Oslo - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Small to medium-sized all wheel drive SUV is best. - Dec 2022
Electric car as the tolls (for the moment) are free for these. As soon as you leave the immediate “Oslo” you pay a toll and it is expensive (and automatic.. no toll booths). - May 2021
Smaller cars are recommended. Big cars are very difficult to park in garages and in the typical Norwegian parking space. Winter tires are mandated by law during the winter months. You can pay a tire service to store your tires in the off season. We brought a typical American minivan. It worked in the suburbs, but it was tight and stressful in the winter. I'd probably bring it again, but there were frustrations. Car fit in garage with just inches to spare on each side. - Jan 2020
City cars are appropriate. Winter tires are required. We used our car occasionally for a big grocery run, and otherwise only for getting outside of Oslo, whether that was for day trips, hiking, or the occasional driving tour. Rental cars are very expensive. We were glad to have the car, but if you live inside Ring 1, it may be more hassle than it's worth. - Dec 2015
Small SUVs are best, and with good tires. If you living farther up the hill (we did!) or plan to make trips out in winter, studded snow tires with four-wheel drive are the best option. There are congestion tolls entering the city, so if you're not with an embassy and exempt from taxes, you should factor that cost into your budget! - Jun 2015
The tax on cars is prohibitive, well over 100%, and fuel costs about 14 NOK/liter (nearly $10/gallon). There is no need to drive in Oslo - public transport is efficient, extensive, and affordable (about $120/month for an unlimited monthly pass). - May 2013
We have a Subaru Outback and it is fine. I do not drive into the mountains after it snows. Many people have SUVs. You must have snow tires put on your car after mid-October. - Aug 2011
We have been able to rely mainly on public transportation; though for weekend trips and skiing, our Pathfinder has been great. You do need winter tires. - Jun 2009
