A road trip through Norway is no ordinary drive – it’s a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery.Whether you're visiting cities, countryside, or coast, here's what you need to know about travelling by car.
Getting around by car
Norway is the longest country in Europe, and travel distances can be long – it takes about 30 hours to drive from Kristiansand in the south to Hammerfest in the north!
Traffic is generally light outside urban rush hours. Norway's main motorways (marked with “E”, like the E39) connect regions and connect Norway to neighbouring countries. Note that many rural roads are narrow and winding, with passing pockets for oncoming traffic.
Modern motorways (80–110 km per hour speed limits: make sure to check!) link cities like Oslo, Trondheim and Stavanger, but most rural roads are single-lane with speed limits of 60–80 km per hour.
Driving in Norway is a beautiful experience. So far, there are as many as eighteen Norwegian Scenic Routes, offering breathtaking nature, architecture, and viewpoints (not to mention the world's most stunning toilets!).
Discover Norway by road
Car hire
You can hire a car in most cities and towns in Norway, as well as at airports around the country. You can book your car through a car rental company online, in person at car rental offices, or through a travel agent. We strongly recommend that you book in advance, especially during the summer season.
AD: Check rates and availability at Auto Europe. At Rent-A-Wreck, you can find great car deals at reasonable prices. Why not spend the night on the road in a van from Arctic Campers? It has vans for all seasons.
Alcohol
Driving and drinking do not mix, especially not in Norway. The law is very strict, and penalties for driving under the influence are severe. The legal limit is 0.02% BAC and applies to the driver of any motorised vehicle. In Norway, medication that must not be taken if you intend to drive is marked with a red triangle warning label.
Mobile phones
The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Using a phone while driving can land you in a lot of trouble and lead to an expensive fine (!) – even if you don’t have an accident.
Easy on the brakes
Brakes may overheat on long downhill stretches. To avoid this, drive in a low gear. Any braking you do will then require less force and your brakes will stay cool. When driving uphill, watch the car’s temperature gauge to avoid engine overheating.
Go electric!
Norway is investing massively in EV infrastructure and incentives. With more than 17,000 charging stations and 3,300 rapid chargers spread across the country, there is no need for 'range anxiety'! Hotels increasingly offer electric charging, sometimes for free.
You need to have Norwegian registration plates for an EV or plug-in to use parking spaces and other special facilities reserved for such vehicles. For the latest rules, check the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association.
The easiest way to find a charging point is on ladestasjoner.no's map. To make sure you have access to charging stations, register with the major providers in advance – usually through an app on your phone.
Accidents and assistance
In case of a breakdown or accident, all vehicles must have at least one high-visibility vest, a warning triangle, and third-party insurance.
Emergency telephones can be found on mountain stretches and in tunnels. For 24-hour salvage or technical assistance, three of the largest roadside assistance companies in Norway are:
NAF: (+47) 23 21 31 00
Falck: (+47) 02 222
Viking: (+47) 06 000
Lights on at all times
Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times, even in the middle of the brightest summer day. This includes mopeds and motorcycles. If your car is a right-hand drive, you must use black triangles on your headlights to avoid blinding other drivers.
Mountain passes
Note that weather conditions can cause mountain passes to close, especially during heavy snow and strong winds. Some of the higher mountain passes can experience snowfall and frost, even when there are summer conditions in the lowlands, particularly in April/May and September/October.
You can find information about closures on the Norwegian Roads Administration's website. The information is in Norwegian only, but its interactive map will help you. Here, you will also see any roadworks and ferry times.
Pedestrians and cyclists on the road
Norway's traffic culture puts pedestrians and cyclist first. Pedestrians who want to cross the street will expect you to slow down or stop at zebra crossings, where they have right of way, and cyclists may not always follow traffic regulations. Please show consideration for all road users when driving.
Petrol stations
Fuel prices are high due to global supply issues and environmental policies. Prices may vary from place to place. The distance between petrol stations can be great in the mountains and other remote areas, especially in Northern Norway.
Road tolls
There are many toll stations in Norway, almost all of which are automatic. All drivers, regardless of nationality, must pay Norwegian road tolls.
Seat belts and car seats
Seat belts are compulsory for both driver and passengers. Children under 36 kilograms or 135 centimetres in height must use a car seat.
Speed limits
In general, the Norwegian speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour on motorways, except for in built-up areas or town centres, where it is 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise stated. It can be as low as 30 kilometres per hour in residential areas, and as high as 110 kilometres per hour on certain dual carriageways and motorways. Of course, certain conditions may warrant driving at much lower speeds, for instance in low visibility or on slippery roads.
Heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes) and vehicles towing caravans or trailers may not exceed 80 kilometres per hour, regardless of the local limit. Mobile homes under 7.5 tonnes are exempt from this rule and can follow the same speed limits as other cars. If a caravan or trailer is not equipped with brakes, the maximum speed is 60 kilometres per hour.
Driving licence
If you want to drive in Norway and have a driving licence issued in an EU/EEA country, you can use it in Norway for as long as it is valid. Driving licences from most countries outside the EU/EEA can be used in Norway for up to three months.
When hiring a car in Norway, you may need to have held the licence for at least one year.
Tyre treads
Studded tyres are permitted from 1 November until the first Sunday after Easter Sunday. In Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark, studded tyres are permitted from 15 October to 1 May. Studded tyres may also be used outside these periods if the weather and road surface conditions make it necessary.
If studded tyres are fitted to a car weighing under 3.5 tonnes, they must be fitted to all four wheels. Vehicles with a permitted total weight of 3.5 tonnes or more must carry snow chains if ice or snow is expected. These snow chains must fit the vehicle’s wheels. Snow chains can be bought at reasonable prices.
Many cities charge a fee for driving in the city centre with studded tyres, in order to limit pollution. NOTE: make sure your tyres (both summer and winter) have sufficient tread depth to avoid fines.
Car ferries
Are you taking a ferry on your holiday in Norway? Most ferry journeys in Norway are paid through AutoPASS, the automated system for collection of road and ferry tolls.
Don't want a prepayment agreement? With FerryPay you can pay automatically with a credit or debit card, per ferry journey.
Several ferry routes in Norway are now also free of charge. See the full list of free ferry connections here.
Be aware that there may be queues in the summer months. For the most popular ferries, it is recommended to book in advance. This includes the Geiranger–Hellesylt and Lauvvik–Lysebotn connections in Fjord Norway and Bognes-Lødingen and Bodø-Moskenes in Northern Norway in particular.
Some ferry routes are essential lifelines for local communities. Please be considerate and allow space for residents who depend on the ferry in their daily lives – especially during busy travel periods.
Travel times
Approximate times based on the shortest route on major routes:
Oslo-Trondheim (Østerdalen route: 6 hrs 25 mins, Gudbrandsdalen route: 6 hrs 45 mins)
Oslo-Bergen (7 hrs)
Oslo-Kristiansand (3 hrs 45 mins)
Oslo-Stavanger (7 hrs)
Oslo-Nordkapp (25 hrs)
Stavanger-Bergen (4 hrs 50 mins)
Bergen-Ålesund (7 hrs 30 mins)
Ålesund-Trondheim (5 hrs 40 mins)
Trondheim-Bodø (9 hrs 30 mins + 4 hrs by ferry to Lofoten)
Trondheim-Bodø via Kystriksveien (You can drive the Coastal Road Kystriksveien in a day or two, but we do not recommend this. If you are on holiday, you should have at least 5-7 days to stop and explore the area).
Trondheim-Tromsø (16 hrs 20 min)
Bodø-Tromsø (8 hrs 15 min)
Tromsø-Nordkapp (9 hrs)
Tromsø-Kirkenes (10 hrs 15 min)
Use the NAF travel planner to check travel times to your destination (n Norwegian only, but their interactive map will help you). You can also use Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Explore the most beautiful drives in Norway! Find out what to experience along the routes, including lesser-known gems, accommodation, and wonderful detours.
Take a detour
Exit the motorway and explore the scenery, enjoy the attractions, and sample tasty food.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
