Getting from Gardermoen Airport to Oslo
Most international flights arrive at Oslo International Airport Gardermoen (avinor.no). There are several ways of getting from Gardermoen to Oslo.
- One is the airport express train Flytoget (flytoget.no) which has quite an expensive travel fare, but will bring you to Oslo’s central train station in about 20 minutes.
- There are also regular local Trains (vy.no) that can transport you to the centre of town. These have cheaper fares, but run less often and might take slightly more time.
- Airport buses Flybussen (flybussen.no) and Flybussekspressen (nor-way.no) have cheap travel fairs as well and stop at a number of Oslo destinations. The estimated time of travel on an airport bus is 45 minutes from Gardermoen to The Oslo Bus Terminal.
- Finally, if you like to travel in style, taxis are plentiful but prices are steep; these will take you wherever you want to go. Depending on which taxi company you choose, a taxi from the airport costs at least NOK 800,-. Higher rates apply for evenings, nights and weekends. From downtown Oslo, follow the directions below to get to either the downtown (law school) or Blindern campuses.
Train
Norway’s efficient train network Vy (vy.no) brings you to the heart of Oslo quickly and fairly cheaply. Travellers headed for Blindern should get off at the central station (Oslo S, or Sentralstasjon) to switch to other means of transportation (below) to complete their journey. Those wanting to get to the Faculty of Law downtown should detrain at the National Theatre station (Nationaltheatret); the law school is on Oslo’s main boulevard (Karl Johans gate).
Underground / Metro / Subway
You will find underground railway stations by looking for white signs with a blue encircled T ("T-bane" in Norwegian).
All lines stop at Nationaltheateret (west bound), which is closest to the buildings in Karl Johans gate, and T?yen (east bound), which is the closest to the museums and institutes at T?yen. To get to the University campus at Blindern choose west bound line 4 Vestli via Storo, 5 Ringen via Storo, or 5 Sognsvann to Blindern station. The University is situated on the little hill top strait forth as you depart the train. The red brick buildings should be easy to spot.
Tram
Both line 17 Rikshospitalet and 18 Rikshospitalet stop at Universitetet Blindern, which is at the back of the University campus on Blindern. Both lines pass by Oslo Central Station which is convenient for travellers arriving by train.
Bus
Newcomers to Oslo should probably rely on other means of getting to the university – particularly the Blindern campus – than the bus system. Bus numbers 20, 25 and 46 all drive near this campus. Get off at Vestre Aker Kirke and head west; you will pass first the white buildings of the Faculty of Theology and then the black colossus that is the University Library. Outside Oslo, bus number 261 from R?yken in the south-west and bus number 363 from Lillestr?m in the east all go straight to the university.
Long-term visitors should consult the public transit system’s information resources Ruter (ruter.no) to learn more about the offerings.
Car
We encourage people to use either bicycles or public transportation to get to the university, particularly our students and staff. If you have to drive a car, here is one of the easier ways (among many possibilities) to get to Blindern. One way or another, get to Oslo’s major circuit – Ring 3 – and drive towards Ullev?l Stadion north-west of Oslo. Turn towards the city centre and then follow the signs to the university. Once you see the red-brick buildings, cross your fingers and start looking for a parking space. Even those who know the university’s secrets think parking is a nightmare.
Taxi
Never a cheap alternative (particularly in Norway), taxis are plentiful and one of the most painless ways to get wherever you want to go. All taxi drivers are familiar with the main university areas and the vast majority speak (enough) English. Just make sure your journey starts in the approximate vicinity of your destination, or you could end up spending an arm and a leg. Your taxi should have a taxi sign (indicating that it is official and registered) on top to ensure your security and that you are not gouged. Tipping is not necessary.
Boat
A number of cruise operators offer trips from German, Danish and Swedish ports in to Oslo. From the port, either take a bus or taxi the short distance to the central train station and then follow other surface directions. Pleasure-seekers are encouraged to try this option.