird-but-interesting Viegeland installation. It’s the largest sculpture park in the world in which all pieces are made by the same artist, and believe it or not it’s accessible for free.
Oslo Guldsmeden
Oslo Guldsmeden – A unique hotel with rooms decorated in a relaxing Balinese style with four poster beds, this property still has the modern touches you’d expect, like TVs, hair dryers and lovely eco-friendly toiletries. The superior double rooms are larger than the regular double rooms, and come with a couple more conveniences like an iMac. The hotel offers a daily healthy organic breakfast, an onsite restaurant and bar, a sauna and spa. Located just a 7-minute walk to Aker Brygge and all its cafes, bars and restaurants, a 9-minute walk to Astrup Fearnley Museum, and a 5-minute walk to Royal Palace Park. Very close to a bus stop for going further afield.
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Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus
Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus – A charming and nicely-located hotel offering a daily breakfast buffet, all day tea and coffee, and even a complimentary evening buffet (much welcomed, as restaurants are very expensive in Norway)! The rooms are a bit basic and quite compact, so consider this if you’ve got a lot of luggage. Rooms have minibars, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms, but toiletries are limited so bring your own. There is a small gym and sauna and a cozy library on site. It’s a 15-minute walk to Aker Brygge area with lots of bars and restaurants, about 10 to 12 minutes to the Royal Palace, and just a 3-minute walk to the Skillebekk tram stop.
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Where to Stay in Oslo: Bygdøy
The gorgeous green peninsula of Bygdøy feels like a far cry from the city center only ten minutes away. The fact that the Royal Family’s summer residence is located here speaks to the natural beauty of the area. Several of Norway’s most famous attractions, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon Tiki Museum, the Fram Museum, and the Museum of Cultural History are all concentrated in this area. To get to Bygdøy, you can catch bus no. 30 or a ferry from pier 3 outside City Hall, which operates between March and October. Check ruter.no or the Ruter app for exact times.
Popular Oslo Tours & Activities
Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise
Rated 4.3 / 5 from 295+ reviews
2.5-Hour Oslo Walking Tour
Rated 4.8 / 5 from 20+ reviews
All-Inclusive Oslo Sightseeing Tour
Rated 4.6 / 5 from 25+ reviews
Where to Stay in Oslo: Tips & FAQs
So Where Should You Stay?
My first choice and the neighborhood I always recommend is Grünerløkka. It’s such a fun and vibrant place with almost no tourists, just a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute tram ride from Sentrum. On the west side Majorstuen offers everything you can wish for at your doorstep, so if you don’t mind the crowds this could be the right area for you. Frogner is the perfect place to stay if you enjoy the finer things in life and want to stay in a quiet area. And like I already mentioned above, if you’d like to be in a ultra-modern happening part of the city, choose Sørenga or Tjuvholmen.
How to Get Around Oslo
On the map, Oslo covers quite a large area, but because so much of it is forest, central Oslo is quite dense and therefore perfect for walking. In fact, you can walk from Oslo S (the central train station) all the way to the Royal Palace in about 20 minutes. Except for some areas like Bygdøy and Holmenkollen Ski Jump, most attractions can easily be reached on foot. But if you want to move around a bit quicker you should jump on a bus, tram or the metro.
Oslo’s extensive public transport system is well established and effective, though quite expensive. One pre-bought single ticket will cost you 33kr (4USD) or 55kr if you buy it from the driver. So to save some money be sure to download the Ruter app or get your tickets in Narvesen or 7-Eleven stores. The Ruter app is also quite handy for finding the right routes and timetables, it will tell you exactly what bus or tram to take and at what time.
How to Get From Oslo Airport to the Center
Train
Airport Express Train – Flytoget operates trains from Oslo airport to Oslo S (Sentrum/Central Station) every 20 minutes between 05:30 and 00:30 7 days a week. Price is 190NOK/adult (~$24.00US). The journey takes about 20 minutes or so.
NSB (National Railway) – The airport’s Lufthavn station sits on the main north/south rail line, so it’s easy and convenient as well. The trains depart at :03, :13, and :43 past each hour beginning at 06:13 until 23:43. The price is cheaper than the Flytoget at 101NOK/adult (~$12.75US), and also takes about 20 minutes.
Bus
Airport Express Bus – Flybussen takes about 45 minutes to the central bus station, but unlike the train, there are plenty of stops to choose from if you’re not staying in the center. The bus goes every 20 minutes, and a few departures overnight. Tickets are 169NOK/adult (~$21.00US).
Taxi
There are plenty of taxi companies serving the airport. Some offer a flat rate to the center. O-Taxi, for example posts 598NOK (~$76.00US) for 1-4 people on their website.
Private Transfer
If you want to travel in more comfort, you can arrange a private transfer from Oslo Airport to your hotel or holiday apartment. Click here for details.
Further Reading
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