We will be disembarking mid-morning from a cruise ship in Oslo, spending a day and possibly part of the night before needing to be at the airport around 3:30 in the morning. As we will only have the one day for Oslo, I would like to spend it downtown, but I worry about getting to the airport in the middle of the night. Would a taxi be the best way to go? If so, about what would that cost and do taxis take credit cards?
If it would be better to stay out by the airport, is there somewhere to store our luggage while we spend the day in Oslo?
Thank you very much for whatever assistance you might have!
Posted by
Sweden
6398 posts
If you need to be that early at the airport I would really suggest staying at an airport hotel. You can store the bags at the central station and then take the train to airport in the evening.
If you're staying in central Oslo you can take an early train or bus to the airport. A taxi is also an option, but not a cheap option. Norway is a pretty expensive country and the airport is not close to Oslo.
Posted by
Chicago
759 posts
I would stay at an airport hotel. The website says the train station, Oslo S, has luggage storage. Perhaps someone can verify.
https://oslo-s.no/en/praktisk-info/luggage-storage/
Spend the day and into the evening in the city, then take Flytoget or train to the airport in the evening.
I found Oslo taxis hard to use. We had to search for someone that would agree to take us to a local central spot from our hotel near Oslo S. We also asked for price quotes which varied greatly for the several times we used taxis. Maybe going to the airport is easier or maybe there is a standard fare. Perhaps an Oslo expert will weigh in!
Posted by
Chicago
759 posts
One other question. Are you sure you need to be at the airport at 3:30? I’m looking at a general website that could be wrong, but it says Security opens at 4:00. Check with your airlines, but 2 hours before your flight may be more than enough time.
I don’t mean to be offensive with the question, I’m sure you know what you are doing. I ask because I have arrived at a couple airports too early and had to wait for security to open. I would have preferred a bit more sleep!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you both! I think we just gained another hour of sleep! I was planning on 3 hours before an international flight, but from what I've now read, we only need to be there 2 hours ahead of time -- 4:30 a.m!!!
Posted by
Washington DC
27122 posts
I managed to avoid Norwegian taxis during my multi-week trip last year, and I recommend you attempt to do the same. I just checked a website that pulls estimates from multiple sources, and the lowest estimate I got from the train station to the airport was €122. I don't know anything about the website (airportstaxitransfer.com), but that figure is consistent with what I've always heard about Norwegian taxi rates (if you have to ask...). The airport is nearly 50 km outside town.
Posted by
Sweden
6398 posts
4:30 is better than 3:30. but I'd still suggest an airport hotel. There are a couple within walking distance from the terminals.
I just checked a website that pulls estimates from multiple sources,
and the lowest estimate I got from the train station to the airport
was €122. I don't know anything about the website
(airportstaxitransfer.com), but that figure is consistent with what
I've always heard about Norwegian taxi rates (if you have to ask...).
That website has been mentioned before on the forum. And while some have praised it, when I've checked the prices in a few cities the price has been around 30% higher than the actual local price.