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Oslo Layover Guide (OSL)

What are you looking for in OSL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Oslo Airport (OSL) is an international airport located in Gardermoen, Norway. It’s situated about 47 km (29 miles) from downtown Oslo. The airport officially opened in 1998, replacing the former main airport at Fornebu. Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, known for its high quality of life and stunning natural surroundings. The city offers rich cultural experiences, vibrant urban life, and easy access to outdoor adventures year-round.

Can you leave Oslo Airport (OSL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Oslo Gardermoen Airport on your layover if you hold a valid Schengen visa or are from a visa-exempt country. Nationals of designated countries must remain airside with an Airport Transit Visa. Re-checking luggage may require border control and a visa. Verify your status before upcoming international travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Norwegian Folk Museum Discover Norway’s cultural heritage at an expansive open-air museum featuring over 150 diverse historic buildings, exhibitions on Sami culture, and engaging activities illustrating traditional crafts and living practices across centuries. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Flytoget train to Oslo Central (20 min) then bus 30 to Bygdøy (20 min))
• Vigeland Sculpture Park Wander through the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist, admiring over 200 iconic bronze and dramatic granite figures by Gustav Vigeland set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Oslo S (20 min) then tram 12 to Frogner (10 min))
• Oslo Opera House Marvel at the striking modern architecture of the waterfront Opera House, climb its angled roof for panoramic city and fjord views, and explore immersive interactive multimedia exhibitions showcasing behind-the-scenes insights. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Nationaltheatret (20 min) then walk 10 min)
• Akershus Fortress Step back into medieval times at Akershus Castle, wandering ramparts, courtyards, and ancient halls while enjoying scenic harbor views and learning about Norway’s military history through educational interactive guided tours. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Oslo S (20 min) then walk 10 min)
• Aker Brygge Immerse yourself in vibrant waterfront life at Aker Brygge, enjoying relaxing seaside promenades, modern art installations, lively trendy boutiques, and a diverse selection of restaurants offering Norwegian and international cuisine. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Oslo S (20 min) then walk 5 min)
• Karl Johans Gate Stroll Oslo’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate, browsing charming colorful shops, quaint cafés, and historic landmarks like the Royal Palace while soaking in bustling street performances and vibrant local atmosphere. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Oslo S (20 min) then walk 2 min)
• Holmenkollen Ski Jump Experience Norway’s skiing heritage at Holmenkollen, ascend the iconic ski jump tower for stunning city and fjord vistas, and explore the immersive interactive ski museum with exhibits detailing Olympic history. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Nationaltheatret (20 min) then metro 1 to Holmenkollen (30 min))
• Fram Museum Climb aboard the polar exploration ship Fram at Bygdøy, learning about Amundsen’s and Nansen’s historic Arctic voyages through detailed engaging interactive exhibits, rare original artifacts, and captivating rich immersive storytelling. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Flytoget to Oslo S (20 min) then bus 30 to Bygdøy (20 min))

Things to Do in Oslo Airport (OSL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Oslo Airport has six lounges: four international lounges above Gate E, a domestic SAS Lounge near Gate A2 and a new OSL Lounge by Gate A15. They offer complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, newspapers, comfortable seating, business facilities and shower suites. Priority Pass and various frequent-flyer cards grant access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Two on-site hotels, the Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson, link to the terminal via covered walkways. Nearby options include Thon Hotel Gardermoen and Scandic Oslo Airport, both offering free shuttles, soundproof rooms and 24-hour reception. All properties feature modern amenities, breakfast buffets and fitness centers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Comfortable seating zones are scattered throughout the terminal, with recliners and lounge chairs near Gates A and E. A dedicated stillerom (quiet room) beside Gate A10 provides a tranquil space for meditation or prayer. Soft lighting, minimal noise and charging points make it ideal for short naps or rest breaks.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Oslo Airport offers free Wi-Fi via the SSID “AIRPORT,” powered by Boingo. Passengers register through a captive portal and receive up to four hours of complimentary internet per session, renewable indefinitely by re-logging. Coverage spans all public areas, lounges and boarding gates with stable connections for browsing, streaming or work.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourists can purchase Lycamobile prepaid SIM cards at the kiosk by 7-Eleven in baggage claim. The shop operates weekdays 08:00–17:00 and weekends 10:00–17:00. Plans include Norway-wide data and calling. For eSIM, travelers are advised to arrange a data-only eSIM online before arrival, as on-site options are limited. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi ranks are located outside the Arrivals Hall on the forecourt. Multiple licensed operators serve the airport with metered fares to Oslo city center (approx. 750–900 NOK) and beyond. Passengers can pre-book vehicles via the information desk or taxi apps. Card and cash payments are accepted; journey times vary with traffic.

Train: The Flytoget Airport Express runs six times per hour between Oslo Airport Station and Oslo Central Station in just 19 minutes, with three services extending to Drammen. Trains operate daily from early morning until after midnight. Tickets can be bought online, via app or at station kiosks. (more info)

Bus: Flybussen Connect coaches depart every 20 minutes from platforms 9 and 10, linking Oslo Airport with Oslo city center and surrounding suburbs. Tickets are available at machines in the arrivals hall or via the Flybussen website and app. Services run from early dawn until late evening, seven days a week. (more info)

Shuttle: Hotel shuttles serve all major airport hotels. The Park Inn’s S-55 shuttle departs every 15 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes otherwise from platform 39; adults pay 80 NOK, children under 16 ride free. Scandic and Comfort Hotel Runway offer similar services; schedules vary by property.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise and others are located in P-zone P10 on level U2, accessible via signage from the terminal. Most counters operate 07:00–23:00 daily, with after-hours returns available. Vehicles range from economy to premium SUVs; bookings can be made online or in person. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Oslo Airport provides outdoor lots P0–P2 and P8–P11 within walking distance and covered garages P10–P11. P2–P6 offer free shuttle buses to the terminal. Short-term parking costs 40 NOK per 20 minutes or 800 NOK per 24 hours. Pre-booking online yields lower, fixed rates and guaranteed spaces.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Two hundred electronic lockers on level 1 of parking garage P10 accommodate small (70 NOK/day), medium (100 NOK/day) and large (120 NOK/day) baggage. Accessible 24/7, they require no advance reservation. For longer or oversized storage, off-site services also operate near the airport. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Oslo Airport (OSL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks