How to get to Norway

Getting to Norway is an integral part of the journey to experiencing this nation’s fjords, cities, and natural landscapes. Here’s our guide on how to get to Norway, with tips from our local travel experts.

How to get to Norway

Flying is the most common and efficient way to get to Norway, especially if you're travelling from a long distance or internationally. There are regular direct flights to major cities in Norway such as Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger from various European destinations and some cities in the United States.

If you're interested in exploring other parts of Scandinavia or Europe along the way, you might like to travel with a vehicle.

Where to fly into Norway?

When you're planning your trip to Norway, you'll have a few international airports to choose from. The main ones are Oslo Airport (OSL), Bergen Airport (BGO), and Stavanger Airport (SVG). Oslo Airport is the biggest and busiest, with tons of international flights coming in from all over the world. Some major airlines that fly to Norway are:

• Norwegian Air
• Scandinavian Airlines
• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Air France

The cheapest time to fly to Norway typically falls during the off-peak season, which is generally during the winter months, particularly from November to March. For a more in-depth look, see our guide to the best time to go to Norway.

How to get to Norway from the US?

If you're flying from the US to Norway, you'll usually need to catch a connecting flight, with Oslo Airport being the most common destination. Major airlines like Norwegian Air, SAS, and United Airlines have both direct and indirect flights to Oslo from various US cities. The flight time varies depending on the route and any layovers. 

• A direct flight from New York to Oslo takes about 8-9 hours, a flight from Los Angeles will take around 10-11 hours.
• You can expect to pay around $500 to $800 for a round-trip ticket.

How to get to Norway from the UK?

You’ll find there are plenty of direct flights available when flying to Norway from the UK. You can hop on a plane with Norwegian Air, British Airways, or Ryanair from major airports like London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh. These flights will take you to cities like Oslo, Bergen, and more. 

• A direct flight from London to Oslo is just about 2 hours.
• Typically you’ll pay between £50 and £150 for a one-way ticket, depending on the airline and when you book.

Driving to Norway from the UK

If you're up for a road trip adventure, driving from the UK to Norway is fun way to travel. Start by taking the Eurotunnel or a ferry crossing to mainland Europe. From there, you can drive through Denmark and enter Norway via the Svinesund Bridge, or take a ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand. 

The whole journey from London to Oslo is around 1,200 miles (1,930 km) and can take about 24-30 hours, including ferry crossings and rest stops.

Travel to Norway from the UK by train

While there are no direct trains from the UK or Ireland to Norway, you can still make the journey by rail if you prefer to avoid flying. First, take the Eurostar from London to Brussels or Paris. 

From there, connect to high-speed trains heading to cities like Copenhagen or Stockholm. Once you reach one of these cities, you can continue your trip to Norway by ferry. Keep in mind, though, that this option is likely to cost more than flying.

How to get to Norway from Canada

If you're travelling from Canada, getting to Norway usually involves a connecting flight through major European hubs like London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt. Airlines such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, and KLM offer convenient routes to Oslo and other Norwegian cities. 

• A typical flight from Toronto to Oslo takes about 10-12 hours with layovers and a flight from Vancouver will take around 12-13 hours. 
• You can expect costs around CAD 800-1200 for a round-trip ticket, depending on the season and airline.

How to get to Norway from Europe

If you live in Europe, or are taking a larger, multi-country trip, you’ll find you can easily access Norway.

• From West Europe: Countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands have direct flights to Norway, as well as efficient train and ferry connections.
• From East Europe: If you’re coming from an Eastern European country, you may find direct flights to Norway or opt for train journeys via Sweden or Finland.
• From Southern Europe: Spain, Italy, and Greece have indirect flights to Norway, with layovers in major European cities.

How to get to Norway from Australia

For travellers from Australia, reaching Norway usually means catching a connecting flight through major European hubs like London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. Airlines like Qantas, Emirates, and British Airways fly from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. 

• Flight times vary but generally range from 25 to 35 hours, including layovers. Round-trip fares typically start from AUD 1,500 and can go up to AUD 3,000 or more.

How to get to Norway from New Zealand

Those coming from New Zealand can connect to Norway through Australia, Asia, or the Middle East, with transit points in places like Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong. Airlines such as Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways offer routes from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

•  Total travel time from New Zealand to Norway is generally between 25 to 40 hours, including layovers. 
• Round-trip ticket prices typically range from NZD 2,000 to NZD 4,000.

Do you need a visa?

Norway is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Norway visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for tourism, business, or family visits.