Oslo Airport Guide: Complete Transportation & Tips
Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) is Norway's main international airport and Scandinavia's second-busiest, serving 28+ million passengers annually. Located 47 km north of Oslo, the airport offers multiple fast transportation options including the 19-minute Airport Express Train (Flytoget), regular trains, buses, and taxis. This guide covers everything you need for smooth arrival, departure, and transfers.
Transportation from Airport to City
1. Flytoget (Airport Express Train) — RECOMMENDED
Best for: Speed, comfort, reliability. Most popular choice for tourists and business travelers.
Duration: 19-22 minutes to Oslo S (Central Station)
Frequency: Every 10 minutes (peak), 20 min (off-peak)
First train: 5:35 AM from airport
Last train: 12:50 AM from airport
Price: 215 NOK (online), 240 NOK (on board)
Children 16-19: 110 NOK
Children 4-15: Free with adult
Group discount: 10+ people save 20%
Stops: Oslo Airport → Lillestrøm → Oslo S (Central Station) → Nationaltheatret → Skøyen
Pros:
- Fastest option (19 minutes)
- Very frequent, reliable
- Dedicated tracks (no delays from regular trains)
- Comfortable seats, luggage racks, Wi-Fi
- Easy platform access (follow orange signs)
- Stops at major hotels/business districts
Cons:
- Most expensive train option
- Can be crowded during rush hour
Book online: Flytoget.no (save 25 NOK). Mobile tickets accepted.
2. Vy Regional Train — BEST VALUE
Best for: Budget travelers, flexible schedules. Same route as Flytoget, just slightly slower.
Duration: 23-25 minutes to Oslo S
Frequency: Every 20 minutes (peak), hourly (off-peak)
Operating hours: 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Price: 118 NOK (standard)
Senior/Student: 59 NOK
Children 0-15: Free
Group discount: Available
Pros:
- Half the price of Flytoget (118 vs 215 NOK)
- Only 4-6 minutes slower
- Comfortable, modern trains
- Same platforms as Flytoget
- Kids 0-15 travel free
Cons:
- Less frequent than Flytoget
- Uses regular tracks (rare delays possible)
- More stops (some trains)
Book: Vy.no or Vy app. Same platform as Flytoget (follow signs to trains).
3. Airport Express Bus (Flybussen)
Best for: Destinations not served by train, late-night travel, multiple Oslo locations.
Duration: 45-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Operating hours: 24/7 service
Price: 199 NOK (one-way), 349 NOK (return)
Children 6-17: 99 NOK
Children 0-5: Free
Routes:
- Route 1: Airport → Oslo Bus Terminal → Oslo S → Major hotels
- Route 2: Airport → Majorstuen → City center
- Route 3: Airport → Sandvika (west Oslo)
Pros:
- 24/7 operation
- Multiple drop-off points
- Free Wi-Fi, comfortable seats
- Luggage compartments
Cons:
- Slower than train (traffic)
- More expensive than Vy train
Book: Flybussen.no or on board.
4. Taxi
Best for: Groups, late night, heavy luggage, specific destinations.
Duration: 30-45 minutes (traffic dependent)
Price: 700-900 NOK to city center (fixed rates available)
Night/Weekend: Add 100-150 NOK
Reputable companies:
- Oslo Taxi: +47 02323, fixed airport rates
- NorgesTaxi: +47 08000, app booking
- Uber: Available in Oslo, airport pickup possible
Tip: Pre-book for fixed rate (cheaper than meter). Split cost among 3-4 people to match train price.
5. Car Rental
Best for: Road trips, exploring beyond Oslo, families.
Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt (all in arrivals hall)
Price: From 400-800 NOK/day (compact car)
Insurance: Mandatory, adds 150-300 NOK/day
Important:
- Book online in advance for best rates
- International driver's license may be required (check)
- Oslo has excellent public transport (car not needed in city)
- Tolls: Electronic system charges credit card automatically
- Parking expensive in Oslo (200-300 NOK/day)
Transportation Comparison
| Option | Time | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flytoget | 19 min | 215 NOK | Speed, comfort |
| Vy Train | 25 min | 118 NOK | Best value |
| Bus | 45-60 min | 199 NOK | 24/7 access |
| Taxi | 35-45 min | 700-900 NOK | Groups, convenience |
Recommendation: Vy regional train offers best value (118 NOK, only 6 min slower than Flytoget). Flytoget worth extra cost if arriving during peak hours when trains crowded.
Airport Terminal Guide
Terminal Layout
Oslo Airport has one main terminal with domestic and international sections. Very well-organized, easy to navigate, English signage throughout.
Arrivals:
- Baggage claim on lower level
- Customs (usually quick, minimal checks)
- Information desks, car rentals, SIM cards in arrivals hall
- Train station directly below arrivals (follow signs)
- Bus stops outside arrivals hall
Departures:
- Check-in on upper level
- Security typically fast (10-20 min), but allow 30+ min peak times
- Gates A-F (domestic), Gates D-F (international)
- Walking distance between gates: max 15 minutes
Airport Facilities
Shopping & Services:
- 60+ shops (duty-free, fashion, electronics)
- Tax-free shopping (non-EU residents)
- Norwegian souvenirs, chocolate
- Pharmacies, bookstores
- Currency exchange (poor rates, use ATM)
Food & Dining:
- 40+ restaurants, cafes, bars
- Norwegian specialties, international chains
- Coffee: 45-55 NOK
- Meal: 120-250 NOK
- 7-Eleven for cheaper snacks
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Charging stations everywhere
- Prayer rooms
- Kids play areas
- Showers (paid)
Lounges:
- SAS Lounge (Star Alliance)
- Norwegian Lounge
- Plaza Premium Lounge (pay-per-use)
- Access via Priority Pass
Practical Tips for Travelers
Arrival Tips
- SIM card: Buy at airport (Telenor, Telia booths in arrivals)
- Cash: ATMs in arrivals, but cards accepted everywhere
- Transport ticket: Buy train ticket online before arrival (save time)
- Oslo Pass: Available at info desk if planning museum visits
- Luggage storage: Available if arriving before hotel check-in
- Tourist info: Desk in arrivals hall, maps, city advice
Departure Tips
- Arrive 2 hours early: International flights (1.5 hours domestic)
- Check-in online: Save time, go straight to security
- Security: Usually fast but can spike unpredictably
- Tax-free: Claim refund at customs before security
- Last shopping: Buy Norwegian chocolate, souvenirs airside
- Last train: Flytoget runs until 12:50 AM, plan accordingly
Connections & Transfers
- Minimum connection time: 45 min domestic-domestic, 60 min international
- Stay airside: No need to re-check bags for most connections
- Schengen: No passport control between Schengen countries
- Transfer desk: Available for assistance if tight connection
Weather Delays
- Winter: Snow can cause delays (airport has excellent de-icing)
- Summer: Rarely weather issues
- Autumn: Fog occasionally causes delays
- Monitor flight: Download airline app for real-time updates
- Rights: EU261 compensation applies for long delays
Airlines & Destinations
Major Airlines Operating from Oslo
Full-Service:
- SAS: Main hub, extensive European network
- Norwegian: Low-cost, transatlantic routes
- KLM: Amsterdam connections
- Lufthansa: Germany connections
- British Airways: London routes
Low-Cost:
- Ryanair: Budget European routes
- Wizz Air: Eastern Europe
- EasyJet: Western Europe
- Flyr: Norwegian domestic/short-haul
Popular destinations: London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Paris, Barcelona, New York, Dubai, Thailand.
Domestic: Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, Stavanger, Bodø. Flight times: 45-90 minutes.
Airport Hotels
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel (Connected)
Location: 5-minute walk via covered walkway
Price: 1,200-2,000 NOK/night
Best for early flights, direct access, full-service.
Comfort Hotel RunWay
Location: 10-minute shuttle
Price: 800-1,400 NOK/night
Mid-range, free shuttle, good value.
Thon Hotel Gardermoen
Location: 5-minute shuttle
Price: 900-1,500 NOK/night
Reliable chain, frequent shuttle, parking available.
Alternative: Stay in Oslo city (better dining/sightseeing) and take Flytoget in morning (first train 5:35 AM).
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Oslo Airport?
International flights: 2 hours minimum (peak season 2.5 hours). Domestic/Schengen: 1.5 hours. Security usually fast but can spike unpredictably.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Oslo Airport?
Yes, unlimited free Wi-Fi throughout airport. Network: "OSL Free WiFi". No registration required, fast speeds.
Can I sleep at Oslo Airport overnight?
Yes, airport open 24/7. Seating areas comfortable, but consider airport hotel (from 800 NOK) for better rest. Security closes certain areas at night.
Where do I catch the train at Oslo Airport?
Train station directly below arrivals hall. Follow orange signs for "Tog/Train". Escalators lead down to platforms. Both Flytoget and Vy trains use same station.
Do I need cash at Oslo Airport?
No. Cards accepted everywhere (even bathrooms, vending machines). Norway is nearly cashless. Credit/debit cards universally accepted.