Owais Crawford
If you have a long layover at Oslo Airport, you may be wondering if it's possible to leave the airport and explore the city. The answer is yes, it's definitely possible! Oslo Airport is located just 20 minutes away from the city centre by train, making it easy for travellers to get out and explore during longer layovers. However, it's important to keep in mind that you may need a transit visa if you plan to leave the airport, especially if you're crossing the external Schengen border. To enter the city, you can take the Airport Express train (Flytoget), which departs every 10 minutes, or opt for a bus or taxi. Once in the city, you can explore attractions such as Frogner Park, the Viking Ship Museum, or the downtown area, where you'll find the city hall, palace, opera house, and more. Back at the airport, there are also plenty of dining and shopping options to keep you entertained during your layover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving Oslo airport during a layover | Possible, but depends on the length of the layover and whether you have the necessary visa |
| Transport options | Airport Express train (Flytoget), local bus, taxi |
| Things to do | Visit Grünerløkka, the city's hippest neighbourhood; explore Frogner Park and the Vigeland sculptures; hop-on, hop-off Oslo Fjord cruise; stroll along the Harbour Promenade; dip into the Sorenga Seawater Pool |
| Facilities at Oslo airport | 32 shops, 38 restaurants and bars, free WiFi, lounges, pharmacy, technology shops, fashion boutiques, food market |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploring Oslo's landmarks, including Frogner Park and the city's biggest food market, Mathallen
- Getting to Oslo from the airport by train, bus, or taxi
- Staying at a hotel near Oslo Airport, such as the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel
- Eating at one of the 30+ eateries in Oslo Airport, including celebrity chef restaurants
- Shopping at the 32 stores in Oslo Airport, including local fashion at Aera
Exploring Oslo's landmarks, including Frogner Park and the city's biggest food market, Mathallen
Oslo is a city that beautifully blends history and modernity, with a variety of neighbourhoods to explore. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the city's landmarks, culture, and cuisine, here's a guide to help you navigate some of Oslo's highlights, including Frogner Park and Mathallen, the city's biggest food market.
Frogner Park
Frogner Park, located on the northwestern edge of the city centre, is a great place to start your day. This massive park encompasses the smaller Vigeland Park, known for its lush landscapes and hundreds of sculptures by the renowned Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. The park boasts impeccable landscaping, with colour-coordinated flower beds and wide pathways leading to a rose garden that houses the largest collection of roses in Norway. If you're seeking tranquillity, Frogner Pond offers quiet shaded lawns, and there are also several restaurants and coffee stands nearby. The park is open 24 hours a day and is free to enter, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Mathallen Food Market
After exploring Frogner Park, make your way to Mathallen, Oslo's biggest food market, located in the Vulkan area. Mathallen is a vibrant indoor food hall inspired by European food courts but with a modern Norwegian twist. It offers a unique taste experience, showcasing the best of Norwegian and international cuisine. With over 40 restaurants, shops, and bars, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. From local seafood to Belgian waffles, pizza, baos, and Colombian-inspired street food, the options are endless. Mathallen is typically crowded during lunch and dinner, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so consider visiting during off-peak hours for a shorter wait. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, with limited hours on Sundays and Mondays.
Other Landmarks in Oslo
In addition to Frogner Park and Mathallen, Oslo boasts several other notable landmarks worth exploring:
- Grünerløkka: This trendy, artsy neighbourhood is known for its cafes, boutiques, nightlife, and vibrant street art. It's a great place to experience the local culture and interact with Oslo's youth.
- Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen: These modern waterfront developments offer museums, dining options, and stunning views of the city and fjord.
- Bjørvika: A rapidly developing waterfront area with cutting-edge architecture, cultural landmarks, and parks. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, The Munch Museum, and the Barcode Project.
- Kvadraturen: The historic city centre, home to cultural landmarks such as the Oslo Cathedral, Oslo City Hall, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Akershus Fortress: A Medieval castle overlooking the harbour, offering free access to its grounds and ramparts, as well as insights into Oslo's military history.
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Getting to Oslo from the airport by train, bus, or taxi
Oslo Airport is located at Gardermoen, approximately 50km northeast of Oslo. There are several transport options available to get to the city centre from the airport.
Train
The Flytoget Airport Express train is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the city centre. The airport is served by both local and express trains. The express trains depart every ten minutes and take only 19–26 minutes to get to Oslo Central Station. The local trains are slightly less frequent, running 2–3 times per hour, and usually taking 20–25 minutes to reach the city. The express trains are more expensive, with a single ticket costing 190kr, while the local trains cost 93 NOK.
Bus
There is an airport bus service that runs to the city, but it can take at least 45 minutes to reach the bus station in central Oslo. The bus ticket is cheaper, costing 33 NOK.
Taxi
Taxis are also available from the airport and provide a direct journey to your destination in Oslo.
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Staying at a hotel near Oslo Airport, such as the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel
If you have a long layover at Oslo Airport, you may want to stay at a hotel nearby. Staying at a hotel near the airport can be a great option if you want to rest or freshen up before your next flight. One such hotel is the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, which is just a 3-minute walk from the airport. The hotel offers soundproofed rooms with free WiFi, extra-long beds, and a flat-screen TV. It also boasts a well-equipped gym and a stylish interior.
Another benefit of staying at a hotel near Oslo Airport is the convenience of not having to travel far with your luggage. The Radisson Blu Airport Hotel is connected to the airport through a walking passage, making it easily accessible. This is especially useful if you have a lot of luggage or if you are travelling with children or elderly family members.
Additionally, the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel provides a 24-hour health club and a restaurant, ensuring that you have access to amenities and meals during your stay. The hotel also offers a comfortable and quiet environment, which can be beneficial if you need to rest or work during your layover.
When considering a hotel near Oslo Airport, it is important to take into account the duration of your layover and your specific needs. If you have a short layover, staying at a hotel that is within walking distance, such as the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, can be a convenient choice. However, if you have a longer layover and want to explore Oslo, you may prefer a hotel that is located closer to the city centre, which can be easily accessed by train or bus from the airport.
Overall, staying at a hotel near Oslo Airport, such as the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, can be a practical and comfortable option during a layover. It provides easy access to the airport, amenities, and a quiet environment for rest or work. Additionally, with its proximity to the city centre, you have the option to explore Oslo if time permits during your layover.
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Eating at one of the 30+ eateries in Oslo Airport, including celebrity chef restaurants
If you have a long layover at Oslo Airport, you may be wondering about the dining options available. The airport boasts over 30 eateries, so you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
One of the most popular places to eat is the bakery chain W.B. Samson, which has three locations in the airport. They offer a variety of baked goods, including focaccia, croissants, and pizzas. Their Roman-style pizzas, with thin bases and crispy crusts, are a favourite among travellers. You can find their outlets before security, in the International area, and outside customs next to international arrivals.
For seafood lovers, Fiskeriet is a great choice. This combined fishmonger and eatery is known for its delicious fish and chips, using the same recipe as their famous city centre shop. Their fish is deep-fried until crispy and golden, then sprinkled with Maldon sea salt, and served with fresh, hot chips. You can find Fiskeriet at Gardermoen, as well as at Bergen Airport.
If you're looking for a celebrity chef experience, Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant is the centerpiece of the airport's food and drinks selection. While there, you can also explore the 30+ shops, free WiFi, and even play the piano.
If you have a very long layover and want to explore outside the airport, you can take a train or bus to Oslo's city centre in about 20-25 minutes. In the city, you'll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets. Just be sure to leave enough time to get back to the airport and through security for your connecting flight.
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Shopping at the 32 stores in Oslo Airport, including local fashion at Aera
If you're on a layover at Oslo Airport, you won't be short of entertainment options. The airport boasts 32 shops, ranging from fashion boutiques to gift stores, and 38 restaurants and bars.
For fashion, you can visit Aera Women for local styles, or for something more vintage, try Fretex, where you can find affordably priced vintage clothes and contribute to a good cause while shopping. There are also stores offering books, beauty products, and gifts.
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, you can choose from sushi, burgers, or modern Nordic cuisine. And if you fancy playing some music, there's even a piano in the airport!
With free WiFi throughout the airport, you can easily pass the time. However, if you wish to leave the airport, you can take a bus or train to Oslo city centre. The train takes around 20-25 minutes and costs 190kr for a single ticket, while the bus tends to take at least 45 minutes to reach the central bus station.
For those with a longer layover, it is recommended to explore Grünerløkka, Oslo's hippest neighbourhood, with its vintage stores, quirky cafes, cool bars, and the city's biggest food market, Mathallen. Just be sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport and pass through security before your connecting flight.
If you need a visa to enter Norway, you will also need one to access any airport lounges, as there are no lounges in the non-Schengen part of the terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover in Oslo. The Airport Express train (Flytoget) departs every 10 minutes and gets you to the city centre in 20 minutes. You can also take the regular railway (NSB), which is cheaper and takes a similar amount of time, or catch a taxi.
It's recommended to set aside around 3 hours for customs and immigration when leaving and re-entering the airport.
Yes, there are hotels located within a few minutes' drive of the airport, with some offering shuttle services. The Radisson Blu Airport Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson are connected to the terminal by a covered walkway.
You can take a stroll along the new Harbour Promenade, go for a swim in the Sorenga Seawater Pool, or take a hop-on hop-off Oslo Fjord cruise. If you prefer to stay on land, you can explore the city's landmarks, including Frogner Park, the Viking Ship Museum, City Hall, the Palace, Opera House, Akershus, and the Nobel Centre.
Oslo Airport offers a variety of entertainment options, including over 30 eateries, shops, and bars. You can also relax in one of the lounges or nap in the pre-security Arrivals area.
