Renting a Car at Oslo Airport
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) serves Norway's compact, prosperous capital and is the starting point for some of Europe's most dramatic road trips — the fjords of western Norway, the Flåm Railway valley, and the Atlantic Ocean Road. Norway is expensive, but the scenery is extraordinary.
Prices from €35/day — Norway's cost of living is reflected in rental rates. Norwegian roads are generally excellent but can be narrow in fjord areas, with very long tunnels (the Lærdal Tunnel is 24.5 km — the world's longest road tunnel). BAC limit is 0.02%.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at OSL?
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.
How to Pick Up Your Car at Oslo Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
- Passport or national identity card.
- Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
- Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.
Young Driver Rules at Oslo Airport
Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.
Tips for Renting at OSL
- Norwegian toll roads are ubiquitous — managed electronically via AutoPASS. Rental cars usually have a transponder; you'll be charged automatically. Expect €5–€20 on major routes.
- Fjord area roads can be single-lane with passing places — reduce speed significantly on mountain and fjord roads.
- The Laerdal Tunnel (24.5 km) is the longest in the world — it has lit resting areas inside to reduce claustrophobia.
- Fuel in Norway is the most expensive in Europe — a full tank can cost €120+.
Ready to Book Your Oslo Airport Car Hire?
Compare prices from DiscoverCars, AutoEurope, RentalCars and more. Find the best deal for your dates in under 60 seconds.
Compare Prices at OSLGetting from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Oslo Airport to Oslo city centre takes approximately 45 min (50 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.
Driving in Norway
Norway uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.02%. Many toll roads — AutoPASS transponder often included. Very low BAC. Tunnels are very long in fjord areas. Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Bergen (via Flåm) — 500 km, 6 hr. Norway's most scenic drive — take the E16 to Flåm, the Flåmsbana train, the Nærøyfjord ferry, then on to Bergen. Best done over 2 days.
- Lillehammer — 185 km, 2 hr. 1994 Winter Olympics host city — excellent ski museum, Bob & Luge track, and Maihaugen open-air museum.
- Heddal Stave Church — 170 km, 2 hr. Norway's largest and most impressive stave church — 800 years old, in the Telemark valley.
- Bryggen, Bergen — 460 km, 5 hr. Drive the E16 west then south to Bergen's UNESCO Hanseatic wharf — one of Norway's defining sights.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.