Are you flying to Norway? Chances are you'll land in Oslo. Here is everything you need to know to prepare yourself for a visit to Norway’s biggest and busiest airport.
While there are international flights to several airports in Norway, the vast majority of foreign visitors to Norway arrive to Oslo Airport (OSL). Like all airports, it's a hectic place and it can be confusing for newcomers.
If you’ve not been through Oslo Airport recently, you’re in for a surprise. There has been a major expansion, with even more planned in the years to come.
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Norway's largest airport
The airport, still referred to as its previous name Gardermoen by many locals and flight crew, is Norway’s largest, and it's getting bigger all the time.
Oslo Airport is owned and operated by state-run Avinor, which operates the vast majority of airports in Norway.
A major expansion began in 2009 and was finally completed in 2017. Its main feature is the new pier (gates C & D) built from curved laminated timber beams and cladded with oak, significantly expanding the number of gates available for both domestic and international departures, along with retail space.
The expansion isn't over yet
By 2022, the capacity will be increased yet further, with a special focus on non-Schengen routes.
Oslo has been attracting more and more international routes to and from non-Schengen countries, and the area at the airport beyond passport control is simply too small to cope with many more.
Qatar Airways and Emirates are among the airlines that have already expanded. Once the expansion is complete, more routes to the USA and new direct routes to China seem likely, although bosses remain tight-lipped.
Already underway, the work is planned for a summer 2022 completion at a total cost is NOK 3.3 billion, which at the time of writing is around $402 million US Dollars. Wowsers.
Where is Oslo Airport?
OSL is located 22 miles / 35km to the north-east of the city in the Gardermoen area of Ullensaker municipality in Akershus county. It features two parallel runways and a single terminal.
Up until 1998, the city's main airport was actually much closer to the city in Fornebu, which is now a business park home to Statoil, Telenor, Aker Solutions and many other major companies.
Find the best rates on car rental at Oslo Airport
Gardermoen was no stranger to air traffic though, having been home to a military airport for the Norwegian Army since the 1940s. With demand exceeding capacity at Fornebu, charter traffic moved to Gardermoen and after much debate, the somewhat controversial decision was made to build a brand new airport at Gardermoen.
Who flies to Oslo?
The Norwegian capital is a main hub for domestic and international flights for SAS and Norwegian. It’s also an important hub for regional airline Widerøe, which operates direct flights to many smaller airports.
Most European carriers operate flights to/from OSL including Air France, British Airways, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines.
Read More: Where You Can Fly From Oslo
In addition to SAS and Norwegian, long-haul operators include Air Canada, Delta, Ethiopian Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, and United.
Getting from Oslo Airport to the city
Public transport is a priority for Avinor bosses, so much so that Oslo Airport has one of the highest percentage of travellers arriving by public transport anywhere in the world.
The most heavily advertised option, which also happens to be the most expensive, is the airport express train, known in Norwegian as flytoget.
These trains are quiet, quick and regular, leaving the airport every 10-15 minutes and arriving in the city (Oslo S and Nationaltheatret are the main stations) in around 20 minutes. But a single ticket costs 190kr, and there is no discount for a return trip.
The regular railway (NSB) also runs from the airport to the city albeit with slightly less frequency, usually 2-3 times per hour.
However, the trains are much cheaper and take a similar time, usually 20-25 minutes. They are less suited to people travelling with a lot of luggage and can be very busy during rush hour with commuters, so bear this in mind when making your choice.
You can buy a ticket for either train at the airport. The flytoget ticket machines are silver and orange, while the NSB machines are red.
There is also an airport express bus service but this tends to take at least 45 minutes to reach the bus station in central Oslo.
Find the best rates on car rental at Oslo Airport
Taxis are best avoided given the high cost. That said, they could be worth considering if there are three or more of you with luggage and/or your final destination is not in the centre of Oslo.
Car rental desks are also available for the major European chains, situated together in the domestic arrivals hall. The cars themselves are within a fairly short walk of the terminal building.
Check-in and security
Most Norwegians check-in online or via the apps provided by SAS and Norwegian. Many other airlines operating at Oslo will offer online check-in, and its by far the easiest option.
If you can't, or would rather do it at the airport, the departures section of the airport is easy to navigate. Just bear in mind that some budget airlines may charge you for the privilege.
The spacious check-in area is packed with many automated machines that are simple to use. You can check-in, choose seats, print baggage labels, update your frequent flyer details and more for SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe, and many other airlines.
If you have checked bags, attach the labels and use a barcode scanner at a “Bag Drop” desk. There are desks with people on hand to help you if you’re stuck.
There are two security areas and although one is closer to the Norwegian check-in area and one closer to the SAS area, all passengers are free to use either. That said, those with access to the fast track security lanes will need to head to the appropriate area: Norwegian to the left and SAS / Star Alliance passengers to the right.
Typically the queue for security tends to take 5-10 minutes, although you should allow more time during the morning or early afternoon rush.
Domestic departures
Whichever security area you use, you will enter the domestic departure area. If you have an international ticket, it’s best to head straight through to the international terminal by turning right once you are through security.
During the revamp in 2017, Oslo Airport’s gate numbers were overhauled. They are now listed with a letter and a number, for example gate C4. The letter indicates the zone of the terminal. In the domestic area (gates A-C), all zones are clearly marked on the signage.
Food options have been overhauled following the recent expansion. Some of the best in the domestic terminal include:
- Bølgen og Moi Food Garage
- Fiskebaren (seafood)
- Jamie's Deli
- Norgesglasset (bar)
- TGI Friday's (upstairs above security)
- Two Tigers (sushi and noodles)
International departures
The international terminal is split between routes within the Schengen area (gates D & E) and outside the Schengen area (gate F). To reach the non-Schengen area you will need to pass through passport control.
There aren’t a great deal of shopping or eating options beyond passport control, so most passengers prefer to stay in the main international terminal. Just be sure to keep an eye on the length of the queue at passport control!
The main international terminal has benefited hugely from the recent expansion, with many good options for eating, drinking, or shopping while you wait for your flight. The most notable difference is the Duty Free store, which is several times bigger than the previous one.
Other shopping opportunities include:
- Tanum (books)
- Ting (Scandinavian design)
- Way Nor (Norwegian souvenirs)
- Æra (fashion)
Some good choices for food and drinks include:
- BIT (coffee and light snacks)
- Fjøla (Norwegian bistro)
- Haven (organic soups, salads, juices and smoothies)
- Havsalt (seafood bar)
- Jamie's Italian
- O'Leary's (sports bar with pub food)
Seats in the general terminal area are still somewhat at a premium, so it's worth seeking out a gate without a departing flight if you want some peace and quiet.
Airline lounges at Oslo Airport
The best lounges at OSL are run by Scandinavian Airlines for passengers of SAS and its Star Alliance partner airlines. Generally speaking, if you're travelling on a SAS Plus ticket or have Star Alliance Gold status or better, you'll be entitled entry along with a guest.
Precise rules vary especially if you're travelling on partner airlines, so do check in advance if you're unsure to avoid disappointment. The lounges can be busy at any time of day, but the domestic lounge is at its busiest during the mid-afternoon to early-evening rush.
In the domestic terminal, the newly-built SAS lounge has a buffet of cold food and usually a hot option such as a soup, a barista serving coffee-based drinks, beer and wines, a quiet area to focus on work, and even a gym (at an additional cost).
In the international terminal, the SAS lounge offers a similar level of facilities. There is also a Gold lounge (same entrance) which is restricted to Gold card holders (and above). Close by, the OSL Lounge is used by all non-Star Alliance airlines including premium passengers of Norwegian.
Transferring flights at Oslo Airport
If you're arriving on a domestic flight and transferring on to another domestic or international flight, things are straightforward.
Upon disembarking the plane, simply follow the signs for transfer and you will be led down into the domestic terminal. If you have an international flight, you do the same and simply walk through to the international terminal.
If you are arriving on an international flight and are connecting on to a domestic flight, things are more complex especially when you have checked baggage.
Up until recently, and even now for many international arrivals, you have to collect your baggage and clear customs as if you are arriving in Oslo. Once done, you go up to the departures level to re-check your bags and then clear security with all the other passengers. This is time-consuming, frustrating, and confusing.
Thankfully there is a new expedited process that has approved things greatly, but it’s not available for everyone.
For passengers arriving on SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe services from within Scandinavia and some of Europe, you can use the new transfer procedure. You will be notified on board if this new procedure does not apply to you.
If you don't have checked baggage, you simply follow the signs to the new domestic transfer point within the international terminal, scan your boarding pass and walk through past a customs check (rarely used) into the domestic terminal.
If you do have checked bags, you have to wait at the same transfer point until your flight appears on the screen, at which point your baggage has been processed and you can scan your boarding pass to proceed. If there are any issues with your baggage, you will be directed into the customs area.
Read More: Baggage Transfers at Oslo Airport
Note if you are using the new domestic transfer process you must do your duty free shopping before passing through, as once you are through the gates you walk straight into the domestic terminal.
Oslo Airport hotels
Do you have an early departure or very late arrival? Although it's easy to get to/from the city centre at most times of day, it could be more convenient to stay by the airport itself especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage.
Although many hotels give themselves the proud name ‘Oslo Airport', only two hotels are within walking distance of the terminal: The Radisson Blu and the Park Inn.
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Although the other accommodations branded as ‘airport hotels' are often very cheap, all hotels except the two mentioned above are outside the airport area and require you to use an expensive shuttle bus to reach them, or an even more expensive taxi. Bear this in mind when comparing options.
A brand new neighbourhood
Could you live by an airport? How about in a city free of cars? Soon you can! Outline planning permission has been granted for a new sustainable city from scratch next to its busiest international airport.
The bold plans for the 260-acre site includes about 11 million square feet of new buildings, but the environment is front-and-centre of everything. Residents of the new city will have the use of electric-powered driverless cars, for example.
The new city is designed to be powered entirely by self-generated renewable energy, and once fully utilised should even be capable of generating an excess.
This spare energy would then be sold to other cities in the region, or possibly used at the airport to, for example, power the de-icing procedure of planes during the harsh winter months.
Do you have any questions about Oslo Airport that haven't been answered on this page? Let us know! In the meantime, if you found this article useful, why not share it on Pinterest? We've got just the pin for you. Just hit those social sharing buttons.
We are concerned about an upcoming visit, flying from MSP to EWR and on through Oslo to Malaga. We have a 40 minute layover in Oslo and do not know if we have to go through customs or can simply get off our first SAS flight and board the second SAS flight to Malaga. We are US citizens and I bought the flights together under one reservation number. Do you know the answer to this? SAS told us not to worry, but my son is convinced that we have to go through customs in Oslo.
Just follow signs for “transfer”, you don’t need to collect bags.
I am an American arriving on British Airways, in business class, in Oslo at 4:40pm and want to buy a ticket on Norwegian Air to Trondheim for the same night. I will have checked bags. Do you think I would be safe to buy a 7pm ticket to Trondheim or should I buy a later one? Thank you very much!
I WILL FLY from Rome to Oslo and then from Oslo to Harvstad/Narvik (both with Norwegian). But I have only 1 hour and 5 minutes. I have to time to change the flight? Thank you
I am arriving on an SAS flight from London at 10:15 AM and departing on another SAS flight to Newark NJ which leaves at 11:10 AM and am concerned about the 55 minute quick turnaround. I’m told I have to go through passport control. I assume that process is dependent on wait time and length of the line. Any suggestions to help ensure I make the connection?
Just wondered if you know if public transport runs on new years day to the airport as all the online schedules don’t go up to that date yet but I don’t want to be stuck not being able to get to the airport or having to get an expensive taxi??
Hello, i am flying Norwegian from JFK (New York) to Hamburg with transfer in Oslo. I want to buy bottle of duty free whisky at JFK for my friends. Will i have problems with that during the transfer in Oslo airport?
HI, still hope somebody with experience could advise. Thank you in advance
Hi we are British citizens flying from malaga to Oslo then transferring flights to Manchester. The layover is 8 and half hours. Will we need to collect our luggage and are we allowed to leave the airport and look around oslo? Thank you in advance.
Luggage is transferred on international connections as long as it’s tagged through.
Hi David! I’m travelling from Trondheim to Oslo Lufthavn. Is this airport Oslo Lufthavn? If so, how easy is to move from the train station to the departures section? thanks!
The train station is inside the terminal building
We have booked travel from Bergen to Oslo to US. Flight from Bergen arrives in Oslo at 10:10 and flies out of Oslo at 11:00. Is that sufficient time? Do we have to collect our bags? Or will they be checked through? Do we have to go through passport control, or is that done in Bergen?
Am assuming airlines that book these times know what they are doing, but that seems a short span of time to depart Oslo after arriving. Travel in in January 2020
It is short but as long as you are flying with the same airline on both flights (SAS-SAS or Norwegian-Norwegian) you use the “domestic transfer” process, which transfers your luggage automatically, and you walk straight through to domestic departures.
50 minutes is a very short connection to/from a long haul flight. It is doable, but I would not have booked anything below 90 minutes myself. If you have booked this on a through ticket, then the connection is “legal” and the airline will make sure you get to your destination if you are misconnected, but I would absolutely take an earlier flight from Bergen to reduce the risk of having to go through that hassle. Since you are flying domestic -> international, you do not have to collect your bags provided they are checked through, they will be transfered for you. Passport control is of course done in Oslo, as that is where you will be leaving Norway and the Schengen area. The waiting time at passport control can be anywhere between 0 and 20 minutes. With most long haul flights closing the gate 20 minutes prior to departure, and you having to get from your domestic flight, through passport control, to your departure gate, you can see that 50 minutes is cutting it thin for you, not to mention your baggage. Also, you’re flying in January, and who knows what the winter weather will do to the punctuality of your flights. You could certainly make your connection, and probably will if you are efficient, but I’d get an earlier flight from Bergen if I could.
How long before I should arrive ? I fly from tap Portugal to Lisbon today.
Hi! I’m flying from Orlando to Oslo on one ticket and then Oslo to London on a separate ticket. I’m not checking any luggage. Do I need to go through passport control? I land at 9 am in Oslo, so I’m trying to figure out if I could make it to a 10:30 am flight. Any help would be much appreciated!
Dear David,
Hi! I’m flying from London Gatwick to Oslo which transfers better if you have big luggage to get the Express train ( I heard about not really safe for tourist) or a taxi? People say about too expensive to use a taxi. The address is where I’m going close to Skoyen Station.
The airport train (flytoget) and the regular Vy train both go from the airport to Skøyen. The regular train is cheaper, but both trains are substantially cheaper than a taxi.