Oslo Gardermoen Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

The Flytoget links Gardermoen to Oslo S in just 19 minutes, with a departure every 10 minutes: because of this almost no airport-convenient hotel sits near the runways, and central Oslo is almost always the better choice, even with a mid-morning return flight. The regional Vy trains cover the same route in about 25 minutes at a lower fare. The choice changes only with very early departures or one-night layovers, when every extra minute on the train eats into your sleep: in those cases it's worth staying close to the central station, the starting point of every airport run.

Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)

Near the airport link · Non-stop Flytoget in 19 minutes with departures every 10 minutes (about 268 NOK per person); the regional Vy trains cover the same distance in about 25 minutes at a lower fare. By car, Gardermoen is about 45 minutes north of the city.

Best for: For those who want the airport train just steps from the room, handy too for early-morning departures.

Pros

All airport trains depart from the same station, with no need to change
Shops and restaurants in the Byporten shopping centre open late, handy for a quick dinner before a flight

Cons

The area in front of the station is busy and less pleasant in the evening than the rest of the centre
For the more distinctive neighbourhoods you still need a walk or a tram

Recommended hotels in this area

Scandic Byporten: Part of the Byporten shopping centre complex, connected to Oslo S: from the lobby the Flytoget platforms are a few minutes' walk away, without stepping outside.
Clarion Hotel The Hub: On Biskop Gunnerus gate, a couple of minutes' walk from Oslo S and the Flytoget platforms; a Nordic Choice hotel with views over the Barcode district.

See more hotels in this area →

Karl Johans gate

City centre · 15-20 minutes on foot from Oslo S, or a couple of tram stops; by taxi from the airport it takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic on the E6.

Best for: For those who want the historic centre and main monuments on foot, accepting a few extra minutes to get back to the station.

Pros

The Royal Palace, Parliament and the Aker Brygge harbour within walking distance
Restaurants and bars open late all along Karl Johans gate

Cons

A touristy area, with room prices higher than in Grünerløkka or Bjørvika
No direct connection to Gardermoen from the neighbourhood: you always need to go through Oslo S

Recommended hotels in this area

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo: About 6 minutes on foot from Karl Johans gate, with a panoramic piano bar on the top floor overlooking the city.
Scandic Karl Johan: Located on Arbeidergata, one block from Karl Johans gate and 10 minutes on foot from Oslo S.

See more hotels in this area →

Grünerløkka and Vulkan

Neighbourhood · Tram or bus in about 10-15 minutes from Oslo S; by taxi from the airport you arrive in 40-50 minutes.

Best for: For those seeking Oslo's alternative nightlife, among food markets and bars on the Akerselva river, and who accept a slightly longer transfer to the airport.

Pros

Mathallen, the covered food market, is three minutes on foot
A less touristy neighbourhood, with restaurants and bars along the Akerselva river

Cons

You still need public transport to reach Oslo S and catch the Flytoget
Nightlife is concentrated in a few streets: without a booking the best-known spots fill up fast

Recommended hotels in this area

Scandic Vulkan: Part of the Vulkan complex on the Akerselva river, three minutes on foot from the covered Mathallen market; in-house Italian restaurant and bike rental.

See more hotels in this area →