Photo by Bob Engelsen
Norway's vast landscapes mean transportation planning is essential. The country stretches over 1,750 kilometers from south to north, with fjords, mountains, and islands creating natural barriers that shape how you travel.
Norwegian distances are deceptive. What looks close on a map often involves mountain passes, ferry crossings, or winding coastal roads. A 200-kilometer journey might take four hours instead of two. Factor in extra time for your itineraries, especially in winter when conditions affect all forms of transport.
Planning travel from Oslo? See our complete guide to traveling from Oslo to the rest of Norway.
Norwegian transport adapts to geography - trains cross mountain plateaus, ferries bridge fjords, and flights leap north-south distances efficiently. Each mode has its role, and combining them strategically creates practical itineraries.
Norway's railways connect major cities and offer some of Europe's most scenic journeys. Train travel in Norway provides comfortable connections between major cities with spectacular views.
Key routes:
Norwegian trains are comfortable, reliable, and run year-round. Discover more scenic train journeys in Norway. Book in advance for better prices, especially in summer and on popular routes.
Ferry connections are essential infrastructure in coastal Norway. From quick fjord crossings to longer coastal voyages, boats integrate seamlessly with road networks. Learn more about cruise travel in Norway.
Ferry types:
Most car ferries operate year-round. Summer adds tourist-focused routes. Ferry costs add up quickly if you're driving exten
Long-distance buses connect destinations without rail service and often cost less than trains. Regional buses serve rural areas but run infrequently outside main routes.
When buses work well:
Winter bus schedules are reduced. Some mountain routes close seasonally.
Norway's geography makes flying practical for long north-south distances. Flights are frequent between major cities and essential for reaching remote northern regions efficiently.
Key airports:
Domestic flights save time on journeys exceeding 500 kilometers. Book early for reasonable prices, especially in summer. Airport transfer guides help you navigate connections from airports to city centers.
A rental car provides flexibility, especially in fjord regions where public transport is limited. Norwegian driving is straightforward, but requires adaptation to tunnels, narrow roads, and weather conditions.
Consider a car for:
Skip the car if:
Winter driving requires extra preparation. Snow tires are mandatory November through April. Some mountain passes close seasonally.
Planning your next trip to Norway? Check out our articles and guides here.
Trains on popular routes (especially Oslo-Bergen) and all Hurtigruten/Havila cabins should be booked weeks or months in advance in summer. Car ferries rarely need booking except on the longest routes or during July peak weeks.
We handle the logistics: Our self-guided tours coordinate all transport bookings, connections, and timing so you travel with confidence. No juggling multiple bookings or worrying about tight connections - we've mapped the routes and secured your seats.
Daylight hours shrink dramatically. Some routes reduce frequency or close entirely. Roads require winter tires. Ferry schedules change. Always check current conditions and timetables.
Norwegian transport is reliable, but weather delays happen. Mountain passes close unexpectedly. Ferries fill up. Build flexibility into tight connections, especially for international flights.
Start with your must-see destinations, then choose transport that connects them logically. Don't underestimate distances or travel times. Norway rewards slow travel - rushing between destinations means missing the landscapes that make the journey worthwhile.
Consider focusing on one or two regions rather than attempting the entire country. The western fjords, northern lights areas, and southern cities each deserve dedicated time.
Travel with local expertise: We've spent decades perfecting Norwegian itineraries. Our tours combine transport modes strategically, build in appropriate buffer times, and focus on regions that work well together. You get the independence of self-guided travel with the peace of mind that comes from expert planning.
Here you´ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.
A Fjord Travel Norway tour is the perfect way to explore the very best of Norway at your own pace. Our self-guided tours combine scenic public transport—such as buses, boats, and trains—with carefully selected accommodations and unique experiences.
Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted for convenience, but also offers the flexibility to personalize your journey. You can easily add activities or upgrade your accommodations to suit your preferences when booking. With everything you need organized in one seamless itinerary, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable Norwegian adventure.
We strive to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies if informed in advance.
Please remember to specify your dietary restrictions or allergies when placing your order in the checkout field called "Order comment". If you forget to do so, contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
No, this is not included unless specified.
For the best time for winter activities, we recommend traveling from mid-November to the end of March. The summer in Norway is beautiful and best enjoyed from May to the end of September.
Updated information can be checked at the following link.
We accept payments through Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Additionally, we offer a flexible deposit option where you can pay 20% of the total amount upfront. The remaining balance is due either 45 or 65 days before your departure, depending on the specifics of your booking.
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