Ultimate Guide to International Airports in Oslo Norway
So you’re considering a trip to Norway and booking your flight into Oslo for a norwegian getaway! First things first, to need to know where you’re flying in and what to expect Oslo Norway Airports when you land. This guide, will go through all practical information you need to know about International Airports in Oslo Norway.
Major International Airports in Oslo Norway
So how many Airports in Oslo are there? There are two Oslo Airports in Oslo, Norway you can fly into:
1. Airport Gardermoen – Oslo International Airport (OSL)
2. Sandefjord Airport, Torp (TRF)
Airport Gardermoen – Oslo International Airport (OSL)
Oslo Gardermoen Airport also known as Oslo Lufthavn Airport is the main Oslo Airport and is also the busiest airport in Norway.
Where is Oslo Airport located?
It is located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of the Oslo city center, making it the closest airport to Oslo and the most convenient. The Airport handles international and domestic flights, with direct flights to and from Europe, United States and Asia.
What airlines fly to Oslo Norway, Gardermoen (OSL) Airport?
- Aegean Airlines
- Air France
- Air Baltic
- Air Serbia
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Danish Air Transport (DAT)
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Eurowings
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Icelandair
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Luxair
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Norwegian Air International
- Pegasus Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Ryanair
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- Sunclass Airlines
- SunExpress
- SWISS
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways International
- Transavia
- Turkish Airlines
- Volotea
- Vueling
- Widerøe
Sandefjord Airport – Torp (TRF)
Sandefjord Airport, Torp (TRF)is a much smaller Airport, slightly further out from Oslo.It is located approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of Oslo. It mainly serves more budget airlines serving inter Europe budget flights .
Here are some of the airlines that fly into Sandefjord Airport, Torp:
- Ryanair
- Wizz Air
- Widerøe
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- airBaltic
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- TUI Airways
Flying into Oslso Airport versus other Airports in Norway
Oslo Airport is the best Airport to fly into to visit Oslo city as well as a base from which to start / end your travel in Norway.
However there are other international airports in Norway worth considering if you are planning to visit other places in Norway from Oslo
Stavanger Airport
If you are planning on visiting the Norwegian fjords and doing some hiking including the famous Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten, then flying into Stavanger Airport is an excellent alternative option. These are all accessible from Stavanger Airport. With Pulpit rock being only an hour away from Stavanger Airport.
Bergen Airport
If you’re looking to explore the west coast of Norway and be closer to the fjords, then Bergen Airport is your best option
Bergen is much closer to some of Norway’s most famous fjords, such as the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. My last trip to Norway, I visited Bergen and honestly found it to be the most charming of cities in Norway. Bergen itself has some excellent hikes such as the Vidden Bergen Trail easily accessible right from the city.
Trondheim Airport
Flying into Trondheim offers unique advantages for those interested in hiking and fjords. It provides access to beautiful and less crowded hiking trails in areas like Bymarka, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, and Trollheimen.
Arriving at Oslo Airport (OSL)
Most international passengers will be arriving into Oslo when traveling to Norway. I always try and get a window seat on most flights I can, but i 100% recommend getting a window seat wherever you are flying into Norway. If you are flying in during the daylight, the coastline views are truly stunning and honestly some of the most unique landscapes I have ever seen!
We went through customs upon disembarking the plane. There are separate queues for Norwegians –
Automated Passport Control Gates: Available for EEA citizens, which help expedite the process.
Manned Immigration Counters: Non-EEA citizens will need to go through these counters. Not sure if its just me, but these lines feel like they have become a lot longer and slower in recent times. That being said, Oslo airport is definitely one of the fastest most efficient airports across Europe!
Oslo Airport Amenities
There are
Oslo Airport Restaurants
Bølgen & Moi Foodgarage – Modern Norwegian cuisine
T.G.I. Fridays – American casual dining.
Starbucks – Coffee and light snacks.
Jamie’s Deli – Fresh, healthy food options.
Wagamama – Asian-inspired dishes.
Burger King – Fast food classics.
Shopping in Oslo Airport International Terminal
Tax Free Norway: Offers a wide range of duty-free products including cosmetics, liquor, and Norwegian specialties.
Salmon House: Specializes in high-quality Norwegian salmon and other seafood products, ideal for unique gifts or personal indulgence.
Christiania Glassmagasin: A renowned store for Norwegian glassware and home decor items.
Thune (Jewelry): A high-end jewelry store featuring Norwegian designs and international brands.
Lounges at Oslo Airport
You will majority of the Lounges at Oslo Airport in the International terminal after security. The largest of these are:
SAS International Lounge – International Terminal near gate E8
SAS Gold Lounge – Adjacent to the SAS International Lounge, near Gate E8
OSL Lounge – Between the North and South Piers, close to Gate E8
Premium Lounge / Eventyr Lounge – After security in the international departures area
I have to say I found the quality of the Airport to be very high in Norway, from the toilets, food, amenities and general cleanliness of the place, so personally unless you have a long layover, I don’t recommend the lounges.
Money Exchange
If you require cash, you can exchange currency at various locations, such as the Forex Bank and the currency exchange counters located inside the arrivals area.
However, I have found Norway Norway is known for being one of the most cashles places I have traveled, even most small towns and food market fully accept cards, even for small transactions.
As such, traveling from London, we only needed our regular bank cards which had little to no conversion fees. Most people traveling with cards, I would say you don’t need to bother getting out any cash, unless you are spending significant time in small remote places in the countryside of Norway.
Sim Cards
If you are traveling for a short stay 1-5 days, its typically best to use your current data plan with your international roaming package from your home service carrier.
However if you plan to be in Norway for 10 days or more, a tourist sim can be cost effective and reliable means to connect, avoiding high roaming costs.
Oslo Airport does offer some Sim cards such as MyCall or Telenor
However there may be a wider selection available in the city with more competitive prices. So if you can afford to wait until you are in oslo city center to get one, then this may be a better option if you want to compare more sim cards and plans before choosing. Alternatively, opt for a e-sim. I still think this is the best option, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I’m still on an old phone (trusty android one-plus 8), I would have opted for this for my Norway trip.
Parking
There are parking both short and long term options at the international and domestic terminals convenient located just by the exits.
Given, its Norway parking costs can be expensive, so make sure you check these out in advance before parking.
Hotels near Oslo Airport
There are plenty of options for hotels if you need a place to stay upon arrival or before departing and prefer to be right by the Airport.
Transport options from Oslo Airport
Airports in Oslo are well connected with excellent public transport options as well as taxis and Ubers available.
Car rentals
I have done a few trips to Norway where I have rented a car and other times where I have just used public transport.
Given the public transport, is excellent and reliable generally across most major cities in Norway, if you’re visiting Oslo for just a city break, a car is not at all necessary unless you plan on doing day trips. Even with these, I would recommend deciding whether you want to do one with an arranged tour or driving on your own before deciding to rent a car.
On the other hand, if you want to travel around Norway and get off the beaten path, access the famous hikes like Trolltunga, Pulpit rock, Kjerag// also known as Kjeragbolten, a rock wedged in a mountain crevice that is famous for people standing on the balanced rock, then a car is definitely your best option.
Car rental in Oslo Airport are located just outside in the P10 parking garage, which is connected to the terminal via a short walk.
Here you will find all the standard car hire providers. You can use __ tool to show and compare rates for the best prices across these companies.
Driving in Norway: Things to know
Norway recognises most international drivers licenses
Its is great country for driving, with some of the most beautiful scenic drives I have ever seen, even as someone that grew up in New Zealand.
Somethings to note as a first time driver in Norway are the driving conditions in winter.
Norway experiences harsh winter conditions with snow and ice common on roads. From November to April, it is mandatory to have winter tires or all-season tires with sufficient tread depth
Weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous regions. Be prepared for sudden fog, rain, or snow, and always check weather forecasts before traveling.
Norway Speed Limit
The standard driving limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 80 km/h (50 mph) in rural areas. Main roads and highways 90 km/h (56 mph) to 100 km/h (62 mph). On larger rural roads and some main highways, the speed limit may increase to these values. Always check for posted signs. Motorways are 110km/h (68 mph) limit
Public transport from Oslo Airport
Flytoget Airport Express Train
The fastest and most efficient way to travel from Oslo Airport to the city center. The journey takes about 19-22 minutes.
Cost: NOK 210 (approximately USD 20) for adults.
Schedule:Trains depart every 10-20 minutes from early morning until late at night, with the last train departing at around 1am
These trains are newer with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and spacious seating. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in the arrivals hall, online, or via the Flytoget app.
Cost: NOK 110-123 (approximately USD 11-12) for adults. This is pretty reasonable given the cost of everything else in Norway can be quite expensive.
NSB Vy Regional Trains
An economical alternative to the Flytoget, also with free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Schedule: Trains run every 20-30 minutes from early morning until late at night. The journey takes about 23 minutes. The service typically runs until midnight.
Tickets can be bought at ticket machines, online on the Vy website, or through the Vy app.
Airport Express Coach (Flybussen)
Provides direct bus services to various locations in Oslo, including major hotels and the bus terminal.
Cost: NOK 179 (approximately USD 18) for adults.
Schedule: Buses depart every 20 minutes, with a travel time of around 40-50 minutes depending on the destination. Some routes run past midnight, so it’s best to check this in advance here.
Tickets can be purchased online, via the Flybussen app, or directly from the driver.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Available outside the arrivals hall, a good option if you are arriving with a lot of luggage or later at night.. Unlike a lot of other places in Europe, as at the time of this post, Uber is available in Oslo and operates across Norway.
Cost: Approximately NOK 700-1000 (USD 70-100), depending on the distance and traffic
Taxi stands are located just outside the arrivals area.
Best time to visit Oslo
The best time to visit Oslo depends on what you’re looking to experience, as each season offers its unique charm and activities in Norway.
If you want to experience the hiking, cycling and camping then Spring to Summer are the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 12°C (28°F to 54°F) in Spring (March to May) and 11°C to 22°C (52°F to 72°F) in Summer (June to August).
The days are long, with up to 18 hours of daylight, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking in Nordmarka, swimming in the Oslo Fjord, and enjoying open-air concerts and festivals like the Oslo Jazz Festival.
Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures drop from 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F) and therefore attracts fewer tourists, offering a quieter experience. I visited Oslo in September, and honestly could not have asked for sunnier weather, even though it was slightly cooler.
Winter (December to February) in Oslo is cold, with temperatures ranging from -7°C to 1°C (19°F to 34°F), but honestly, it’s one of the best times to be in Norway. I recommend traveling further to Tromso in February – March for the Northern Lights. If you are visiting earlier in winter in December, Norway’s Christmas markets are an absolute must!
