Driving in Norway

Visitors frequently underestimate distances and driving time in the Norwegian landscape. This is not helped by online map services and satellite navigation (GPS) apps sometimes underestimating driving times as well (they at least provide accurate distances). Norway is wider than Britain and has about the same area as Germany, but distances between the north and the south are much greater. Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county, is wider than Denmark and the drive through Finnmark is longer than from London to Glasgow. E6, Norway's main road, is more than 2600 km long, and is the longest road within any single country in Europe outside Russia. Finnmark in fact lies east of Sweden and the shortest drives to/from these most eastern parts of Norway are through Sweden and Finland. During an ordinary 1- to 2-week in Norway, one usually has enough time to drive around only a single section of the country.

In some parts of Norway, the next petrol station could be more than 100 km away; a small village may not have a gas station even if it's at a remote point itself. Fill up the tank in time, and consider bringing a jerry can, when travelling in the sparsely populated northernmost areas.

In addition to distance, transport in Norway is all about topography. The landscape is unusually fragmented, particularly around the coast, with a myriad of islands, deep fjords cutting into the mainland, steep mountains, glaciers, lakes, and long valleys. Car ferries are usually needed to cross fjords and are often needed to reach islands. Norway has well over 1200 road tunnels, some very long and some subsea. Except in a few small flat areas, roads are largely confined to valleys or shores. Travel between the valleys often involves tunnels, mountain passes, or long detours. Road engineering with bold bridges, long tunnels and airy hairpin roads is a sight in itself, along the Norway's scenic drives. Extra time for ferry crossings, breaks, and photo sessions should be added to the approximate times suggested in the following table:

Norway's road numbering system (road designations):

• E-roads. Main roads, numbered as part of the international E-road network that connects Europe's cities, regions and countries. They are excellent for navigation. Indicated with an "E" in front of the number (for example, E6) with no national number in addition, signs are white on green:
• National roads. Other main roads ("green roads", "riksvei") in addition to E-roads, low one- or two-digit numbers, signs white on green:
• Numbered roads. Regional numbered roads (shown on road signs), signs black on white:
• Other roads. Regional and local roads.

Norwegian roads vary in quality. Most roads are two-lane undivided, and there is a limited motorway network around Oslo. A typical speed limit is 80 km/h and speed is often slower due to road conditions (for many parts of Norway visitors should not expect to do more than 60 km/h on average). Norway's road hierarchy:

See also: E6 through Sweden and Norway, European route E39, E10 through Sweden and Norway

Visitors should know about a handful of key roads for planning and navigation:

• E6 is clearly the most important as it runs 2600 km, through 10 of 19 counties, and acts as the main north-south corridor from Sweden via Oslo to Kirkenes in the very east of Northern Norway. The E6 is the longest road in Europe. E6 varies considerably in quality and traffic, from 4 or 6 lane high speed road around Oslo to ordinary two-lane undivided in remote areas (sometimes narrow). North of Trondheim it is the only main road south-north, in some areas in fact the only road such that traffic has to be diverted through Sweden/Finland when closed. North of Oslo (passed Hamar) the E6 has been notably upgraded until year 2020 (now four lane motorway) and through Gudbrandsdalen upgrade completed in 2017 (semi-motorway). Still, the E6 also serves local traffic between Sjoa and Trondheim as well as some stretches around Ringebu.
• E39 is the western fjords main road from Kristiansand via Stavanger, Bergen and Ålesund to Trondheim. This is a very complex road with highly varying quality (mostly two-lane undivided), some 100 tunnels, floating bridges and 8 ferries crossing several of Norway's iconic fjords - still the shortest Stavanger-Bergen-Ålesund. Only short stretches of narrow road remains between Sognefjord and Førde, and these are expected to be upgraded in a few years (per 2022). This road has long scenic stretches, although alternative routes are even more scenic. Between Skei and Byrkjelo there is no practical alternative route except through road 55 (into East Norway). Some of the alternative routes (roads 51, 55 and 63) are scenic but closed in winter until April or May.
• E18 connects Kristiansand and towns in South Norway to Oslo and Sweden, and acts as the east-west artery through the capital and other population centres in the East/South. Constructed mostly as wide and fast motorway except in Oslo eastern suburbs where the E6 is faster. Intersects twice with the E6.
• E16 connects Bergen to Oslo (via Flåm and Voss), Oslo airport (Gardermoen), Kongsvinger and further to Gävle in Sweden.

For more information on these and other important roads, refer to the below table:

The trip from Oslo to Bergen takes between seven and nine hours, depending on the route, the driving conditions and stops along the drive. Be prepared to add some hours driving time in the winter - and remember that the daylight will be scarce for many months. All routes Oslo to Bergen run through mountain passes. It might be a good idea to use two days on the tour in the winter if you're not accustomed to these conditions. A 12 or even 14 hour drive on icy, dark roads in bad weather is not very nice. Keep in mind that many roads in Norway are often of narrow and slow due to relatively low traffic and difficult weather conditions. The most direct roads between Oslo and Bergen run through difficult yet scenic landscapes and are often affected by rough weather November through April.

The Bergen-Trondheim either go along the coast with five time consuming ferries to catch, or through mountain passes.

No driving experience in Norway is complete without tunnels. There are thousands of them, and they are fascinating to those unfamiliar with them. Most tunnels are in Western Norway and Nordland county. Road E16 has over 60 tunnels, making up 15% of the entire road. E6 has over 80 tunnels, E39 has over 100 tunnels. The longest is 24 km, but 1–3 km is more common. Length of tunnel is indicated at the entrance and for the longer tunnels kilometers to exit is also indicated inside the tunnel. Each tunnel has a name and drivers should use the name to inform police or fire brigade in emergencies.

Almost all are lit with "street" lighting, but may be narrower than the regular roads. Driving out from a tunnel, over a bridge spanning a deep gorge, back into a tunnel, then down a 12% gradient is something to be remembered. Some tunnels, particularly underwater tunnels, are relatively steep. Tunnels are generally safe and Norwegian drivers keep the same speed in tunnels as in the open, the main challenge is adapting to the darker tunnel during bright sunshine. Temperatures inside tunnels are usually different than outside, causing ice taps to form on road surface and in ceiling; condense on car windows may also be a problem. Animals may seek shelter inside tunnels.

Note that overtaking in a two-lane (undivided) tunnel is dangerous and forbidden in many tunnels.

In case of fire or smoke in the tunnel note the following: Use the emergency phones inside the tunnel (rather than your mobile phone) as this will inform traffic control exactly where you are. In case of fire, use the fire extinguisher inside the tunnel as this will alert traffic control and the fire brigade.

Never enter a tunnel if there is a red light. Keep radio on inside tunnels as traffic control can send emergency messages. Long tunnels have signs indicating distance to exit in either direction. People inside the tunnel are expected to try to get out of the tunnel on their own. In case of fire or accident traffic control should be notified immediately via emergency telephones inside the tunnel. Use fire extinguisher to kill small fires and leave if not possible.

In case of fire in a one-way tunnel:

• Do not turn the car around; this is extremely dangerous.
• Leave the car with emergency lights on.
• Go to the nearest emergency exit.

In case of fire in a two-way tunnel:

• If possible, turn the car around, drive out and alert oncoming traffic.
• If it is difficult or dangerous to turn around, leave the car with emergency lights on and walk to the exit.
• Walk in the opposite direction of the smoke.

There are now well over 100 ferry crossings on public roads in Norway. In Norwegian terminology boats carrying cars and passengers are called car ferries or usually just ferries (ferje), whereas boats carrying foot passengers only are called boats or fast boats (båt or hurtigbåt).

Car ferries are an integral part of the road system such that the ferry crossing is included in the road number and roads lead to the dock. Ferry docks are often located in remote areas at the point of shortest possible crossing. Car ferries are operated by private companies on behalf of the national road authority. Prices are administered by the Department of transport and might be 50–300 kr for an ordinary car, depending of route length, but double or more for a motor home. Car ferries on main roads depart 2 to 4 times every hour at day time, less frequent late in the evening. Some important ferries run through the night, others operate until 23:00 or 00:00 (11PM or midnight). Crossings usually take 10–30 minutes only, a small number of ferry crossings are about 1 hour or more.

Booking is generally not possible for private vehicles, nor is it needed. Cars arrive at the dock and wait in line on a first-come-first-serve basis. Ferries usually have enough capacity to take all waiting cars. On rare occasions travelers have to wait for the next departure and on popular crossings used during vacations there can be more waiting time. Travelers are well advised to add generous time for ferries in planning.

Ferry crossings typically appear on maps as dotted lines across fjords. Ferries can in general not be avoided or can be avoided only through (extremely) long detours. For the leisure traveler ferries add to the experience as calm breaks and pleasant trips across the fjords. Most ferries run in sheltered waters and are not affected by ocean waves. Ferries often have a cafeteria on board serving coffee and snacks, and in some cases full dinners.

National Tourist Routes are eighteen highways in Norway designated for their picturesque scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure, such as rest stops and viewpoints. These routes cover in total 1,850 kilometers (1,150 mi) and are located along the West Coast, in the Western Fjords, in Northern Norway and in the mountains of Southern Norway. Two routes constitute part of the International E-road network: E10 through Lofoten and E75 through Varanger. Mountain pass roads, such as Sognefjellsvegen, Valdresflye and Trollstigen, are closed during winter. Some sections are narrow and/or steep, drivers are adviced to plan ahead and use a low gear downhill.

Other routes with significant scenic stretches:

Many roads run along Norway's endless coastline and countless lakes. Because of the rugged landscape there are often long corniche drives with great panoramas, similar to the roads along the French and Italian Riviera.

Some notable corniches

Norway has some notable hairpin roads, particularly around the inner part of west Norways fjords around Åndalsnes-Geiranger-Stryn.

• Trollstigen (road 63) - perhaps the most iconic hairpin road, grand surroundings
• Geiranger road (road 63) - less striking design, but more turns than Trollstigen
• Ørnevegen (Eagles road, also 63)
• Lysebotn road at iconic Lysefjord, a striking and airy road, 27 hairpins
• Tindevegen Årdal-Turtagrø (private, toll)
• Øvre Årdal - Tyin (road 53), one of the airiest
• Strynefjell mountain pass (old road, no 258)
• Måbødalen at Vøringsfossen waterfall (road 7), this stretch even has a tunnel with 360 degrees
• Sognefjellet (road 55 Skjolden-Lom), Norways highest road, climbs from sea level to 1400 meters
• Stalheimskleiva (detour from E16, old road at Stalheim between Voss and Gudvangen), very tight bends and very steep
• Gaularfjell (road 13 Balestrand-Førde)

See also: Winter driving

Driving a car in winter conditions may be a real challenge without proper training and experience; this particularly applies to mountain passes all over Norway as well as other roads in Northern Norway. Norway has a long winter season and many roads are covered by ice or hard snow for months – traffic runs largely uninterrupted, but a handful of mountain roads are frequently closed during bad weather. Several main roads, such as E6, E16, road 7 and E134 run through mountain passes or other places exposed to wind/snow, or have stretches that run through the coldest areas in Norway (E6, E16, and road 3). These are often much colder (often 10–20 °C, even 30 °C colder) than departure and destination points – drivers should make sure that the car is prepared for temperatures as low as -20 °C or -30 °C (for instance by filling up the right diesel quality).

The golden rule for driving on snow, ice and slush: don't rush. Braking distance increases dramatically, increase distance to the car in front of you from the standard 3 seconds to a 5–6 seconds or more. Inexperienced drivers should drive very carefully until they get used to the conditions and the car; experienced drivers always "feel" the contact between tires and road. Powerful acceleration or hard braking quickly tells you how slippery the road is. Do a "brake test" frequently to get precise information on the road surface.

During winter (October–April) drivers should plan well and get specific information for critical stretches of road included in the trip. Visitors entering Norway by car during this period should be prepared. Each winter main roads are blocked for hours by foreign drivers without adequate skills and equipment to drive on snow and ice. Each winter police and road authorities deny access to Norwegian roads for a large number of foreign drivers who are not prepared. Authorities routinely issue road information on radio, TV and internet. Always obtain specific information about mountain roads the day and hours before going. Don't hesitate to ask locals or call ☏ +47 815 48 991, 175 for last minute information. Always bring enough clothes and food, always calculate plenty of time. Be prepared to cancel or postpone trips in winter.

Convoy driving ("kolonnekjøring") is praticed on some roads in heavy weather conditions, such as a blizzard. When convoy driving is in effect, vehicles are only allowed to drive in a line (convoy) behind a heavy snowplow. Drivers are then obliged to wait at a gate or a sign until the snowplough arrives. Convoy driving is slow and waiting times can be several hours.

Always obtain specific information about mountain roads the day and hours before going. Don't hesitate to ask locals or call the numbers above for last minute information. News reports routinely mention where convoy driving is in operation with road number and name of mountain pass (or other stretch) as key information. There are waiting points with gates and signs at either side of the mountain pass.

Convoy driving involves certain prerequisites and drivers should bring certain important items:

• The vehicle must have valid winter tires – the driver is responsible for having the right tires for the conditions; do not try to drive with poor tires. Nordic type winter tires (studded or un-studded) are strongly recommended; these are much better fitted to Norwegian winter conditions than general winter tires. During winter (after November 1) tires of any type are by law required to have a minimum of 3 mm tread depth, while in summer 1.6 mm is legal. Heavy vehicles (over 3,500 kg) must bring chains in winter and minimum tread depth is 5 mm.

• Make sure to a start out with a full tank, as the waiting time can be hours, and there are no petrol stations on convoy stretches.
• Equip yourself with at least a flashlight or other lamp, a shovel, and tow rope.
• Bring food and warm drink.
• Bring warm clothes and winter boots.

There are precise rules for convoy driving that must be followed:

• The convoy is operated as directed by the driver of the snowplow.
• Turn the hazard warning lights on when the convoy starts moving. Use low beam headlights or fog lights. Don't use rear fog lights.
• Keep close to the car ahead, and keep a steady speed.
• Stay in the convoy (don't leave it or try to turn back).
• Stay in the car if the convoy halts. Don't stray from the car under any circumstance. If you get stuck or the car otherwise stops, wait for help. Leaving your car behind is forbidden and life-threatening.

Some mountain passes, including popular roads around Geiranger are subject to winter closure (typically November to May), i.e. they are totally closed during the winter. Other mountain roads may be closed for shorter periods (several days or only one night) during bad weather. On the highest mountain passes, such as Sognefjell (road 55), winter closures occasionally occur in May and September. Some exposed mountain passes can be closed for some hours or days in winter during strong wind. Weather forecast about "storm" means whole gale (very strong wind below hurricane strength) and does not refer for instance to snowstorm. Roads are typically closed only for the mountain pass itself (between permanent settlements). Closing time may vary notably depending on weather and snow remaining from winter.

See also: Animal collisions

Roads are generally not fenced and animals may stray onto all sorts of roads. You need to look out for deer and moose – a moose collision in particular is very dangerous as these are tall and heavy animals. In the north you will also have to watch out for reindeer.

Moose/elk ("elg") and red deer can run onto the highway particularly at dusk and dawn so take extra care if driving at those times, particularly through forest. Red deer can also jump onto the highway without warning, particularly in Western Norway during late autumn and winter, special "crossing points" have been constructed several places, be aware. Reindeer may happen to walk on the road in Northern Norway. Note the warning signs. The elk, the most dangerous animal on the roads, is most active at full moon, after heavy snow fall and at dusk/dawn. Be extra careful to wild animals on the roads under these circumstances:

• Dusk/dawn.
• Springtime (as moose reject last year's calves and give birth to new ones).
• Edge of forests.
• Bridges across streams.
• Full moon

Several roads pass through pastures with grazing livestock and there may not be any fence to the road. Sheep, cows and goats may stroll on the road. A cattle grid ("ferist") or warning sign typically marks the start of such areas.

Several companies rent motorhomes that are "fully equipped" (beds, small kitchen, fridge, shower, toilet, heating, etc.) and as a rough indication they cost about what one might spend on a reasonable rented car plus reasonable accommodation – but allow a lot more flexibility. Note that the ferry prices are for motorhomes usually more than double those for cars. For large motorhomes over 3½ tonnes, the road tolls are also more than double.

There are many rest stops on all major and many minor roads, and there's a fantastic system of National Tourist Routes with particularly spectacular rest stops (and facilities). Most of the rest stops have a toilet and picnic table. It is common to park overnight on rest areas although on many it is illegal. Look for parkings that are specifically designed for campervans. Don't park on any field or open patch along the road as land is generally private. The right to walk in forests and sleep in a tent ("every man's right") are not valid for vehicle driving and sleeping in motorhomes. There are hundreds of camp grounds that cater to motorhomes (and caravans, or camping with tents – some have huts to rent), and these are well signposted. All have basic facilities (electricity, toilets, hot showers (pay per minute), mostly-flat ground), and some are more equipped (buy fresh food, hire boats, communal kitchens, tourist info, etc.). Some are of the "industrial" variety (hundreds of vans, spotless facilities, very straight paths, gravel, not grass, keypads to enter, lots of strict rules, right beside the highway), and others are more… loose – occasional visitors, honoru system for payment, idyllic surroundings, lots of grass and space. It's impossible to tell from the signs, so a drive-by might be necessary to see if the campground suits your mood and preferences. As a rough guide (August 2011), a night in a campground with electricity costs around 200kr, but ranges from 120 to 300 kr. Showers are usually 10 kr for 4 minutes.

Be aware that many campervans have relatively small engines and will be slower than other vehicles on the many Norwegian hills. Slow or oversized vehicles are obliged to pull over to let faster vehicles pass – this rule must be applied with some flexibility; check your mirror and pull over if a line of faster cars is gathering and they are otherwise not able to overtake.

Petrol is heavily taxed and therefore expensive. There are some toll roads, particularly when entering main cities, but most tolls are moderate (for instance 25 kr for entering Bergen; a notable exception is the 150 kr for the new Hardanger bridge on road 13/road 7). Tolls are generally a fraction of the total cost of going around by car.

Renting a car is expensive, so visitors should consider for how many days and what part of the trip a car is needed. In addition to being much cheaper to rent than a heavy SUV with a big engine, a modestly powered compact car is also more fuel efficient. There is no need for a big 4 wheel drive as driving outside public roads is illegal. Day rates for the vehicle itself are usually the main expense; the price of petrol is comparatively lesser of an issue in this context.

Car ferries are an additional cost, and unavoidable on several roads (particularly in the western fjords and parts of Northern Norway). Most ferry crossings are relatively short (10–25 minutes) and rates on ferries are moderate compared to the overall cost of renting a car – notable exceptions are the special tourist ferries Gudvangen–Kaupanger and Geiranger–Hellesylt.

Most driving licences from abroad are valid for three months, for travellers as well as for immigrants, in some circumstances for longer times. Norwegian age requirements apply: 18 years for most vehicles. If your driving licence is not in the format specified in the Geneva (1949) or Vienna (1968) convention on road traffic, it might not be valid. In some cases, such as if your licence is without photo or not written in an accepted language, the licence may need to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (or an official local translation).

Driving licences from the European Union, the EEA or the UK are accepted for as long as they are valid, but Norwegian rules on age and health apply.

• Traffic from right hand has right of way (unless signs or lights). You must yield to traffic from any road to your right, except from separate areas such as parking lots, market square, pedestrian zone, and petrol stations.
• Turning vehicles must yield to pedestrians and bicycles that proceed straight ahead on road or shoulder.
• Traffic on roads with the standard "Yellow Diamond" sign has the right of way. This is widely used for main roads. Traffic from connecting roads will then see the give-way (yield) or stop sign.
• Universal give way (yield) sign.
• Give way for vehicles located within a roundabout.
• Buses have right of way when leaving a bus stop where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less.
• Trains, trams and light rail have right of way even from the left hand side.
• Traffic downhill is expected to yield to traffic uphill if road is too narrow for two cars (important in winter).
• Pedestrians have the right of way at all marked crossings with no traffic lights. You are required to stop even if the pedestrian is not yet in the crossing, only showing intention to cross. You may be severely fined and your driver's licence may be suspended if you don't. This rule is strictly enforced.
• Emergency service vehicles with flashing blue light (red light not used) has absolute right of way. Note: Emergency light is blue, silent response very common (no siren).
• Right turn on red is illegal even if road is clear.
• Opposing traffic must if necessary slow down or pull over on the right hand side (particularly applies to narrow mountain roads).
• Funeral processions have the right of way. People are required to yield, and not interfere or cause an obstruction.

• Headlights are mandatory even during daylight. If you drive without lights you may find other drivers flashing their headlights at you to inform you.
• An EN standard hazard waistcoat is required in the vehicle, reachable from the driver's seat.
• Using a mobile phone when driving is forbidden; fine is up to 10,000 NOK (the equivalent of €1000, in 2023).
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory, also in back seats.
• Winter tires must have a minimum depth of tread of 3 mm. Cars (Vehicle group M1) heavier than 7500 kg (Vehicle group N1 over 3500 Kg) are required to carry snow chains during winter and whenever snow or ice can be expected. A minimum of 5 mm depth of tread is recommended for trucks and heavy cars.
• Using a vehicle's horn is considered impolite and may result in a fine unless used for an emergency.

• The general speed limit is 80 km/h in the countryside on highways; the 80-sign is rarely used and 80 is instead implied.
• 50 km/h in urban/built-up areas, usually indicated with signs.
• Other speed limits are always indicated with signs; for instance, speed limits on motorways (controlled-access highway). The motorway sign does not imply any particular speed limit.
• There are no specific rules for change of speed limit (as in some other countries) when driving conditions change. The driver is by law required to adjust speed downward to a safe level in, for instance, fog, heavy rain, or snow.
• Norway has some of the highest speeding fines in the world, including confiscating your driver's license and/or jail time (even for foreigners). There are speeding cameras frequently on major roads, and it's not uncommon for unmarked police cars to pull you over. It is highly recommended to use your car's cruise control system to stay at the speed limit.
• Vehicles pulling trailers, and vehicles over 3,500 kg, must not drive faster than 80 km/h ( except motorhomes up to 7500 kg that can follow the speed limit up to 110 km/h), even on motorways with a higher speed limit.
• Speed limits are fine-tuned to conditions for maximum safety, so be aware that speed limits may adjusted slightly for a few kilometers only. For instance some good two-lane undivided roads in sparsely populated areas may have 70 km/h speed limit because of moose hazard or frequent icing.
• The highest speed limit is 110 km/h and used only on short stretches of the best motorways.

• Every person is by law obliged to help and assist at site of accident, even if not involved or guilty.
• Call the police (emergency 112) if persons are injured or killed, or if animals are.
• Call the police also if the vehicles are blocking parts of the road and can cause dangerous situations.
• If no persons are harmed and both vehicles can pull over out of the way of other traffic, the drivers involved should resolve the situation themselves (exchange full contact information) and should not contact the police.

• Don't drink and drive. Your blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.2 ‰. One small beer can be enough. This rule is strictly enforced and violators risk a huge fine, a long (or even indefinite) suspension of the driver's licence, and prison time.
• Since 2013, if you take certain medications (opiates, benzodiazepines or other narcotics) you are NOT allowed to drive unless you are taking them every day for at least 14 days. Even if you have a prescription, you are not allowed to drive if the prescription says "when needed" and they remain in your body to an amount "equivalent" of 0,02% blood alcohol content. If you use e.g. codeine, look up its elimination half-life values and calculate from there, with enough margins.
• On typical Norwegian two-lane road with a narrow shoulder, overtaking is only allowed on long straightaways with plenty of visibility. Drivers are not expected to use the shoulder to facilitate overtaking. Overtake only if really necessary; consider alternatives like taking a short break.
• Overtaking is generally forbidden at crossroads.
• Off-roading is generally forbidden. Motor vehicles must stay on public roads.
• Where a road is not wide enough for two cars to meet, blue signs with a large M indicate passing points (M for "meeting" point).

While road markings are informative, they are often covered by snow and ice in winter. Unlike other European countries, in Norway yellow lines separate opposing traffic, and white lines separate traffic in the same direction. In general yellow lines should be on your left hand side, while white lines should be on your right hand side. Caution: Yellow lines on your right hand side means you are heading in the wrong direction!