Oslo Gardermoen Airport Guide (OSL) – Oslo

Airport Overview

Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is the principal international airport of Norway, handling approximately 27 million passengers per year. Located 47 km north of Oslo city centre in Ullensaker municipality, Gardermoen opened in 1998 as a purpose-built greenfield airport to replace the outdated Fornebu Airport and has won numerous awards for its efficiency and passenger experience. OSL serves as the primary hub for SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle, providing strong connections to European and intercontinental destinations. The airport's design by Niels Torp is celebrated for its light-filled, wood-interior Scandinavian aesthetic.

Terminals

Oslo Airport has two main terminal sections — Domestic (D) and International (A and B gates) — all within a single connected terminal building. There is also an East Terminal for some low-cost carriers.

• Domestic Terminal: All Norwegian domestic flights including routes operated by SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe, and BRA to destinations across Norway.
• International Terminal (Gates A and B): All international departures and arrivals. SAS, Norwegian, easyJet, Wizz Air, and all international carriers operate from here. Gates A (Schengen) and B (non-Schengen) are separated after passport control.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout Oslo Airport under the network "Oslo Lufthavn Gratis WiFi" or the English-language equivalent. Connect by selecting the network — registration is minimal or not required for basic access. Norway's excellent digital infrastructure ensures fast, reliable speeds across the entire terminal. Premium options are available. Coverage extends comprehensively throughout all public and airside areas.

Transport to City Center

Flytoget Airport Express Train

The Flytoget (Airport Express Train) is the fastest and most popular way to reach Oslo city centre, running non-stop to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) in 19–20 minutes. Trains depart every 10 minutes between approximately 05:37 and 00:37. A single adult ticket costs 230 NOK (approximately €20). The Flytoget also stops at Lillestrøm and provides a very smooth, comfortable journey. This is the recommended option for most passengers.

NSB/Vy Regional Train

Vy (formerly NSB) commuter trains also stop at Gardermoen and reach Oslo S in approximately 23–30 minutes. Tickets cost around 153 NOK (€13), making it a slightly cheaper alternative to the Flytoget. Trains run regularly though less frequently than the Flytoget.

Bus Services (Flybussen)

Flybussen express coaches run from Oslo Airport to Oslo Bus Terminal (Galleri Oslo) and other stops in approximately 40–50 minutes. Tickets cost around 199 NOK (€17). Buses run regularly and are a good option for travellers heading to areas not directly served by the rail stations.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official taxis from Oslo Airport to Oslo city centre typically cost 700–900 NOK (€60–78) and take 35–50 minutes. Uber also operates in Oslo. Given the fare, the Flytoget or Vy train represents significantly better value for most travellers.

Airport Lounges

Oslo Airport has a solid lounge selection, with SAS offering some of the finest Scandinavian hospitality in their dedicated lounges.

• SAS Business Lounge (International): Premium SAS lounge for business class and EuroBonus Gold/Diamond members, featuring Norwegian and Scandinavian food, aquavit, and design-focused interiors.
• SAS Domestic Lounge: SAS business lounge for domestic premium passengers and high-status EuroBonus members.
• No. 1 Lounge (International, Gates B): Independent Priority Pass-accessible lounge in the non-Schengen zone with solid food and bar.
• Plaza Premium Lounge: Priority Pass-accessible lounge with buffet food and comfortable seating near international gates.
• Star Alliance Lounge: For Star Alliance Gold members and business class passengers on qualifying long-haul flights.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Oslo Gardermoen: Directly connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, offering premium rooms and extensive dining.
• Clarion Hotel Oslo Airport: Well-appointed hotel adjacent to the terminal with multiple restaurants and conference facilities.
• Gardermoen Park Inn by Radisson: Mid-range hotel near the airport with comfortable rooms and free terminal shuttle.
• Thon Hotel Oslo Airport: Norwegian hotel brand with good amenities and easy access to the Flytoget station.
• ibis Oslo Airport Gardermoen: Budget option near the airport with good facilities and a terminal shuttle service.

Food and Restaurants

Oslo Airport's dining reflects Norwegian culinary traditions alongside Scandinavian design principles, with a focus on quality and sustainability.

• Narvesen (multiple locations): Norwegian convenience and food chain serving open-faced smørbrød sandwiches, coffee, and snacks throughout the airport.
• Peppes Pizza (Domestic and International): Norwegian pizza chain popular for its varied menu and relaxed atmosphere before flights.
• Fiskeriet (International): Norwegian fish and seafood restaurant serving fresh salmon, shrimp, and other Norwegian seafood dishes.
• McDonald's (International): Standard fast food option in the international departure area.
• Espresso House (multiple locations): Scandinavian coffee chain with quality espresso, pastries, and light meals throughout the terminal.
• Deli de Luca (multiple locations): Norwegian deli concept serving fresh sandwiches, hot food, and a range of international snacks.

Travel Tips

• The Flytoget Airport Express is one of the best airport rail links in Europe — 19 minutes to Oslo S, runs every 10 minutes, and extremely reliable in all weather conditions.
• Norway is extraordinarily expensive — airport food and drink will cost significantly more than in most European countries. Budget carefully.
• Oslo Airport's Scandinavian wood-and-light design is genuinely beautiful — look up and appreciate the architecture, especially in the main hall.
• Tax-free shopping at OSL is particularly good for Norwegian spirits (aquavit, linie), smoked salmon, brunost cheese, and Scandinavian design items.
• The airport is very large — check your gate location early and note that gates in the B section require going through passport control (non-Schengen).
• Norway's cashless society means card payment is expected everywhere; bringing Norwegian Krone cash is rarely necessary.
• Winter operations at Gardermoen are very reliable — the airport has extensive snow-clearing capabilities and rarely experiences serious winter disruptions.