Find your perfect hire car at Oslo Gardermoen International Airport (OSL)
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, land of the midnight sun with its fjords, lakes and mountains, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to iconic drives.
Norway sits on the western edge of the Scandinavian peninsula bordered by the Norwegian Sea and neighbouring Sweden. Oslo, the capital, is on the country’s picturesque south coast close to some of Norway's most scenic driving routes.
Norway has nearly 50 public airports with around 20 handling international traffic. Oslo International, also known as Gardermoen Airport, is the largest in the country welcoming four times the number of flights of the country’s three other major airports in Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.
With more than 25 million passengers passing through each year, Oslo International Airport has direct routes to more than 140 domestic and international destinations.
The airport has seen a major growth programme with investment in new infrastructure including a new terminal building filled with natural light and wide walkways designed to appeal to passengers.
If you want to experience the natural beauty of the Nordic region, a hire car gives you the chance to truly discover Norway - you’ll find excellent roads and unforgettable drives. If you are travelling on business, hiring a car at Oslo Airport gives you the flexibility of direct access to the capital’s business and commercial centres including nearby Gardermoen Business Park.
You’ll find our Avis team at Oslo International Airport are experts on the country and ready to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.
Where to find Avis at Oslo International Airport
You’ll reach our Avis counter in the arrivals area by turning right after the baggage claim section following signs to the car rental area. The Avis rental parking area is easy to find just a short walk from the terminal entrance in the P10 car park.
How to get from Oslo Airport to the centre of Oslo by car
Oslo Airport is located in the town of Gardermoen, 52km from the historic harbourside in the centre of the capital city, a trip of around 45min depending on the time of day. From the Avis parking area in P10 car park at Oslo Airport, turn right onto Lufthavnvegen Avenue and join the E16 in the direction of Kongsvinger, Oslo and Trondheim. After around 4.5km merge onto the E6 highway towards Oslo. Take exit 3 via the right lane in Operatunnelen emerging onto Kong Håkon 5s gate and following Rv162 to the harbour area.
Avis services in Oslo
Our car rental agencies in Oslo offer a wide selection of vehicles suitable for city driving, business trips and longer journeys. You can choose a practical city car perfect for navigating city streets or narrow winding routes through the mountains, a comfortable sedan or an SUV offering more space. Additional equipment is also available including GPS, child seats plus additional driver options.
Ahead of your Avis car rental in Oslo, you can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on your booking plus fast-track service and exclusive offers when you join Avis Preferred, our free loyalty scheme.
Oslo Airport car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for hiring a car at Oslo Airport?
The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car.
Can I pick up my hire car at Oslo Airport and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car at Oslo Airport and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible.
Is it worth hiring a car at Oslo Airport?
Yes, if you want to see Norway beyond the capital. Fjords, mountains and lakes are easiest to reach by car, and you can stop wherever the view takes your fancy. If you are only visiting central Oslo, public transport is excellent.
What is parking like in Oslo?
Central Oslo has paid parking and car parks, and spaces can be costly. Check your hotel's parking options before you arrive. Outside the city, parking is much easier. Look out for signs and payment instructions, as rules can vary from one area to the next.
What type of car should I hire for Norway?
A compact car suits city driving and most main roads. If you are travelling in winter or heading into the mountains, an SUV gives you extra comfort, and your car should be fitted with suitable tyres for the season. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book.
Tips for driving in Oslo and Norway
If you are travelling to Norway, be aware that it’s the longest country in Europe and will take around 30hrs to drive from north to south so don’t underestimate distances or driving times.
Although the country has a good network of E roads – trans-European highways connecting Norway to the rest of Europe – and motorways connecting the major cities, you’ll find smaller roads can be narrow and winding. However, with its small population, you’ll find the road network is relatively quiet and unhurried making for a relaxing road trip.
If you are visiting in the winter, talk to our Avis rental team for advice and plan your route before you travel using GPS to navigate.
When you leave our location at Oslo Airport, remember that as in the rest of Europe, you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road.
It’s worth checking the driving rules in Norway before you arrive to pick up your hire car. But if you have any questions, please check with the rental team at Avis Oslo Airport to get the most from your driving experience with us.
Explore Oslo with your hire car
As the capital of Norway, Oslo is a vibrant city with a rich Nordic heritage showcasing art, history and creativity against the breathtaking backdrop of the Oslofjord. Much of Oslo has been made car-free area to make way for cycle lanes, pedestrian areas and small parks, so depending on where you need to go, you can make use of the many car parks on the periphery and in the centre of the city.
Then, why not take a tour of Oslo on foot and dive into the city’s top sights and attractions, such as the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Park and the Munch Museum before getting back behind the wheel.
There is plenty to explore just outside the city. A 6km drive west of Oslo brings you to the peaceful Bygsdoy Peninsula, while directly south via the E18, lies Drobak, home to picturesque beaches, arts and crafts markets and the freshest seafood, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch outside the city. From here you can travel on to enjoy the best views of the Oslofjord.
Recommended day trips from Oslo
From the vibrant city of Oslo, it's an easy drive out into the majestic glacial landscape surrounding the Norwegian capital. You can meander through hills and forests along the edge of the Oslofjord. Or drive west to Vestfold, a coastal region to Tonsberg with its stunning harbour and marina. Head north and you'll reach the winter sports paradise of Lillehammer, home to the 1994 Winter Olympics. Turn east and you'll enter a region rich in Nordic heritage. From the ancient rock carvings and bronze and iron age artefacts around the city of Sarpsborg to Sarpefossen, Europe's largest waterfall, this is a destination well worth discovering by hire car.
Oslo to Bergen
Oslo to Bergen is a classic route that takes you past epic mountain passes and dramatic fjords. The journey takes around seven hours, but with so many attractions along the way, make sure you leave yourself time to stop and take in the sights and views. Highlights include Voss, Eidfjord and Vøringsfossen waterfall. Your destination, Norway’s second biggest city, won’t disappoint either, with its UNESCO-listed old wharf, artsy markets and world-class seafood restaurants.
Take the Trolls Road
With numerous hairpin bends climbing up a steep mountainside, the Trollstigen (Trolls Road) may not be for the faint-hearted, but it is one of the most magnificent journeys in Norway if not the whole of Europe. Six hours north of Oslo, this spectacular road and UNESCO protected area is accessible via the Geirangerfjord.
Parking in Oslo
Parking is plentiful in Oslo with a range of options from on-street parking to public and private car parks with short and long stay alternatives available in the centre of the city. For visitors staying in the city, many of the most popular hotels offer free parking but check availability before you travel.
Why choose Avis for your Oslo Airport hire car?
Avis helps you head for the fjords with less delay. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip.
- Fully flexible: Book with confidence. Fee-free flexible booking means full cash refunds and no vouchers if your plans change.
- Savings on coverage: With Avis Inclusive there are no extras or surprises. One upfront price includes free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% off comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Faster collection: Save time on arrival by registering in advance with QuickPass, which is simple and free.
- VIP treatment: Get priority counter service with Avis Preferred. At larger locations, use the Avis app to go straight to your car.