Touching down in Norway? Getting from the airport to downtown Oslo is wonderfully straightforward. This guide walks you through every option—fastest, cheapest, and easiest—so you can start enjoying the city without stress.
The airports (quick overview)
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Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL) – The main international hub, ~50 km north of the city. Trains run directly beneath the terminal.
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Torp Sandefjord (TRF) – A smaller airport used by some low-cost carriers, ~110 km from Oslo. Coaches and trains connect you to the city.
From OSL (Gardermoen) to Oslo
1) Fastest: Flytoget (Airport Express Train)
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Time: ~19 minutes to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)
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How it works: Follow signs for “Train/Oslo Lufthavn Station,” head to the Flytoget gates, and tap a contactless card or buy in the app/machines.
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Good to know: Trains run frequently throughout the day. There are family and youth discounts; kids often ride free with an adult (check current rules).
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Best for: Speed, simplicity, minimal stops.
2) Best value: Vy trains (local & regional)
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Time: ~23 minutes to Oslo S
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How it works: Same station beneath the terminal, usually on the neighboring platform. Buy tickets in the Vy app/website or at machines before boarding.
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Best for: Budget-friendly travel with almost the same convenience as the express.
3) Buses (Flybussen and others)
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Time: Typically 40–60 minutes depending on route and traffic
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How it works: Bus stops are outside the terminal; routes serve different parts of the city beyond Oslo S. Buy online, in the app, or from the driver (where available).
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Best for: Hotels or neighborhoods that aren’t right by a train station.
4) Taxi / pre-booked car
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Time: ~35–50 minutes depending on traffic
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How it works: Official taxi ranks are outside arrivals. Many companies offer fixed airport fares to central Oslo—ask or pre-book to avoid surprises.
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Best for: Late-night arrivals, lots of luggage, traveling with small kids, or door-to-door convenience.
From TRF (Torp Sandefjord) to Oslo
1) Torp-ekspressen (airport coach)
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Time: ~1h35–1h45 to Oslo Bus Terminal
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How it works: Coaches are timed to many flight arrivals. Buy online or from the driver/app.
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Best for: A direct, no-change ride into central Oslo.
2) Vy train via Torp Station
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Time: ~1h30 to Oslo S
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How it works: A short shuttle bus links the terminal and Torp Station. Purchase your Vy train ticket for “Torp” ↔ “Oslo S”; the shuttle is coordinated with train departures.
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Best for: Travelers who prefer rail or are heading to stops between Torp and Oslo.
Picking the right option (at a glance)
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In a hurry: Flytoget
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On a budget: Vy train
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Staying outside the center: Check bus routes that stop closer to your neighborhood
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Late arrival / heavy bags / group: Pre-book a fixed-price taxi or van
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With kids: Trains are step-free and stroller-friendly; look for family discounts
Tickets, passes & planning tools
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Apps to download:
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Entur – Norway’s national journey planner with real-time info across operators
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Ruter – Oslo region’s public transport app for local buses, trams, metro, and some trains
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Vy – Tickets and live updates for Vy trains (including airport routes)
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Oslo Pass: Includes unlimited city public transport within covered zones and a range of museum discounts. It does not cover the Flytoget Airport Express, and airport coaches usually require separate tickets. Always double-check current coverage if you plan to use Vy services from OSL.
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Validation & inspections: Buy your ticket before boarding where required (e.g., Vy trains). On local transport, ensure your app ticket is activated—inspectors do spot checks.
Step-by-step: OSL to the city by train
- After baggage claim, follow the signs for Trains/Oslo Lufthavn Station (it’s directly beneath the terminal).
- Choose your service: Flytoget (express) or Vy (local/regional).
- Buy/validate:
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Flytoget: tap contactless at the gate or use the Flytoget app/machines.
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Vy: purchase in the Vy app/machines before boarding.
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- Board: Screens show “Oslo S/Oslo Sentralstasjon.” Trains are step-free; luggage racks are available.
- Arrive at Oslo S: You’re right in the center, with easy connections to metro (T-bane), trams, buses, and regional trains.
Accessibility & luggage
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Step-free access: Both airports and Oslo S have elevators and ramps; trains have level boarding zones.
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Space for bags: Trains and coaches provide overhead shelves or luggage areas; avoid blocking doors and aisles.
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Lockers: You’ll find luggage lockers at many central stations and in parts of the city—handy if your room isn’t ready.
Money & safety basics
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Cards everywhere: Contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; cash is rarely necessary.
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Keep an eye on belongings: Oslo is safe, but stations can be busy—mind your bags, especially during peak hours.
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Weather check: In winter, allow a little extra time for snowy conditions; trains and coaches generally run reliably.
Example plans
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Weekend city break, carry-on only: Flytoget → Oslo S → 10-minute walk or quick tram to your hotel.
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Family of four with strollers: Vy train (good value, step-free) → taxi or tram from Oslo S to the hotel.
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Late-night arrival to a suburban Airbnb: Pre-book a fixed-price taxi or check Entur for last departures, then a local night bus.
Final tips before you fly
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Screenshot your route in case mobile data is slow on arrival.
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Check for engineering works or service changes in the Entur/Vy apps on your travel day.
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If you’re staying several days, consider an Oslo Pass for transport + attractions, and use Ruter for seamless local travel.
