Norway Road Trip Guide: How to Plan + Cheap Car Rentals

I’ve personally done multiple road trips in Norway spanning 1 week to multiple months. I’ve learned a few things along the way and thought I’d put together this Norway road trip guide full of Norway road trip tips to help you plan your next trip.

Although a bit expensive, I personally love road tripping Norway. The nature, hiking trails, and the ability to free camp balances out nicely with the higher rental and gas prices.

In this guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning a road trip in Norway, plus outline efficient ways to save money along the way.

Skip ahead:

• Cheap Car Rentals in Norway
• Car vs RV for Norway Road Trip?
• Norway Driving Tips
• Norway Winter Road Trip Tips
• Free Camping in Norway – “Allemannsretten“
• Where to Stay on a Road Trip in Norway
• How to Pay Norway’s Road Tolls
• How to Pay for Norway’s Ferries
• Norway’s Tourist Routes – AKA Scenic Routes
• Where to Use the Bathroom on a Norway Road Trip?
• Can you Take an Electric Car on a Road Trip in Norway?
• How to Save Money in Norway on a Road Trip
• RECAP: Everything to know about road tripping Norway

As you read this post, please consider clicking the links throughout. These are affiliate links which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you (full disclosure). These commissions fund The Holistic Backpacker and help me write more blog posts.

Thank you for supporting my work!

~ Taylor ♡

Quick Norway Travel Guide

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Currency is NOK (Norwegian Kroner); displayed as kr.

Visa: Generally not needed for stays up to 90 days; part of the Schengen Zone.

Phone: I purchased a MyCall local SIM card from Narvesen (convenience store) in the Oslo airport. They can also be found at 7Eleven. Please note you’ll have to show your passport and go through an approval process before your SIM is registered. You can only set up your SIM from Mon-Fri 9-5.

Norway is EXPENSIVE (obviously) and there’s limited infrastructure for backpackers. Plan your trip in detail and book everything (accommodations/activities) well in advance. Booking in advance will help you save a little $ too.

Public transportation is limited. Road tripping is the best way to see Norway’s beautiful nature. Getaround (car sharing platform) is the cheapest rental option in Norway. Use this link for $20 off your first rental.

Use Vy to find train schedules and NOR-WAY for bus schedules.

Make sure you purchase a travel adapter in advance; I like this one.

When to visit Norway: best for waterfalls in May and June, best hiking/camping in July and August, fall colours mid September to mid October, winter conditions November to April, polar nights (in the north) Dec 6 – Jan 5, northern lights are best in January and February. Weather is generally rainy in the shoulder seasons, especially in the west.

• Avalanche reports for hiking can be found here

Check out all my Norway travel guides and hiking resources.

Cheap Car Rentals in Norway

Renting a car will be the most expensive part of your Norway road trip. I’ve been lucky as I have a friend who lives near Oslo and we were able to take her car for a couple trips. For the other trips (pre-car era) I relied on the following sites to find cheap car rentals in Norway.

Keep in mind – most cars are manual in Europe. If you’re looking for an automatic car to rent in Norway you can expect a much higher price.

Getaround in Norway

The first place I look for cheap car rentals in Norway is Getaround. Getaround is like an airbnb platform, but for cars rather than homes. The prices on Getaround almost always beat out car rental companies in Norway, but kilometres are often limited. If you’re planning a long Norway road trip in which you cover a large amount of kilometres, using the Norway car rental option below may be better.

You can use my link to save $20 off your first Getaround trip

Car Rental Websites in Norway

When it comes to car rentals in Norway, options can be overwhelming. There are many comparison sites, local shops, and so many online websites.

I find this site consistently shows the lowest rates. It compares all the major car rental companies so you can see the cheapest offers around, all on one page. This is one of the ways I save the most money on road trips in Norway.

Public Transportation in Norway

Norway does have a reliable transportation network too. If you’re deciding wether you should use public transportation or road trip in Norway, here are a few things to consider:

• Norway has some of the most expensive public transportation in the world, but it’s usually always on time and reliable
• If the goal of your trip to Norway is hiking and outdoor adventure, using public transportation may limit the amount of hikes and outdoor areas you can access
• Renting a car in Norway allows for more flexibility and you can travel at your own pace
• Fuel in Norway is very expensive and driving routes can be long. Fuel can greatly add to your overall Norway road trip costs

Vy is the domestic rail line and NOR-WAY is used for finding buses.

Car vs RV for Norway Road Trips

The big question when it comes to planning a road trip in Norway is – should I rent a car or RV? I’ll break the answer down for you here.

When to Rent an RV in Norway

Renting an RV for a Norway road trip is what I’d consider “luxury.” Road tripping Norway in an RV is the most comfortable option as it functions as a home on wheels. Your bed, your clothes, your food – all of it comes with you wherever you go. Renting an RV in Norway is the best for people who:

• Want a more comfortable and easy trip
• Have extra money to spend (not a great option for budget travellers and backpackers, like myself)
• Are travelling in a pair
• Plan to camp (not stay in hotels). Free camping is easier (in some areas) as RVs are more discreet than pitching a tent

When to Rent a Car in Norway

The cheaper option for road tripping in Norway is renting a compact car. This is better for those who are:

• Looking to budget travel and save money on fuel
• Planning to camp (in a tent) or stay in hotels
• Nervous of driving on narrow/mountain roads (smaller cars are easier to drive and park)
• Planning to visit cities – a car can navigate smaller streets better than an RV

Norway Driving Tips

Here are some driving tips I wish I’d known prior to my first Norway road trip.

What Side of the Road do they Drive on in Norway?

In Norway they drive on the right hand side of the road.

Driving Regulations & Requirements in Norway

Norway’s road rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. Norway drivers are calm and collected and if you drive outside the rules it won’t be appreciated. Fines are expensive if you’re caught speeding, if you’re on your phone, or if you’re engaging in anything else deemed dangerous or illegal. Here are some more things to know about driving in Norway:

• You must have a driver’s license. If you’re from outside the EU an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required
• Speed limits vary and there are speed cameras in many areas. Always pay attention to the signposted speed and follow it
• Headlights must always be on (even during the day)
• Seatbelts must always be worn

Best Maps for a Road Trip in Norway

The best maps for road tripping in Norway are Google Maps and Maps.Me. Make sure you download the maps to be able to use them outside of wifi/cell service zones.

Norway has Narrow & Steep Roads

Aside from city streets and major highways, many roads in Norway can be narrow. Some to the point where you need to pay attention to oncoming vehicles and yield in the small pullout areas off to the side. Sometimes you’ll have to reverse to the last known pull out location to allow vehicles to pass you.

Many roads in Norway also go up and over mountain passes which means they’re steep. Expect switchbacks and tight turns.

Both these scenarios can be difficult for drivers new to manual vehicles or if you opt to rent an RV in Norway opposed to a compact car.

Tunnel Roads in Norway + Speedcams

Norway has many impressive tunnel roads which cut through the mountains to make for easier passage. These tunnel roads are SUPER impressive – the longest tunnel being 24.5kms. Many of the tunnel roads in Norway have speed cameras that track your total time in the tunnel. If you go over the speed limit the fine will be hefty.

More things to know about driving Norway’s tunnel roads:

• No stopping for any reason in the tunnels
• Your headlights must be on
• Make sure you have enough fuel before entering. Running out of fuel in a tunnel can be dangerous and result in fines
• There’s no cell service in the tunnels, but there are red phones on the interior walls in case of emergency
• Most tunnels have proper ventilation, but the air quality in there isnt the greatest. Keep your windows up

Norway Road Tolls and Ferries

One of the things I like the least about road tripping in Norway are all the road fees. In addition to parking, many private roads, bridges, tunnels, and highways charge fees. There are fees for ferries too.

Norway relies on their well operated ferry system for easier passage throughout the country. The whole western side of the country is full of fjords and aside from taking the ferries the only way around them is via a much longer drive which can result in higher fuel charges.

I talk more about Norway’s road tolls and ferry fees below.

Norway Parking Fees

In addition to road and ferry tolls, there’s also parking fees for almost everything. Whether you’re parking in the city or parking at a trailhead for a hike, there’ll likely be a fee. Fees vary in cost, some being more expensive than others.

Norway’s parking fees can be paid via Vipps (only for those with Norwegian bank accounts) or in cash. It’s best to always have smaller amounts of Norwegian kroner on hand to pay for these fees as you can be fined if you don’t pay.

Norway Winter Road Trip Tips

Norway receives heavy snowfall and experiences very cold temperatures. There’s also extended periods with no daylight in the north. This can make winter road trips in Norway a bit more “dangerous.”

Road tripping in Norway in winter may not be safe for those new to winter driving. Snowfall, darkness, tunnels, high mountain roads, and ice can create dangerous driving conditions.

Check the weather before you go – I always use this site to check the weather all over Norway. It’s almost always spot on.

Check conditions before you go – this site has up-to-date information regarding traffic alerts, driving conditions, live cams, mountain passes, bridge closures, and tunnel closures among other things.

If you’re renting a car, ensure it has winter tires.

Pack an emergency kit with extra blankets, candles, water, food, warm clothes, and a shovel. This way if anything happens on the road you’re prepared. I also always like to carry a satellite communication device in case an accident happens and I lose cell service.

Free Camping in Norway – “Allemannsretten“

Free camping is one of the best ways to road trip Norway on a budget.

Norway’s Right to Roam law (“Allemannsretten“) allows free (font country and backcountry) camping on uncultivated land, making it an ideal “lodging option” for those road tripping Norway. This law gives travellers the freedom to pitch a tent or park a campervan almost anywhere, including most national parks.

Free camping is the best way to save money on a Norway road trip. When I road tripped Norway I pitched a tent and free camped almost every night which kept costs way down. I opted to pay for a campground on the nights I wanted to shower or do a big meal prep for the next few days, but other than that I always camped “in the wild.”

Popular and easy places to free camp in Norway are rest stops. There are rest stops along all major roads and highways as well as smaller roads. Although not the quietest, you can typically always stay here for the night, unless otherwise signposted. There’s often a toilet at these rest stops as well.

Things to Know About Free Camping in Norway

• Camp on uncultivated land and stay 150 meters away from private property or buildings.
• Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Leave the area as you found it.
• Use established campsites: When possible, camp in designated areas or spots that blend into the natural environment.
• Be mindful of local regulations: While free camping is permitted in most areas, check local rules, especially in Norway road trip hotspots or national parks. If camping isn’t permitted in the area you’re visiting, it’ll be signposted clearly.
• Respect wildlife: Avoid disturbing animals and keep your distance to protect their habitats.
• Keep noise levels down: Camp quietly to avoid disturbing other campers and wildlife, especially in remote areas.

Where to Stay on a Road Trip in Norway

Below I’ll outline where to stay on a Norway road trip for each price range.

Free camping is the cheapest option for a Norway road trip.

Couchsurfing is another way to road trip Norway on a budget. I’ve used Couchsurfing multiple times in Norway and I’ve ended up staying in some really beautiful homes and meeting some really kind people (also the occasional creep). There’s now an annual membership fee for couchsurfing which has detoured many travellers.

Campgrounds offer a cheaper alternative and usually offer amenities like showers and kitchens. I usually free camp most nights during my Norway road trips and take advantage of natural water sources for “showers.” Every few nights I’ll make use of a campground to shower properly and cook some food.

Hotels in Norway are very pricey and need to be booked in advance (for tourist-heavy places). Booking.com is a good place to find hotels in Norway, but many establishments are private and must be booked through their direct websites. Many hotels are known by word of mouth which can make finding/booking the best local hotels difficult for travellers.

How to Pay Norway’s Road Tolls

Norway has road tolls for many major highways, scenic routes, and private roads. This unfortunately does add an additional cost to your Norway road trip, but it helps the locals keep the roads in pristine conditions.

ps – if you want to avoid road tolls in Norway, configure your navigation map settings to avoid all toll routes. Keep in mind the longer drive around the toll roads may end up costing you more as fuel prices are high

How to Pay Road Tolls in Norway

AutoPASS is Norway’s electronic toll collection system which is used on most toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. A transponder is typically placed in the windshield of local vehicles (including rental cars). When you pass a toll station the transponder will automatically collect the tolls and bill you.

• If you’re driving a car without a transponder or are visiting Norway with a car from a different country, road tolls will be mailed to you with no additional “penalty” fees.

Toll stations are present for roads where AutoPASS is not used; usually private roads or tourist routes. In this case you can use credit and debit to pay at the pay stations directly.

Mobile apps are also used in some situations for payment. The AutoPASS app and the Vipps app (only for those with Norwegian bank accounts) can be used for payment.

Unfortunately all the toll systems are owned by different companies so there’s no central system outlining costs. This makes it extremely difficult to budget Norway’s road toll costs ahead of time.

Do Large Vehicles Pay Higher Road Tolls in Norway?

In short, yes. Larger vehicles will often have to pay higher road toll fees in Norway than compact cars.

How to Pay for Norway’s Ferries

Similar to roads, many ferry routes in Norway have tolls too. If you’re planning a road trip in Norway this can add additional costs, especially if your road trip lies along the west coast where all the fjords are.

ps – if you want to avoid ferry tolls in Norway, configure your navigation map settings to avoid all toll routes. Keep in mind the longer drive around the ferry routes will likely end up costing you more as fuel prices are high

About Norway’s Ferry Routes

This is where things get confusing. If you’re road tripping in Norway, you’re guaranteed to come across a few ferry crossings. The ferries are all run by different companies so different areas in Norway have different websites, varying schedules, and different payment processes.

On most of my road trips in Norway researching the local ferries became too much of a burden, so I’d show up at the ferry terminals and just *hope* I’d make it there close to a departure. I’d park in the ferry line, make some food, get out for a quick walk, or do some admin-related work to pass the time if I showed up with ample time before the next ferry departure.

If you’re hoping to get a general idea regarding ferry schedules in Norway, you can use these sites: Fjord1, Go Ferry, and Norled. There are others, but I found myself using these ones frequently.

How to Pay for the Ferries in Norway

AutoPASS – similar to vehicles, most ferries charge passengers automatically via AutoPASS. If your vehicle does not have a transponder, a bill will be mailed to you outlining the ferry costs you incurred during your Norway road trip.

Cash or card is sometimes used in place of AutoPASS.

If you happen to walk onto the ferry as a passenger with no vehicle, it’s free in most cases. Otherwise you can pay via cash or card.

Norway’s Tourist Routes – AKA Scenic Routes

Norway has 18 scenic routes around the country which showcase some of the best mountain scenery and nature the country has to offer. If you’re road tripping Norway, it’s a great idea to plan your trip around these routes.

Norway’s scenic routes often venture through the fjords, along the coast, or up and over mountain passes. They’re great places to see wildlife, find free camping spots, and enjoy the view out your window.

More information about Norway’s scenic routes can be found here

Where to Use the Toilet on a Norway Road Trip?

Oftentimes many European countries do not have public toilet facilities which can make going to the washroom difficult. Luckily if you’re road tripping Norway there are toilets all over the place.

Norway’s scenic routes have “fancy” toilets. They’re high tech bathrooms with large windows overlooking scenic spots. Visiting these toilets is a great thing to add to your Norway road trip itinerary as they’re such a weird, but wonderful concept.

Rest stops along the side of the highway also typically have toilets. You can usually free camp in these spots too, unless otherwise signposted.

Aside from this, petrol stations always have public toilets too. When I road trip Norway there’s usually always a petrol station within a 20-30 minute drive so I always try to hit those bathrooms to get ready for bed in the evening, and the same in the morning to freshen up before going hiking or adventuring.

PLEASE if you’re free camping or road tripping, do not leave toilet paper outside if you need to pee in natural spaces. If you need to “answer nature’s call” try to wait for public washroom facilities. Otherwise, be polite and at least bury your business.

Where to Shower on a Norway Road Trip

If you’re staying at hotels or staying at a campsite, they almost always have shower facilities. If you opt to free camp on your Norway road trip and are sticking to a budget, make use of lakes. There aren’t too many in Norway – you’ll likely have to go more inland or up mountain passes to find them, but they do exist and they’re a cheap way to at least freshen up after a day hiking.

Oftentimes when I’m planning a Norway road trip + free camping, I’ll mark all the local lakes on a map and try to plan a route that hits them every day or so. Other times I’ll plan to stay at a campground every third night to take an “everything shower” – hair, shave, exfoliate, etc.

Can you Take an Electric Car on a Road Trip in Norway?

Yes, you can road trip Norway in an electric vehicle. Norway has a large amount of electric vehicles so there are charging stations all over the place.

I would recommend planning a general route, then marking all the charging stations along the way before you leave for your Norway road trip. This way you know exactly where the charging stations are you can plan your trip accordingly.

Keep in mind driving distances can be very far in Norway so stopping your car every so often to charge it may be cumbersome. You also have to factor in driving over mountains constantly which uses up a lot more electricity.

How to Save Money in Norway on a Road Trip

Here are some general tips to make your Norway road trip more budget friendly.

Car rental – opt for a manual vehicle over an automatic vehicle and choose a compact car over an RV. Use Getaround (use my link to save $20) or Discover Car Hire to find the best local rental rates.

Pay attention to general fuel prices and fill up when you see cheaper prices.

Cook “at home” and shop these grocery stores for cheaper prices; Rema1000, Coop, and Kiwi.

Make use of free activities in Norway like hiking and self-led sightseeing tours.

Plan to free camp most nights opposed to staying at campgrounds or hotels.

Recap: Everything to Know About Road Tripping Norway

Here’s a recap of all my Norway road trip tips in one spot.

Car rental – use Getaround (use my link to save $20) and Discover Car Hire to find the cheapest car rentals in Norway.

Plan to free camp (roadside pulls off are usually the easiest option and often have toilets), cook “at home,” and engage in free activities to reduce your overall Norway road trip budget.

Make use of Norway’s scenic roads. There are beautiful views, lots of activities, and public toilets along these routes.

Ferries, roads, bridges, and tunnels have associated fees. The AutoPASS transponder collects toll fees and bills you. If you don’t have a transponder, your bill will be mailed to you.

Keep smaller amounts of Norwegian kroner on hand to pay for parking fees.

Download Google Maps or Maps.Me to use offline navigation. To avoid road and ferry tolls, configure your settings to “no toll routes.” Be aware that taking a longer route to drive around the tolls may cost you more than the toll itself when you factor in extra gas and time.

If you’re road tripping in Norway in winter, be sure to stay up-to-date on driving and road conditions.

Happy adventuring!

Taylor ♡

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About the Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

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