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The Norwegian capital can boast a highly rapid and efficient transport system. Thanks to the numerous buses, trams, trains and boats, getting around Oslo is really simple. Furthermore, all the vehicles are managed by a single company, the Norwegian Ruter.
GETTING AROUND OSLO BY METRO
Photo ©, Arntjay
The metro, known as T-banen, is the most used means of transport in the Norwegian capital. Five operational lines, plus a line under construction, 101 stations and a total of 85 kilometers: these are the numbers of the first underground metro in Northern Europe. Each line is identified by a progressive number from 1 to 6, and a different color. Furthermore, all lines are connected with Oslo Central Station.
- Line 1, Helsfyr – Frogneseteren.
- Line 2, Østerås – Ellingsrudåsen.
- Line 3, Sognsvann – Mortensrud.
- Line 4, Ring to Bergkrystallen.
- Line 5, Storo – Vestli.
- Line 6 (under construction), Åsjordet – Ring.
The network connects the entire center and peripheral areas in a capillary way. On the outside, the metro is identified by a sign with a white and blue logo, and a “T” inside a circle.
The metro runs every day, from Monday to Sunday, from 05:30 until midnight. Some lines are in operation from 06:00 in the morning. The frequency is about 10 minutes during the day; after 21:00, trains run approximately every 30 minutes.
TRAM
Trams are a valid alternative to the metro. In the city, 6 tram lines are in operation which cover most of the city. Each line is identified by a different number and color. Some lines, albeit with the same terminus, make different routes.
- Line 11, Kjelsås – Majorstuen.
- Line 12, Kjelsås – Majorstuen.
- Line 13, Grefsen Stasjon – Bekkestua.
- Line 17, Grefsen Stasjon – Rikshospitalet.
- Line 18, Ljabru – Rikshospitalet.
- Line 19, Ljabru – Majorstuen.
All tram lines run from 05:00 in the morning until midnight, with some lines running from 01:00 until 01:00. The frequency is 10 minutes during the day, and 20 minutes during the night and early in the morning. Jernbanetorget is the main tram station, as well as an interchange with the T-bane; here, moreover, 4 tram lines intersect.
BUS
The road line is quite efficient. Like trams, buses run from 05:00 in the morning until midnight. From the center to the periphery, all areas are covered in an almost capillary way: center, north, south, west and Groruddalen Area. In addition, the Nattbuss Oslo, are the buses active during the night hours. The nights between Friday-Saturday and Saturday-Sunday, special bus and tram runs are active from midnight until 05:00 in the morning.
FERRIES
There is nothing more impressive than a fantastic boat ride on the Oslo fjord. A truly unique and suggestive way to get around Oslo.
Ferries depart from the Radhusbrygge 3 quay, in front of the Town Hall; here, there is the interchange with Line 12 of the Tram, and numerous bus lines (30, 31, 32 and many others).
GETTING AROUND OSLO IN A SCOOTER
The most ecological way for getting around Oslo is, without a doubt, the electric scooter. In 2019, Oslo was awarded as the European green capital thanks to the city’s attention to sustainable transport.
VOI offers e-scooter rentals at very competitive prices. Operation is almost identical to that of other countries: you will have to download the official app (iOS and Android) and follow the usual registration process. A credit card is required. With your smartphone you can unlock your scooter and start the ride. Just remember to park your Electric scooter safely after using it.
TRAINS
NSB trains cover some areas of the capital, and are still an alternative for getting around Oslo. The same metro ticket can be used for travel. Sentralstasjon Oslo, is the main station, connected to the Jernbanetorget metro station via a direct link.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TICKETS OSLO
The efficiency of the transport network has only one downside: the cost of tickets. Getting around Oslo by public transport can be quite expensive. Precisely for this reason, try to understand exactly what your needs are. A single-ride ticket can cost over €4 at our exchange rate.
Another important note: avoid buying a ticket on board the bus. In fact, you pay a premium of 20NOK per adult, and 10NOK, reduced. On the metro and tram, however, tickets CANNOT BE PURCHASED ON BOARD.
Tickets vary depending on the area. You can view all the different fare zones from here.
Photo ©, Wolfmann
The single-ride ticket costs 39NOK for Zone 1; 64NOK Zone 2; 89NOK for Zone 3; 114NOK Zone 4; 139NOK for all zones. With this ticket you can only make one journey lasting 60 minutes. The duration is increased by 30 minutes for each additional Zone (Zone 2 is worth 90 minutes; Zone 3 120′ is so on).
The 24-hour day ticket costs 117NOK for a single Zone, 192NOK for two zones and 267NOK for all zones; in the latter case, it is valid on all vehicles circulating in Oslo and Akershus. The ticket is valid for 24 hours from the moment of validation and is not personal. This means that it is possible to pass it on to another if you do not use it for a certain moment.
The weekly ticket costs 323NOK for a single zone, 564NOK for two zones and 782NOK for all zones; in the latter case, it is valid on all vehicles circulating in Oslo and Akershus. The ticket is valid for 7 days from the moment of validation and is not personal. This means that it is possible to pass it on to another if you do not use it for a certain moment
Children up to 15 years and over 67 are always entitled to a REDUCED RATE of approximately 50% on the standard rate.
Ruter As is the company that manages public transport in Oslo and Akershus. All public transport is part of the single integrated system which provides for the same fare.
Tickets can be purchased from authorized resellers (points and kiosks) and vending machines in all metro stations, and in the main stations and interchanges of buses and trams.
The most convenient method, however, is with the “RuterBillett“ mobile app. It is an app available on the iOS, Android and Microsoft platforms, with which to purchase single tickets, day tickets and 7 or 30-day passes. Operation is really simple and intuitive. Once the application has been downloaded and installed on your device, you select the ticket and proceed with the payment (Visa, MasterCard…). In short, a countdown and the message “Confirmed – Boarding permitted“ will appear on the device; at this point, you can begin your journey.
Furthermore, Oslo is also at the forefront from the point of view of accessibility. Most of the means of transport, in fact, are accessible to people traveling in a wheelchair or with a stroller. Find all the practical info at this link.