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Oslo - Getting there

BY PLANE

Oslo Airport Gardermoen (international and domestic flights) is located 51 km north of Oslo. It is a new airport with modern Scandinavian design characterized by natural stone and birch wood, plenty of light and modern art. It is a relatively small airport with only one terminal. Several hotels are located nearby. Bus and railway stations are connected to the terminal building.
The airport can be reached in 20 minutes by express train or in 40 minutes by bus from the centre of Oslo.

For airport and flight information, contact:

  • OSL Passasjerservice (airport info)
    Tel: + 47 (815) 50 250 (booking)
    website: www.osl.no

Arriving  
Gardermoen is a new and relatively small airport with only one terminal. Domestic and international arrivals are at the ground floor (street level).

Departing  
Gardermoen is a new and relatively small airport with only one terminal. Domestic and international departures are at the second level. Normally, you need to check in at the airport two hours before take off for international flights and one hour for domestic flights.

Hotels in and around the airport 

  • Gardermoen Apartment
    Gardermoen Airport
    Tel: + 47 (22) 11 4150
  • Radisson SAS Airport Hotel
    Hotellv. 1
    Gardermoen
    2061
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (63) 93 3000
    Fax: + 47 (63) 93 3030

BY TRAIN

Train travel in Norway is comfortable and the trains are modern and clean. A variety of services are offered on most trains, such as restaurants, food trolleys and kiosks, telephones and special compartments for disabled and for families (some trains have a children's playroom, make sure you inquire about this when booking. Ask for "Barnetoget" if you travel with children). Families are entitled to a family discount ( familierabatt ), as are students, seniors, military recruits and groups.

For more information about train travel, contact:

  • NSB Norwegian State Railways
    Prinsensg. 7-9
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (815) 00 888 (booking and info)
    website: www.nsb.no/

Trafikanten is an information and booking centre for the public transport system  - trains, trams, subways ( T-bane ), buses and boats - in the Oslo area (including Asker and Bærum), and it gives you information about fares, routes, timetables, connections and maps.
Trafikanten can be contacted at tel. 177 or + 47 (22) 17 7030 or use this website: www.trafikanten.no

For information about trams and subways, contact:

  • Oslo Sporveier 
    Økernv. 9
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: +  47 (815) 444 11
    website: www.sporveien.no/

BY CAR

For information about traffic and road conditions, call 175.
Most ex pats find that they need to adjust their driving skills to the road conditions of the Norwegian winter. Many companies now offer winter driving courses to employees from other countries, to teach them safer driving skills for the winter. To find out more, inquire with your personnel department.

Tires
In the winter months (between October and April), you are required to change your tires from summer to winter tires. Winter tires have a different pattern on them to give an enhanced road grip, and you may choose tires with or without studs. If you choose studded tires (piggdekk), you need to pay a fee to drive in built up areas, like downtown Oslo, as the studs will carve up the tarmac (asphalt) and release particles that cause air pollution. To pay this fee you buy a ticket (oblat) valid for one day, one month or one year. These are available at post offices or petrol stations and should be displayed in the car. A daily permit can also be bought over the phone and is valid for one calendar day from the time of your call. Call (47) 820 402 25 for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes or (47) 820 412 50 for heavier vehicles. In addition, there is a variety of chains (kjettinger) and grips to put on your tires for especially icy and slippery road surfaces. When you buy a car, a set of chains will very often come as standard equipment, but check with your car dealer about the recommended chains and tires. Also, it is possible to use all-year tires, but since you use these tires all the time, they will be more worn and therefore not very good when winter comes. Many people would not recommend these, especially if you plan to drive on the smaller roads in the countryside and in the mountains.

Most tire dealers, garages and petrol stations will change the tires for you for a charge. Prices may vary. The seasonal tire change is a busy time, so make sure you book in advance.

General traffic regulations
You must give way to traffic coming from the right on all roads unless the road on which you are travelling has a yellow diamond sign to indicate you have priority. 
On a roundabout you give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
No right turn is allowed on a red traffic light.

Speed limits
Speed limits (fartsgrenser) in Norway are generally low compared to most other countries, and in city areas the speed limit would usually be 30 or 40 km/h. In rural areas the speed limit is 50 or 60 km/h and 80 km/h on open roads. There are very few motorways/freeways in Norway. The speed limit on motorways is 80 or 90 km/h.

Many built up areas have automatic traffic surveillance (cameras) to monitor speeding.

Driving lights
For safety reasons, you are required by law to keep your driving lights on all day (all year), because the daylight can be poor and the sun stays low during the winter months. Most Norwegian cars will automatically turn the driving lights on when you start the car.

Zebra crossings
In Norway the pedestrians wanting to cross the road have priority, and you are required by law to stop for them.

Parking
Should you have parked your car illegally, it may be towed away. To find out what to do, contact:

  • Trafikketaten
    Fredensborgv. 24
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 08 2000/+ 47 (22) 08 2100 (24 hours)

Toll road
The ring road around Oslo has several toll plazas (bomstasjoner), and you cannot avoid these if you want to enter the city centre by car. The toll plazas have several lanes, where you can choose manual or automatic cash payment, or you can buy an annual (or monthly) subscription (abonnement). With a subscription you will have a badge (brikke) on your windscreen which is automatically scanned when you go through. To subscribe, contact:

  • Fjellinjen AS
    St. Olavsg. 28
    Oslo
    Tel: + 47 (815) 00 101
    Fax : + 47 (22) 11 54 30
    website: www.fjellinjen.no/

Seat belts
In Norway you are required by law to wear set belts at all times, both in the front and in the back of the car. Children under the age of four should be seated in a child carrier or child seat, and children under the age of 12 should not sit in a seat where an airbag is installed (unless it is possible to disable the airbag). Make sure you check that the car seat you use for your children fulfil the correct safety requirements. For more information, contact:

  • Statens Vegvesen
    Grensev. 97
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 07 4300
    website: www.vegvesen.no/

Car parts and accessories
Parts and accessories are sold by car dealers (see Car dealers), garages and parts and accessories shops.

Recommended parts and accessories shops in Oslo:

  • Bilvarehusene Nor AS
    Rosenholmsv. 12
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 76 4400
  • Biltema AS
    Alna Senter
    Strømsveien 245
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (815) 32 815
    website: www.biltema.no/
    Big national chain

    For a complete list of parts and accessories shops, look under Bildeler og rekvisita in the yellow pages or online at: www.gulesider.no

Drink-driving
Alcohol is among the most frequent causes of traffic accidents, and the alcohol limit for driving in Norway is the same as in most European countries.

If the police suspect you have been drinking and driving, they might ask you to do a breath test. If you are guilty of drink-driving, you may have to pay a fine, go to prison or loose your driving licence for a year. Similar rules apply for boating and flying.

Engine heaters
In the cold winter weather, an engine heater ( motorvarmer ) will make it easier to start your car, save fuel, reduce pollution and wear of your car. The heater can be timed to come on at a certain time before you need to start the car. Engine heaters can be purchased from car dealers and accessory shops.

Petrol/gas
Petrol prices in Norway are among the highest in Europe, as a considerable amount of what you pay consist of state taxes. You can choose low lead or lead free (blyfri) petrol. Prices vary and would be lower at an unmanned station.

These are the main petrol stations (bensinstasjoner):

website: http://www.jet.no/

website: http://www.esso.com

website: http://www.shell.com/

website: http://www.statoil.com/

website: http://www.hydrotexaco.com/

Road maps
Maps are sold in petrol stations and bookshops. You find a complete list of maps in the Cappelen Catalogue (in book shops) or use this web site: www.cappelen.no

NB! Talking on a hand held mobile phone while driving your car is illegal in Norway.

Recommended tire dealers in Oslo  

  • Auto Grip
    Breivollv. 27
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 06 9600
  • Vredestein Norge
    Lundliv. 11
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 64 5180
  • Vianor
    Verkseier
    Furulundsv. 5

    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 17 5330
    website: www.vianor.no
    National chain, many locations
  • Statoil Service
    Dronning Maudsg. 10 B
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 83 3535/+ 47 (22) 64 8922
  • Snap Drive
    Sørkedalsv. 10 B
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 60 0180/+ 47 (22) 85 3830
    Several locations
  • Rommen Fina Center
    Nedre Rommen 1
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 21 5218
  • Dekkvarehuset
    Sandakerv. 109
    Oslo Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 15 3850
    website: www.dekkvarehuset.no
  • Dekkspesialisten
    Drammensv. 130
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 08 4870
    Tire specialist
  • BilXtra
    Sognsv. 75
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 18 6690/+ 47 (22) 76 4400
  • Bilsport
    Breivollv. 25
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 06 7320
  • Bertel O. Steen 
    Økernv. 147
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 37 9200
  • Auto Team
    W. Thranesg. 25
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 46 0200

Recommended tire dealers in Asker and Barum

  • Dekk Centeret Asker
    Hagaløkkv. 7
    Asker
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 79 1800
  • Vianor
    Løxavn. 7
    Rud (Sandvika)
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 13 6400
    website: www.vianor.no
    National chain, many locations
  • Eikeli Auto
    Nordv. 51
    Bekkestua
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 14 2001
  • Bekkestua Bilpleie
    Nadderudv. 1
    Bekkestua
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 12 5976
  • Snap Drive
    Hagaløkkv. 7
    Asker
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (66) 90 2860
  • Gummi-Centralen
    Nye Vakåsv. 10
    Hvalstad
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (66) 98 3420

BY BUS

Trafikanten
is an information and booking centre for the public transport system  - trains, trams, subways ( T-bane ), buses and boats - in the Oslo area (including Asker and Bærum), and it gives you information about fares, routes, timetables, connections and maps.
Trafikanten can be contacted at Tel:  177 or + 47 (22) 17 7030 or use this web site: www.trafikanten.no

BY BOAT

Oslo is situated by the fjord and there is an active boating life nearby. You can either take a sightseeing trip with a private boat company or use public boats to one of the many islands in the fjord just outside Oslo. The cost of using the public boat service is equivalent to a local bus fare, as these boats are included in the public transport system.

For information, contact:

  • Trafikanten
    Tel: 177 or + 47 (22) 17 7030
    website: www.trafikanten.no/
    Information and booking centre for the public transport system

There are car ferries (bilferjer) departing from Oslo going to Germany, Denmark, Sweden or England. Booking can be done either by phone, online or by a travel agent.

Recommended ferry companies in Oslo:

  • Color Line (Norwegian)
    Hjortnes Kai Vest
    Oslo (harbour west)
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (810) 00 811 (booking)
    website: www.colorline.no/
  • DFDS Seaways (Danish)
    Vippetangen
    Oslo (harbour east)
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 41 9090 (booking)
    website: www.scansea.com 
  • Stena Line (Swedish)
    Vippetangen
    Oslo (harbour east)
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 17 9100 (booking)
    website: www.stenaline.com/

Cruise holidays 
I
n summer, many cruise ships visit Oslo and you can use Oslo  as a starting point for a cruise holiday.
For more information about cruises, visit: www.onlinecruiseagency.com/

  • Bennett Cruise Service
    Akershusstranda 35
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 42 4415
  • Hurtigruten
    Karl Johansg. 2
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (810) 30 000 booking
    website: www.hurtigruten.no
    Cruises the Norwegian coast line
  • Celebrity Cruises
    M. Poulssonsv. 7
    Lysaker
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 51 3780/+ 47 (67) 11 1080
    website: www.celebritycruises.com
  • Cruise & Travel 
    Fr. Nansenspl. 7
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 33 0450
  • Cruise Holidays International
    Prinsensg. 22
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 42 2500

Recommended sightseeing and boating companies in Oslo:
 

Sightseeing
To arrange a private sightseeing trip on the fjord, contact a boat company. You can follow a scheduled trip or charter a boat to suit your needs. You can also hire a boat for your own use. Many employers have boats for the employees to use. Check with your personnel department. There are several sightseeing companies with offices at the harbor, where the boats depart.

  • Båtservice Sightseeing
    Rådhusbrygge 3
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 35 6890
    website: www.boatsightseeing.com
  • Oslo Fjordcruise
    Bygdøy Allé 111
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 56 0511
    website: www.oslofjordcruise.no
    Also boat charter
  • Marine Service
    Lindøy
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 11 4815/+ 47 (22) 11 5204
  • Lindenes
    Rådhusbrygge 1
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 41 0175

Recommended sightseeing and boating companies in Asker and Barum:  

  • Norsk Fjordcruise
    Voll Terrasse 18
    Jar
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 14 6000
  • West Charter
    W. Wilhelmsenv. 14 A
    Hosle
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 14 5400
  • Scandinavian Charter Yachts
    H. Lehresv. 29
    Høvik
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (67) 54 3151
  • Oslofjord Charter
    Levretoppen 15
    Gjettum
    Norway Tel: + 47 (934) 19 467

Recommended boat rental companies For a complete list of boat rental (båtutleie) and charter companies, look under Båtutleie in the yellow pages or online at: www.gulesider.no

For a boat taxi, contact:

  • Båttaxi and Fjordtaxi
    Vesteråsv. 2 E
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (900) 40 999
  • A. Armannssons Båtutleie
    Rådhusbrygge 3
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 35 6890
    website: www.norwayyachtcharter.com
  • Viking Cruise
    Standen 89
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 83 1918
    website: www.vikingcruise.no
    Viking ship rental
  • Minicruise
    D. Dedichensv. 124
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 41 9241
  • Det Norske Seilskuterederi
    Akershustikkeren Skur 33
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (23) 35 5510
    website: www.trollcruise.no
    Sailboat rental
  • Cruisecompaniet
    Sandakerv. 110
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 18 2230
  • Cruisebåtene
    H. Heyerdahlsg.1
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 42 3698
  • Classic Yachts of Norway
    Filipstadv. 5
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 83 1320
  • Challenger Cruise
    Akersbakken 12
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 11 2199
  • Oslo Båtutleie
    Frognerstranda 2
    Oslo

    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 55 1881/+ 47 (906) 97 973
  • Blue Voyage Yachting
    Stranden 8
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 83 2180
  • Belle Royal Charter
    Vika
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 38 3160
  • Barodd
    Rådhusbrygge 2
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 41 2853
  • Atlantic Cruise Charter
    Haakon Vll'sg. 5
    Oslo
    Norway
    Tel: + 47 (22) 01 4080
    website: www.cruisecharter.no


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