Getting Around Norway

Norway, while not considered a large country, has the greatest length of any European country. The distance between Oslo and Kirkenes (Norway's northernmost city) is about 875 miles (1400 km). The mountainous landscape of the country can often mean that seemingly small distances require lengthy travel days. 

With careful planning, you can use the many transportation styles available to maximize your time. Bearing in mind, of course, that sometimes the longest route is the most scenic (for instance, taking the Flåm railway from Oslo).

Most travelers will use a combination of trains, ferries, road transfers, and domestic flights to travel between regions. Trains and ferries are generally reliable, however public buses are more likely to be late or even operate outside of their posted schedules. If you want to make your way above the Arctic Circle from Southern Norway (for example, from Bergen to Tromso), domestic flights are often the most convenient option by far.

The Hurtigruten coastal steamer is a popular and scenic way to travel along the Norwegian coast. The ferry departs from Bergen and travels all the way to Kirkenes. The full voyage takes around 7- days, but most travelers use it hop-on-hop-off style to cover smaller distances.

Self-driving, while possible and a good option for certain routes, can be challenging even for expert drivers due to the narrow (often single lane), winding roads. Driving times are often very long because of this, so it's generally recommended in combination with other modes of transportation.
Start planning your trip
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Lofoten islands
How to Get to Lofoten

Lofoten is an archipelago—a cluster of small islands in the Norwegian Sea. An outdoor paradise for nature lovers— diving, horse-back riding, fishing, hiking, and more—there is... read more

Svolvaer town
How to Get from Oslo to Lofoten

Reaching the Lofoten archipelago from Oslo—a distance of 743 miles (1,195 km)—is relatively easy with various transport options. Flying is by far the most convenient and... read more

Vistas of Pulpit Rock
How to Get to Pulpit Rock

Reaching the base of the famous and impressive Pulpit Rock (locally known as Preikestolen) is relatively easy from the city of Stavanger. From the capital city, Oslo, the... read more

Map of How to Get from Bergen to Ålesund
How to Get from Bergen to Ålesund

Traveling the 262 miles (422 km) from Bergen to Ålesund is straightforward, and there are a few routes to choose from. There is a daily direct flight from Bergen that makes this... read more

Map of How to Get to Tromsø
How to Get to Tromsø

Tromsø is one of the best places to see the northern lights, which is one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. Tromsø is located in northern Norway and is above the... read more

How to Get to Trolltunga

Trolltunga, the impressively large, flat rock that juts out above Ringedalsvatnet Lake, is easily reached by car from Norway’s main cities, Bergen, Oslo, and Stavanger.... read more

Views of the Geirangerjord
How to Get to Geirangerfjord

One of the most popular fjords in Norway—Geirangerfjord, is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Traveling to Geirangerfjord is easy with several transport options... read more

A boat passing through the Sognefjord
How to Get to the Sognefjord

Nicknamed the “King of the Fjords,” Sognefjord is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. Traveling to this fjord is relatively easy with several transport options available.... read more

Map of How to Get from Bergen to Flåm
How to Get from Bergen to Flåm

After exploring scenic Bergen, it’s a great time to escape to the quiet village of Flåm. Bergen is 104 miles (168 km) away from Flåm and there are multiple travel ways to get... read more

Geirangerfjord, Norway
How to Get from Oslo to Geiranger

Self-driving the 267 miles (429 km) from Norway's capital city of Oslo to the famous fjord and UNESCO world heritage site, Geiranger, is the most popular option for travelers... read more

Map of How to Get from Bergen to Tromsø
How to Get from Bergen to Tromsø

When traveling to Tromsø from Bergen, which is 1,112 miles away (1791 km), there are a few different options. The quickest way to get to Tromsø is by catching a flight. If... read more

Senja, Norway
How to Get from Tromsø to Senja

Self-driving the 111 miles (178 km) from Norway's largest city in the north, Tromsø, to Senja, a nearby island known for its dramatic scenery, is the most popular option. During... read more

Vistas of the Hardangerfjord
How to Get to Hardangerfjord

Known as the Queen of Fjords, Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in Norway at 111 miles (179 km) long. Hardangerfjord is near the famous flat rock, Trolltunga (Troll’s... read more

Map of How to Get from Oslo to Ålesund
How to Get from Oslo to Ålesund

Traveling the 328 miles (529 km) from Oslo to Ålesund is straightforward, and there are a few routes to choose from. There is a daily direct flight from Oslo that makes this the... read more

Map of How to Get from Oslo to Flåm
How to Get from Oslo to Flåm

While the quickest way to make the 195-mile (314 km) journey to Flåm from Oslo is by catching a flight and then driving the train offers a unique way of travel. The train is the... read more

Map of How to Get to Flåm
How to Get to Flåm

Getting to the quaint village of Flåm from Norway's major cities is relatively easy. Whether you're leaving from Oslo or Bergen, there are many great transit options that will... read more

Stavanger
Map of How to Get from Oslo to Stavanger
How to Get from Oslo to Stavanger

There are a few different ways to travel from the capital of Norway, Oslo to Stavanger, a distance of 281 miles (453 km). The quickest route is by plane with a flight under an... read more

Latefoss Waterfall, Odda, Norway
How to Get from Bergen to Odda

Self-driving the 84 miles (135km) from Norway's southwestern fjord city of Bergen to the town of Odda in the Sørfjorden, an arm of the Hardangerfjord, is the most popular option... read more

Tromso, Norway
How to Get from Oslo to Tromsø

Making the 1,092-mile (1,758km) trek from Norway's capital city of Oslo to Tromsø, the largest city in the north is an endeavor best done by flying if you are short on time. A... read more

Map of How to Get from Tromsø to Alta
How to Get from Tromsø to Alta

There are a few ways to arrive at Alta from Tromsø, a distance of 185 miles (298 km). The fastest way to go is by plane, with flights daily and different airline carriers to... read more

Tromso, Norway
How to Get from Lofoten to Tromsø

Self-driving the 336 miles (540 km) from the Lofoten Islands (starting in the village of Reine) to Tromsø, the largest city in the northern region of Norway, is the most popular... read more

Odda
How to Get from Stavanger to Odda

The trip from Stavanger—the southernmost city in Norway—to Odda covers a distance of 120 miles (193 km). The most convenient and quickest way to reach Odda is by car or private... read more

Bergen's historic and photogenic waterfront
Map of How to Get from Oslo to Bergen
How to Get from Oslo to Bergen

Traveling 288 miles (464 km) from Oslo to Bergen is very straightforward. Oslo and Bergen are the biggest cities in Norway, and traveling between the two destinations is quick... read more

How to Get to Lysefjord

The Lysefjord is 42 miles (68 km) long and lies between two well-known plateaus—Pulpit Rock and Kjerag in western Norway. The closest city and airport to Lysefjord is Stavanger.... read more

Map of How to Get from Oslo to Geilo
How to Get from Oslo to Geilo

Traveling the 135 miles (218 km) from Oslo to Geilo is straightforward, and you'll be rewarded with great scenery. Renting a car or hiring a private transfer is the most... read more

Map of How to Get from Oslo to Aurland
How to Get from Oslo to Aurland

The best way to get from Oslo to Aurland involves taking the famous Flåm Railway and then taking the bus or a ferry. The fastest way to get to Aurland from Oslo, which is 189... read more

Map of How to Get from Trondheim to Oslo
How to Get from Trondheim to Oslo

There are about 290 miles (470 km) between Oslo and Trondheim, and traveling between them is one of the world’s most spectacular journeys—a breathtaking weave between mountains,... read more

Map of How to Get from Bergen to Aurland
How to Get from Bergen to Aurland

The fastest way to get to Aurland from Bergen, a 108-mile journey (174 km) apart, is by renting a car or hiring a private transfer. Expect gorgeous mountain views throughout the... read more

Senja, Norway
How to Get from Oslo to Senja

Traveling the 965 miles (1,553 km) from Norway's capital city of Oslo to Senja, the country's second-largest island can be done by flying or a longer road trip for those who... read more

Trondheim streetview in winter
How to Get to Trondheim

Trondheim—the third-largest city in Norway—is easy and quick to reach from Oslo and Bergen by air. Driving, going by public transfer, or taking public transportation are options... read more

Map of How to Get from Oslo to Balestrand
How to Get from Oslo to Balestrand

While it is a bit of a trek to get to Balestrand from Oslo—which are 224 miles (362 km) apart—there are many different scenic routes that will allow you to enjoy the unique... read more

Andenes, Norway
How to Get from Senja to Andenes

There are two main ways to travel from the island of Senja to Andenes, a village on the island of Andøy, a popular destination for whale watching in Norway and part of the... read more

Eidfjord, Norway
How to Get from Oslo to Eidfjord

Self-driving the 193 miles (311km) from Norway's capital city to the town of Eidfjord on the northeastern edge of the striking Hardangerfjord is the most popular option for... read more

How to Get to the Lofoten Islands

Charming, fairy tale, red homes on stilts contrast with the rugged landscape of the Lofoten Islands. No matter the season, the Lofoten Islands offer plenty to see, do, and... read more

Orca Whales in Andenes, Norway
How to Get from Lofoten to Andenes

Self-driving the 168 miles (270 km) from Lofoten to Andenes, a village on the island of Andøy, a popular destination for whale watching in Norway and part of the archipelago of... read more

Eidfjord
How to Get to Eidfjord

Eidfjord is a small community surrounded by stunning scenery and is a gateway to several hikes and cultural activities.  Reaching Eidfjord is best reached by car or private... read more

Hallingskarvet National Park, Norway
How to Get from Bergen to Geilo

The 152-mile (244 km) journey from the southwestern fjord city of Bergen to the town of Geilo and its nearby national parks is an endeavor best made by self-driving for ultimate... read more

Eidfjord
How to Get from Flåm to Eidfjord

Traveling from the village of Flåm to Eidfjord is a distance of 72 miles (116 km). The easiest and most direct way to reach Eidfjord is by car or private transfer. The trip... read more

How to Get from Oslo to Røros

There are a few different ways to travel from Oslo to Røros, a distance of 238 miles (382km). The quickest route is by plane with a flight under an hour. However, if you have... read more

Senja, Norway
How to Get from Bergen to Senja

Traveling the 1,092 miles (1,758 km) from Norway's southwestern fjord city of Bergen to the country's second-largest island of Senja can be done in a few different ways. For... read more

Polar Bears in Svalbard, Norway
How to Get from Svalbard to Alta

Traveling the 4,013 miles (6,459 km) from the remote arctic island of Svalbard to Norway's mainland city of Alta, can be done by flying. Since there are no direct flights to... read more