Is public transport free anywhere in Norway?
Who rides free, small ferries and the Stavanger trial.
Short answer
Public transport in Norway is generally paid, but some passengers ride free, such as children under 6 on Ruter in Oslo and passengers on ferry routes with few travellers. Stavanger made buses, trains and boats in the Nord-Jæren zone free for its residents from 3 July 2023, but the city council ended the scheme on 31 December 2023.
Why
- Ruter says all children under 6 travel free, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays an adult, senior or student ticket lets you bring up to four children under 18 free.
- Since 1 July 2022, travel has been free on ferry routes with fewer than 100,000 passengers a year.
- Stavanger paid for residents' tickets in the Nord-Jæren zone from 3 July 2023, but the city council decided to end the scheme by 31 December 2023.
Details
On the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes in Lofoten, via Værøy and Røst, Torghatten says the trip is free if you travel without a vehicle and do not book a reserved spot. Everyone else needs a valid ticket on buses, trams, the metro and trains. In Oslo and Akershus you can buy Ruter tickets in the Ruter app, and also in the Entur, Vy and Brakar apps.
Tip
Travelling as a family in Oslo, plan city trips for the weekend: with one adult ticket, up to four children under 18 ride free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
What may differ
The age limits and child offers above are Ruter's rules for Oslo and Akershus. Other regional transport companies set their own rules, so check the local operator.
Common misconception
Public transport in Stavanger is free.
What actually happens
The free scheme only covered registered Stavanger residents, and it ended on 31 December 2023.
People also ask
- Is public transport free in Norway?
Sources
- Stavanger municipality: Free public transport for residentsChecked at:
- Ruter: Travelling as a groupChecked at:
- Ruter: Single ticketChecked at:
- Store norske leksikon: Ferry operationsChecked at:
- Torghatten: Bodø, Værøy, Røst and Moskenes routeChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the local transport company before you travel.
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