Getting Around Norway: Best Ways to Travel

If you’re wondering how to get around Norway while enjoying the views, trains are hard to beat. The rail network connects major cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger, often through landscapes that look like they belong on postcards.
Highlights include:

• The Oslo–Bergen line, crossing snowy plateaus and valleys.
• The Dovre line, running between Oslo and Trondheim with views of the Dovrefjell mountains.
• The famous Flåmsbana, one of the steepest and most scenic railway journeys in the world.

Trains are reliable, spacious, and eco-friendly, making them one of the most popular modes of Norway transportation.

When the railway lines stop, buses take over. Norway has an extensive bus network that reaches towns, villages, and regions where trains don’t run, making them essential for getting around Norway. Long-distance buses connect cities such as Oslo, Ålesund, and Kristiansund, often travelling along spectacular coastal and mountain roads. Regional buses link smaller communities, while local services make daily life easier in towns and villages.
Buses are also an affordable option compared to other modes of transport, and they allow travellers to see parts of the countryside often missed by train or car. Many bus stations are located right next to train stations, making transfers simple. For travellers who want to explore fjords, fishing villages, or mountain valleys without renting a car, buses can be the best way to travel in Norway.

Norway’s coastline is dotted with fjords and islands, so ferries are a vital part of getting around Norway. Many routes operate as public transport, carrying both passengers and vehicles across waterways. In summer, express boats and fjord cruises also link towns and provide travellers with stunning views from the water.
For longer coastal journeys, the famous ferry routes allow you to explore Norway’s rugged shoreline at a slower pace, blending transport with sightseeing. Travelling by boat offers not only a way to move from place to place, but also one of the most memorable ways to appreciate Norway’s maritime culture.

If you’re considering how to travel in Norway with complete independence, renting a car is a great choice. Driving lets you stop at scenic viewpoints, remote villages, and hiking trails that public transport may not reach. Roads are generally well maintained, though mountain passes and coastal routes can be narrow and winding. In winter, be prepared for snow and ice — seasonal driving skills are important.
Driving also gives you the chance to experience some of Norway’s most famous scenic roads, such as the Atlantic Ocean Road or Trollstigen, where hairpin bends and dramatic bridges offer unforgettable views. For travellers who value flexibility and spontaneity, a car can be the best way to travel in Norway.

Norway is a long country, stretching over 1,700 kilometres from south to north. To save time, domestic flights connect Oslo with cities such as Tromsø, Bodø, and Kirkenes. While flying is the quickest option, it lacks the scenic experience of travelling by train, bus, or car. Still, for travellers on a tight schedule, flights can be the best way to travel in Norway between far-apart regions.
Flights are particularly useful if you’re heading to the Arctic Circle or northern towns where distances are vast and other transport options require much more time. Many travellers combine flying north with slower overland journeys on the return, balancing speed with scenic variety.

Urban areas in Norway are very straightforward to navigate thanks to well-developed local transport networks. In Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger, Norway transportation includes trams, buses, ferries, and in some cases, metro lines. Tickets are usually valid across different types of transport for a set time period, so one ticket might cover a tram ride followed by a bus connection.
Modern apps make it easy to plan routes and buy tickets, while real-time updates at stations keep travellers informed. For shorter distances, cycling and walking are also popular thanks to safe, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. In major cities, public transport is reliable, punctual, and a sustainable choice for both locals and visitors — making it one of the simplest answers to how to get around Norway during your stay.