General Information
Money
The standard unit of currency in Norway is Norwegian kroner (NOK). EUR 1 = approximately NOK 8 and NOK 10 = approximately EUR 1,2 .
ATM /cash machines (Mini Bank) are widely available in Oslo. The ATM machine (Mini Bank) closest to Oslo University College can be found in Stensberggata 29. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Banks are usually open Monday-Friday between 9:00 and 15:00 and closed during the weekend. Money can be exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchange kiosks. The currency exchange kiosks named Forex can be found at Oslo Airport Gardermoen and at the central train station in Oslo. The banks and the currency exchange kiosks often charge a fee for the exchange of money.
Airports in the Oslo-Area
- Oslo Airport Gardemoen is situated 50 kilometres from Oslo city centre.
- Sandefjord Airport Torp is situated 110 kilometres from Oslo.
- Moss airport Rygge is situated 66 kilometres from Oslo.
Transport to/from the Airports
Oslo Airport Gardemoen is connected with Oslo city centre by
- Train. The Airport Express Train (Flytoget) departs to/from Oslo Central Station every 10 minutes, and to/from the National Theatre every 20 minutes. Tickets are available at ticket counters as well as card and cash ticket vending machines. A one-way ticket costs NOK 160. The journey takes 20 minutes from the airport to Oslo Central Station.
- Bus. The SAS Airport Express Coach departs every 20 minutes from the airport. Tickets are available directly from the bus driver. Credit cards are accepted. A one-way ticket costs NOK 130. The journey takes around 40 minutes to Oslo City Centre.
- Taxi. The taxi companies offer fixed prizes from the airport to Oslo city centre. The prizes vary according to the time of the day, the number of persons and where in the city centre you are going to. Taxis have a white “taxi” sign on the roof. If it is illuminated, it is disengaged. There are taxi stands by Stortinget (the Parliament) in Karl Johans gate, at Stortorget by the Cathedral, at Youngstorget and Oslo Central Station. One can also order a taxi by phone . Try one of the following reputable taxi networks: Oslo Taxi (02323), Norgestaxi (08000), or Taxi2 (800 82 942).
Sandefjord Airport Torp is connected with Oslo city centre by
- Train. NSB's trains stop 42 times every day at Torp, Sandefjord Airport. The travel time is 1 hour and 50 minutes from the central station in Oslo. Corresponding shuttle bus is included in the price. The service is operated by NSB . A one-way ticket costs around NOK 212.
- Bus. The Torp Ekspress bus service corresponds with Ryanair's and WizzAir's routes to/from Torp. The bus takes E18 between Oslo Busterminal and Torp. This service is open to all passengers travelling to and from Sandefjord Airport Torp. Since the bus service corresponds with Ryanair's flights to and from Sandefjord Airport Torp, it will wait for Ryanair passengers in the event of any delays. The bus will leave approx. 30 minutes after arrival. Tickets cost NOK 140 each way for adults.
Moss Airport Rygge is connected with Oslo city centre by
- Train. NSB’s regional train has frequent departures to/from Rygge to/from Oslo Central Train Station. Trains from Halden run every hour. Rygge Train Station is located 4 kilometres from the terminal. Buses will bring you free of charge to/from the airport during our opening hours. The service is operated by NSB . A one-way ticket costs around NOK 130.
- Bus. Rygge-Ekspressen operates its own buses from Oslo for all Norwegian's departures and arrivals at Moss Airport Rygge. Rygge-Ekspressen starts from Oslo bussterminal approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes before flight departure time at Rygge airport. Rygge-Ekspressen departs form Rygge airport 30 minutes after flight arrival time.In case of flights delays, Rygge-Ekspressen will wait for Norwegian flights. Seats are guaranteed. Rygge-Ekspressen accepts only Norwegian currency (NOK) or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners or AmEx). A one-way ticket costs NOK 120.
TIMEkspressen offers comprehensive scheduled bus routes to/from the airport to/from Oslo. A one-way ticket costs NOK 115.
International Boat and Train Connections to/from Oslo
- Boat. It is possible to take the boat from different destinations in Europe to Oslo. Color Line offers seven international routes between eight ports in Norway, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. DFDS Seaways offers different routes between Norway, Denmark, Great Britain and Holland.
-Train. There are daily train connections between Oslo and Göteborg and Stocholm in Sweden and between Oslo and Copenhagen in Denmark. The web page “ Travel by train in Europe ” offers information about the different national railway companies in the European inter rail zones.
Telephones
Public telephones take NOK 1, 5, 10 and 20 coins. You need minimum NOK 5 to get through. Most call boxes in Oslo city centre accept both credit/telephone cards and money. Norwegian telephone cards are called “Telekort” and can be purchased at Narvesen newsstands, Mix (kiosk) and post offices.
Post Office
There are several post offices situated in the city centre of Oslo. The post office that is closest to Oslo University College is located in Grensen 2 (open Monday-Friday, 10:00-18:00 and Saturdays 10:00-15:00).
Public Transport
A single ticket costs NOK 22 if you buy it from the ticket machine and NOK 30 if you buy it from the driver. Day pass (24h) costs NOK 60. Flexi card (= 8 tickets) costs NOK 160. Week pass costs NOK190. Tickets are valid on all buses, trams and metro-lines within the city boundary of Oslo. During summer they are valid also on the ferries to Bygdøy and some of the islands. On trams and buses one-way tickets can be bought from the driver, but the prizes are higher (a one-way ticket costs NOK 30) than if you buy them from the vending machines. On the metro you have to buy tickets before starting your trip.
Don’t forget to stamp day- or week-cards before using them! If you get caught without a valid ticket, you will get a NOK 750 fine.
Restaurants
Oslo has a wealth of bars and restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. The registration desk is happy to offer additional information and recommendations.
Tourist Information
There are two tourist information offices in Oslo city centre; one by the Central Station and one by City Hall.
Tourist Information by the Central Station: inside the Trafikanten Service Center, Jernbanetorget 1, Tel. +47 815 30 555.
General information
info@visitoslo.com
Hotel booking:
booking@visitoslo.com
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 07.00 - 20.00
Saturday - Sunday 08.00 - 20.00 (May-Sept.)
NB: Reduced opening hours on public holidays (10-16)
Tourist Information Centre by City Hall: Fridtjof Nansens plass 5 (entrance from Roald Amundsens gate)
Opening hours:
June - August: Monday - Sunday 09.00 - 19.00
Closed on public holidays.
Culture and Sightseeing in Oslo and Norway
(A guide to Oslo. Also possible to book guided tours in the city centre)
(Events, cultural happenings, museums and so on – what to do in Oslo)
(Travelling in Norway)
The Norwegian Trekking Association:
http://www.turistforeningen.no/english/
(General information on travelling in Norway)
Emergency phones
Fire Brigade: 110
Police: 112
Ambulance: 113
City centre Police station: Hammersborggata 12 (phone: +47 22 66 90 50).
Safety
Oslo is generally a safe and welcoming city. However, as in all large cities, it is recommended that you remain watchful against pickpockets, especially on trains, buses and trams, as well as in crowded areas (such as bars and even along the main street Karl Johan). Avoid parks and dimly lit areas at night. Please keep an eye on your personal belongings and do not leave any bags or luggage unattended.