Norway - transport in Norway. Transport system of Norway What is a bus in Norway

The transport system includes several modes of transport, but from the point of view of tourism, four modes of transport are important: air, road, rail and water.

The country has a fairly extensive network of road, rail and air routes. Most of the passenger traffic is transported by road and sea transport.

Air transport. Traveling to Norway these days does not present any difficulties. Airports have been built throughout the country, from which regular flights operate to anywhere in Europe; There are 50 airports in the country.

International flights are served by Gardemoen Airport in Oslo, Flesland Airport in Bergen and Sulla Airport in Stavenger. There are also international airfields in Kristiansand, Trondheim, and Tromso.

Airplanes of different airlines arrive at international airports: Aeroflot Airlines, operates direct flights Moscow-Oslo-Moscow; Norwegian airline “Norwegian”: direct flights Moscow-Oslo and St. Petersburg-Oslo; Scandinavian airline SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) offers daily flights to Oslo via Stockholm or Copenhagen; Low-cost airlines in Europe: Sterling or Ryanair; Also, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa have many flights to Norway;

The air transport network within Norway is well developed; At all airports you can transfer to domestic flights or use another type of transport. Norway ranks one of the first places in the world in domestic passenger traffic. Domestic flights to all destinations within the country are carried out by the following airlines: SAS, Widershe, Braathens and Color Air.

Regular air service is established between Norway and Spitsbergen.

Air communication is developed between more than 120 cities.

Approximate cost of air tickets:

Aeroflot: Moscow-Oslo-Moscow from-from EUR 310.

SAS: Northern Norway-from EUR 510, other destinations in the Fjords and central Norway- from EUR 400.

Railway transport Norway is completely state owned. The total length of railways in the country is small and amounts to only 4,200 km. (without tram lines and metro), of which - 2660 km. electrified, 95% of all roads are single track. According to the latest data, the rolling stock of railway transport consisted of 92 electric locomotives, 52 diesel locomotives, 552 regular passenger cars, 71 sleeping cars, and 2,506 freight cars.

A wide network of railways connects Norway with the other Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe. There are high-speed trains between Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. There is no direct train connection between Russia and Norway.

There are four main railway lines in Norway and, for simplicity, the most important branches have names: the mountain Bergensbanen (from Oslo to Bergen) - considered the most picturesque, the southern Sarlandsbanen (from Oslo to Stavanger), the central Dövrebanen and Rørosbanen (from Oslo to Trondheim) and the northern Nordlandsbanen (Trondheim-Bodø). There are very few trains in the fjord area; they also do not go to the Far North - the railway line ends in Buda, so in order to get, for example, to Narvik, you need to make a long detour through neighboring Sweden.

NSB (Norwegian State Railways) operates trains on domestic lines; this network is particularly well developed in the south of the country, and ends in Buda in the northern part of the country. However, there is a system known as Togbuss (train-bus) that reaches as far north as Tromso and the Lofoten Islands.

Most train journeys in Norway have first and second class carriages, and NSB trains have separate carriages specially equipped for people with reduced mobility.

In the fjord region there is Flåm Railway(20 km long), which itself has become a tourist attraction.

This unique railway, laid along steep cliffs, past mighty waterfalls, among snow-capped mountains, it starts from the high-altitude station Myrdal (865 m above sea level Oslo-Bergen direction) to the Flåm valley, located at the mouth of the Aurlandsfjord. The railway journey takes place among the wild and beautiful landscapes of Norway. Along the 20-kilometer route you can see rivers cutting deep ravines; cascades of waterfalls falling from steep rocky mountains with snow-white peaks; and mountain farms clinging to the slopes at dizzying heights.

The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest regular gauge mountain railway lines in the world. The degree of its inclination is 55/1000 over more than 80% of the entire line, i.e. 1:18. The spiraling tunnels that enter and exit the mountains represent some of the most daring and skillful engineering ever carried out in Norwegian railway history.

Every year this section of the railway attracts more and more tourists from all over the world, making the Flåm Railway one of the most important and spectacular tourist attractions in Norway.

Train fare:

From Stockholm or Copenhagen-from EUR 130 per adult.

Flåm Railway-EUR 45 per adult.

Automobile transport. The country has a fairly extensive network of highways. From Oslo, a network of modern highways fan out across the country, covering even the most remote northern regions. Roads cross mountainous areas far and wide, skirting fjords or entering ports, where travel continues by ferry. Roads are built over water, on water and under water.

The length of highways exceeds 90.3 thousand km, but only 74% of them have a hard surface. Norway's roads and highways are named using the alphanumeric method: E16, E18, RV5, RV7, RV64.

Most highways in Norway are owned by the state. Its scope of responsibility includes maintaining the condition of the main roads, that is, roads of various classes and motorways; the maintenance of other roads is the responsibility of the county or municipalities.

You have to pay to drive on some private roads. The same applies to some state roads, for example, when entering a large city, passing through a tunnel, over a bridge or even an ordinary section of road. Funding large road projects through toll collection is becoming an increasingly common practice.

There are 1.3 million cars in the country, of which 1.1 million are passenger cars.

Norway is mountainous and building roads is difficult. We have to build long bridges across fjords, drill into long tunnels in the mountains. Norway has built 17,300 bridges and 830 tunnels. Norway has the longest tunnel in Europe, 25 km long.

Of particular importance for Norway is the development of the Oslo-Svinesund/Kornsche transport corridor with its continuation through Sweden to continental Europe. It is Norway's most important corridor for passenger and freight transport in both directions.

Norwegian roads are considered to be some of the best roads in the world. Direct highways are only found in close proximity to major cities. Outside populated areas, the maximum speed is limited to 80 km/h. In populated areas, the maximum permissible speed is 50 km/h. In Norway, traffic rules require the driver to take certain precautions. For example, even on a sunny day it is necessary to drive with low beam headlights constantly on. The use of a seat belt is mandatory. It is necessary to have a warning sign in your vehicle in case of an accident or malfunction. Most of the Norwegian population prefers to drive cars.

You can travel on buses that travel to more than 50 destinations. Flights are carried out by about 200 comfortable buses. But their movement is better developed in central and southern Norway. Most intercity buses depart from the Central Bus Terminal on Schweigaardstrasse.

Typically, bus services are connected to other modes of transport: ferries, ships, trains and planes. For travelers to Norway, there are two types of passes: 7 days and 14 days. For children - reduced price. The subscription is valid for a year.

Water transport plays a major role, accounting for the predominant part of the passenger flow. Many passengers are transported by ships, ferries and boats.

There are 34 ports along the Norwegian coast. The largest ports are in Oslo, Kristiansand, Ålesund, Trondheim and Tromso. From these ports there is international communication, as well as communication along the entire coast and to the islands.

Ferries operate between Norway, the rest of Scandinavia and Europe. These are modern ships with restaurants and comfortable cabins. Many of them have car decks.

A comfortable ferry liner DFDS (Scandinavian Seaways) departs from Denmark daily - travel time is 16 hours. Accommodation is possible in cabins of different categories from standard accommodation to luxury. Fjord Line and DFDS ferries sail from England (Newcastle) to Norway. Smyril Line ferries operate from Iceland, Scotland and the Faroe Islands.

Hurtigruta (Coastal Express) provides passenger sea transport all year round, serving the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and further north to the Russian border.

Norway's main sea route will always be Royal Road No. 1, operated by Hurtigruta, which runs from Bergen to Kirkenes to the very north. The entire journey takes 11 days. Departing daily, the ferry makes frequent stops offshore where it is possible to disembark for sightseeing, excursions and various safaris. The ferry is a kind of hotel on the water, there are cabins with various types of amenities, restaurants, bars and shops. The ferry also provides car transportation services, which allows you to combine both types of transport when traveling. This trip provides a unique opportunity to see all the beauty of the Norwegian coastline. It is no coincidence that this sea voyage is considered one of the most beautiful sea voyages.

The Ford area is served by numerous ferries. The whole of Western Norway depends on the ferry service, where all the most famous fjords are located. Roads in this region usually end abruptly and the journey can only be continued by ferry. Most ferries and motor ships operate quite frequently, so there are rarely queues. In addition to the ferry, some shipping companies also offer fjord cruises.

Cruise routes and trips through the fjords are carried out on pleasure boats.

Main routes: Flåm-Aurland-Gudvangen, Bergen-Sogndal, Bergen-Vik-Balestrand-Leikanger-Flåm. The routes Flåm-Aurland-Gudvangen and Bergen-Sogndal operate all year round, while the remaining routes operate from 1 May to 30 September. There are souvenir shops and cafes on board the pleasure boats. Mini-cruises are conducted in several languages.

The old coasting boats that carry local residents from remote areas are quite attractive for tourists in the summer. The cabin must be reserved a month in advance. Only modern ships are capable of transporting cars. In many places there are specialized boat moorings, where both regular ships carrying passengers from distant fjords and private boats are usually moored, with the owners of which you can always agree on a trip to a particular area, as well as on a fishing or excursion flight.

The cost depends on the season and type of accommodation: from EUR 160 per cabin.

Ferries between fjords: from EUR 35 per person.

Norway's transport system directly depends on the size of the population and the time of year. In densely populated areas, the infrastructure is quite developed, while buses do not go to remote villages and even ski resorts very often, which makes a car the best means of transportation. The roads are in excellent condition, so any trip by car or land transport will be pleasant and tireless. From November 1 to April 1, the driver is required to use winter tires; In addition, the car must have snow chains, which is especially important when traveling to mountainous areas. It should be borne in mind that in autumn and winter a number of places are inaccessible due to large amounts of snow. A number of roads are closed for longer periods throughout the year, so it is necessary to first check whether the highway you are planning to travel on is open.

There are several tourist roads in Norway that are recognized as particularly picturesque and therefore recommended for tourists. The most famous and one of the most picturesque highways in the world is the Norwegian “construction site of the century” - the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien), which runs along the coast and literally jumps from island to island from Averøy to Eide. The path runs past the most beautiful valley of Norway, Innerdalen, and, of course, takes in the famous troll road Trollstigen, a ride along which, according to rumors, one of the tourists dubbed it a real “car mountaineering”, because 11 sharp turns along an almost sheer cliff lead the traveler to a height of 858 m.

Another miracle can be called, without exaggeration, the road built by hand more than 100 years ago, connecting the villages of Stryn and Skjåk, with limiting signs made of stone - or the highest road in Northern Europe, laid through the Jotunheimen mountain range at an altitude of 1434 m List of all 18 tourist roads (to be completed by 2012) can be found on the website www.turistveg.no.

Some roads, bridges and tunnels (of which there are 1,208) and entering major cities generally incur a tax that varies in amount and is often paid in cash, making it necessary to carry Norwegian kroner at all times. Those planning to visit the North Cape should keep in mind that to travel through the underwater tunnel between the continent and the island of Magerøya, you must pay for both the vehicle and each passenger in it.

Due to the narrowness of Norwegian roads, which often pass through mountain ranges, the maximum permissible speed on the highway is 100 km/h; in cities and villages it is forbidden to drive faster than 30-50 km/h.

The law requires all passengers to use a seat belt, including those in the back seat. Children under 135 cm tall and weighing less than 36 kg must sit in special child seats. The driver has the right to use a mobile phone only through a speakerphone or headset. The blood alcohol content should not exceed 0.2 ppm. Headlights must be turned on at all times of the day. There are 53 airports in Norway, 8 of which provide international services. Flybusser buses usually run from airports to city centers. Oslo city center is served by the SAS Flybussen (www.flybussen.no/oslo), the Flytoget (www.flytoget.no) express train, and the NSB regional train (www.nsb.no). Express buses Flybussekspressen (www.flybussekspressen.no), Nettbuss (www.nettbuss.no) and TIMEkspressen (www.timekspressen.no) transport passengers from the capital's airport to hubs around the country.

In addition, a taxi is always at the traveler's service. Some companies have fixed prices for trips from/to airports (for example, Taxi2 and Norgestaxi). The entire section of the road from the center of Oslo to the airport is monitored by video cameras, which ensures timely receipt of traffic information - so calculating the time to the plane is not difficult!

Norway also has water connections with its neighbors - primarily Sweden, Denmark and Germany; The main carriers are ferry companies Stena Line, Hurtigruten, Color line and AFerry, which also offer cruise programs.

The peculiarities of the Norwegian landscape have led to the fact that Oslo is the central railway point of Norway, with diverging highways connecting the capital with the largest cities of the Norwegian regions, as well as with Denmark and Sweden. Norway is also connected to the latter by a branch from Narvik created in the north of the country. The main highways in Norway are as follows: Oslo - Kristiansand - Stavanger, Oslo - Larvik - Skien, Oslo - Bergen, Oslo - Hamar - Trondheim, Oslo - Røros - Trondheim, Trondheim - Bodø. The minimum price for a train ticket is 199 CZK, provided that you purchase your ticket in advance on the website www.nsb.no. For this money you can even travel from Oslo to Bodø, as long as the passenger does not leave the train except to change to another one.

People over 67 years old are given a 50% discount (and one companion of such a passenger is also given a discount regardless of age), students - 25%. Group discounts may also be available.

The lack of a developed railway system is compensated by the presence of express buses (NOR-WAY Bussekspress, www.nor-way.no), whose routes cover not only the entire territory of Norway from south to north and from west to east, but also provide transportation to neighboring countries. Most destinations do not require advance reservations unless the group consists of more than 12 people.

Metro (www.tbane.no) available Metro (www.tbane.no) is available only in Oslo and consists of about 100 stations located on 6 lines with a total length of about 100 km. Oslo is considered the smallest city in the world with such an extensive metro network. The longest underground section - 7060 m - is between Majorstuen and Hasle stations in the city center. In the suburbs, trains mainly run on land, and in general the Norwegian capital's metro system is more like a tram network.

Trams exist in Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen. In many places, especially in the fjord region, ferry services are developed, including high-speed ones.

- right-hand drive (steering wheel on the left),

The country has a fairly extensive network of road, rail and air routes. Most of the passenger traffic is transported by road and sea transport. From Oslo, a network of modern highways fan out across the country, covering even the most remote northern regions.

The roads are very good and are carefully cleared of snow in winter, but they are quite narrow and have many tunnels (there are more than 530 of them in the country), and the road surface itself makes endless turns, sometimes quite steep, between mountain ranges.

As throughout Scandinavia, low beams or side lights must be on here at any time of the day - frequent weather changes sometimes reduce visibility on the road to a minimum. Driving with trailers is prohibited on some roads, especially in the fjords, where the roads may run along narrow ledges and there are "pockets" for passing oncoming traffic.

In Norway, there are heavy fines for not wearing a seat belt and, especially, for driving while intoxicated. All parking lots in the country are paid, and you cannot park outside the parking lots. Entry by car within the cities of Oslo and Bergen is paid.

Last changes: 24.02.2013

Public transport

Norway has a very developed network of bus routes, for example in the fjord region and on provincial routes. Many of these bus routes intersect with each other and with local public transport lines. Express buses operate between major Norwegian cities, airports and ferry terminals.

Traveling by bus usually costs much less than traveling by plane or train, but, of course, takes longer. Most transport companies offer discounted rates to students, children, seniors and families.

It is usually not necessary to book bus tickets in advance. Many companies guarantee availability of seats on all routes. This means that there will always be a seat for you on the bus, even without prior reservation. Tickets can also be purchased at bus stations and tourist information offices.

If you are traveling in a large group, you should purchase tickets in advance.

Public transport in Oslo is very well developed. A whole network of bus lines, metro (“T-bane”), trams and ferries completely covers the capital itself and the surrounding areas. A one-time ticket for any type of transport costs about 2 EUR and is valid for an hour after composting (carriage of a bicycle is paid for with a separate ticket). A daily “dagskort” pass costs about 5 EUR, a weekly pass costs 17 EUR. The “flexikort” ticket is valid for 8 trips and costs 13 EUR.

You can also purchase a ticket directly when boarding the bus, simply by telling the driver your destination.

Last changes: 20.04.2010

Taxi

In Norway, you can hail a taxi right on the street or go to one of the many taxi ranks that exist in every city. You can also ask the hotel concierge to call a car for you.

Taxis are quite expensive and only operate within the city. The landing fee is about 3 EUR (4 EUR after 19:00 and on weekends) and about 1.3 EUR for each kilometer driven.

All taxis in Norway accept credit cards from payment systems VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard and MasterCard. If you are going to pay by card, you must inform the driver before the start of the trip.

Last changes: 04.06.2010

Aviation transport

Domestic air services are excellent and play a leading role in passenger transport in Norway, ahead of buses and trains. This is due to both the size of Norway (2,500 km from north to south) and the complex mountainous terrain of the country, indented by many fjords and bays. In winter, air travel is sometimes the only way to reach settlements located on islands or behind mountain passes.

The main airport in Norway is Gardemoen Airport in Oslo, where most planes from abroad arrive. Oslo city center can be reached from Gardemoen Airport by express train or bus. The journey by train takes about 20 minutes, and by bus about 40 minutes.

Last changes: 04.06.2010

Railway transport

The total length of Norway's railways is 4,087 km (of which 2,528 km are electrified) as of 2005 and also includes 775 tunnels and over 3,000 bridges. Most routes pass through changing landscapes, and the train window offers panoramic views of the surrounding cities, mountains, lakes and fjords.

The country's railway network consists of several main lines radiating from Oslo, connecting it with the main cities of the country - Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Bodø, as well as with Sweden. Another line, short in length in Norway, connects Narvik with Sweden.

Other scenic routes follow the Dovre railway from Oslo and Trondheim, while the Raumabanen side line is served by trains between Dombås and Åndalsnes, a fjord mountain town.

In the footsteps of Harry Potter.

Some episodes of the popular movie "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" were filmed on the Raumabanen railway in the Bjorli area. A vintage train belonging to Norwegian Railways was used for filming.

See the northern lights and the midnight sun.

There is a whole system of offers and discounts that make traveling by train both a source of pleasure and a way to save money.

So-called Minipris tickets for local trains cost NOK 199 per person, regardless of the length of the chosen route, as long as there are sufficient seats. This offer is valid for a limited number of seats on regional routes served by NSB trains. Minipris tickets can be purchased online, as well as from special ticket machines. The ticket must be purchased at least one day before the intended trip.

Tourists who plan to travel a lot around Norway are advised to purchase InterRail and Eurail cards.

In Norway, smoking is prohibited on trains and railway station buildings.

Last changes: 04.06.2010

Water transport

Sea vessels, ferries and boats carry many passengers. Tickets can be purchased both on the websites of ferry companies using a credit card, and directly at the ticket offices of the relevant stations before departure. The cost is quite high, but by planning a trip to Norway in advance, it is quite possible to purchase tickets during some promotion or sale. In addition, many ferry companies offer discounts of up to 20% when purchasing tickets in advance.

Please note that there may be queues during the summer months. It is better to book your seats in advance on the most popular routes: Geiranger-Hellesylt, Gudvangen-Kaupanger and Lauvvik-Lysebotn.

Flights operate daily and there are many stops along the coast. The ferries are designed to carry cars, making it possible to combine a cruise with a trip along the coast during your holiday.

For more information on ferries and boat schedules, please contact the following companies:

The Hurtigruten ferry, famous for many years, runs between Bergen and Kirkenes in Finnmark. The trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back takes 11 days. During this trip you will have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the beautiful nature of the coast. This sea voyage can truly be called “the most beautiful in the world.” Tourists are fascinated by the tiny and not-so-tiny settlements in which they stop during their trip.

Toll roads

Tourists who do not have an AutoPASS electronic pass must pay at checkpoints in the window marked “Mynt/Coin” or “Manuell”. You pay your fare either manually or at a machine that accepts coins. Only Norwegian coins are accepted for payment. Most checkpoints also accept credit cards.

If you have an AutoPASS electronic pass, you can use toll roads without stopping at toll booths. To obtain an AutoPASS pass, you must have an AutoPASS contract and a special electronic AutoPASS On-Board Unit (OBU), which is installed on the inside of the windshield, behind the rearview mirror. An AutoPASS contract can be purchased from companies that work with EFC systems. Each user only needs one contract. Toll roads with AutoPASS toll booths are clearly marked with an AutoPASS sign.

It boasts not only a very high standard of living for its citizens, but also a well-established transport system and a widely ramified network of road, rail and air routes.

In Norway, the following main types of transport can be distinguished:

• motor transport (including taxis and car rental);
• public transport (buses, trams and metro);
• railways;
• water transport (ferries and boats);
• airlines.

Automobile transport

Traffic in the country is on the right. Dozens of modern highways diverge from the state capital in different directions, including covering and remote areas in the far north. The roads are in excellent condition, they are very fast, but quite narrow, often with sharp turns and a lot of tunnels.

Traffic rules in Norway

In all Scandinavian countries, including Norway, the rules state that when driving at any time of the day, the car must have low beam headlights or side lights on. The reason for this is the frequent change of weather conditions, which can cause visibility to deteriorate sharply. On some roads along the fjords, trailers are prohibited. Significant fines are provided for driving while intoxicated and not wearing a seat belt.

Rent a Car

In order to do so, you will need an identification card, an international driving license, a credit card and paid insurance or a cash deposit for the rented car. The driver must be at least 21 years old and have at least 1 year of driving experience. In addition to a car, you can rent a bicycle.

Toll roads and parking lots

All parking lots in Norway are paid, you can only park there. Entry into Oslo is paid. To travel on toll highways, you can use the AutoPASS electronic subscription (to purchase it you will need an AutoPASS contract and a special electronic device AutoPASS On-Board Unit (OBU)). If you do not have such a subscription, then you can pay for travel in the “Mynt/Coin” or “Manuell” window. Please note that payment is made in Norwegian coins and credit cards.

Taxi

In Norway, you can stop a car on the street, call it from a hotel, or find it in a special parking lot. This pleasure is not cheap - you will have to pay about $3.2 to get into a taxi ($4.3 after 19:00 and on weekends) and then about $1.4 for each kilometer of the route. Credit cards of all major payment systems are accepted, including VISA, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard.

Public transport in Norway

It includes a network of bus lines, metro and trams. A ticket for 1 trip for any type of transport costs approximately $2.2 and is valid for 1 hour from the moment of composting. If you plan to travel a lot, you can take a daily “dagskort” pass, which costs almost $5.35, or a weekly pass ($18.15). There is also a “flexikort” ticket, on which 8 trips cost $13.9. Carriage of bicycles, ski equipment and large luggage is paid separately. For children, students and the elderly, some transport companies offer travel discounts.

The network of bus routes in the country is quite extensive. This also applies to the surrounding fjords and provincial towns. Express buses operate between major towns, airports and ferry terminals. Standard bus routes are cheaper than rail and ferry travel, but take more time. The vast majority of intercity buses depart from the capital's Central Bus Terminal on Schweigaardstrasse. Please note that for large groups, as well as for long trips, it is better to book tickets in advance.

Railway transport

The length of railway tracks in Norway is over 4 thousand km, including about 800 tunnels and more than 3 thousand bridges. Train trips offer tourists wonderful views of mountains, lakes and fjords. Railways connect Oslo with the country's major cities - Bergen, as well as with neighboring Sweden. Perhaps the most exciting route connects the cities of Oslo and Bergen and runs along the mountain plateau, otherwise known as the “roof of Norway”. This trip takes between 6 and 8 hours, so it is preferable to go at night. The northernmost railway station in Norway, Bodo, is located above the Arctic Circle. There are no direct train flights from Russia to Norway, but you can take a route with a transfer in Helsinki.

In addition to paying the cost of the train ticket, you will need to pay for your seat reservation. Only in this case will you be able to receive a ticket in your hands. This can be done either at a ticket machine (biletteautomat) or at the cashier on the train. You can buy tickets online using the Minipris system. Its fares are very affordable (from $23.5 to $35), but it is worth remembering that such tickets are non-refundable.

Maritime transport in Norway

This type of transport is also very popular in Norway. This includes sea vessels, ferries and boats. Tickets for them can be purchased from ferry companies (payment by credit cards) or at station ticket offices before the departure of the ships. Ferry tickets are quite expensive, so it is worth either booking them in advance (in this case, many companies offer discounts of up to 20%) or purchasing them as part of promotions and sales. The most popular route is Hurtigruten, which runs between Bergen and Kirkenes and back. It takes 11 days, during which you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Scandinavian country. During this journey, cities such as Trondheim, Svolvær, Honningsvåg and, of course, Bergen will open to your eyes. Other exciting ferry rides include Geiranger to Hellesylt, Gudvangen to Kaupanger and Lysebotn.

Ferry crossings operate every day. In addition, many routes have a large number of stops along the coast. Large ships can even transport cars, which is convenient for those who combine a cruise and a trip around the country.

Norway's ferry service also includes international passenger transportation to, Germany, Scotland, Iceland and. Russians can get to Norway by taking a ferry to Sweden and making a transfer there.

Airlines

Domestic air traffic plays an important role in the country. Since Norway has a significant length from north to south (2.5 thousand km) and complex mountainous terrain, it is not always possible to get to remote regions by bus or train. In winter, air travel is the only way to be on or in mountain passes.

Norway's main airport is located in Oslo and is called Oslo Gardermoen Airport. In addition, there are in Bergen, Buda, and Stavanger. Gardenmoen serves most international flights. A flight from Moscow to Oslo takes 2.5 hours and costs from $80 to $160. From the airport to the center of the Norwegian capital you can take the Flytoget high-speed train (travel time 20 minutes, adult ticket costs $19, student ticket - $9.5) or the Flybussen bus (about 40 minutes, $11.7). A taxi ride to the center of Oslo will cost $71.5 before 17:00 and $84.5 after 17:00.

Public transport in Norway includes trains, buses, air and water transport. In major cities in Norway there are information centers where you can get information about public transport. Tourist offices also provide information on travel within Norway.

Buses in Norway

Bus services in Norway are very well developed; a network of bus routes connects all the country's major cities with each other and with the smallest settlements, with airports and ferry terminals. About 200 comfortable buses operate on the routes. Buses are required to have dry toilets, air conditioning, and comfortable ergonomic seats. Since the length of the country is quite large, you need to remember that sometimes traveling by bus can be very exhausting, because, for example, the journey from Oslo to Narvik (1,900 km) will take almost a day.

There are several bus companies in Norway, whose routes, fares and schedules are combined into a single booking and planning network. Often bus service between the mainland and the island parts is carried out in conjunction with ferry carriers, and then the cost of the crossing is immediately included in the price of a bus ticket. The prices of bus tickets are quite high, but in the vast majority of cases a trip by bus will cost much less than the same trip by plane or train. In addition, carriers often offer promotions and ticket sales, and there is a system of discounts for students, children, seniors and families. It can also be beneficial to buy 3/7/21 day travel tickets, which are valid throughout the country and entitle you to an unlimited number of trips. They are sold inside the bus, at special kiosks and at bus station ticket offices.

It is not necessary to book bus tickets in advance. Bus companies guarantee availability of seats on routes. Tickets can be purchased at bus stations and tourist offices, as well as directly from the driver, indicating the destination.

More complete information about schedules, tariffs and ongoing promotions can be found on the single website of all bus companies in Norway NOR-WAY Bussekspress AS.

Trains in Norway

The Norwegian railway network consists of five lines radiating from Oslo: the southern Sarlandsbahnen (from Oslo to Stavanger), the mountainous Bergensbahnen (from Oslo to Bergen), the central Dövrebanen and Rørosbahnen (from Oslo to Trondheim) and the northern Nordlandsbahnen (Trondheim-Bodø). In the fjord area, the railway network is poorly developed; trains also do not reach the Far North, since the railway line ends in Bodø. Therefore, in order to get, for example, to Narvik by train, you need to make a long detour through neighboring Sweden, or use another type of transport.

The total length of the country's railways is 4,087 km. Along the route of trains there are 775 tunnels and more than 3,000 bridges.

The railway transport throughout Norway is managed by NSB (Norwegian State Railways). Most trains are express trains equipped with first and second class carriages.

A train trip in Norway will cost a tourist quite a lot: for example, the price of a ticket for the Oslo-Bergen train will be from 500 kroner, for the Oslo-Trondheim train - about 53 kroons. You must also remember that the basic ticket price does not include the cost of a bed. Accommodation on a berth in a compartment will increase the cost of the trip by 30-40%.

Only NSB's ongoing promotions and ticket sales can save a traveler's budget. There are various discounts for advance booking of tickets, for children, for pensioners, disabled people, for several people traveling together, and also 3/7/21 day travel tickets are offered, which entitle you to an unlimited number of railway trips.

You can purchase any types of train tickets at station ticket offices, or you can order through services (for example, ruter.no), or the official website of Norwegian Railways, paying for the purchase with a credit card.

Important: Smoking is prohibited in Norway on trains and railway station buildings!

Taxi in Norway

Taxi in Norway is also a fairly expensive mode of transport. Cars only run within the city. For landing they charge from 5 euros during the day (the price of landing and 1 km in the cities of Norway varies). Next, you will be charged approximately 1.3 euros for each kilometer of travel; an hour of waiting costs from 47 euros. For 2019, the lowest taxi fares are in Bergen, the highest in Trondheim.

Payment can be made by credit card. All cars are radio equipped, so you can order a car by phone. You can also find a taxi at special parking lots or by “voting” on the street. It is not customary to pick up passengers in a taxi; this can only be done with the consent of the client already in the cabin.

You can order a car by calling the numbers listed on the website of the largest taxi company in Norway, Norgestaxi.

Cars in Norway

Norwegian roads are considered perhaps the best in the world. Their total length in the country is 92,946 km (as of 2007), of which 27,343 km are roads of national importance, 27,075 km are roads of regional importance and 38,528 km are roads of local importance. Most of the roads (74%) have a hard surface and are thoroughly cleared of snow in winter. In Oslo, many highways are laid underground.

Norwegian roads are very winding: the road surface makes sharp turns between mountain ranges. As throughout Scandinavia, in the country you should drive around the clock with low beams or lights on - this is due to frequent weather changes and poor visibility on the road. In some places, especially in the fjords, driving with trailers is prohibited, since the road surface can be very narrow, so much so that in some places there are “pockets” for passing oncoming traffic.

The maximum permissible speeds in Norway are: in residential areas - 30 km/h, in populated areas - 50 km/h, on the highway - 80 km/h. There are practically no toll roads in the country, but there are many toll tunnels, bridges and ferry crossings (from 5 to 100 CZK). Gasoline is slightly more expensive than in other European countries. The maximum permissible level of alcohol in a driver's blood is 0.2 ppm. The use of a seat belt is mandatory. There must be a warning sign in the car in case of an accident or malfunction.

Car parks in Norway are paid. Parking in residential areas (outside parking lots) can only be done by residents of surrounding buildings who have an annual parking pass of a certain color corresponding to the given parking zone attached to the windshield of their car. Failure to comply with parking rules is punishable by a fairly high fine. Entry by car into the historical part of the cities of Oslo and Bergen is paid.

Car rental in Norway

To rent a car in Norway, you must have an international driving license, a credit card and paid insurance. In the absence of the latter, a cash deposit is required, the amount of which depends on the type of car. The minimum driver age is 19 years old, but some companies extend it to 25 years old. The advantage of renting a car is that it will allow you to easily explore the main attractions of Norway, without tying the route to the public transport schedule.

The approximate cost of renting a compact class car with insurance per day will be from 780 NOK.

Most rental companies only accept credit cards.

Also, rental offices will always provide tourists with any necessary additional equipment for cars: child seats, luggage racks, navigators.

Air transport in Norway

There are 53 air ports in Norway, here are the most significant of them:

Detailed information on any of the 53 airports, schedules and much more can be found using the links or on the official website of the Norwegian airport service Avinor.

Norway also has excellent domestic air traffic. It plays almost the main role in passenger transportation in Norway, ahead of buses and trains. This is due to the size of the country, stretching 2,500 km from north to south, as well as Norway's complex mountainous terrain, indented by fjords and bays. Sometimes in winter, air travel is the only way to reach villages located in the mountains and islands. In addition, air travel to a particular locality is often cheaper than traveling by train or bus.

Water transport in Norway

The water transport network in Norway is very well developed. Express boats and car ferries connect almost all cities and towns on the coast, as well as large and small islands.

There are many ferries operating in the fjord areas. Ferry services are provided by the following companies:

• Fjord1 Fylkesbaatane (Western Norway)
• Tide (Western Norway)
• Fjordline (Western Norway)
• Kolumbus (public transport in Rogaland, Western Norway)
• Rødne Fjordcruise (Ryfylke and Stavanger region, Western Norway)
• The Senja Ferries (Troms and Vesterålen Islands in Nordland, Northern Norway)
• Bjørklid Ferjerederi (Lyngen, Northern Norway)
• Bastø Fosen (between Moss and Horten)

The most popular excursion water routes are the Hirtshals - Stavanger - Bergen route from the Fjord Line and the Hirtshals - Kristiansand route. In addition to public water transport, you can always find private boats at the piers, the owners of which offer trips to this or that area of ​​the coast for excursions or fishing.

Tickets for water transport are purchased on the websites of ferry companies and at terminal ticket offices before departure. The fare is high, however, by planning your trip in advance, you can always take advantage of some promotion or sale. Also, for early booking you can get a discount on your ticket, sometimes reaching up to 20%.

Passenger transportation along the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and further north to the Russian border is carried out by the company "Hurtigruten" ("Coastal Express"). A trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back on this company's ferry usually takes 11 days. During it, tourists have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the magnificent nature of the Norwegian coast. Flights operate daily, the ferry makes many stops along the coast. The ship is also designed to transport cars, which makes it possible to combine a sea cruise with a trip by car.