Driving in Norway

Who is driving in Norway best for?

We recommend renting a car to explore Norway to most because. Why? Driving gives you the freedom Norway is built for. It’s especially great if you want to explore fjords, small villages, trailheads and quiet backroads at your own pace.

Driving is ideal if you:

• want a fjord road trip with scenic stops whenever you feel like it
• want to visit places off the beaten track
• are traveling as a family or small group and value flexibility
• prefer a slow, immersive trip rather than checking off cities

Consider public transport or a mix if you:

• still feel nervous about driving after reading our tips

For a full overview of transport options, see Transportation in Norway.

Tips for driving in Norway

But driving in a country you are not used to can be scary, and Norway is no different. With these tips, you can go on your Norwegian adventure prepared for (almost) anything and enjoy the sightseeing safely!

Tip 1: Keep right & adjust your pace

In Norway many roads are narrow and winding. For people used to cities and highways this is quite a change. It’s important to adjust your pace to this and keep much more to the right of the road than you are probably used to. Keeping right is extremely important, especially in summer time with a lot of campervans on the road.

Of course, you will spend some time waiting for ferries, but also take into account that you might stop for pictures! As you drive along the fjords, the views will be too irresistible to drive past. Take a break in one of the designated areas to enjoy it. Please do not stop at the side of the road, and be aware of other traffic.

Tip 2: Don't follow Google Maps blindly

The invention of Google Maps made all our lives a little easier. In most cases, they can calculate your travel time down to the minute. In Norway this is not the case. Google calculates your travel time by assuming the maximum speed speed allowed. To make the most of your trip, you will likely drive slower than this.

Add 25% to your driving time

If you have somewhere to be, please add 25% on top of how long Google Maps says it will take. This way you will make sure you will never miss your ferry, tour, or flight while travelling in Norway.

Don’t think about driving distance, use driving time (50 or 60 km per hour). Since there are hardly any highways in Norway, take your time and enjoy the winding roads and ever-changing scenery.

Tip 3: What do these traffic signs mean?

Many tourists visiting Norway for the first time ask us this question

Tip 4: Beware of the speed limit

In villages, towns, and cities, the speed limit is usually 50 kmph (30 mph), unless otherwise indicated. The speed limit in the Norwegian countryside is 80 km per hour (50 mph), except for the several highways around Oslo. The moment you are away from the cities, you will find yourself driving never-ending narrow roads with many bends, tunnels, ascends and descends. Driving on these roads takes some getting used to.

Better safe than sorry

The speed limit is there for a reason, be it oncoming cars, trees on the road, or even a literal deer in the headlights. Anything can happen. If you are not used to driving the Norwegian roads, you should drive a little slower than the speed limit. This way, you also get to enjoy the landscape and views more!

Besides, you probably want to avoid getting a ticket for driving too fast. In Norway, exceeding the speed limit by 5 kmph costs you 800 NOK (80 EUR or 90 USD), and 2100 NOK (210 EUR or 230 USD) for speeding between 6 and 10 kmph! When driving in Norway, it is better to be safe than sorry, for you, fellow road users, your (rental) car, and your wallet.

Tip 5: Take the weather into account

The Norwegian weather can be unpredictable and – at times unforgiving – at any time of year, but especially in the spring and fall. Of course this means you will have to drive even more carefully when you are in a storm.

Beware of:

• wind gusts along the fjords
• aquaplaning in heavy rain.

In spring (even until the end of June) or early fall (end of September) you could experience snowfall higher up in the mountains and roads might be closed. In case of extreme weather, you might even get stranded in front of a road closure, or at the harbor of a ferry.

The travel designers at Norway Adventures always design the best private tours based on the season you are traveling in. Our staff is also available for advice in case of extreme weather, helping you plan your route.

Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave.

Mind that the weather in Norway changes fast, and local differences in weather can be big. Read all our tips on the weather and climate in Norway.

You can take several measures to prevent getting stranded in the middle of a storm:

1. If you expect bad weather before your departure, check the schedules of the ferries you have to take. You should do this regardless of the weather. This way you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.
2. Check Norway’s traffic website for up to date information, to see if any roads and tunnels you will take are closed. This way you can figure out what would be the best route to your next destination.
3. You can also call 175 or +47 815 48 991 for information on road conditions. They have accurate weather reports for the roads you might drive, as well as info on closed roads and tunnels. They have English speakers available for tourists.

Other driving tips

A whole book could be written about do’s and don’ts on the roads of Norway. To narrow it down, we have compiled a short list of some common rules and regulations, as well as some of our advice for driving in Norway:

• Petrol stations can be few and far between. Take this into account when driving long stretches
• If you are driving in the mountains, always have some water and snacks with you
• Many trailheads have a parking area with a box where you can pay a small fee for parking your car. This is based on trust, so please respect this

Ferry tips

• Local ferries: you do not have to buy a ticket, this will be automatically registered when on board. If you have a rental car, the cost for the ferries will be deducted from your credit card through the rental car company.
  
• Enter the dock, in line with the sign of a person/ticket salesman. Not by waiting for the barrier (this is only for locals with a membership)
• The standard price is for a car and the driver. A small amount is added for additional passengers.

Important phone numbers to have:

• 175 or +47 815 48 991 for information about road conditions and closures
• Phone numbers of salvage and roadside assistance:
  • NAF: +47 23 21 31 00
  • Falck: +47 02 222
  • Viking: +47 06 000

Safety regulations for driving in Norway

Here’s a summary of important safety regulations to keep in mind when driving in Norway:

• It’s mandatory to drive with dipped beam lights at all time, even on the sunniest summer day
• Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers
• Never just stop aside the road. Always look for designated parking areas or exits
• Norway is extremely strict with drunk driving. Do not drive after you have had any alcohol.

Driving in Norway in winter

Driving in Norway in winter can be magical, and totally doable, as long as you plan with the season in mind.

Rental cars come with proper winter tires and roads are well maintained, but conditions change faster than many visitors expect.

A few winter realities to know:

• Days are short, especially in northern Norway, so plan for shorter drives.
• Mountain passes can close during storms, so coastal routes are often the safer choice in winter, but you should check road conditions before you head out.
• Speed limits are lower for a reason.
• Build a little extra flexibility into your route in case weather shifts your plans.

Toll roads and how payment works

Norway has a lot of toll roads, but don’t worry too much. The toll road system in Norway is simple for visitors.

• Most tolls are automatic. Cameras register your license plate as you pass.
• You don’t stop at booths and you don’t need cash.
• If you’re in a rental car, tolls are usually charged to the rental company and later billed to your card.
• Tolls are most common around cities, important bridges/infrastructure to they help fund Norway’s roads and tunnels.

You don’t need to do anything special: just drive through as normal.

Driving an electric car in Norway

Norway is one of the world’s best countries for EV road trips. Many rental agencies have electric cars ready to pick up. While charging is easy in most urban areas, please be aware of the culprits of renting an EV in Norway – especially when you plan to travel off the beaten track.

What to expect:

• Charging stations are everywhere, including along main scenic routes, but expect limited charging poles in more rural areas. Plan your route accordingly.
• Many hotels have on-site charging.
• You may need a charging app or card from your rental company. They’ll explain this at pickup.

We don’t recommend renting an EV in the winter time, because of the colder temperatures and lack of charging options in rural winter areas.

Parking in Norway: what to know

Parking is usually straightforward, but there are a few Norway-specific quirks.

• In towns and cities, parking is often paid and app-based. Look for signs showing zones and time limits.
• Outside cities, parking in nature areas is common. Trailheads and viewpoints usually have designated parking areas.
• At popular hikes, you’ll often see a simple payment box or QR code. Pay what’s listed and park within marked areas.
• Don’t park on private driveways or in passing places meant for oncoming traffic.

When in doubt, follow signs, ask for help or park where locals park. If you travel with us, we’ll make sure to give you all the information you need to avoid parking tickets.

Last but not least: Enjoy the freedom and take it all in

Having a car gives you near unlimited freedom to explore Norway to the fullest. It is the only way to experience Norway off the beaten path.

Many trailheads to our favorite hiking trails are accessible by car, but not by public transport. Besides, public transport in Norway is partially based on the school bus system. This means that in the summer, the buses will not be going. With your car, you are free to stop when and where you want, take a break, enjoy the view, and take it all in. Please consider parking rules. It is not allowed to park on private land (which is most land in the countryside) in Norway without permission of the landowner.

Driving in Norway is an experience like no other! If you are still hesitant about arranging your own Norway road trip, have a look at one of our self-drive vacations. Or let us tailor a vacation specifically to your wishes! With our detailed road book, you won’t have to worry about calculating how long a drive will take, what time you need to leave, and what route you will take.