Oslo is a relatively small city and parking is at a premium so a car is a bit of a liability. Fortunately, there is an extensive and superbly efficient public transport system involving buses, trams, subway, trains, and ferries. The city is served by 50 bus lines and eight tram routes, all starting from Jerbanetorvet at Oslo S Station. The subway is called the Oslo T-Bane and there are five underground lines covering the city. All public transport runs from 5.30am to midnight, with tickets available from bus drivers or vending machines at stations. The Tourist Ticket allows for unlimited use within 24 hours, while the 1, 2, and 3-day Oslo Pass allows unlimited travel on any form of public transport, and includes free museum admissions and other discounts. Ferries operate on a seasonal basis, between April and September, linking the City Hall to the museum-studded peninsula of Bygdøy. There are also ferry services to the harbour islands. Metered taxis are easy to come by and can be found at ranks near shopping centres, city squares, stations and other gathering points. Cabs can also be ordered by telephone from a central office, or from taxi ranks. Ride-hailing apps like Lyft are available. Much of the city is compact enough to explore on foot.
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), divided into 100 ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards. Use of credit cards is widespread, with Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club being the most common. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and cities.
The international access code for Norway is +47. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
112 (Police); 113 (Ambulance); 110 (Fire).
2020 | 2021 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Maundy Thursday | 9 Apr | 1 Apr |
Good Friday | 10 Apr | 2 Apr |
Easter Day | 12 Apr | 4 Apr |
Easter Monday | 13 Apr | 5 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Ascension Day | 21 May | 13 May |
Constitution Day | 17 May | 17 May |
Whit Sunday | 31 May | 23 May |
Whit Monday | 1 Jun | 24 May |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Boxing Day | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
Oslo enjoys a humid continental climate. Although well into the northern latitudes, Oslo's climate is fairly temperate thanks to warm air being wafted across the Atlantic from the Gulf Stream. Summer weather in Oslo is mild and pleasant, with frequent hot spells, and plenty of long sunny days. In summer, between June and August, temperatures average between 54°F (12°C) and 75°F (24°C), but during heat waves the temperature can rise above 86°F (30°C). In winter, between December and February, temperatures tend to hover just below freezing. Winter temperatures average between 19°F (-7°C) and 30°F (-1°C). Snow is plentiful in winter, making the city a great winter sports venue, and moderate rainfall spreads across the year, with the rainiest month being July or August. There is great variation in daylight hours between summer and winter, with midsummer enjoying 18 hours of daylight (when it never gets completely dark) and midwinter getting a mere six hours of daylight. The peak season for a holiday in Oslo is between June and August, when the sun shines during the long days of the midnight sun. Winter offers a different kind of Oslo holiday, when the city is coated with snow and days are dark, brightened by the glow of lights emanating from inviting warm restaurants and hotels.
The Airport Express Train and a variety of taxis run between Drammen, Asker, Sandvika, Lysaker, Skøyen, the National Theatre, Oslo S, and Lillestrøm. Buses and shuttles travel to and from the surrounding areas and back to the airport.
Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz.
Taxis are available to the city centre.
Facilities at the airport include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, left luggage, duty-free shopping, tourist information and a hotel reservation kiosk. Business facilities are available. There is a selection of bars, shops and restaurants.
Outdoor and indoor parking is available for a fee at Oslo Airport (with outdoor parking the cheaper option).
Free wifi is provided in two hour sessions.