OSLO - GETTING AROUND

Public transportation is convenient with all the public transport in Oslo and the surrounding county Akershus as part of the same ticket and price system, operated by Ruter. Ruter`s tickets are valid for buses, trams (street cars), subways, ferries (not the Bygdoy ferry) and local trains.

Bus and Tram (street cars)

Oslo`s bus and tram lines run through the city and extend into the suburbs. There is no central local bus station, but most buses converge at Jernbanetorget in front of Oslo S. Most buses and trams stop at Wessels Plass, next to the Parliament, or at Stortorvet, the main marketplace. Service frequency drops at night, but on weekends the night buses N12, N14 and N18 follow the tram routes until around 4am. Tickets for trips in zone 1 (most of the city center) cost about NOK50 ($6.00) if bought on board, a day pass costs about NOK90 ($11.00)

Subway or T-Banen

The Subway (Tunnelbanen or T-banen) is the underground system that extends further from the city center than most city-bus lines. All lines pass through the Nationaltheatret, Stortinget and Jernbanetorget (for Oslo S) stations. Ticketsfor trips in zone 1 (most of the city center) cost about NOK32 ($4.00) if bought in advance, or NOK50 ($6.00) if bought onboard.

Ferries

Oslo`s bus and tram lines run through the city and extend into the suburbs. There is no central local bus station, but most buses converge at Jernbanetorget in front of Oslo S. Most buses and trams stop at Wessels Plass, next to the Parliament, or at Stortorvet, the main marketplace. Service frequency drops at night, but on weekends the night buses N12, N14 and N18 follow the tram routes until around 4am. Tickets for trips in zone 1 (most of the city center) cost about NOK50 ($6.00) if bought onboard, a day pass costs about NOK90 ($11.00).

Line B1: Hovedoya > Bleikoya > Gressholmen > Lindoya ost > Nakholmen > Hovedoya (all year)Line B2: Hovedoya > Lindoya vest > Nakholmen > Hovedoya (June - August)Line B3: Hovedoya > Bluikoya > Gressholmen > Lindoya ost > Hovedoya (June - August)Line B4: Greesholmen > Langoyene > Gressholmen (May - September)

The Ferry to the Bygdoy peninsula operates between March and October and also departs from Radhusbrygg (City Hall). Stops include Dronningen (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History/Folk Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and Oscarshall) and Bygdoynes (Kon-Tiki, Fram and Norwegian Maritime Museum). Regular public transportation tickets are not valid on the ferries to Bygdoy. Tickets can be purchased at the Radhusbrygg (City Hall) and cost about NOK40 ($5.00) one way, or about NOK60 ($7.00) return. Note: Tickets will be more expensive if purchased on board.

Taxi

Taxis stands are located at Oslo S, shopping centers and city squares. Taxis can alsobe hailed on the street provided they are more than 300 ft from a taxi stand. Or taxis can be reserved in advance (tel. 81-50-01-76), but keep in mind that the meter starts running at the point of dispatch. Taxis are available when the roof light is on. Be mindful that hiring a taxi is very expensive, tariffs start around NOK30 ($6.00) for a hailed taxi and more if you summons in advance. Also, regular fares increase in the evening between 5pm - 10pm costing around NOK110 ($22), or between 10pm - 4am costing around NOK210 ($42). All taxis have meters and do accept major credit cards.

Norwegian State Railways (NSB)

NSB is the National Norwegian Railways (tel. +47/820 54 388; www.nsb.no), offers service to a number of places around Norway and between Oslo and Gothenburg . Most trains offer free wireless internet.

Car

Renting a car isn`t too practical in Oslo because parking is limited in the city and public transportation is so efficient. Oslo has many narrow, one-way streets, which can complicate city driving, but the streets are rarely as congested as in most other European cities. If you must have a car, consider parking in the public garages in the city center, the fees will cost about NOK230 ($27) - NOK270 ($32) per 24 hour period.

Bike

Oslo`s public bike service can be a very scenic way to get around the city in the warmer months. Oslo Citybike is a network of bikes that cyclists can use for up to three hours at a time from bicycle stands around the city. All you need to do is pick up an access card from the tourist office, the costs are around NOK85 ($10).

Walking

In the city you`ll find walking is a great way to get around in the warmer months with many attractions within walking distance of each other.

Oslo S - Oslo Central Station

Oslo S ( Oslo Central Station) is Oslo`s main rail station. It is the busiest station in Norway. The station has three main buildings, all interconnected: The Main Station, Flytogterminalen, and Ostbanehallen. The station serves express, regional and local rail services by four companies. Each building in the station houses a large shopping center and restaurants.

Traveling With Disabilities

Almost all airport buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with lifts or ramps. If you are traveling by train, please book your ticket either from a customer representative at the station or by contacting the Norwegian State Railways Call Center. Assistanceis available for getting to and from your train at some stations. Assistance is free of charge and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Modern express and long-distance buses have a lift for wheelchairs, and attachment point to secure them in the bus. Local buses have ramps, the newest buses display the next stop on screens, and the stops will also be announce over the PA system.

Newer trams have low floors and are easy to access for the mobility impaired. Older trams often have narrow stairways and can be challenging to access without assistance. Most metro stations in Oslo have lifts or ramps that make the trains accessible for the disabled, but watch the gap between the train and the platform. The trains are announced over the PA system and displayed on screens and trains. On the trains, the stations are only announced over the PA system.

Most Ferries in Norway are wheelchair accessible. The newer ferries are equipped with lifts, and most of the older ones have stair lifts for wheelchairs. Almost all ferries have ramps and handicap toilets available. It is not required but recommended that you call ahead to let the ferry crew know what your needs are. The Express boats that traffic the Norwegian coastline are all wheelchair accessible. The boats between larger coastal cities and towns have toilet facilities for wheelchair users and ramps for getting on and off the boat.