There’s no doubt that using the public transportation system in Oslo is the best and easiest way to get between the different tourist attractions and areas in the city, but how much does it cost exactly?
A single ticket at the public transportation system in Oslo for adults are 39 NOK, and 20 NOK for children, while 24 hour tickets cost 117 NOK for adults and 59 NOK for children. It’s also possible to buy extended time periods and get get student discounts to make it cheaper.
We’re going to be looking closer at the ticket prices for public transportation in Oslo in this article, and looking at the 2022 numbers. So keep reading if you want to find out how much you should expect to pay for transportation when visiting Oslo no matter how long you are staying.
Table for ticket prices for the public transportation system in Oslo city (Zone 1)
Below are the 2022 costs for ticket prices for the public transportation system in Oslo, including several different time frames.
| Single Ticket | 24 Hours | 7 Days | 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 39 NOK | 117 NOK | 323 NOK | 814 NOK |
| Children (under 18) | 20 NOK | 59 NOK | 162 NOK | 407 NOK |
| Students | 39 NOK | 117 NOK | 323 NOK | 488 NOK |
This is the cost of public transportation system in Oslo city, in what we call the “Zone 1” area. Zone 1 includes Oslo city, and will be enough to get you to all the major tourist attractions in the city.
I think that most tourists will be fine with the Zone 1 tickets, since the Zone 2 tickets are mainly for residential areas outside of the city, thus making it the preferred option for workers who commute to Oslo city to work. You can see a map of the different zones at Ruter’s website here.
There is an additional fee of 20 NOK for adults and students, and 10 NOK for children if you choose to buy the tickets on board the transportation. This is to encourage people to buy tickets in advance at the ticket booths or even from the app before boarding the train, tram, bus or subway.
Table for ticket prices for the public transportation system in Oslo Zone 2
Some of you might need to have tickets for Zone 2, especially if you are staying at a place in the outskirts of Oslo, like at Sandvika, Lillestrøm, Nittedal, Asker or Kolbotn.
Below is a table of the ticket costs for the Oslo Zone 2. These includes use of the public transpiration within both Zone 1 and Zone 2.
| Single Ticket | 24 Hours | 7 Days | 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 64 NOK | 192 NOK | 564 NOK | 1,443 NOK |
| Children (under 18) | 32 NOK | 96 NOK | 282 NOK | 507 NOK |
| Students | 64 NOK | 192 NOK | 564 NOK | 855 NOK |
What is included in the public transportation ticket in Oslo?
The public transportation system in Oslo is run by Ruter, and the tickets mentioned above for Zone 1 includes unlimited use of public transportation within the selected zone and time frame.
There are several options for different types of public transportation in Oslo, and the ticket includes use of:
- Local trains within Zone 1.
- The metro.
- Trams.
- Buses.
- Ferries (with the exception of the Bygdøy ferry).
So a single ticket can let you ride the tram down to the pier to get on a ferry, and then return later in the day.
How good is the public transportation in Oslo really?
The public transportation system in Oslo is generally considered to be good, but there will occasionally be delays and problems.
From a tourist’s point of view, you’re unlikely to run into any big problems. The transportation to and from the popular tourist attractions tend to run every 5 minutes, so you won’t need to wait for long even if they are a few minutes delayed.
Many trains, buses and trams can be very crowded, especially during the morning or afternoon rush when people are going to and from work or school. You might not always be able to find free seating, so be prepared to stand for at least a certain part of the ride.
The metro tends to be the fastest option for getting between different areas in Oslo, but it’s usually less scenic and cozy as getting on a tram or the train.
Where to buy the tickets for public transportation in Oslo
The company responsible for the public transportation system in Oslo is called Ruter, and you can buy the tickets from them.
There are a few different options of where to buy the public transportation tickets, such as:
- From Ruter’s website.
- From the Ruter app (Google Play Store, or from App Store).
- At a ticket booth on certain bus stops and train or metro stations.
- From certain kiosks (7-Eleven, Narvesen, Deli de Luca or Mix), visitor centers or at Ruter’s service station at Oslo S.
- On board the bus, train or ferry (Note: not on the metro or tram).
So you actually have quite a few options for where you can buy the public transportation tickets.
Most people use the Ruter app, since it’s very quick and easy to use. You get full information about how long there’s left on your ticket, and can renew it at any time by using your credit card.
Just make sure to buy the ticket just before boarding, and not wait until you are actually on board of the vehicle.
It’s also worth mentioning that you get free access to all the public transportation in Oslo if you buy the Oslo Pass. So this might be a good deal if you are visiting Oslo and intends to visit multiple museums.
