Public
Transport
Oslo has a comprehensive and efficient public transport network
of trains, buses, ferries, trams and underground (T-Bane), mostly
operated by Oslo Sporveier.
A one-stop shop for information on all public transport in and around
Oslo, is Trafikanten,
Jerbanetorget 1 (telephone number: 177) and located in front of
the Central Station.
There are 50 separate bus lines and 8 different tram lines
covering the city. These can be boarded opposite Oslo S
station on Jerbanetorget, with tickets available on board
from the driver.
The Oslo T-Bane consists of 5 underground lines.
Tickets are available from vending machines at the stations. The
entire public transport network is detailed on a free map,
which is available from Trafikanten, post offices
and most stations.
Ferries
Bygdøyfergene
Skibs A/S (telephone number: 23 35 68 90) operates seasonal
ferries (April-October) from City Hall to Bygdøy
Island, where many of the museums are situated. Smaller
ferries operate from Vippetangen, just behind Akershus
Slott, to all the harbour basin islands.
Taxis
Taxi ranks can be found throughout Oslo, mainly near the shopping
centre, city squares and outside Oslo S station. When it is very
busy or late at night, long waits may be experienced at taxi ranks.
Cabs are operated by Oslo
Taxi (telephone number: 02323) and Norges Taxi
(tel: 08000) and advance bookings can be made any time during peak
travel periods, taxis may take up to 30 minutes to arrive. Hailing
on the streets is possible, although not within 100 metres (110
yards) of a registered taxi rank and if the light is on, the taxi
is available for hire.
Driving
in the City
Driving in Oslo is quite straightforward. However, the city is relatively
small and has an very good public transport system, so a car is
really unnecessary, unless longer trips are planned. The rush hours
(0700-0900 hrs and 1500-1800 hrs) are best avoided and navigating
can be a little difficult, as there is a complicated one-way system.
The Stor Olso (Greater Oslo) map, available from
petrol stations, will help, if studied carefully in advance.
Parking
Another plus point for using the public transport system is that
parking is a nightmare in Oslo, with many places having a 1 hour
maximum stay. Illegal parking or overstaying the allotted time is
dealt with very severely – fines start at NOK500. Once a parking
spot has been found, a ticket must be obtained from the on-street
ticket machine and displayed on the car windscreen. Controlled city
centre street parking spots are free to Oslo Card holders
(for details see Sightseeing). There are 24-hour car parks at C
J Hambros Plass, Prinsens gate, Chr. Krohgsgate,
Oslo Plaza, Asker Stasjon and Skøyen Stasjon.
Car Hire
The major car hire providers are:
 Avis,
Munkedamsveien (telephone number: 81 53 30 44
Budget,
Munkedamsveien (telephone number: 81 56 06 00)
Hertz,
Holbergsgate (telephone number: 67 16 80 00).
The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 years and
a credit card will be required as security. The driver must have
a national driving licence (in Roman script), which
he/she has held for a minimum of 1 year. Insurance is mandatory
and tends to be included in the cost of the hire.
Bicycle
Hire
Information about cycling can be obtained from Syklistenes
Landsforening, Storgata 23c (telephone number: 2247 3030).
Bicycles can be rented from Ski
og Sykkelstasjon, Inkognitogate 28 (telephone number: 22 55
95 70), and A/S Ski Service, Voksenkollen Stasjon
(telephone number: 22 13 95 04). |
