Oslo Public Transport: Your Complete Guide
Oslo boasts one of Europe's most efficient and integrated public transport systems, operated by Ruter. With metro (T-bane), trams, buses, and ferries all on one ticket, getting around Norway's capital is convenient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
Transport Modes in Oslo
Metro (T-bane)
Oslo's underground rail network
System Overview
- • 6 lines (T1-T6) covering 101km
- • 101 stations across Oslo and Akershus
- • Frequency: 2-15 minutes depending on line/time
- • Hours: 5:30am-1:00am (extended weekends)
- • Speed: Fastest way to cross the city
Key Routes
- • T1: Frognerseteren - Bergkrystallen (forest access)
- • T2: Østerås - Ellingsrudåsen
- • T3: Kolsås - Mortensrud
- • T4: Vestli - Bergkrystallen
- • T5: Sognsvann - Vestli (popular for hiking)
- • T6: Ringen - Ringen (circle line)
Pro Tip: All lines pass through the city center "Common Tunnel" (Nationaltheatret → Tøyen). Change lines at Majorstuen, Stortinget, or Jernbanetorget for best connections.
Tram (Trikk)
Iconic blue trams serving central Oslo
System Overview
- • 6 lines (11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19)
- • Covers central Oslo and inner neighborhoods
- • Frequency: 5-20 minutes
- • Hours: 6:00am-12:30am (varies by line)
- • Scenic: Above-ground views of the city
Popular Lines
- • Line 12: Majorstuen - Kjelsås (trendy neighborhoods)
- • Line 13: Jar - Bekkestua (west side)
- • Line 17: Rikshospitalet - Grefsen (hospital line)
- • Line 18: Rikshospitalet - Ljabru (connects major areas)
- • Line 19: Majorstuen - Ljabru (shopping route)
Pro Tip: Tram 12 is perfect for sightseeing - runs through Grünerløkka, Frogner, and Majorstuen, passing cafés, parks, and local culture.
Bus (Buss)
Extensive network covering entire city
System Overview
- • 60+ lines covering all neighborhoods
- • Regional buses connect to Akershus
- • Night buses on weekends (24/7)
- • Frequency: 10-30 minutes (varies)
- • Express routes for faster travel
Bus Categories
- • Local (20-99): Neighborhood routes
- • Regional (100-499): Longer distances
- • Express (500-599): Limited stops, faster
- • Night (N series): Fri/Sat nights
- • Airport Express: Flybussen to Gardermoen
Pro Tip: Download Ruter Reise app for real-time bus tracking. Buses in Oslo are extremely punctual - arrive 2 minutes before scheduled time.
Ferry (Ferge)
Seasonal island ferries in the fjord
System Overview
- • 6 ferry lines to fjord islands
- • Departures from Aker Brygge/Vippetangen
- • Season: Year-round (reduced winter schedule)
- • Duration: 10-30 minutes to islands
- • Included: Regular Ruter tickets valid
Popular Routes
- • Hovedøya: Historic ruins, beaches, hiking
- • Langøyene: Camping, nudist beach, swimming
- • Gressholmen: Airport views, bird watching
- • Lindøya: Charming summer houses
- • Nakholmen: Rocky beaches, fishing
Pro Tip: Island ferries are incredibly popular in summer. Use your regular Ruter ticket - no extra charge for this scenic transport!
Tickets & Pricing 2025
Oslo public transport uses a zone-based fare system. Most tourists and residents stay within Zone 1 (central Oslo). The same ticket works on metro, tram, bus, and ferry within the validity period.
| Ticket Type | Zone 1 | All Zones | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | 40 NOK | 67 NOK | 60 minutes | Occasional travel |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 122 NOK | 203 NOK | 24 hours | Tourists, sightseeing |
| 7-Day Ticket | 329 NOK | 548 NOK | 7 days | Short-term visitors |
| 30-Day Ticket | 822 NOK | 1,369 NOK | 30 days | Residents, workers |
| Annual Pass | 8,798 NOK | 14,648 NOK | 365 days | Long-term residents |
Children
- • Ages 0-5: Free (with adult)
- • Ages 6-17: 50% discount
- • Students (18-19): 50% with valid ID
Seniors
- • Ages 67+: 50% discount
- • Pensioners: Special rates available
- • Companions: Free for assistants
Groups
- • Group tickets: 4+ people save 25%
- • Family ticket: 2 adults + 4 kids (274 NOK/24h)
- • School groups: Special rates
How to Buy Tickets
Recommended Methods
- APPRuter App (Best)
Pay with card, activate instantly. Real-time info, trip planner.
- CARDContactless Payment
Tap credit card or phone at validators. Auto-calculated fare.
- TIXTicket Machines
At metro stations. Accepts cards and cash (some machines).
Travel Cards
- Ruter Card (Physical)
Reloadable chip card. Buy at 7-Eleven, Narvesen, or Ruter centers.
- ️ Oslo Pass (Tourist)
Includes unlimited transport + free museum entry. 445-1,145 NOK (24-72h).
Essential Travel Tips
Do's
- • Validate tickets before boarding (tap in/out for contactless)
- • Download Ruter Reise app for real-time schedules and journey planning
- • Check direction before boarding - platforms can serve both directions
- • Give up seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled passengers
- • Press stop button on buses 1 stop before your destination
- • Let passengers exit first before boarding
- • Keep quiet - Norwegians value peaceful commutes
Don'ts
- • Don't travel without ticket - Fines are 1,150 NOK (no exceptions)
- • Don't block doors - Stand aside to let people on/off
- • Don't eat smelly food - Light snacks OK, hot meals frowned upon
- • Don't play music without headphones - Use headphones always
- • Don't put feet on seats - Respect public property
- • Don't exit through front door on buses - Use middle/rear doors
- • Don't make loud phone calls - Keep conversations brief and quiet
Major Transport Hubs
Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)
Main railway station and largest transport hub in Norway. All T-bane lines, regional trains, buses, and trams connect here.
- • All metro lines
- • Regional trains
- • Airport Express Train
- • 20+ bus lines
- • Shopping center
- • Restaurants/cafés
- • Luggage storage
- • Tourist info
- • Airport: 19 min
- • Bergen: 6.5 hours
- • Trondheim: 6.5 hours
- • Stockholm: 5 hours
Jernbanetorget
Metro interchange outside Oslo S. Change between T-bane lines.
Majorstuen
Major interchange for west Oslo. Metro, trams, buses converge.
Nationaltheatret
Gateway to city center. Airport train, metro, trams. Near royal palace.
Aker Brygge
Ferry terminal for fjord islands. Waterfront dining and shopping area.
Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
- • All buses - Low-floor, ramps
- • All trams - Level boarding
- • Most metro stations - Elevators installed
- • Ferries - Accessible boarding
- • Priority seating - Near doors
Visual Impairments
- • Audio announcements - All vehicles
- • Tactile guidance - Metro platforms
- • High contrast - Signage
- • Ruter app - Screen reader compatible
- • Service dogs - Always welcome
Hearing Impairments
- • Visual displays - Next stop screens
- • Digital signs - Platform info
- • Ruter app - Text notifications
- • Written info - Delays, changes
- • Customer service - Email/chat support
Assistance: Contact Ruter customer service for travel assistance. Companion travels free if you have a valid assistance card (ledsagerbevis).
Plan Your Oslo Journey
Download the Ruter app and start exploring Oslo with ease