Oslo travel information
- Thor
- Jan 18
- 4 min read
Oslo is Norway’s capital and the main gateway for most international visitors. You can explore the city on foot, by metro, tram, bus, and ferry, and you can reach nature quickly from the centre.
Last updated: 2026
Country basics
Quick facts you should know - Oslo travel information
Official name: Kingdom of Norway
Location and region: Northern Europe, on the Scandinavian Peninsula
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Languages: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk). Sami languages have official status in parts of Norway.
Time zone: Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Electricity and plugs: 230 V, 50 Hz. Plug types C and F are common.
Internet and SIM basics: 4G and 5G coverage is strong in Oslo. You can buy prepaid SIMs in kiosks and convenience stores, and many providers support eSIM. If you have EU or EEA roaming, confirm whether Norway is included in your plan.
Planning trend to know: Norway recorded about 38.6 million guest nights in 2024, up 4.2% year on year, and foreign guest nights reached 12.4 million, up 12%.
Expert note: “In 2024 it was a new record with more than 12 million foreign guest nights.” Kristin Aasestad, senior advisor at Statistics Norway.
Entry rules and visa
What you need to enter
Oslo follows Norway’s national entry rules. Norway is part of the Schengen Area.
Passport validity: For Schengen entry, expect your passport to be valid for at least three months after you leave the Schengen Area and issued within the last ten years.
Visa free access: Many travellers can visit visa free for up to 90 days. Your total stay across the Schengen Area is limited to 90 days in any 180 day period.
ETIAS and EES: The EU states that ETIAS is planned to start operations in the last quarter of 2026. The Entry Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 October 2025 and countries introduce it gradually at external borders.
Typical border checks: Border officers may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and that you can fund your stay.
If you need a visitor visa, apply through the official channels and carry travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements.
Getting there and around
How you move efficiently
Oslo is easy to navigate without a car.
Main airport: Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) is the main international airport.
Airport to city: You can use express trains, local trains, airport buses, and taxis. Flytoget runs frequent services and the fastest trips reach Oslo Central Station in about 19 minutes.
Public transport in the city: Ruter runs metro, tram, bus, and many ferries. A single ticket covers transfers within its valid time and zone.
Trains and longer trips: Oslo Central Station is the hub for regional and long distance trains to other parts of Norway and Sweden.
Driving basics: Driving in Oslo is rarely the fastest option. Expect tolls, congestion, and expensive parking. Winter driving requires winter tyres in season and careful planning.
Planning trend to know: Avinor reports 51.4 million passengers travelled through its airports in 2024, up 4.8% compared with 2023.
Costs and money
What you will spend and how you pay
Oslo is one of Europe’s more expensive city breaks. You can still control costs with smart choices.
Typical daily budget in EUR
Budget: 120 to 180 EUR per person per day
Mid range: 180 to 300 EUR per person per day
Higher spend: 300 EUR plus per person per day
Cards vs cash: Card and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere. Carry a small amount of cash for rare edge cases.
Tipping: Service is usually included. If you tip, keep it modest and optional.
Taxes tourists should know about: VAT is included in displayed prices in shops and restaurants. Some municipalities may introduce a local visitor contribution on paid overnight stays from summer 2026, so check your accommodation breakdown.
Seasons and best time to visit
When conditions work best
Oslo works year round, but your best time depends on what you want to do.
Climate overview: Winters are cold with snow and ice possible. Summers are mild with long daylight.
High vs low season: Summer has the highest demand and prices. Winter is quieter in the city but still popular for seasonal events.
Weather related planning risks: Winter can disrupt flights and rail. Bring footwear with good grip and plan buffer time.
When prices and availability peak: Late June through August and around major holidays.
Planning trend to know: Statistics Norway reports that foreign guest nights in winter months in 2024 increased 27% compared with the same months in 2023.
Safety and practical considerations
What to prepare before you go
Oslo is generally safe, but normal city precautions still apply.
General safety level: Violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Watch for pickpocketing in busy areas and keep an eye on your phone in bars and clubs.
Health care access: Norway has high quality health care. For urgent but non life threatening issues, you can call the out of hours medical service at 116 117. For emergencies, call 113.
Emergency numbers: 112 police, 113 medical, 110 fire.
Travel insurance notes: Medical care is expensive without coverage. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment, cancellations, and winter conditions if you travel in cold months.
Expert note: “Ruter has a tradition of setting ambitious sustainability goals and reaching them.” Bernt Reitan Jenssen, CEO of Ruter.
Cultural and legal notes
Rules and customs that affect your trip
A few practical rules help you avoid fines and awkward moments.
Local customs: Norwegians value personal space and queueing. Keep your voice down on public transport and in shared indoor spaces.
Laws that often surprise visitors: Public drinking is restricted in many places and enforcement varies. Follow local signage in parks and waterfront areas.
Alcohol rules: You must be 18 to buy beer and wine and 20 for spirits. Stronger alcohol is sold through Vinmonopolet, the state retail monopoly.
Drones and photography: Norway follows EASA style drone rules. You may need operator registration and an online test depending on your drone and camera. Avoid flying near airports, crowds, and emergency operations. For photography, use extra care around children, private homes, and security sensitive sites.
Useful links
Comments