Driving in Norway
Complete Road Trip Guide 2025

A Norwegian road trip is one of Europe’s great driving adventures. From dramatic fjord roads to Arctic highways under the Northern Lights, Norway’s roads offer stunning scenery around every bend. The country’s 18 National Scenic Routes were specifically designed to showcase Norway’s most spectacular landscapes, making driving here as much about the journey as the destination.

This guide covers everything you need for a successful Norwegian road trip: road rules, toll systems, car rental, ferry connections, and essential tips for both summer and winter driving.

Norwegian Road Rules

Essential Rules

Rule	Requirement
Driving side	Right
Speed limits	50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h highway
Headlights	Always on (dipped/low beam)
Seatbelts	Mandatory all passengers
Blood alcohol limit	0.02% (virtually zero tolerance)
Phone use	Hands-free only
Child seats	Required under 135cm height

Speed Limits Explained

Urban areas: 50 km/h (some zones 30 km/h) Rural roads: 80 km/h Highways: 90-110 km/h Residential: Often 30-40 km/h

Important: Speed cameras are common and strictly enforced. Fines are severe—often NOK 5,000+ ($500+).

Right of Way

• Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the circle
• Unmarked intersections: Yield to traffic from the right
• Pedestrian crossings: Always yield to pedestrians
• Narrow roads: Vehicle going uphill has priority

Headlights

Dipped headlights must be on at all times—day and night, summer and winter. This is not optional.

Check Road Conditions

Car Rental in Norway — Complete Guide

Understanding Norway’s Rental Market

Renting a car in Norway opens up incredible road trip possibilities, but requires planning—especially during the summer high season when demand far exceeds supply and prices can reach 3,500-4,500 NOK per day.

Rental Companies

Major International Brands:

Company	Airports	City Locations	Typical Rates
Avis	All major	Oslo, Bergen, Tromso	Mid-high
Hertz	All major	Major cities	Mid-high
Europcar	All major	Wide network	Mid-range
Sixt	Major airports	Limited cities	Competitive
Budget	Major airports	Limited	Budget-friendly

Local/Regional Options:

• Rent-A-Wreck: Budget option, older vehicles, good for basic needs
• Bilutleie.no: Norwegian comparison site
• Getaround/Nabobil: Peer-to-peer car sharing, often better rates

Rental Requirements 2025

Requirement	Details
Driver’s license	Valid license from any country, held 3+ months
IDP needed	Only for non-Latin alphabet licenses
Minimum age	21 years (23-25 for SUVs, premium vehicles)
Credit card	Required in driver’s name (debit cards often refused)
Deposit	Typically 5,000-15,000 NOK held on card
Maximum age	Usually 75-80, some companies have limits

Seasonal Pricing Guide

Season	Period	Daily Rate	Availability
High season	June-August	3,500-4,500 NOK	Book 6-8 weeks ahead
Shoulder	May, September	2,000-3,000 NOK	Book 2-4 weeks ahead
Low season	October-April	1,200-2,000 NOK	Often available last-minute

What’s Included (Standard)

Always included:

• Unlimited mileage (verify when booking)
• Basic insurance (CDW/Collision Damage Waiver)
• Winter tires (November 1 - Easter, automatically fitted)
• 24/7 road assistance
• VAT (25%)

Usually extra:

• Full coverage/zero excess (500-800 NOK/day)
• Additional driver (200-300 NOK/day)
• GPS navigation (150-200 NOK/day—use phone instead)
• Child seats (100-200 NOK/day—book ahead)
• Young driver fee (under 25, 200-400 NOK/day)

Car Selection Guide

Vehicle Type	Best For	Daily Cost	Fuel Economy
Economy (VW Polo)	Solo/couple, city focus	1,200-2,000 NOK	Excellent
Compact (Golf/Focus)	Most travelers	1,500-2,500 NOK	Very good
Mid-size (Passat)	Comfort, longer trips	2,000-3,500 NOK	Good
SUV/4WD	Mountain roads, winter	2,500-4,500 NOK	Moderate
Campervan	Combined transport/accommodation	2,500-4,000 NOK	Varies

Essential Rental Tips

1. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for summer—vehicles genuinely sell out
2. Manual transmission saves money (often 20-30% cheaper)
3. One-way rentals cost significantly more (often 2,000-5,000 NOK extra)
4. Diesel is cheaper than gasoline at the pump
5. Check ferry policies—some rentals have restrictions
6. Document car condition thoroughly before departure with photos
7. Keep rental agreement accessible—needed at toll crossings
8. Fill tank before return—rental company fuel charges are excessive
9. Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly available—excellent charging infrastructure
10. Consider airport vs. city pickup—city often cheaper, airport more convenient

Toll Roads and AutoPASS — Complete Guide

Understanding Norway’s Toll System

Norway has one of the world’s most extensive automatic toll collection systems. Understanding how it works prevents surprises on your credit card statement weeks after returning home.

How AutoPASS Works:

• Cameras photograph license plates at toll stations
• No stopping required—drive through at normal speed
• Tolls charged automatically to registered accounts
• Rental companies bill your credit card after your trip
• Processing can take 2-6 weeks after travel

AutoPASS Registration — 20% Discount

Registering for AutoPASS provides a 20% discount on all tolls—significant savings on a multi-week trip.

For Rental Cars:

• Most rental companies pre-register vehicles
• Tolls billed to your credit card with admin fee
• Check company policy when picking up car
• Some charge per toll (10-50 NOK per transaction)
• Others charge flat daily fee (30-50 NOK/day)

For Personal/Visiting Vehicles:

• Register at autopass.no before arrival
• Link credit card for automatic payment
• 20% discount applies immediately
• Essential for extended stays

Detailed Toll Cost Breakdown

Toll Type	Cost (NOK)	Notes
City ring (Oslo)	30-80	Time-based pricing
City ring (Bergen)	25-60	Lower than Oslo
Highway toll stations	20-50 each	Variable by road
Major tunnels	100-200	Longest tunnels highest
Bridge tolls	50-150	Varies by structure
Daily average (southern routes)	200-500	Depends on route
Northern Norway (Lofoten+)	FREE	No tolls north of Trondelag

Northern Norway — No Toll Roads

One of the best-kept secrets for budget road trips: Northern Norway from Lofoten and above has no toll roads whatsoever. This makes driving in Lofoten, Tromso, Senja, and the Arctic significantly cheaper than southern Norway.

City Toll Zones

Major cities charge tolls for entering:

City	Entry Cost	Peak Hours	Discount
Oslo	30-80 NOK	Rush hour higher	EVs reduced
Bergen	25-60 NOK	Rush hour higher	EVs reduced
Trondheim	20-40 NOK	Rush hour higher	EVs reduced
Stavanger	20-35 NOK	Standard rate	EVs reduced

Toll-Free Route Alternatives

For budget-conscious travelers, older roads running parallel to new toll highways are often toll-free:

From	To	Toll Route	Free Alternative
Oslo	Bergen	E16/E39	Rv7 via Hardangervidda (longer but scenic)
Bergen	Alesund	E39	Rv15/smaller roads
Stavanger	Bergen	E39	Rv13 (much longer)

Note: Free alternatives are typically slower and less direct but offer more scenic value.

Electric Vehicle Toll Discounts

Norway’s aggressive EV promotion extends to tolls:

• Typically 50% discount on toll roads
• Free or reduced city entry fees
• Free parking in many cities
• EV rental available from most companies

Ferries

Ferry Essentials

Many Norwegian roads require ferry crossings—they’re part of the national road network.

What to expect:

• Ferries run regularly (every 20-60 min)
• No booking needed for most routes
• Payment: Card, cash, or AutoPASS
• Duration: 10-60 minutes typically

Major Ferry Routes

Route	Duration	Frequency
Hella-Vangsnes (Sognefjord)	15 min	Every 30 min
Mannheller-Fodnes	15 min	Every 20 min
Lofoten connections	Various	Hourly+
E6 Arctic crossings	10-20 min	Frequent

Ferry Tips

1. Arrive 15 minutes early for popular routes
2. Check schedules: ferrycrossings.no or ruteinfo.no
3. Night ferries may have reduced schedules
4. Payment: Keep card ready, cash backup
5. Stretch your legs on longer crossings

Compare Car Rentals

Norway’s National Scenic Routes

Norway has designated 18 National Scenic Routes showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes.

Top Scenic Routes

Route	Length	Highlights
Trollstigen	106 km	Hairpin bends, waterfalls
Atlantic Road	8 km	Ocean bridges, islands
Hardanger	158 km	Fjords, waterfalls
Lofoten	166 km	Mountains, fishing villages
Senja	102 km	Arctic Norway, islands
Geiranger-Trollstigen	104 km	UNESCO fjord, mountain road

Scenic Route Features

• Viewpoints: Architecturally designed platforms
• Rest areas: Stylish and well-maintained
• Signposted: Brown signs with route symbol
• Free access: No special fees

Driving Scenic Routes

Tips:

• Allow extra time for stops
• Check seasonal closures
• Download offline maps
• Start early to avoid crowds
• Fill up gas where available

Mountain Road Driving

Seasonal Closures

Many mountain roads close in winter due to snow.

Typical closure periods:

• Trollstigen: Oct/Nov - May
• Aurlandsfjellet (Snow Road): Nov - May/June
• High mountain passes: Similar periods

Check: vegvesen.no/en/traffic-information/

Mountain Driving Tips

1. Use low gears on descents (saves brakes)
2. Pull into passing places for oncoming traffic
3. Sound horn before blind corners
4. Watch for sheep on open roads
5. Check brakes before long descents

Single-Lane Tunnels

Norway has many tunnels, some single-lane with passing places.

Rules:

• Vehicle entering first has right of way
• Pull into passing bays for approaching traffic
• Use headlights always
• Sound horn entering narrow tunnels

Winter Driving — Essential Information

Winter driving in Norway is challenging but manageable with proper preparation. Many travelers are surprised to find that Norwegian roads are generally well-maintained even in winter—but mountain passes and remote routes require respect.

Winter Driving Requirements 2025

Mandatory Requirements:

Requirement	Period	Details
Winter tires	November 1 - Easter	Minimum 3mm tread depth
Studded tires	October 15 - May 1	Allowed but taxed in cities
Chains	Variable	Required on some mountain roads
Headlights	Always	Dipped headlights mandatory 24/7

Studded Tire Taxes:

City	Daily Tax	Notes
Oslo	30 NOK/day	Environmental tax
Bergen	30 NOK/day	Environmental tax
Tromso	40 NOK/day	Higher rate

Rental Car Winter Equipment

Rental cars are automatically equipped with winter tires from November 1 through Easter. However, verify:

• Tires have adequate tread (minimum 3mm)
• Snow chains are included (mountain driving)
• Ice scraper and brush provided
• Car is suitable for your planned routes

Essential Winter Survival Kit

What to carry in winter:

Item	Purpose	Priority
Snow chains	Mountain pass driving	Essential
Ice scraper/brush	Window clearing	Essential
Warm blankets	Emergency warmth	Essential
Extra warm clothing	Emergency layers	Essential
Flashlight/headlamp	Darkness (limited daylight)	Essential
Charged phone	Emergency calls	Essential
Food and water	Emergency supplies	Recommended
Warning triangle	Required by law	Essential
First aid kit	Emergencies	Recommended

Winter Driving Techniques

1. Reduce speed significantly—conditions change faster than you expect
2. Increase following distance to 6-8 seconds (vs. normal 3 seconds)
3. Avoid sudden braking or steering—gradual inputs prevent skids
4. Use lower gears on descents—saves brakes, increases control
5. Plan routes carefully—check road conditions before departure
6. Start early—winter daylight is limited (as little as 0 hours in polar night)
7. Tell someone your plans—especially for remote routes

Road Condition Resources

Resource	Purpose	Access
vegvesen.no	Official road conditions	Website/app
yr.no	Weather forecasts	Website/app
175 (phone)	Road information service	Call
Rental company	Route-specific advice	Direct
Local knowledge	Current conditions	Ask at hotels

Winter Road Closures

Many mountain roads close completely in winter:

Road	Typical Closure	Notes
Trollstigen	October-May	Opens when snow clears
Aurlandsfjellet (Snow Road)	November-May	Elevation dependent
Dalsnibba	October-May	Geiranger viewpoint
Sognefjellsvegen	October-May	Highest paved road
Vikafjell	Variable	Weather dependent

Always check: vegvesen.no/en/traffic-information before planning mountain routes in winter.

Fuel and Charging — 2025 Prices

Gas Station Types

Staffed Stations:

• Full service with shop and often cafe
• Accept all payment methods
• Hours typically 7am-10pm (shorter on weekends)
• Higher prices than unmanned

Unmanned/Automatic Stations:

• Card-only payment (no cash)
• Often 1-2 NOK/liter cheaper
• 24/7 availability
• Need card PIN (chip + PIN system)
• Look for “automatisk” or “automat” signs

Fuel Prices 2025

Fuel Type	Price per Liter	Approximate per Gallon
Gasoline (bensin)	21-25 NOK	~$8.00 USD
Diesel	20-24 NOK	~$7.50 USD

Price varies by:

• Location (remote areas more expensive)
• Station type (unmanned cheaper)
• Brand (Circle K, Shell, Esso vary slightly)

Essential Fuel Tips

1. Fill up when you can—stations are sparse in rural fjord and mountain areas
2. Never let tank drop below 1/4—especially in remote regions
3. International cards work at most stations (Visa/Mastercard)
4. PIN required at unmanned stations—ensure you know your card PIN
5. Sunday/evening staffed stations often closed
6. Receipt from pump—unmanned stations dispense automatically

Fuel Station Chains

Chain	Coverage	Notes
Circle K	Nationwide	Common, reliable
Shell	Nationwide	Good shop selection
Esso	Urban areas	Often lower prices
YX	Rural/regional	Wide coverage
Uno-X	Unmanned only	Cheapest option

Electric Vehicles — Excellent Infrastructure

Norway leads the world in EV adoption, and infrastructure is excellent:

Charging Network:

• 20,000+ public charging points nationwide
• Fast chargers (DC) along all major routes
• Apps: Easee, Fortum Charge, Mer, Tesla network

EV Benefits in Norway:

• Toll discounts (typically 50% off)
• Free or reduced city parking
• Bus lane access in some areas
• Reduced ferry rates
• Lower fuel costs (charging vs. petrol)

EV Rental:

• Available from major rental companies
• Tesla, VW ID, Hyundai common
• Similar daily rates to petrol vehicles
• Pre-plan charging stops for long routes

Charging Time Consideration:

• DC fast charging: 30-60 minutes for 80%
• Plan lunch/coffee stops around charging
• Rural areas may have fewer options—plan ahead

Parking

City Parking

Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim:

• Expensive: NOK 40-80/hour
• Time limits: Often 2-3 hours
• Payment: Apps (EasyPark), meters, pay stations
• P-houses: More expensive but convenient

Rural Parking

• Often free or inexpensive
• Trailhead parking may have fees
• Respect “Private” signs
• Don’t block farm access

Parking Apps

• EasyPark: Most widely used
• Apcoa Flow: P-houses
• Download before arriving

Emergency Information

Emergency Numbers

Service	Number
Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)	112
Police (non-emergency)	02800
Road assistance	Rental company number
Road conditions	175

Breakdown Procedure

1. Move to safe location if possible
2. Turn on hazard lights
3. Place warning triangle
4. Call rental company assistance
5. Stay safe—wear reflective vest

Accident Procedure

1. Stop immediately
2. Help injured if possible
3. Call 112 if injuries
4. Exchange details with other driver
5. Document scene (photos)
6. Report to rental company

Planning Your Route

Route Planning Tools

• Google Maps: Good but check ferry times
• Maps.me: Offline maps
• vegvesen.no: Official, includes closures
• Rental GPS: Reliable but may lack updates

Driving Times

Route	Distance	Summer	Winter
Oslo → Bergen	460 km	7 hours	8+ hours
Bergen → Ålesund	330 km	5.5 hours	6-7 hours
Oslo → Trondheim	490 km	7 hours	8 hours
Tromsø → Lofoten	350 km	5 hours	6+ hours

Note: Times assume no major stops. Add ferry waits and scenic detours.

Daily Driving Recommendations

Summer: Maximum 4-5 hours actual driving (allow all day with stops) Winter: Maximum 3-4 hours (shorter daylight, slower roads)

Final Tips

Do’s

• Take your time—rushing ruins the experience
• Stop at scenic viewpoints
• Carry cash for small ferries
• Download offline maps
• Check conditions before mountain routes
• Book accommodation ahead in summer

Don’ts

• Don’t drink and drive (0.02% limit)
• Don’t speed (cameras everywhere)
• Don’t pass in tunnels
• Don’t underestimate distances
• Don’t skip winter tires
• Don’t ignore weather warnings

Road Trip Essentials Checklist

• Valid driver’s license
• Credit card for tolls/fuel
• Phone charger
• Offline maps downloaded
• Sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• Camera
• Patience (for sheep crossings!)

Road Trip Cost Calculator

Use this framework to estimate your driving costs:

Sample Week Road Trip Budget (Southern Norway)

Category	Daily Cost	Weekly Total
Car rental (mid-range)	2,500 NOK	17,500 NOK
Fuel (300km/day)	500-700 NOK	3,500-4,900 NOK
Tolls (southern routes)	200-500 NOK	1,400-3,500 NOK
Ferries (2-3 crossings)	150-300 NOK	1,000-2,100 NOK
Parking (cities)	100-300 NOK	700-2,100 NOK
TOTAL		24,100-30,100 NOK
USD Equivalent		$2,400-3,000

Sample Week Road Trip Budget (Northern Norway/Lofoten)

Category	Daily Cost	Weekly Total
Car rental	2,500 NOK	17,500 NOK
Fuel (300km/day)	500-700 NOK	3,500-4,900 NOK
Tolls	0 NOK	0 NOK
Ferries (Lofoten)	200-400 NOK	1,400-2,800 NOK
Parking	50-150 NOK	350-1,050 NOK
TOTAL		22,750-26,250 NOK
USD Equivalent		$2,275-2,625

Essential Apps for Norwegian Driving

App	Purpose	Essential For
Google Maps	Navigation, live traffic	All drivers
yr.no	Weather forecasts	Mountain routes
vegvesen.no	Road conditions, closures	Winter driving
EasyPark	City parking payment	Urban driving
Entur	Ferry schedules	Fjord routes
AutoPASS	Toll information	Budget planning
Fortum Charge/Mer	EV charging	Electric vehicles

Common Driving Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Underestimating Distances

The problem: Norway is much larger than it appears on maps—1,752 km from south to north The fix: Plan realistic daily driving (max 4-5 hours actual driving time)

Mistake 2: Not Booking Car Rental Early

The problem: Summer rentals sell out, prices triple The fix: Book 6-8 weeks ahead for June-August travel

Mistake 3: Ignoring Weather Forecasts

The problem: Mountain weather changes rapidly The fix: Check yr.no and vegvesen.no every morning before driving

Mistake 4: Speeding

The problem: Norway has extensive speed cameras; fines start at 750 NOK and escalate rapidly The fix: Respect limits (50/80/90-110 km/h), use cruise control

Mistake 5: Running Low on Fuel

The problem: Remote areas have few stations The fix: Fill up whenever below half tank in rural areas

Mistake 6: Not Allowing Ferry Time

The problem: Ferries add significant time to routes The fix: Build ferry waits into itinerary, arrive 15+ minutes early

Mistake 7: Winter Driving Without Preparation

The problem: Mountain roads are dangerous without proper equipment/skills The fix: Verify winter tires, carry chains, check road conditions

Final Thoughts

Driving in Norway rewards patience with unforgettable experiences. Yes, it can be expensive—tolls in southern Norway, fuel at 21-25 NOK/liter, and rental cars at high-season rates all add up. Yes, mountain roads and tunnels demand attention and respect.

But the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping at viewpoints whenever beauty demands, pulling over for a waterfall or a glimpse of a glacier—this makes a Norwegian road trip one of Europe’s great adventures. After 25 years of guiding visitors through Norway, I consistently find that those who drive experience a depth of connection to the landscape that other transport modes simply cannot match.

Take the scenic routes rather than the fastest highways. Allow more time than you think. Embrace the ferries as part of the journey—they’re floating viewpoints, not delays. Stop at the architecturally stunning rest areas along the National Scenic Routes. And remember that in Norway, the journey genuinely is the destination.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) maintains roads to excellent standards even in challenging conditions. Follow their guidance, respect the rules, and you’ll understand why Norwegians love their dramatic, winding roads through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.

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For official driving information, visit the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (vegvesen.no) and the Visit Norway Driving Guide. Exchange rate: 1 USD = 10.63 NOK (2025). Prices and regulations subject to change—verify current requirements before travel.