🚇 Travel Within Oslo with Ruter
Ruter is the public transport authority for Oslo and the surrounding region (Viken). Their system integrates buses, trams (trikk), the metro (T-bane), and local ferries on a single ticket system. That means you can travel with trams, metro, bus and ferries in Oslo with the same ticket.
🗺️ The Zone System
The Ruter system is divided into concentric zones radiating out from the center of Oslo. The price of your ticket depends on how many zones you travel through.
- Zone 1: This is the most important zone for visitors. It covers the entire city of Oslo within its main ring road (Ring 3), including all major tourist attractions, the city center, Grünerløkka, Frogner Park, Bygdøy (for museums), and Holmenkollen. For most tourists, a Zone 1 ticket is all you will ever need.
- Zones 2, 3, 4, etc.: These zones cover the suburbs and surrounding towns outside of Oslo, such as Bærum (Zone 2V), Lillestrøm (Zone 2Ø), or Ski (Zone 2S).
- Oslo Airport (OSL): Gardermoen Airport is located in Zone 4N. You will need a ticket valid for four zones to travel between the airport and Oslo city center using Ruter’s local trains (not the express Flytoget).
Key Principle: A 1-zone ticket allows you to travel anywhere within that single zone. A 2-zone ticket allows you to travel between two adjacent zones (e.g., from Zone 1 to Zone 2).
🎟️ Ticket Types & How to Buy
The easiest and most common way to handle tickets is through the official Ruter app.
- Single Ticket: Valid for 60 minutes (for 1 zone) from the moment you activate it. You can transfer to any other Ruter service within your zone(s) as many times as you like during this period.
- 24-Hour Ticket: A great value for tourists. It gives you unlimited travel within your chosen zone(s) for 24 hours from activation.
- 7-Day / 30-Day / 365-Day Ticket: Period passes for longer stays.
How to Buy:
- 📲 Ruter App (Highly Recommended): Download the “Ruter” app. Add your credit card, select your ticket, and activate it just before you board your first bus, tram, or ferry.
- Kiosks: You can buy physical tickets or top up a travel card at kiosks like Narvesen, 7-Eleven, and Deli de Luca.
- Ticket Machines: Located at all T-bane (metro) stations and some major transport hubs.
Important Note: You must have a valid ticket before boarding. Ticket inspections are common, and the fine for traveling without a valid ticket is high.
🚆 Travel Between Cities with Vy
Vy (formerly NSB) is the primary state-owned company for long-distance train and bus travel throughout Norway. They operate most of the railway lines in the country. With Vy, you can also buy local public transportation in many cities in Norway. For example, even though you can travel within Oslo with Ruter, you can also buy the same ticket with Vy.
🌍 Network and Services
Vy connects all major cities and many smaller towns. Some of their most famous and scenic routes include:
- The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen): The spectacular journey between Oslo and Bergen over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.
- The Dovre Line: Connecting Oslo and Trondheim through the beautiful Gudbrandsdalen valley.
- The Sørland Line: Linking Oslo to Stavanger via Kristiansand along the southern coast.
Vy also operates a large network of express buses that complement the train service, reaching areas where the railway doesn’t go.
💰 Tickets and Pricing
Vy uses a dynamic pricing model, similar to airlines.
- Low-Price (“Minipris”): These are the cheapest tickets available. They are released for sale about 90 days in advance and their price increases as the departure date gets closer and the train fills up. Book as early as possible for the best price! “Minipris” tickets are non-refundable.
- Flexible: A standard, fully-flexible ticket that can be changed or refunded. It is significantly more expensive.
- Comfort Levels: On many long-distance trains, you can choose between:
- Standard: A regular, comfortable seat.
- Pluss: A premium cabin with wider seats, more legroom, a power outlet at every seat, and complimentary coffee/tea.
How to Buy:
- 💻 Website (vy.no) or Vy App (Highly Recommended): This is the best way to buy tickets. You can see all available departures, find the cheapest “Minipris” tickets, reserve your seat, and receive an e-ticket with a QR code directly on your phone.
- Ticket Machines: Available at most major train stations.
- Staffed Counters: Available at the biggest stations like Oslo S, Bergen, and Trondheim.
Travel Tip: For scenic journeys like the Bergen Line, a seat reservation is often included or mandatory. When booking on the Vy website or app, you can often choose your own seat from a map of the train car.
✨ Quick Comparison
| Feature | 📍 Ruter (Oslo) | 🛤️ Vy (Norway) |
| Purpose | Local public transport | Inter-city and long-distance travel |
| Area | Oslo and surrounding Viken county | All of Norway |
| Ticket System | Zone-based (fixed price per zone) | Dynamic pricing (book early for cheap fares) |
| Best For | Getting around the city, sightseeing | Traveling between cities like Oslo, Bergen, etc. |
| Key Tip | Use the Ruter app and buy a 24-hour ticket for a day of exploring. | Use the Vy app or website and book “Minipris” tickets well in advance. |
Other cheaper alternatives to Vy for inter-city traveling
Traveling with Flixbus or https://www.nor-way.no/ in Norway offers an affordable and convenient way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and connect to major cities across Europe. Of course, all have trade-offs. For example, Flixbus is cheaper but changing departure time, cancellation is much more expensive than Vy.
🚌 Domestic Travel in Norway
Flixbus connects numerous cities and towns throughout Norway, making it an excellent option for exploring the country. Key hubs for the Flixbus network include Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Kristiansand.
Popular domestic routes include:
- Oslo to Kristiansand: A frequent route connecting the capital with the southern coast.
- Stavanger to Bergen: A scenic journey along the western coast, connecting two of Norway’s largest cities.
- Oslo to Stavanger: Linking the capital with the oil city on the west coast.
- Kristiansand to Bergen: Connecting the southern and western coasts.
In addition to these major routes, Flixbus also serves a multitude of smaller towns and stops, providing access to more rural areas of the country.
🌍 International Travel from Norway
From Norway, you can easily travel to neighboring countries and beyond with Flixbus. Oslo serves as the primary international hub, with direct connections to several European destinations.
Key international destinations from Norway:
- Sweden: Regular services connect Oslo to cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
- Denmark: You can travel directly from Oslo to Copenhagen.
- Germany: There are routes from Oslo to major German cities including Berlin, Hamburg, and Lübeck.
- Other European Destinations: From these primary international hubs, you can connect to the wider Flixbus network, reaching thousands of destinations across more than 40 countries. For example, from Oslo, it is possible to travel to cities like Prague with connections.
Onboard services typically include:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your trip.
- Power Outlets and USB Ports: Keep your devices charged and ready to go.
- Extra Legroom: Comfortable seating with ample space to relax.
- Onboard Toilets: For your convenience.
- Luggage Allowance: Your ticket includes both hand luggage and checked baggage.
Booking your travel with Flixbus is straightforward via their website or mobile app, where you can also track your bus in real-time. This combination of extensive routes, comfortable amenities, and user-friendly service makes Flixbus a compelling choice for your travels within and from Norway.
🌍 International ferries from Norway
Several ferry companies operate routes from Norway to other European countries, offering a comfortable and scenic way to travel.
to denmark
- Color Line, DFDS Seaways, and Fjord Line are the main operators.
- Popular routes include:
- Oslo to Copenhagen
- Oslo to Frederikshavn
- Kristiansand to Hirtshals
- Larvik to Hirtshals
- Bergen to Hirtshals
- Stavanger to Hirtshals
- The crossing times vary from a few hours to an overnight journey.
to germany
- Color Line operates a direct route from Oslo to Kiel.
- This is a popular option for those traveling to central Europe and is known for its cruise-like experience.
to sweden
- Color Line and Fjord Line operate the route between Sandefjord and Strömstad.
- This is a relatively short and frequent crossing.
These ferry services are well-equipped with amenities such as restaurants, shops, and comfortable cabins, ensuring a pleasant journey. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best fares and availability.