How to Get Around Oslo: A Complete Public Transport Guide

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a beautiful and modern city with an efficient public transport system that makes getting around easy for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re visiting Oslo for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, knowing how to navigate the city is important to make the most of your trip. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different public transport options available in Oslo and give you all the tips you need for a smooth journey.

Overview of Oslo’s Public Transport System

The public transport in Oslo is operated by Ruter, which manages buses, trams, ferries, and the metro (also known as the T-bane). The transport network is well-connected, reliable, and easy to use, making it simple to get from one part of the city to another.

Here are the main types of public transport you can use in Oslo:

1. Metro (T-bane)
2. Trams
3. Buses
4. Ferries
5. Local Trains

Tickets and Pricing

Before you start your journey, you’ll need a Ruter ticket, which is valid for all types of public transport (metro, tram, bus, and ferry) within the Oslo area. The great thing about Oslo’s transport system is that one ticket works across all modes of transport, making it very convenient.

Types of Tickets

1. Single Ticket:
   • Valid for 60 minutes from the time of activation.
   • Price: 39 NOK for adults and 20 NOK for children and seniors.
2. 24-Hour Ticket:
   • Offers unlimited travel for 24 hours within the Oslo area.
   • Price: 117 NOK for adults and 59 NOK for children and seniors.
3. 7-Day Ticket:
   • Perfect for longer stays, offering unlimited travel for 7 days.
   • Price: 323 NOK for adults and 162 NOK for children and seniors.
4. 30-Day Ticket:
   • Ideal for extended stays or frequent travelers, giving you unlimited access for a whole month.
   • Price: 814 NOK for adults and 407 NOK for children and seniors.

Where to Buy Tickets

• Ruter App: The easiest way to buy tickets is through the Ruter app, available on smartphones. You can purchase and activate tickets directly through the app.
• Ticket Machines: Found at metro stations, major bus stops, and tram stops.
• Kiosks: You can also buy tickets at convenience stores such as Narvesen and 7-Eleven.
• Onboard: You can buy tickets from the driver on buses, but it’s more expensive and only available for single tickets.

Using the Metro (T-bane)

The T-bane (metro) is the fastest and most efficient way to get around Oslo, especially if you’re traveling longer distances. There are five metro lines (T1 to T5), and they all pass through Jernbanetorget, which is the central hub at Oslo Central Station.

• Frequency: Metro trains run every 5-10 minutes during the day and less frequently in the evening.
• Operating Hours: The metro operates from 5 AM to midnight, and there are night services on weekends.
• Key Stops: Some popular metro stops include Majorstuen, Frognerseteren (great for hiking), and Sognsvann (a scenic lake area).

Traveling by Tram

Trams in Oslo are perfect for shorter distances and offer a scenic way to travel through the city. There are six tram lines (Lines 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19) that connect different parts of the city, making stops at many tourist attractions.

• Frequency: Trams run every 10 minutes during peak hours.
• Popular Routes: Line 12 takes you to Frogner Park, where you can visit the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, while Line 13 goes through Grünerløkka, a trendy area known for its restaurants, bars, and shops.

Buses in Oslo

Buses cover areas not served by the metro or trams and are a good option for getting around the suburbs or reaching parts of Oslo outside the city center.

• Operating Hours: Buses run from early morning until around midnight, and there are night buses on weekends.
• Key Routes: Bus 30 takes you to Bygdøy, where you can visit several of Oslo’s top museums, including the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum.

Ferries: Exploring the Oslo Fjord

If you’re looking to explore the beautiful Oslo Fjord, you can hop on a ferry using the same Ruter ticket you would for the metro, tram, or bus. The ferries depart from Aker Brygge and take you to the nearby islands of Hovedøya, Lindøya, and Gressholmen.

• Ferry Line B1: This line serves the islands and runs regularly throughout the day, especially during the summer when the islands are popular spots for hiking and picnicking.

Local Trains

For journeys outside of Oslo but still within the surrounding region, local trains are another good option. These trains are part of the same ticket system and are particularly useful for trips to nearby cities like Drammen or Ski. The trains are also a good way to reach Oslo Airport, though an additional fee is required to use the Flytoget airport express.

Tips for Using Public Transport in Oslo

1. Download the Ruter App: It’s highly recommended to download the Ruter app for easy ticket purchasing, route planning, and real-time updates on departures and arrivals.
2. Validate Your Ticket: If you buy a paper ticket, make sure to validate it by scanning it at the station or on the bus/tram. For digital tickets, simply activate them before boarding.
3. Check the Schedule: While transport in Oslo is frequent, it’s always good to check the schedule, especially for buses and ferries, as they may run less often during off-peak hours or on weekends.
4. Avoid Peak Hours: If you can, avoid traveling during peak times (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM) to avoid crowded trains and buses.
5. Night Services: If you’re out late on weekends, note that some night buses and metro services run after midnight, but make sure to check the schedule in advance.

Conclusion

Getting around Oslo is easy, thanks to its well-connected and efficient public transport system. Whether you’re taking the metro to explore the city’s parks, hopping on a tram to visit cultural attractions, or cruising the fjords by ferry, you can rely on Oslo’s transport network to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With the help of this guide, you’ll be navigating the city like a local in no time!