Norway – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Norway?

To rent a car in Norway, you must be a minimum of 19 years old when you collect the vehicle and have held a full driving licence for no less than one year. For certain vehicle categories, the minimum age threshold may be higher. Some rental providers and sources set their lower limit at 21, so it pays to check directly with your intended company before making a reservation.

Any driver under the age of 25 will attract an additional daily surcharge. The precise amount depends on the rental provider, but expect to pay approximately 195 NOK per driver per day (as of 2025). There is no upper age limit, provided the driver holds a full, valid licence obtained at least one year earlier.

A credit card is essential for renting a car in Norway. The majority of major companies do not accept prepaid cards, debit cards, or cash, although a handful of providers may permit debit cards — always verify this before you arrive at the counter. The card must ordinarily be in the name of the primary driver.

Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Children weighing under 36 kilograms or measuring less than 135 centimetres in height must be secured in an appropriate child seat. Many of the larger rental companies, including Hertz and Sixt, offer child seats that can be reserved when you book your vehicle.

Norway applies a blood alcohol limit that is among the toughest in Europe. While some sources quote the legal ceiling at 0.05%, the country effectively operates on a 0.02% limit — which for most people means zero alcohol tolerance before driving. Penalties for drunk driving are severe. Always confirm the current legal figure with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) before you travel.

Dipped headlights must remain on at all times, regardless of the season or time of day — even during the long, bright days of the Norwegian summer. If your car is right-hand drive, you are required to fit black beam deflectors to your headlights to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.

Winter driving in Norway requires vehicles to be fitted with winter tyres, which provide significantly better traction on snow and ice. The obligation to use winter tyres applies over the colder months, but the rental company is responsible for ensuring the correct tyres are mounted. For authoritative, up-to-date requirements, refer to the Statens vegvesen website.

Which major car rental companies operate in Norway, and where can I find them?

All of the leading international car rental brands have a presence in Norway. At Oslo’s primary airports you will find a solid selection of well-known agencies, with Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen) offering the widest choice. International names such as Sixt, Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty maintain good coverage across the country.

The principal companies operating in Norway, along with their local websites, are listed below:

• Hertz Norway — hertz.no
• Avis Norway — avis.no
• Sixt Norway — sixt.no — with 25 airport locations making renting a car hassle-free.
• Budget Norway — budget.no
• Europcar Norway — europcar.no
• Thrifty — available through the Hertz/Thrifty network across Norway

Rent-a-Wreck focuses on affordable used-car rentals, with its head office in Oslo and around 30 locations spread throughout the country. Prices vary according to mileage and distance, so read the terms carefully before setting off. For budget-conscious travellers who are comfortable driving an older vehicle, this local operator is well worth considering.

The most competitively priced rentals in Norway are generally found at the airports serving Oslo and Bergen, especially when booked three to six months in advance. If you are flying into Tromsø, Narvik, Bodø, or the Lofoten Islands, expect higher rates. Using an online comparison tool to review prices across multiple providers before booking is always a sensible approach.

How does car rental pricing work in Norway, and what should I watch out for?

Car rental in Norway is not cheap. That said, rates tend to ease slightly in autumn (October) and spring (April), so travelling during these shoulder months can deliver better value if your schedule allows. The range is broad: compact economy cars start from around €40 per day, mid-size models from around €50, and larger people carriers from around €100 (as of 2024–2025 — confirm current rates directly with rental companies, as pricing shifts frequently).

One of the most common tactics rental companies use to inflate the total cost is quoting a high excess — the sum you would be liable for in the event of damage — then offering their own insurance product to reduce it. A smarter alternative is to purchase an independent excess policy before you leave home. Unlike some other markets where collision waiver cover may be bundled into base rates, Norwegian rental agreements frequently present CDW as a separate, counter-purchased addition.

Road tolls represent another cost to plan for. Charges are collected electronically via licence-plate recognition rather than cash payment at a booth. To sidestep steep administration fees, ask the rental desk about a pre-paid toll pass, or register directly at autopass.no and settle charges yourself.

One-way rentals — dropping the vehicle in a different city from where you collected it — are sometimes possible but generally attract a substantial additional fee. In an already expensive country, it is worth structuring your itinerary to avoid this charge wherever you can. Always clarify one-way costs with the rental company before confirming your booking.

Manual transmission is standard in Norway, but automatic vehicles can be sourced. If you need an automatic, reserve well ahead of time, as stock is more limited. Norway is actively moving away from diesel, so the majority of rental cars now run on petrol (“Bensin” at the pump). Fuel costs are high — often around €1.72 per litre or more — so factor this into your budget. Petrol stations are predominantly self-service and card-only; you authorise payment at the pump, and many no longer accept cash at all.

For guidance on your rights as a consumer or assistance with rental disputes, you can reach Forbrukertilsynet (the Norwegian Consumer Authority), which publishes information on fair trading practices and handles complaints against rental companies.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Norway?

Holders of a current driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country may drive in Norway without an International Driving Permit for the full period the licence remains valid. Licences from outside the EU/EEA are generally recognised for up to three months from the date of entry.

An IDP is not a universal requirement, but it is strongly advisable if your licence is not written in English or another widely recognised European language. The IDP functions as an official translation of your home-country licence and can prevent misunderstandings during police checks or when signing rental agreements.

If your licence is printed in a non-Latin script — such as Arabic, Japanese, or Cyrillic — you will need either an IDP or an officially certified English translation when driving in Norway. The IDP does not replace your original licence; both documents must be carried together at all times.

Provided your licence features a photograph and uses the Latin alphabet, no international licence is needed to hire a car in Norway. Individual rental companies may nonetheless impose additional requirements, so it is always prudent to read the booking terms carefully before you travel, since specific nationalities may face different rules.

Requirements are subject to change. Before any trip, verify the current position with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) and your chosen rental provider — particularly if your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA (as of 2025).

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Norway?

Norwegian roads are generally well built and carefully maintained to a high standard. As in the rest of Scandinavia, traffic travels on the right-hand side. Outside urban areas, most roads consist of two lanes and can become narrow and winding as they climb through mountainous terrain.

The default speed limit on Norwegian motorways is 80 kilometres per hour, dropping to 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and town centres unless signs indicate otherwise. Limits as low as 30 kilometres per hour apply in some residential zones, while certain dual carriageways and motorways permit speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour. Speed cameras are plentiful, and average-speed monitoring systems cover large stretches of the network.

Unless a yellow diamond priority sign is displayed, traffic approaching from the right holds right of way at intersections. If you are not travelling on a priority road and a vehicle is approaching from the right, you must yield. This principle is similar to the French priorité à droite and may catch off guard drivers accustomed to systems where main roads automatically take precedence.

Tolls are levied on a large portion of Norway’s road network and are collected almost entirely through automated means. Regardless of where you come from, all drivers are required to pay Norwegian road tolls. The AutoPASS system photographs your number plate as you pass each toll point; the resulting charges are billed to your rental company or to your registered account — no stopping, no cash, no booth.

Norway is home to more than 900 road tunnels of varying lengths, the majority of which lie in the western part of the country. Most tunnels are two lanes wide. During winter, ice can form near tunnel entrances, so approach with care. On long, winding descents from mountain passes, brakes can overheat; use a lower gear to control your speed and reduce reliance on the brakes.

Mountain passes may close temporarily when severe snow or high winds strike, and some of the higher routes can experience frost and snowfall even when conditions in the valleys below feel like summer — particularly in April, May, September, and October. Before setting out, check the latest road conditions via the Statens vegvesen traffic information page.

Norway’s intricate geography — shaped by countless fjords, islands, and peninsulas — means that the road network regularly incorporates ferry crossings. These vessels are an integral component of the national transport system, linking coastal communities and enabling scenic circular road trips that would otherwise require enormous detours. Most ferry fares in Norway are settled through AutoPASS, the same automated system used for road tolls.

Trams always have right of way and must be passed on the right. There is no right-turn-on-red in Norway. Pedestrians have priority at marked crossings. Drivers from countries where turning right on a red signal is permitted — such as the United States or Canada — should be especially alert to this difference.

Hiring an electric vehicle in Norway brings tangible advantages: reduced toll rates and, in certain cities, access to bus lanes. The national charging infrastructure is widely regarded as the most developed in the world, making EV rentals a genuinely practical choice for long-distance road trips as well as city driving.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Norway?

Third party liability insurance is a legal requirement and is automatically included in every rental. This cover typically ranges from US$110,000 to unlimited, protecting against claims for damage or injury caused to other people or property. It represents the legal minimum — but provides no protection for damage to the rental vehicle itself.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection may be bundled into certain all-inclusive rate packages at a reduced price, or added at the rental counter. Both products lower the deductible — the portion of any claim you remain personally responsible for. Super CDW, sometimes offered as an upgrade at the counter, can reduce that deductible to zero.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is another optional product available at the counter, covering medical costs for both the driver and passengers following an accident. While not compulsory, it deserves consideration if your travel insurance policy does not provide comprehensive medical protection.

The standard rental company approach to upselling insurance is to quote a high excess, then offer their own policy to reduce it. Rather than accepting this arrangement, consider arranging an independent excess insurance policy before departure. If damage occurs, the rental company charges you up to the excess amount, which you then reclaim from your independent insurer.

Some credit cards provide rental car excess cover as a cardholder benefit when the rental is paid for on that card. If you intend to rely on this, contact your card provider beforehand and obtain written confirmation of what is covered. Benefits differ considerably between issuers and across different countries, so never assume the cover applies without verifying it in advance.

If you plan to drive across the border into Denmark, Sweden, or Finland, this is generally permitted without notifying the rental company. Driving into other EU countries such as Germany, France, or Belgium typically requires you to inform the rental agency and obtain a “green card” confirming your insurance coverage. Always check cross-border permissions with your provider before your departure date.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Norway?

If you hold a valid EU or EEA driving licence, you may drive in Norway freely — whether you are visiting briefly or have settled there permanently. Should you decide to formalise your status as a Norwegian resident, you can exchange your EU or EEA licence for a Norwegian one without sitting any theory or practical tests.

Visitors and new arrivals holding a non-EEA licence may drive in Norway for up to three months from the date of entry. Beyond that point, a Norwegian driving licence becomes necessary. This is an important consideration for anyone relocating to the country — a foreign licence that remains valid in your home country may cease to be recognised once you establish residency in Norway.

If you are in Norway on a temporary work-related residence permit, your foreign licence can continue to be used for up to six months, provided you carry documentation confirming your employment and residency status. The exact rules vary depending on your visa category and country of origin, so always verify the current position with Statens vegvesen.

EU/EEA licence holders who become Norwegian residents may exchange their licence without testing. Non-EU/EEA licence holders may be required to pass both a theory and practical driving examination in Norway before an exchange can take place. For the most current guidance, visit the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) website or speak directly with staff at your nearest traffic station.

For long-term expats, rental companies generally apply the same conditions as for any driver: a recognised, valid licence, a credit card, and the minimum age. However, if your foreign licence is nearing the end of its permitted period of use in Norway, you should arrange to exchange it without delay to avoid any interruption to your ability to drive or rent a vehicle. Always confirm current thresholds with Statens vegvesen (as of 2025).

How do I rent a car in Norway step by step?

Hiring a car in Norway is a straightforward process, but a number of Norway-specific considerations are worth bearing in mind at each stage. Work through the following steps for a smooth, stress-free experience:

1. Choose your dates and location. Decide where you will pick up and drop off the car. Picking up and returning to the same location avoids one-way fees. The cheapest car rentals in Norway are usually at the airports in Oslo or Bergen.
2. Compare rental companies. Use a comparison platform or check individual company websites (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget, Europcar) to compare rates. Book as early as possible — booking at least 3–6 months in advance can secure the best rates at major airports.
3. Check your licence requirements. Confirm whether your national licence is accepted, or whether you need an IDP. As long as your licence has a picture and is written in the Roman alphabet, you generally do not need an international licence. Verify with your rental company before travel.
4. Review and select your insurance. Understand what is included in the base rate (third party liability is mandatory and always included) and decide whether to add CDW, theft protection, Super CDW, or PAI. Consider an independent excess policy as an alternative to the rental company’s own add-ons.
5. Arrange your payment card. You will need a credit card to rent a car in Norway. Make sure the card is in the main driver’s name and has sufficient credit for a security hold.
6. Collect the vehicle and inspect it thoroughly. Before driving away, photograph or video every panel of the car, including the roof, bumpers, and wheels. Report any existing damage to the rental agent and ensure it is noted in writing on the rental agreement.
7. Understand the toll system. Your rental car will be equipped with an AutoPASS device, which means you can pass through toll booths without stopping. This will be included as an “extra” fee in your invoice from the car rental agency. Ask the rental desk to explain how toll charges will appear on your final bill.
8. Check the fuel policy. Most Norwegian rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy — collect the car with a full tank and return it full. Failing to do so will typically result in a refuelling charge at a premium rate.
9. Return the vehicle on time and in good condition. Returning late may trigger additional daily charges. Return the car at the agreed time, with a full tank, and ask for written confirmation that the car has been accepted back without damage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Norway?

You must be at least 19 years old when collecting a rental vehicle in Norway and must have held your driving licence for a minimum of one year. Certain vehicle categories carry a higher minimum age. Individual companies sometimes set their own floor at 21, so always check directly with your chosen provider before making a booking (as of 2025).

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Norway?

An IDP is not a universal requirement, but it is strongly advisable if your licence is not printed in English or another widely understood European language. Holders of a current EU or EEA licence can drive in Norway without an IDP. Always confirm the position with your rental company, as individual providers may impose their own conditions.

What happens if I have an accident in a rental car in Norway?

Pull over safely, check that all parties are unharmed, and call the emergency services if necessary (112 for emergencies, 02800 for non-emergency police contact in Norway). Notify your rental company as soon as possible. Photograph the scene thoroughly, exchange details with any other drivers involved, and submit a full report to the rental company promptly. Your financial exposure will be determined by the excess and insurance terms in your rental agreement.

Can I drive a rental car across the border into Sweden or Denmark?

Cross-border travel is typically permitted to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. For other destinations, written authorisation from the rental company is generally required. Driving into other EU countries such as Germany, France, or Belgium usually necessitates informing your rental provider and obtaining a “green card” for insurance coverage. Confirm cross-border arrangements with your specific company before crossing any border.

What happens if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

Most Norwegian rental companies apply a full-to-full fuel policy. Returning the vehicle with less fuel than it had when you collected it will result in a refuelling charge, typically levied at a significantly higher rate per litre than you would pay at a regular petrol station. The majority of Norwegian fuel stations are self-service and card-only, so plan your final refuel shortly before dropping off the vehicle. Always review the fuel policy in your rental agreement.

Are toll charges included in the rental price?

No — tolls are not part of the base rental fee. Most rental vehicles in Norway are fitted with an AutoPASS device, allowing you to pass through toll points without stopping. The accumulated toll costs are added as a separate line item on your final invoice by the rental agency. Ask the company upfront how much they add in administration fees on top of the actual toll amounts, as this varies between providers.

How long can I drive in Norway on a foreign licence before I need to exchange it?

EU and EEA licence holders may drive in Norway indefinitely without restriction. Holders of a non-EEA licence may drive for up to three months from entry, after which a Norwegian licence is required. If you are present on a temporary work-related residence permit, your foreign licence remains valid for up to six months. For the most current rules, consult Statens vegvesen (as of 2025).

Are winter tyres fitted to rental cars in Norway?

Yes. Winter tyres are a legal requirement during the colder months in Norway, and the responsibility for ensuring correct tyres are fitted rests entirely with the rental company — renters need not take any action themselves. Winter tyres are typically mounted from 1 November until 30 April, and a seasonal service fee may appear on your rental invoice if it is not already factored into the base rate.

Is it possible to rent an electric car in Norway?

Absolutely. Both hybrid and fully electric rental vehicles are widely available throughout Norway, supported by what is widely considered the world’s most comprehensive public charging network. Charging points are plentiful on motorways, in cities, and even in more remote parts of the country, making an electric road trip entirely practical. EV drivers also benefit from reduced toll rates and, in certain cities, access to bus lanes. When booking an EV rental, ask the company about compatible charging apps and consider downloading a route-planning tool such as Elton before your journey.