Overview
The Oslo Metro (Oslo T-bane or Tunnelbane) is a rapid transit system operated by Sporveien T-banen under contract from the transit authority Ruter. It is the primary public transport network for getting around Oslo and its suburbs, complemented by trams, buses, and ferries. To use the system as a visitor, you purchase a ticket or travel pass (valid across all Ruter services—metro, tram, bus, and ferries), tap or scan it at the entry gate of any station or vehicle, and travel to your destination. The network has five lines, all converging through the city centre via a common tunnel, with a total of 101 stations across 85 kilometres of track.
The network
The Oslo Metro comprises five colour-coded lines, numbered 1 to 5, that intersect through the Common Tunnel in the city centre and serve eight branch lines. Two lines also connect to the Ring Line.
- Line 1 serves the Holmenkollen and Kolsås branches to the west, reaching into the neighbouring municipality of Bærum, and the Lambertseter branch to the south with limited service.
- Line 2 serves the Røa branch to the west.
- Line 3 serves the Sognsvann branch to the north.
- Line 4 serves both the Grorud branch to the northeast and the Lambertseter branch to the south with full-time service.
- Line 5 serves the Grorud branch to the northeast and the Furuset branch to the southeast.
In addition to the metro lines, Oslo's public transport network includes suburban rail, trams, buses, and seasonal ferries, all operated by or under contract from Ruter and included in the same ticketing system.
Tickets & fares
Tickets and passes are valid across all Ruter services—the metro, trams, buses, and ferries—within Oslo Zone 1, which covers all of Oslo and the system's reach into Bærum. You can purchase tickets at automated machines in metro stations, on trams and buses, via the Ruter website or mobile app, or at certain service points.
Ticket types and fares (approximate; prices change):
- Single journey: 35 kroner for adults; 18 kroner for children and seniors.
- 24-hour pass: 53 kroner, allowing unlimited travel for 24 hours.
- 7-day pass: 249 kroner for a week of unlimited travel.
- Oslo Pass: A tourist pass that covers all public transport in Oslo (except the airport express train Flytoget), plus entry to museums and other attractions; available in 24-, 48-, and 72-hour versions.
Most tickets can be purchased with contactless payment cards or mobile payment at entry gates and validators. The system is transitioning towards tap-to-ride using your payment card or mobile phone, and some validators accept both traditional paper tickets and modern contactless methods.
From the airport
Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL), located 37 km north-northeast of the city, is served by several public transport options:
- Flytoget (Airport Express Train): The fastest and most frequent option, taking 19–22 minutes to reach Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). Trains depart every 10 minutes on weekdays from 07:00 to 23:10 and every 20 minutes at other times. The fare is 268 kroner for adults, 134 kroner for seniors, students under 31 with valid ID, and unaccompanied children; children under 16 travel free when accompanied by an adult. You can pay by tapping your debit or credit card at the entry gate, buying a paper ticket from a vending machine, or purchasing an e-ticket via the Flytoget website or app.
- Vy regional train: A cheaper option at 134 kroner, taking 23 minutes with departures three times per hour. This ticket includes local transport access (T-bane, trams, and buses) for about two hours, though the journey is slower than Flytoget.
- Flybussen Connect airport buses: Cost 319 kroner if bought on board, or from 279 kroner one-way if purchased online in advance; discounts available for students and other groups.
- OSL Ekspressen bus: Serves Mortensrud subway station.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Taxis should be pre-booked (costing approximately 700 kroner to the city centre) to avoid inflated fares. Uber and Bolt are also available. Avoid unbooked taxis waiting at the terminal, as they often charge unfair prices.
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing and boarding: Queue orderly when waiting to board trains and trams. Stand aside or move along the car to allow others to board, and let passengers alight before you board.
- Escalators: Stand on the right side of escalators to allow people in a hurry to pass on the left.
- Priority seating: Seats marked or designated for elderly passengers, pregnant women, disabled passengers, and families with young children should be vacated when needed. Young, able-bodied passengers should offer their seat to those in need.
- Quiet zones: Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanour on trains and trams, especially during peak hours. Speak at a low volume and avoid loud phone calls.
- Eating and drinking: Eating is discouraged on trains and trams; drinking water or other beverages is generally acceptable, but avoid alcohol.
- Rush hour behaviour: During peak hours (typically 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00 on weekdays), trains and buses become crowded. Move to the centre of the carriage or bus and hold onto handrails; be prepared for tight conditions and brief delays.
- Validation: Always validate your ticket or scan your pass at the entry gate or onboard validator; fare inspectors conduct regular spot checks, and travelling without a valid ticket incurs a fine.
Official links
- Ruter (English) – Journey planner, fare information, route maps, and live service updates for all Oslo public transport.
Survival terms
- T-bane: The metro or underground rapid transit system (literally "T-train").
- Billett: Ticket.
- Linje: Line (as in metro line).
- Inngang: Entrance.
- Utgang: Exit.
- Overgang: Transfer or change.
- Enkeltbillett: Single fare or single journey ticket.
- Dagskort: Day pass.
Download the Ruter app or check Ruter.no before your trip to view live service updates and plan your journey, as this will help you navigate the system confidently and avoid any service disruptions.