AutoPASS in simple terms: toll roads and how to pay as a tourist
What is AutoPASS and why do tourists need it?
AutoPASS is an automatic toll collection system that you can use on all toll roads, bridges, tunnels and most car ferries in Norway. The cameras read your number plate and then charge you according to one of two scenarios:
- You've got a contract and a tag. The system uses a reduced rate of 20% and offers discounts for electric vehicles.
- No contract. The camera sends the data to an external operator (Epass24 or EPC plc), who then send an invoice by post at the maximum rate plus a lookup fee for identifying the owner (e.g. €5.10 for Germany, €14 for Austria).
🛣️ Two main registration options for foreigners
| Option | Who is it suitable for | How to register | Pros | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor’s Payment (Epass24/EPC) | Tourists travelling in their own car ≤ 3 months | Online form, number and card | Fast, no equipment required | No 20% discount; pay the highest rate; no EV discounts |
| Contract + AutoPASS tag | Frequent visitors, long-distance travellers, campers | Pre-order a tag and receive it by post | −20% on all journeys, up to 50% for EVs | Deposit of 200 NOK, 12–21 days delivery |
Tip: Delivery time for tags abroad is 12–21 days. If planning a fjord tour in summer, order in spring.
If you are renting a car
● 90% of rental companies have already installed tags. The fee is accumulated in the on-board meter and will be charged to your card 1-4 weeks later.
● Check the excess. Some companies add a 25–40 NOK "service fee" on top of each bill.
● Link your card. Hertz, Avis and Sixt allow you to change the card for tolls in your personal account — avoid double billing.
💰 How much will it cost in 2025?
| Item | Rate group 1* | Electric vehicle (EV)** | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most urban areas (Oslo, Bergen) | 25–39 NOK | 0–20 NOK (≤ 50%) | Cheaper during off-peak hours |
| Oslo → Gardermoen (E6) | 22 NOK | 11 NOK | Motorway |
| Ryfast Tunnel (Stavanger) | 178 NOK | 89 NOK | Longest underwater |
| Geiranger–Hellesylt ferry | 360 NOK (car + driver) | 180 NOK | Included in AutoPASS for Ferry |
*Group 1 — passenger cars ≤ 3.5 tonnes.
**EV discounts vary by region: minimum 50%, sometimes 100% (Oslo at night).
The average typical fare in the country is 20–40 NOK.
🚨 Fines and pitfalls
| Problem | What will happen | How much will you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Did not register, bill returned | EPC will add a lookup fee + 300 NOK admin | 300 NOK + toll + lookup |
| Did not pay the invoice on time (30 days) | Penalty 8.5% and re-invoicing | +70 NOK minimum |
| Incorrect number provided for Visitor’s Payment | Invoice sent by post to owner → may go to collection agency | Up to 200 NOK + collection fees |
💡 Tip: Always keep e-mail receipts until the end of the year — bills may arrive with a 2–3 month delay.
How to pay: step-by-step guide for tourists
1–2 weeks before your trip
○ Travelling in your own car ≤ 2 weeks → register with Epass24 in 5 minutes.
○ Plan for 3-4 weeks or a camper tour → order an AutoPASS tag.
At the airport/rental desk
○ Ask if the tag is active and which card is in the system.
○ Check that the number on the contract matches the number on the car – human error is not uncommon.
On the road
○ The cameras will flash blue – this is a signal that your passage has been recorded.
○ Ferries with an AutoPASS sign marked "T" do not require a ticket; simply drive off the ferry.
After your return
○ You will receive an invoice or statement in the post; check your card for any charges within 4–6 weeks.
○ If the charge seems excessive, file a dispute online: you will need a photo of the licence plate and the rental agreement.
💡 How to save even more
| Life hack | Savings |
|---|---|
| Drive at night | In Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, ring road tolls are 20–50% cheaper between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. |
| Electric car rental | EV pays ≤ 50% of the fare + free city parking in a number of municipalities. |
| Carpooling | You can drive for free in public transport lanes (HOV) with 2+ passengers — save time and fuel. |
| Tag for two cars | AutoPASS allows a "family" tag if the cars are not used at the same time — convenient if you have a camper + car. |
Quick FAQ
The bill has already arrived at home in euros – should I pay?
Yeah, EPC or Epass24 will convert it at the ESCB exchange rate, plus 2%. You can pay online by card or bank transfer, otherwise the fine will be doubled.
I'm on a motorcycle. Do I need to register?
No, motorbikes can go through for free, but if you put a tag on it you won't get any letters asking you to pay.
Do you need a ticket to get on a Fjord1 ferry?
If you've got an AutoPASS sticker on your car, the cameras will automatically deduct the fare. If you don't have a sticker, you can pay the cashier or on the website.
Checklist before departure
- You can either register your number with Epass24 or order a tag.
- I checked with the rental company about how tolls are charged.
- Have a look at the regional discounts on EVs and at times when electricity use is at its peak.
- I've been saving PDF receipts for each journey/ferry crossing.
- Just to let you know, you've got 30 days to pay, and if you don't, you'll be hit with penalties.
To be honest, AutoPASS seems a bit complicated on paper. Pick the right format (Visitor's Payment for a couple of weeks or a full tag for a long road trip), check the details in the rental agreement, and enjoy the roads without queuing at toll gates. Plus, every camera flash is more of a convenience than a necessity, allowing you to keep driving without having to take out your wallet. Travel with confidence and remember: the sooner you register, the less you pay. Wow!