Oslo is the gateway to Norway's extraordinary fjords, mountains, and northern wilderness. While the city itself has excellent public transport and is increasingly car-hostile by design, a rental car is the only practical way to explore the Norwegian countryside. From dramatic mountain passes to fjord-side roads and the famous Atlantic Road, Norway offers some of the world's most spectacular driving — and it all starts in Oslo.
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is Norway's main airport, located 47 km north of the city center. The rental car center is a dedicated building connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. All major companies operate here, plus Nordic specialists like Mabi. Norwegian rental rates are high — expect €60-€100 per day for a mid-range car — reflecting the country's overall cost of living. Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF), 110 km south, serves budget airlines and sometimes offers cheaper rentals. Book well ahead for summer (June-August), the peak driving season.
Norway has an extensive electronic toll system. Oslo alone has multiple toll rings, and toll stations dot highways and tunnels throughout the country. All tolling is automatic via AutoPASS transponders or license plate recognition.
Norway's 18 National Scenic Routes (Nasjonale Turistveger) are purpose-built for spectacular driving, with architect-designed viewpoints and rest stops. From Oslo, head west to Bergen (7 hours via the E16 through Lærdal) or northwest through the Jotunheimen mountains for the Sognefjellet road, Northern Europe's highest mountain pass. The legendary Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder) with its hairpin turns and waterfall views is 6 hours northwest. Allow generous travel time — Norwegian roads are slow compared to continental motorways, but the scenery more than compensates.
Norwegian speed limits are low: 110 km/h maximum on motorways (often 90 km/h), 80 km/h on main roads, and 50 km/h or even 30 km/h in towns. Enforcement is extremely strict — fixed cameras, mobile cameras, and average-speed cameras are widespread. Fines are steep: exceeding the limit by 10 km/h costs NOK 2,550 (€230), and higher speeds bring license confiscation.
Fuel is among Europe's most expensive at NOK 19-22 per liter (€1.70-€2.00), though Norway's push toward electric vehicles means there is an excellent EV charging network if you rent electric. Headlights must be on at all times. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to the first Sunday after Easter, and studded tires are common in northern and mountainous areas. Many mountain roads close entirely in winter (October-May), including iconic routes like Trollstigen and Sognefjellet.
Oslo has deliberately reduced city-center parking as part of its green transport strategy. Street parking in the core has been largely eliminated, and remaining spots are extremely expensive. Use Park & Ride facilities at T-bane stations like Helsfyr, Skullerud, or Kolsås — they are cheap and connected directly to the city center by metro in 15-20 minutes. If you must park centrally, Oslo City P-Hus and Aker Brygge garage are options, but budget NOK 300-450 per day. For Norwegian road trips, pick up the car on the day you leave Oslo and return it before spending time in the city.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Oslo:
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| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Center Meters | NOK 57-72/hr (€5-€6.50/hr) | Among Europe's most expensive on-street parking. Pay via EasyPark app or meters. Maximum 2-3 hours in most central zones. |
| Oslo City P-Hus / Aker Brygge | NOK 300-450/day (€27-€40) | Underground garages in the city center. Aker Brygge and Sentrum P-Hus are well-located but costly. |
| P+R (Helsfyr, Skullerud) | NOK 30-50/day (€2.70-€4.50) | Park and ride at T-bane (metro) stations on the outskirts. Vastly cheaper than central parking. Some require Ruter app for tram/metro ticket. |
Traffic note: Oslo has an extensive toll ring (bomring) system with automatic charging. Driving into the city triggers multiple toll charges, typically NOK 30-60 per crossing (higher during rush hours, lower for EVs). Your rental company should register the car with AutoPASS or charge tolls to your credit card. Oslo's Bilfritt Byliv initiative has removed most parking from the absolute city center. Traffic is moderate by capital standards but the E18 and E6 corridors are congested during rush hours. Norwegian drivers are disciplined and law-abiding. The speed limit is 30-40 km/h in much of the city center — cameras enforce strictly.
Compare car rental prices in Oslo → →Book your Oslo rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at OSL pickup locations.
A charming Oslofjord town with white wooden houses, a year-round Christmas shop, and the island fortress that famously sank the German cruiser Blücher in 1940. Take the ferry to the fortress.
The birthplace of the Norwegian constitution at Eidsvoll Manor, set on the shores of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake. The historic Skibladner paddle steamer still operates in summer.
Visit Norway's oldest glass factory (since 1762) with live glassblowing demonstrations and a factory outlet. Continue to the scenic Tyrifjorden lake and the Ringerike region's rolling farmland.
Rental companies in Norway charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
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These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Norway — parking tips, toll info, and more.
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