Oslo Metro Guide: Complete T-Bane System
Oslo's metro system (T-bane) is the backbone of public transport, connecting city center with suburbs, forests, and ski areas. With 5 lines, 101 stations, and 85 km of track, the T-bane reaches everywhere from fjord islands to mountain trails. Clean, reliable, and running every 15 minutes, it's the best way to navigate Oslo. Unique feature: Metro runs above ground for most of route, offering stunning city and nature views.
Metro Lines Overview
Line 1 (Green): Frognerseteren - Helsfyr - Bergkrystallen
Key destinations: Holmenkollen (ski jump), Frognerseteren (hiking start), city center, suburbs.
- Length: 21 km, 18 stations
- Travel time: 40 minutes end-to-end
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Special: Above-ground entire route, forest views
- Tourist attractions: Holmenkollen Ski Museum, Frognerseteren viewpoint, hiking trails
Most scenic line - Passes through forests, offers panoramic city views from Holmenkollen area.
Line 2 (Orange): Østerås - Helsfyr - Vestli
Key destinations: Major shopping areas, residential suburbs, city center connections.
- Length: 23 km, 21 stations
- Travel time: 44 minutes end-to-end
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Connections: All other lines at central stations
Line 3 (Blue): Kolsås - Helsfyr - Mortensrud
Key destinations: Majorstuen (shopping), Kolsås (hiking), southern suburbs.
- Length: 28 km, 25 stations
- Travel time: 51 minutes end-to-end
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Tourist attractions: Vigeland Park (Majorstuen station), Kolsås hiking
Line 4 (Yellow): Bergkrystallen - Ringen - Vestli
Key destinations: Connects eastern suburbs, Science Museum, eastern residential areas.
- Length: 13 km, 13 stations
- Travel time: 24 minutes end-to-end
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Tourist attractions: Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology (Kjelsås)
Line 5 (Purple): Sognsvann - Storo - Vestli
Key destinations: Sognsvann Lake (hiking, swimming), university area, airport connections.
- Length: 15 km, 16 stations
- Travel time: 28 minutes end-to-end
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Special: Continues as regular train to airport (change required)
- Tourist attractions: Sognsvann Lake (hiking, picnic, swimming)
Central hub: All lines pass through Stortinget, Nationaltheatret, and/or Majorstuen where you can transfer between lines.
How to Use Oslo Metro
Tickets & Fares
Ticket Options:
- Single ticket: 39 NOK (app/machine), valid 60 min
- 24-hour pass: 122 NOK, unlimited travel
- 7-day pass: 310 NOK, best for tourists
- 30-day pass: 820 NOK (adult), 410 NOK (student/senior)
- Group ticket: Cheaper for 2+ people
Children & Discounts:
- Children 0-5: Free (always)
- Children 6-17: 50% discount
- Students: 50% discount (valid student card)
- Seniors 67+: 50% discount
- Oslo Pass: Unlimited transport included
How to Buy Tickets:
- Ruter app: Best option, digital tickets, journey planner (iOS/Android)
- Ticket machines: At all stations, cash/card accepted
- 7-Eleven, Narvesen: Buy at convenience stores
- On board: NOT possible (must have ticket before boarding)
Important: Ticket valid on metro, tram, bus, ferry within same zone/time period. Download Ruter app before arrival for convenience.
Operating Hours & Frequency
Monday-Friday:
- First train: 5:30 AM (all lines)
- Last train: 12:30 AM (all lines)
- Peak hours (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM): Every 5-15 minutes
- Off-peak: Every 15 minutes
Saturday:
- First train: 6:00 AM
- Last train: 1:00 AM
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
Sunday & Holidays:
- First train: 7:00 AM
- Last train: 12:30 AM
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
Night Service:
- Limited night buses replace metro after midnight
- Friday/Saturday nights: Special night service until ~3 AM
Real-time info: Use Ruter app for live departure times, delays, disruptions.
Navigation Tips
- Direction indicators: Trains show final destination (e.g., "Frognerseteren" or "Bergkrystallen")
- Platform signs: Digital displays show next 3 trains and minutes until arrival
- Line numbers: Displayed on front and sides of trains (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Color coding: Each line has distinct color on maps and signs
- Announcements: Stops announced in Norwegian and English
- Maps: Available at every station and inside trains
- Transfers: Same-platform transfers common at central stations
- Accessibility: Most stations have elevators, some older stations stairs-only
Key Metro Stations for Tourists
Nationaltheatret
Lines: 1, 2, 3
Royal Palace, National Theatre, Karl Johans gate, shopping district. Major transport hub.
Stortinget
Lines: 4, 5
Parliament, central shopping, Karl Johans gate, walking distance to Opera House.
Majorstuen
Lines: 1, 2, 3
Vigeland Park (10 min walk), shopping street (Bogstadveien), upscale neighborhood. Major hub.
Grønland
Lines: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Multicultural area, ethnic restaurants, Mathallen food hall, Oslo Bus Terminal nearby.
Holmenkollen
Lines: 1
Ski jump museum, panoramic views, hiking trails, winter skiing. Tourist must-visit.
Sognsvann
Lines: 5
Beautiful lake, hiking trails, swimming in summer, popular picnic spot. Easy nature access.
Tøyen
Lines: 4, 5
Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens, Munch Museum (15 min walk), Tøyen Park.
Jernbanetorget
Lines: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), all transport connections, airport trains, shopping.
Metro to Popular Destinations
To Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Take: Line 1 toward Frognerseteren
From city center: 25 minutes
Exit at Holmenkollen station. Ski jump visible from station, 10 min walk uphill.
To Vigeland Park
Take: Any line to Majorstuen, or tram 12
From city center: 10 minutes
10-minute walk from Majorstuen station. Follow signs or use tram 12 for direct access.
To Oslo Winter Park (Tryvann)
Take: Line 1 to Voksenkollenor Frognerseteren
From city center: 30 minutes + shuttle/walk
Shuttle bus from end stations to ski resort in winter. Hiking trails in summer.
To Munch Museum
Take: Line 4 or 5 to Tøyen, or tram/bus to Bjørvika
From city center: 15 minutes
From Tøyen: 15-min walk. Alternatively, walk from city center (20 min).
To Airport (Gardermoen)
Take: Airport express train (Flytoget) or Vy train from Oslo S
Not direct metro: Must transfer at Oslo S or Nationaltheatret
Metro connects to airport trains. More: Airport guide.
Tips for Using Metro
First-Time User Tips
- Download Ruter app: Essential for tickets, journey planning, real-time info
- Get paper map: Available at tourist info, hotels, or screenshot metro map
- Check direction: Trains show final destination, ensure correct direction
- Validate ticket: Not required with app, but machines issue paper tickets with validation
- Mind the gap: Some older stations have larger gaps between train and platform
- Allow extra time: Trains reliable but transfers can take 5-10 minutes
Safety & Etiquette
- Very safe: Oslo metro one of Europe's safest, even at night
- Quiet culture: Norwegians value silence, keep voice low
- Priority seating: Give up seats for elderly, disabled, pregnant
- Stand right: On escalators, let people pass on left
- Backpacks: Remove from back in crowded trains
- Strollers: Designated areas on trains, Norwegians very accommodating
- Bike transport: Allowed, but not during rush hour (7-9 AM, 3-6 PM)
Money-Saving Tips
- 7-day pass: Best for tourists (310 NOK vs 39 NOK × 14 trips = 546 NOK)
- Oslo Pass: Includes transport + 30+ museums, calculate if worthwhile
- Children travel free: 0-5 years, no ticket needed
- Group tickets: Cheaper when traveling together
- Walk short distances: 2-3 stops often walkable in 15 min
- Monthly pass: If staying long-term (820 NOK for unlimited travel)
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: Most stations have elevators (check Ruter app)
- Assistance: Staff available at major stations
- Guide dogs: Allowed on all transport
- Audio announcements: All stops announced
- Visual displays: Next stop shown on screens
- Low-floor trains: Modern trains have level boarding
- Plan ahead: Use Ruter app to check elevator status
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid
Mistake 1: Boarding Without Ticket
Problem: Cannot buy ticket on train. Inspections common, fine 1,150 NOK.
Solution: Always buy ticket before boarding (app or machine). Keep digital ticket visible.
Mistake 2: Wrong Direction
Problem: Trains show only final destination, not all stops listed.
Solution: Check metro map, verify direction with final destination shown. Use Ruter app to confirm route.
Mistake 3: Missing Last Train
Problem: Last metro around 12:30 AM, taxis very expensive (400+ NOK).
Solution: Check last train time in Ruter app. Night buses available as alternative.
Mistake 4: Not Validating Paper Ticket
Problem: Paper tickets from machines must be validated (though validation happens automatically on purchase).
Solution: Use Ruter app (digital tickets don't need validation). Paper tickets usually pre-validated from machines.
Metro vs Other Transport
| Transport | Best For | Coverage | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Long distances, suburbs, hiking areas | Wide network | Fast |
| Tram | City center, short trips | Limited to inner city | Moderate |
| Bus | Areas not served by metro/tram | Most extensive | Slow (traffic) |
| Ferry | Fjord islands, summer | Islands only | Moderate |
Verdict: Metro is backbone of Oslo transport. Use for most trips, supplement with tram/bus for specific destinations.