Find low car rental prices in Oslo, Norway with Road Genius. Compare live rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Search deals from major brands at Oslo Airport (OSL), Oslo city center and Sandefjord (TRF) and choose the pickup location that fits your trip. Pick from automatic, AWD and electric options suited to Norwegian roads, with winter tires fitted in season.
Oslo offers several options for renting a car, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages:
Location Type | Pros | Cons |
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Oslo Airport (OSL) |
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Oslo City Center |
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Sandefjord Airport (TRF) |
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Major rental companies have offices near Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) and at locations like Majorstuen. City pickups are ideal if you're spending time in Oslo before traveling elsewhere in Norway.
To reach the city center from the airport, you can take the train. The VY regular train costs about half as much as the Flytoget express train.
The city center is difficult to drive in, as it has limited parking and several pedestrian-only zones. It is often best to use public transport while in Oslo and collect your rental car when you leave the city.
On average, car rentals in Oslo cost around 1,236 kr per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 327 kr per day.
Compare pickup spots: Prices at Oslo Airport (OSL) are often higher. City-center pickups can be cheaper even after the train fare. Take the VY train from OSL to Oslo S to save vs Flytoget, and check office hours as many close by 17:00 and Sundays can be limited.
Rent only when leaving Oslo: Use public transport while in the city, then pick up the car the day you head out. Parking can run 300+ NOK per day in garages, so this can cut costs fast.
Time your booking smartly: For June–August and holiday periods, book early. In off-peak (Oct–Mar), monitor prices and re-check closer to pickup in case rates drop.
Pick the right car: Compact cars are cheaper to run and easier to park. EVs get reduced Oslo tolls, handy if you’ll drive in the toll ring. Automatics are limited, so compare and reserve early if needed.
Watch the add-ons: Look for unlimited km and weekly rates for 5+ days. Extra drivers usually cost 30–50 NOK/day. Use your phone for GPS instead of renting one, and compare child-seat pricing.
Plan for local costs: Oslo tolls vary by time of day, so avoid peak hours if you can. Routes like Oslo–Bergen have 300–500 NOK in tolls. Same-location returns are usually cheaper than one-way. Refuel before return to avoid higher supplier rates.
Oslo has reduced street spots in recent years to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. Options include:
Parking Type | Locations | Rates & Notes |
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Parking Garages (P-hus) |
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Street Spots |
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Park & Ride |
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Payment Methods: Most spots use digital payment via app (EasyPark is common) or credit card at meters. Some still accept coins but this is becoming less common.
Enforcement: Regulations are strictly enforced, and you'll get fines. Illegally positioned vehicles may be towed at additional cost.
Oslo Toll Ring: Oslo has a toll ring system using automatic cameras that record your license plate. Charges vary:
Temporary Diesel Bans: During severe winter pollution, Oslo occasionally implements temporary diesel vehicle bans. These are rare but can affect driving privileges.
Bus Lanes: Marked as "BUSS" - regular vehicles cannot use these lanes during operating hours. Some may allow taxis and electric vehicles.
Low Emission Zone: Oslo doesn't have a permanent low-emission zone but uses differentiated toll pricing to encourage cleaner vehicles.
Winter Tire Requirements: Winter tires are mandatory during winter conditions. All rental cars will have appropriate tires for the season.
Studded Tire Fee: Vehicles fitted with studded tires must pay a daily fee to drive in Oslo during winter months.
Get a rental car so you can see:
Oslofjord coast - Drøbak, Moss, Son
Østfold coast - Fredrikstad, Hvaler Islands
Lillehammer - Lake Mjøsa, Maihaugen
Sognefjord - Flåm Railway
Bergen via Hardangervidda - Vøringsfossen, Hardanger Bridge
Telemark - Notodden, Dalen, Skien
Is it necessary to rent a car in Oslo if I'm only exploring the city? No, you don't need one and it's often not practical. Oslo has excellent public transport (metro, trams and buses) and the central areas are small and easy to walk around. A car is most useful when you want to explore beyond the city.
How much should I budget for toll charges when driving from Oslo to Bergen? The drive from Oslo to Bergen has several toll sections. You should plan to pay about 300-500 NOK in total for a one-way trip. The exact amount will depend on the route you take and your type of car.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Oslo? You'll need a valid driver's license, a passport and a credit card in your name. We recommend you get an International Driving Permit if your license is from outside the EU. Most rental companies require you to be at least 19. If you are under 25, they may charge you a young driver fee.
Can I drive from Oslo to neighboring countries? Yes, most rental companies let you drive to Sweden, Finland and Denmark for no extra cost. Crossing the borders is easy because these are all Schengen countries, so they have very few checks.
How difficult is winter driving in Oslo for tourists? In winter, the city keeps Oslo's main roads in good condition. They clear snow and salt them quickly. However, driving can be hard if you don't have experience in winter conditions. You should think about getting an AWD vehicle and give yourself extra travel time during winter.
Is it easier to return my rental to the airport or city when leaving Oslo? Returning your car to the airport is easy. You will find clear signs that direct you to the car rental return areas. If your flight is during rush hour, make sure you leave extra time to get to the airport. The drive can take 60-90 minutes from central Oslo at busy times.