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:
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:
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:
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
In 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
