Your Ultimate Guide To Transport in Norway
Your ultimate guide to transport in Norway from a native!
Norway is a very long and narrow country, stretching for over 2300 kilometers (1430 miles) from Lindesnes in the south to the North Cape in the north. That is without counting the fjords and the entire coastline. Lots of distance to cover, so here are the best options for transport in Norway.
Personally, I love to take the train if I have the time, as most train journeys involve incredibly beautiful nature. However, booking a flight is definitely the better option if I need to get somewhere far away fast.
There are small airports throughout Norway – including close to the North Cape.
You have “all” possible options for getting around Norway, and so what you choose will depend on what you like, how much time you have, your budget, and maybe even what season and time of year.
Let’s dive into it.
Public Transportation in Norway
Norway, famous for its stunning landscapes and mostly efficient infrastructure, has an extensive and generally well-coordinated variety of public transportation options.
Be aware that the northern and more remote areas have less frequent connections, reflecting the country’s vast and varied geography.
The transport services are also generally punctual. However, the weather and elements can create trouble for buses (and trains) in Norway, especially in winter.
Occasionally, roads are also closed in mountainous areas and the Arctic region in winter due to snow and stormy weather.
Map of Norway
City Transport In Norway
The major cities and towns around Norway have their own respective inner city transport systems, of which several have apps you can download to book single tickets or period tickets.
Oslo:
Bergen:
- Bybanen and the Skyss Ticket App
- Bergen Pass for visitors
Trondheim:
Bodø:
Tromsø:
Finnmark County
- Snelandia Bus Company services Finnmark County
- Snelandia Ticket App (does not offer seat-guarantee)
Train Travel in Norway
Train travel in Norway is often an incredibly scenic and comfortable way to explore.
Personally, I love to take the train in Norway if the journey is not too long. I especially enjoy the train journey between Oslo and Bergen, which passes the beautiful Hardangervidda Mountain Plains!
Trains are organized through Vy company, and you can check for most departures and connections for train transport in Norway on the website vy.no.
The railway network in Norway is quite extensive, stretching from the southern city of Kristiansand all the way to Bodø above the Arctic Circle. From Bodø, though, it is still about 1200 kilometers (800 miles) to Kirkenes, the northeasternmost city—so there is still a way to go!
Popular and easy train journeys in Norway:
- Between Oslo and Bergen, 7,5 hours
- Between Oslo and Kristiansand, about 4,5 hours
- Between Oslo and Hamar, about 1 hour
- Between Oslo and Lillehammer, about 2 hours
- Between Oslo and Myrdal (connects to the famous Flom Railway), 6-7 hours
- Between Oslo and Otta, about 4 hours
- Between Oslo and Trondheim, about 7-8 hours
- Between Oslo and Bodø, about 17-18 hours (smart to take the night train)
Other notable routes include the Dovre Line to Trondheim and the Rauma Line, offering breathtaking views of the Norwegian countryside.
For travel between Trondheim in mid-Norway and Bodø above the polar circle, you can check the train information on Nordlandsbanen Train Journeys.
TravelToNorway Tip: Get an E-Sim for Norway when you visit for cheap surfing!
Bus Travel In Norway
Buses play a crucial role in public transport in Norway, filling in gaps where trains (and planes) don’t reach and providing flexible travel options to smaller destinations off the beaten path.
In the south and central regions, you have bus companies like:
In northern Norway, the bus network is sparser but still reliable, with operators like Boreal and Arctic Route catering to travelers.
In the northernmost county, Finnmark, you have the Snelandia bus company, offering lang haul routes between destinations.
These buses connect bigger towns and remote villages, making even the northernmost parts of Norway accessible. Be prepared, though, that in winter the elements decide whether the bus can travel or not!
During the winter months, the roads can be closed due to blizzards and heavy snowfall with the Polar Night, so prepare to be flexible with your travel plans if you travel in Norway in winter.
Ferries In Norway
Given Norway’s intricate coastline, mountains, and numerous fjords, ferries are an integral part of the public transport in Norway along the coast, as well as being a part of the incredible coastal cruise ship journeys.
Hurtigruten and Havila, the famous coastal ferries, provide daily services from Bergen to Kirkenes, stopping at numerous ports along the way. They connect coastal communities and offer a unique way to experience Norway’s maritime beauty.
This route is particularly popular for those wishing to witness the northern lights or midnight sun. Hurtigruten also has one ship doing a closed cruise from Hamburg, the Otto Sverdrup, a beautiful 14-day return trip journey.
There are also a variety of cruise lines offering Norway cruises during the summer season.
Additionally, many local ferries operate in fjord regions, such as the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord, providing essential links for residents and scenic journeys for visitors.
Check out these sites for detailed information:
Research the numerous ferry connections in Norway for more information about your destinations.
Car Rentals & Road Trips In Norway
If you love road trips, renting a car and creating your own itinerary for exploring Norway is a close-to-perfect way to travel. Choosing this option, you can visit all the quaint fishing villages, mountain cabins, and off-the-beaten path spots in the fjords or wherever you want.
You can rent a car in major cities and most popular destinations while in Norway or book a car online before you arrive using Discover Cars, which has repeatedly scored top reviews for excellent customer service for years.
A road trip in Norway is true freedom, not least because of the law that states anyone can camp anywhere for free as long as it is not on private grounds.
📍 Cheapest Car Rental In Norway: Rent-A-Wreck
Domestic Flights Norway
There are international airports in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, Ålesund, Haugesund, and Sandefjord, in addition to a vast number of smaller airports for domestic flights.
For direct bookings of domestic flights in Norway, check out:
- Norwegian
- SAS
- Norse Atlantic Airways
- Wideroe (tiny airports and northern Norway)
You can also find good deals for domestic flights in Norway on skyscanner.com.
Popular smaller, more remote destinations with domestic airports are:
- Svolvær in Lofoten
- Leknes in Lofoten
- Alta Airport
- Hammerfest Airport
- Valan Airport in Honningsvåg (the North Cape)
Better Connectivity in the South and Central Regions
While public transport is generally efficient across Norway, the southern and central regions enjoy more frequent and diverse connections.
With their higher population density and economic activity, these areas benefit from better-maintained roads, railways, and bus routes.
In contrast, the northern regions, characterized by rugged terrain and sparser populations, have fewer options and longer travel times, as well as the weather to deal with.
Nonetheless, the available services ensure that even Norway’s most remote areas remain connected, maintaining the country’s reputation for excellent public transportation.
Wrap-Up Transport in Norway
In summary, Norway’s public transport system, encompassing trains, buses, and ferries, is both comprehensive and user-friendly, particularly in the southern and central parts of the country.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can rely on these services to explore Norway’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
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