Getting around in Norway

Traveling around Norway is an amazing experience, but you can choose to do it alone.

The transportation network in Norway is extensive and efficient. Services are usually very comfortable even when journeys are long. You can buy tickets online or through an app at a discounted rate. The national public transportplanner EnTur is a good place to begin. You have to purchase tickets from each service operator, but it pulls together routes on all modes of transport.

Boat is the most scenic way to travel

Pay the attendant on the ferry to cross the fjords. In the summer, there are more services, but there can be long lines.

The Hurtigruten ferry runs from Bergen to Kirkenes. It's possible to book individual legs on the website, but the focus is on premium cruise packages. During the low season, there aren't many ports, such as Geiranger.

The Bod to Svolvr crossing can be very rough. You might prefer to fly if you suffer from seasickness.

The train network is reliable and includes sleeper routes

The country has a rail network that connects major cities such as Bergen and Bod. There is plenty of room for luggage on the trains in Norway.

There is a brilliant alternative to flying that is the sleeping train. The only thing that will keep you awake is the view.

Airfares can be expensive. Booking even a few days before you travel can save you a lot of money. The Vy app or website can be used to check train times and book tickets. You can pay with a credit ordebit card.

There are discounted advance fares on the train network. When you buy through Vy, you won't see this as an option.

Buses are the only option for travel in rural areas

In more rural areas, you will depend on buses more than trains. Outside of the high season, the bus network is not as efficient as it could be.

Private and state-owned outfits cover long-distance routes. If you buy tickets in advance, you'll get a seat, but you'll have to pay in person.

There is a tip for traveling on bus routes with ferry crossing. Sometimes you need to get on the ferry as a foot passenger and pick up a different bus when you get off the coach on long distance routes. Buses wait for passengers to light the ferry before leaving.

Driving in Norway is expensive

If you want to go to very remote places, driving is the most flexible. It is not likely that you will need an international driving license for short stays, but there are some things to consider before you hire a car.

Traveling even short distances will take more time than you think. If you don't know how to drive in winter, it can be difficult to NationMaster NationMaster NationMaster NationMaster.

If you're under 25 you're often charged more for car hire if you're under the age of 30. The price of fuel is high and you have to consider the cost of ferries and tolls. A road trip can cost a lot.

Domestic flights are a faster way to get around

Domestic flights are the best way to travel if you are short on time and want to visit disconnected cities. The cost to the environment is something that should be considered when choosing a mode of transportation.

The main cities of the country are served by Norwegian and SAS.

Public transportation in cities is easy to use

Each local transport company in Norway has its own website or app for timetables and tickets. Most systems are easy to use. Skyss is used in Bergen, and atB is used in Trondheim.

Oslo has an extensive transport network

There is an easy to navigate public transportation system in Norway. All of the city's public transportation services are covered. There are two zones in which most attractions are located. The self-service kiosks at stations and stops can be used to purchase tickets. The tickets are valid for all modes of transportation.

All of the T-bane's lines stop at Nationaltheatret and Jernbanetorget. Buses and trams serve a lot of the city, including the museums at Bygdy.

You can get free entry to most museums and free transport in zones 1 and 2 if you buy an Oslo Pass.

Accessible transportation in Norway

The provision for travelers with disabilities in Norway is good. You may have to call ahead at least 24 hours in advance of your journey if you are taking a bus, train or boat.

New long-distance coaches have wheelchair lifts and local buses are usually wheelchair accessible. There is a gap between the platform and the train at T-bane stations in Norway. There are trams in Bergen that are wheelchair accessible but not on some lines.

Digital displays of upcoming services can be seen at Metro, tram, and bus stops. When on board, assistance dogs are usually welcome.

On our accessible travel resource page, you can find more information.

The article was first published about a decade ago.