The rugged beauty of Norway has long captivated travelers. With its dramatic fjords, soaring mountains, and enchanting glaciers, it’s easy to see why. However, the allure of this Scandinavian gem often comes with a hefty price tag leaving people to ask, “how much is a trip to Norway?”. But fear not, fellow adventurers! This post will reveal the secrets to experiencing the magic of Norway on a budget with the truth behind Norway Travel Cost.
We’ll delve into a realistic cost breakdown, offering tips on transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. To inspire your journey, we’ll also share a sample two-week itinerary for a budget-friendly road trip, starting in Oslo and winding through breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic fjords of Flam and the majestic peaks of Halingskarvet National Park. Let’s make your Norwegian dream a reality without breaking the bank!
Planning a Norway Road Trip
Can I Make Create a Budget-Friendly Norway Road Trip?
Absolutely! We spend two weeks in Norway for less that $2,000 per person (food costs not included) without camping... which is our usual way to cut costs and save money.
Toggle with the menu above for more details on each! This includes a full itinerary ↑

How Much is a Trip to Norway?
Our two-week Norway road trip fell somewhere between our typical road trip and something a little more luxurious… and still, our Norway travel cost was fairly affordable for visiting one of the most expensive countries there it. We did visit during high season and stayed for a longer period of time, two weeks to be exact, but our trip fell within the upper level of our normal price range!
- Flights: $1,375
- Car Rental: $1,300 for 14 days
- Oslo Apartment: $95 for one night
- Geilo Airbnb: $186 for 1 night
- Flam Cabins: $306 for 3 nights
- Trolltunga Guesthouse: $168.25 for 2 nights
- Lysefjorden Turisthytte: $130 for 1 night (includes breakfast)
- Rjukan Hytter: $123.38 for 2 nights
- Kollen Slottet: $177.83 for 2 nights
This totals $3,861 for two weeks to two people. Good News! That’s $1,930 per person base Norway travel cost for two weeks in this incredible country! Let’s break it down in more detail…

Norway Transportation Cost
Our transportation costs included a flight from New York City to Oslo and our rental car. Our flights and rental care came out to $2,675 for two travelers so $1,337.50 per person. Keep in mind that we did spent two full weeks exploring Norway with out rental car!
Flights
Research and compare flight prices from your home country to Oslo. We recommend you consider budget airlines and flexible travel dates to save money.
We flew Norse from JFK to Oslo for $687.50 per ticket. Our ticket included a meal on the flight, one checked bag, and one carry-on item.
Rental Car
A rental car is definitely essential for this itinerary. You could absolutely explore Norway via public transportation only, but it would have its limitations.
Driving in Norway does have its challenges but it’s the best way to see everything you’d like in a short amount of time. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when renting a car in Norway.
- Toll Roads
If you take a toll road, you’ll be charged additionally on your credit card. Some seasonal toll roads actually require payment to lift the gate which will require a credit card. - Narrow Road
The roads are very narrow in Norway. Unless you absolutely need to rent an SUV, we suggest a smaller vehicle. The roads are truly so narrow they’re one-way roads that automobiles can drive both ways on. - Sheep
Look out for sheep! They’ll find their way onto the road more often than you think. They’ll also come up to your car and lick it if you have to stop. At least they’re! - Tourist Areas
Tourist areas are full of people and paid parking. Look out for pedestrians, be prepared to experience some traffic, and download the app to save the most money on paying your parking fees. You can pay as you go! - Parking Garages
When visiting major cities it’s a good idea to utilize public transportation. Parking in a parking garage can be ridiculously expensive… like $45 for three hours expensive. The closer you are to city center, the more expensive it will be.
Rental Cars in Norway can be pricey. In fact, it was the most expensive single cost of our trip at about $1,300 for two weeks after tolls, additional driver (apparantly my husband didn’t count because we don’t share a last name), and a parking ticket. Luckily, my credit card company provides rental insurance on car rentals for a small fee so we didn’t rack up rental inssurance fees.
Public Transportation
Transportation within cities is definitiely affordable and convenient. There are even great ways to move between cities via train, ferry, and even deomestic flights.
Norway is home to some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Use these train rides for sightseeing and to get from one major city to another!
- The Flam Railway: Travel from Bergen to Flam or Oslo to Flam on the Flam railway. On this train ride you’ll enjoy panoramic views of some of the wildest and most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjord landscape.
- The Bergen Line: Connecting Oslo and Bergen, this line travels 7 hours along fields, forests, mountains, and fjords. Purchase your train tickets here.
- The Dovre Line: An unforgettable 7-hour journey that connects Oslo and Trondheim. Pass through several of Norway’s stunning National Parks and absolutely incredible scenery.
- The Nordland Line: Travel on Norway’s longest railway. Connecting Trondheim and Bodo, you’ll experience beautiful coastal views and quaint inland towns along your route.
- The Lofoten Line: The country’s northernmost line provides views of jagged mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and fjords. Travel from Narvik to Riksgränsen on the Swedish border.
A one-way train ticket for many of these popular 7+ hour rides hover between 80 and 100 US dollars. A return ticket costs a little less than double!
As for the bussing system, we find that it both supplements and duplicates the train network. Reaching every corner of the country, the premier long-distance carrier is Nor-Way Bussekspress. These routes run in conjunction with a network of local buses. Tickets can be purchased on board and in advance. Prices are generally less than train tickets; children under 16, adults over 67, and students are often eligible for a discount. It’s important to note that some routes are seasonal!
Using a ferry in Norway is almost like a two-for-one. You’re getting from one place to another with incredible fjord views at a fraction of the cost of a fjord cruise or speedboat tour. Board most ferries as a foot passenger or a car and driver by arriving 20 minutes to 1 hour before departure. Foot passengers will pay less than car and driver and are available on a first come first served basis.
Transportation from each incredible destination to the next will likely be your highest Norway Travel Cost. It’s up to you to figure out which fits your budget and agenda best!

Accommodations Costs in Norway
A hotel room might be your prefered travel accommodation but in an expensive country like Norway, the cost of your trip might be over budget if you’re only looking to stay in a 3 to 5-star hotel. Our total cost for accommodations was $1,185 split between two people for a total of $592.50 per person!
Camping
There are an abundance of incredible campsites with stunning views in Norway. Wild camping in Norway refers to camping outside of designated campsites. It’s made possible by the country’s “Allemannsretten,” or “Everyman’s Right,” which grants extensive access to nature.
Although we normally camp on our road trips, we opted to leave our camping gear in the United States for this one. Instead we stayed in air bnbs, campground cabins, hostels, and hyttes!
Budget-Friendly Accommodation
We didn’t stay in hotels during our trip to Norway. Hostels, Hytters, and Airbnb’s provided the best prices and saved us so much money in comparison.
Northern Europe is known for having a strong hostel culture; in bigger cities and even in remore villages and towns the best option for a buget-friendly accommodation is to book a hostel bed! The ones we stayed in were clean
We also booked a few hytters during our stay through Airbnb. Hytters are a strong part of Norwegian Culture and can be a really inexpensive way to spend the night in some truly beautiful areas. These small, wooden homes built in the countryside or forest are often used as weekend retreats for outdooractivites; sometimes, these structures don’t have running water or electricity and sometimes they do! All of the ones we stayed at did have electricity, running water (although sometimes only accessible outside), and a toiler or composting toilet for convenience.
Cost of accommodation is huge! Luxury travelers might not want to stay at a budget hotels or campgrounds, but those of us with a budget should really consider the great options I share above! Two weeks traveling can really add to your overall Norway travel cost but we have great budget-friendly options for all kinds of travelers.

Food Costs
We don’t factor food costs into our travels. We feel that we would need to each regarldess of if we were home or traveling so it isn’t something we budget for. We’re able to keep it affordable by cooking our own meals and/or packing a picnic lunch as often as possible but we’re always down to try the local cuisine as well!
Grocery Shopping
On of the best things you can do to help make your trips more affordable is to hit the grocery stores. Going to grocery stores and cooking your meals at an Airbnb, campsite, or hytter is a budget-travel hack no matter where you’re exploring.
Additionally, purchasing quick foods you can easy on the go like yogurt, premade sandwiches, and pastries from a grocery store is an easy way to cut travel costs on your 2-week trip.
Restaurants
I truly didn’t find restaurants to be overly expensive, but this may change based on where you live and what the average restaurant meal costs in that area of the world. We found most restaurant experiences comparable to New York prices.
Although we prepare most of our meals to lower overall travel expenses, we do like to eat out on our trips a few times. It’s part of the experience! Choose wisely, asking locals and reading reviews online to gain a better idea of what your dining experience might be like and if it’s worth it.
Eating out for every meal will definitely add to your overall Norway travel cost… we recommend finding ways to make your own meals to lessen the amount spent eating out.

Excursions
When traveling we try to opt for as many free activities as we can. It helps that our favorite thing to do is hike and most hikes are free! With that being said, there are hikes in Norway that do require payment and we’ll chat about the details of that in our full itinerary below.
Free Activities
Hello outdoor activities! So many incredible outdoor activties, such as hiking, are free! Many other outdoor activities, such as kayaking and biking are budget-friendly options as well.
Outdoor activities don’t need to be of epic proportion, exploring local and city parks can also bring a lot of joy as well as a sense of adventure to your city-focused trip!
Paid Activities
Fjord cruises are a really popular way to explore Norway. A day cruise can cost between $200-$350 per person while a longer, overnight cruise can cost a couple of thousand USD.
Bike rentals are also popular in Norway. At around $100 a day, renting bikes for your own personal fun or joining an exciting tour can be a great way to explore an area.
Scenic train rides, such as the Flåm Railway, takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, with stunning views of waterfalls and valleys for $65-$150 USD.
Norway travel cost really depends on what you want to do while you’re visiting! Excursions = experiences, and this is why you’re traveling in the first place! So, for me, this isn’t the area I want to save money in.

Budget Traveler’s Two-Week Norway Itinerary
We spent two weeks road tripping southern Norway in August. This itinerary is directly related to the Norway travel cost mentioned above. We didn’t stay in a high-end hotel but we also didn’t opt for the cheapest option; we visited some of the countries more popular destinations and we’re here to share our travel guide with you!
Oslo → Geilo 3:10 hour drive
Accommodation: Airbnb
Hike: Prestholtrunden
Geilo → Flam 2:00 hour drive
Accommodation: Skaim Hytter Cabins
Hike: Prest, Stokko, & Hovdungo
Flam → Tyssedal 2:20 hour drive
Accommodation: Trolltunga Guest House
Hike: Trolltunga
Tyssedal → Lysebotn 4:00 hour drive
Accommodation: Lysefjordan Tourist Cabin
Hike: Kjeragbolten
Lysebotn → Rjukan 3:30 hour drive
Accommodation: Hytte found on Airbnb
Hike: Gaustatoppen
Rjukan → Oslo 2:30 hour drive
Accommodation: Kollen Slottet
Get this two week budget-friendly Norwegian Road Trip in one easy to read PDF! It includes links to book accommodations, restaurant suggestions, and links to hike maps & details.
When you subscribe, you gain access to a bank of pre-made adventure-travel itineraries! Wander with KT and let us help you plan your next adventure with ease…
Arrival: Oslo
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city nestled on the country’s southern coast. The airport is located about 30 miles or 47km away from the city; if you’re renting your own vehicle, no worries! But if you aren’t, look into the Airport express Flytoget train or the Flybusen express bus to get into the city.
Spend the night out on the town! Stroll Along the Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen Waterfront before finding a place to enjoy a delicious meal after many hours of travel.
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation. We stayed at Fornom Aparthotel in Oslo for $95 USD per night and our studio apartment included a bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom which was perfect for us to arrive to.
Pro Tip: Don’t spend a lot of time in the city if you’re looking to cut Norway Travel Cost significantly.

Day 2-3: Halingskarvet National Park
Hallingskarvet National Park is a stunning natural area in central Norway. The park features a High-Altitude Plateau, a vast, high-altitude area characterized by its unique flora and fauna.
You can expect to find a variety of landscapes, including high mountains, glaciers, valleys, and rivers that you can hike through in the summer months and skiing in the winter!
We stayed in the ski area of Geilo in an Airbnb/vrbo just outside of town for $186. This ski town tranforms into a summer receation paradise! With downhill mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and more, you might want to spend a day exploring one of Norway’s largest ski resorts in the warmer months!
There are multiple trails in Halingskarvet National Park that you can access from different entry points. Check along the scenic route 50 to see if there’s something you might want to hike on your way to Flåm.

Day 4-6: Flåm
Flåm is a picturesque village nestled at the innermost point of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the majestic Sognefjord in Norway. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the glistening fjord, Flåm offers breathtaking views you won’t want to miss.
Flåm itself is a charming village with traditional Norwegian architecture and a cozy atmosphere that you will want to spend some time in! Flåm is a very popular tourist destination, however, know that time here will increase your overall Norway travel cost due to the nature of the town.
Something other than hiking? Check out the Flåm Railway. The Flåm Railway is one fo the best things you can do on a visit to Norway. It’s a world-renowned scenic railway journey that climbs steeply through mountains and valleys, offering incredible vistas. If it’s the fjord you want to explore, rent a kayak or take a fjord cruise to experience the beauty from the water.
Flåm is a popular tourist destination, but its natural beauty and unique experiences make it a truly unforgettable place to visit. We stayed a short drive from town to cut travel costs and escape some of the crowds at Skaim Hytter for about $100 a night. We rented a cabin where we were able to cook our own food which is a great way to make visiting Norway more affordable.

Day 7-8: Tyssedal
Tyssedal is a village located in Ullensvang municipality in Vestland county, Norway. It’s situated on the shore of the Sørfjorden, about 6 kilometers north of the town of Odda. Known for its historical connection to the hydroelectric power industry, the Tyssedal Hydroelectric Power Station played a significant role in the region’s development.
Despite its industrial past, Tyssedal is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The surrounding mountains and fjords offer breathtaking views the most famous if whch is Trolltunga. This was what we were here for, so let me share all the details about this hike that I wish I knew before we went!
This is *the hike to do* in this area but there are other places to explore! Head into Odda for some really interesting history and access to some additional hiking trails that will not add to your overall Norway travel cost like Trolltunga will.
We stayed at the Trolltunga Hostel for $42 a night. It was an amazing stay in a large, clean dormitory style room with absolutely incredible balcony views. There’s a kitchen and laundry available for guests as well which is amazing for those on a tight budget! If you want to go out for dinner, we recommend driving into Odda for a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and shopping!

Day 9-10: Lysebotn
Lysebotn is a small, remote village situated at the very end of the Lysefjord in Norway. Lysebotn is so special due to it’s isolated location, accessible by a seasonal high-altitude road or by boat.
This remote village is popular due to its access to two of Norway’s most popular hikes! Lysebotn serves as the starting point for one of Norway’s most iconic hikes, let’s talk about accessing them…
If you stay in the area but aren’t much into the hiking options, check out the Lysefjord Cruise. This scenic cruise travels through the Lysefjord, passing towering cliffs like Preikestolen and Kjerag, is a memorable experience. If you choose to take the ferry over from Tyssedal instead of driving around, you might be able to get some of these same cruise views for a more functional price!
We stayed at the Lysefjorden Tourist Cabin for $65 a night. This colorful accommodation includes breakfast and a lot of awesome ways to hang around the hostel. The included breakfast and decently priced food at other times of the day help with overall Norway travel cost. While a remote location, Lysebotn offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and stunning natural beauty.

Day 11-12: Rjukan
Rjukan is a town situated in the Vestfjorddalen valley in Telemark, Norway. Rjukan’s history is deeply intertwined with the hydroelectric power industry. The town was established in the early 20th century as a center for hydropower production.
A unique feature of Rjukan is the system of large mirrors installed on a nearby mountainside. These mirrors reflect sunlight into the town center during the winter months when the sun is low in the sky, providing much-needed daylight to the residents. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Rjukan is an excellent base for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
We stayed in a hytte on the lake that we booked through Airbnb for $49. This cabin on the lake had a kitchenette, a place to hangout and watch television or play games, and amazing lake access! The sound of a waterfall across the lake is so soothing while you’re enjoying time at the cabin.
Rjukan is a fascinating town with a unique history and a beautiful natural setting. If the weather had been better, we would have also hiked Gaustatoppen. Said to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway, the 6,178-foot Gaustatoppen is the tallest mountain in the south-east of Norway.

Day 13-15: Oslo
Oslo, the very vibrant capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums; it’s a great place to spend a few days at the end of your trip before flying home. You’ll want to use our pro tip below to save on Norway travel cost in a very expensive city.
We wouldn’t exactly call ourselves city folk but we had a lot of fun visiting museums, historic sites, and eating our way through the city. We did this with the OSLO PASS which includes entry to multiple museums and attractions, access to public transportation, and restaurant discounts for a pre-determined amount of time for an affordable price!
The Oslo Pass allowed us to also visit the Akershus Fortress, a great place to discover Oslo’s history and enjoy a summer day, and the Naturhistorisk museum. We loved running around the city and learning about all Norway has to offer on our final days visiting the country.
For our time in Oslo we opted to stay just out of town at the Kollen Slottet. An adorable, recently renovated historic home just around the corner from the ski jumping hill and outdoor center.

10 Tips to Cut Norway Travel Cost
Keep your Norway Travel affordable with these budget-friendly tips.
- Use your Credit Card: Make sure your card does not charge a foreign transaction fee and then use your card for as much as possible! No need to worry about transaction fees and it also helps to earn points or miles for future adventures.
- Embrace Camping: Norway offers stunning landscapes perfect for camping. Utilize campsites or even wild camping (with responsible practices) to significantly reduce accommodation costs.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Grocery shopping and cooking your meals at your accommodation will save you a considerable amount of money compared to eating out.
- Take Advantage of Free Activities: Hiking, exploring nature, visiting free museums, and enjoying city parks are all excellent ways to experience Norway without spending a dime.
- Utilize Public Transportation: Norway has an excellent public transportation system. Consider train journeys, buses, and ferries for scenic travel and budget-friendly transportation between cities.
- Look for Free Wi-Fi: Utilize free Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, and tourist information centers to stay connected and plan your itinerary without incurring data roaming charges.
- Consider a Norway Pass: If you plan to visit multiple attractions and travel extensively by train or bus, the Norway Pass can offer significant savings.
- Book in Advance: Book flights, accommodation, and popular activities in advance for the best deals.
- Look for Accommodation Deals: Utilize websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hostelworld to find budget-friendly accommodation options.
- Embrace “Friluftsliv”: Embrace the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” (outdoor life) by spending time in nature, enjoying simple pleasures, and appreciating the beauty of the surroundings.
There are so many ways to cut your overall Norway travel cost to stay within your budget! Check out our tips for saving money while road tripping for more money-saving details.

Conclusion
Planning and budgeting carefully can unlock the magic of Norway without breaking the bank. By embracing camping, utilizing free activities, and taking advantage of shoulder season travel, you can significantly reduce costs while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery and unique experiences this incredible country offers. Remember, the “Norway Travel Cost” is entirely dependent on your travel style and preferences. With a bit of research and a touch of flexibility, you can craft an unforgettable Norwegian adventure that fits comfortably within your budget.
Ultimately, the true value of a trip to Norway lies in the memories created. Immerse yourself in the culture, savor the breathtaking landscapes, and embrace the spirit of “friluftsliv” – the Norwegian love for the outdoors. By prioritizing experiences over material possessions and seeking out budget-friendly options, you can create a truly authentic and rewarding Norwegian adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.












