Do I need a car in Norway, or can I get around by public transport?
Trains, boats and buses, when a car helps, and a car-free fjord route.
Short answer
You can see much of Norway without a car, as trains, buses, express boats and coastal ships link the main cities and many fjords. A classic car-free trip is the Bergen Line to Myrdal, the Flåm Railway down to Flåm and the express boat on to Bergen. A car gives the most freedom in remote areas.
Why
- The rail network runs from Kristiansand in the south to Bodø above the Arctic Circle, and Entur sells tickets for all train services without a surcharge.
- Hurtigruten and Havila sail all year between Bergen and Kirkenes, so you can travel the coast by ship.
- From 1 April to 31 October, Norled's express boat sails daily between Bergen and Flåm, a trip of about 5.5 hours each way.
Details
The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is a seven-hour trip, and Myrdal is the station where it meets the Flåm Railway. Several companies run the trains, including Vy, Go-Ahead Nordic and SJ Nord, and Entur is often the easiest place to book them. For routes beyond the railway, combine buses and boats, or rent a car for a few days in a rural area.
Tip
Travel between cities by train or boat and rent a car only for the days you spend in a rural area, such as Lofoten or the inner fjords.
What may differ
As of 15 October 2026, a train drivers' strike is still cancelling several Vy services, mainly local and regional lines around Oslo, so check vy.no before you rely on the train.
Common misconception
You cannot see the fjords without a car.
What actually happens
The Flåm Railway, Norled's express boat between Flåm and Bergen and the coastal ships all reach fjord areas without a car.
People also ask
- Is it worth renting a car in Norway?
- Can I manage without a car in Norway?
- Can you travel around Norway without a car, and what itinerary works by train and boat?
- Can you travel around Norway by public transport?
Sources
- Visit Norway: Getting around by trainChecked at:
- Visit Norway: The Bergen RailwayChecked at:
- Norled: Sognefjord express boat Bergen to FlåmChecked at:
- Visit Tromsø: Travel to TromsøChecked at:
- Vy: Information about the train strike 2026Checked at:
Timetables and prices change, so check Entur, Vy or Norled before you go.
Train or car in NorwayRelated questions
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Are Norway's mountain roads open in May, or is it too early for a road trip?
Some seasonal mountain roads in Norway are open by May, but others, such as Trollstigen and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, have opened as late as June in previous years.
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Has Norway banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars?
No, Norway has not banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, but it has a political goal that all new passenger cars should be zero-emission by 2025.
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Can other electric cars use Tesla Superchargers in Norway?
Yes, most Tesla Supercharger stations in Norway are now open to other electric cars with a CCS charging port, and you start and pay for charging in the Tesla app.
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Can I get E5 or 98 octane petrol in Norway?
Yes, you can still buy 98 octane petrol labelled 98 E5 in several places in Norway, but every pump marked 95 now sells E10 with up to 10 percent ethanol.