oslo tourist card

The Oslo Pass: is it worth buying?

If you’ve been researching a trip to Oslo, you’ve probably seen something about the Oslo Pass, known locally as Oslopasset .

The pass is an all-in-one discount card that gives you free entry to 30 museums and attractions in the city, as well as free transport in Oslo and the surrounding region.

The pass will cost you a fair amount upfront, but it promises to save you much more in the long run. So how can you be sure if the Oslo Pass is the right option for you and your travel plans?

We ran the numbers and created this simple guide to help you decide.

So, what exactly is the Oslo Pass?

Aimed at tourists, the Oslo Pass is a special card that lets you enter many museums and attractions in Oslo for free. It also lets you use the public transport network for free, and gives money off at local attractions and restaurants.

The pass is good for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, depending on which version you buy. 

Once you first start using the pass, you’ll need to activate it, either online, or by writing the date and time on it, depending on which type of pass you have.

You’ll need to show the pass every time you enter a museum or use public transport, so make sure you get the date and time right!

Get the Oslo Pass here

What’s included with the pass?

The Oslo Pass includes free admission to over 30 museums, ranging from the big-ticket attractions to lesser-known sights such as… er…. the Oslo Reptile Museum.

Here are some of the top attractions you can visit for free:

• Munch Museum
• Astrup Fearnley Museum
• Norwegian Folk Museum
• The National Museum
• Kon-Tiki Museum
• Historical Museum
• Nobel Peace Center
• Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology
• Museum of Oslo
• Natural History Museum
• Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower
• And many more

Additionally, the pass offers you free access to a guided walking tour of Oslo, plus admission to the Frognerbadet open-air bath complex (summer only) with heated outdoor pools and water slide.

The Oslo Pass is also valid for boats out to Bygdøy (for the Bygdøy museums) and to the islands of the inner Oslofjord.

So you can jump on at Aker Brygge, and do some island-hopping between Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen and Langøyene.

What about discounts?

Other perks include reductions on activities such as zip-lining through the tree tops at the Oslo Climbing Park, boat trips and tickets for concerts at the Oslo Concert Hall – with discounts of between 15% and 30% off the usual rates.

Discounts also extend to various restaurants around the city, from Indian street food at Baljit to classic Norwegian cuisine at Rorbua.

The complete list of sites covered by the Oslo Pass can be found here .

The pass also includes free use of all forms of public transportation in zones 1 and 2, which covers pretty much every attraction you’d want to see in the city as well as travel to and from many of Oslo’s surrounding suburbs.

Bear in mind, though, that both Gardermoen and Torp airports lie outside of these zones, so transport to and from the airports is not covered by the pass.

For details on how to get from the airport to Oslo, see our guide to Getting from Oslo airport to the city centre .

How much does the Oslo Pass cost?

There are three different versions of the pass for adults, children (6-17), and seniors (67+), each with validity periods of 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Students under 30 get a 20% discount with valid photo ID or an ISIC card, though this discount only applies for passes bought at the Oslo visitor centre on Østbanehallen next to Central Station, or the Ruter’s customer service centre at Oslo Central Station.

Now, the million-dollar question: is the Oslo Pass worth buying?

The main benefits of the Oslo Pass are the free entry to the city’s many museums, plus the unlimited use of public transport. 

And, if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, then the Oslo Pass is definitely worth buying .

This is especially true if you’ll be visiting some of the museums on the Bygdøy peninsula, like the Maritime Museum. Here, having the Oslo Pass is definitely a smart choice and will save you cash.

Each of the maritime-themed museums on the peninsular costs around 140 NOK to enter, and the Folk Museum (with its famous stave church) costs 180 NOK.

All of these museums are interesting and worth checking out, but some of the smaller ones can be enjoyably explored in just 30-45 minutes.

If you take public transport round trip to and from the peninsula, and then poke your head into all the museums for even a few minutes, you will have easily covered the cost of the both the 24 and 48-hour passes.

The Oslo Pass also includes free use of the Museum Ferry, an express boat service that runs regularly between the Bygdøy peninsula and the harbour in front of City Hall.

Without the pass, this alone would cost you 92 NOK for a return trip.

So for museums and attractions the pass is almost always worth it, but there’s no need to buy the pass if you’re just planning a few short trips on public transport.

The free use of public transit might appear to be an attractive benefit, but a standalone 24-hour public transport ticket is only around 121 NOK in zone 1, which includes all of Oslo.

This ticket allows unlimited travel on all forms of public transport in the city, including boats to the nearby islands in Oslofjord, and is less than a quarter of the price of a 24-hour Oslo Pass.

By using the Ruter Ticket app on your phone, it’s also easy to buy.

Bear in mind that Oslo is a comparatively small capital city which can easily be explored on foot, and most attractions are in the central part of town, so you may not need to use public transport much at all.

Three days in Oslo: would you save cash?

The list below compares prices for transport and regular adult tickets at several Oslo museums to the cost of a three-day adult Oslo Pass.

This list is for a fairly busy trip, and includes visits to 7 of Oslo’s most popular attractions and 6 trips on public transport.

If you managed to cover all of these Oslo attractions in three days, you’d spend more than 1700 NOK.

But if you bought the 72-hour pass, you’d only spend 895 NOK – that’s a nice tidy saving of more than 800 NOK, giving you lots more cash for yummy Norwegian beer .

Where can I buy the Oslo Pass?

Once you’ve done your sums and worked out whether the Oslo Pass is right for you, there are several different ways to buy it.

Firstly, you can buy it online here . You’ll receive a voucher which you’ll need to take to the Oslo Visitor Centre on Østbanehallen, next to Oslo Central Station, where they’ll give you your pass and a booklet detailing all the included sights.

You then activate this when you first use it, by writing the date and time on it.

Alternatively, you can download the Oslo Pass app and buy your pass via this. You then activate it on the app at first use, and simply scan into each attraction on your phone.

The Oslo Pass can also be bought on arrival at a few different points around the city, including the Oslo Visitor Centre, plus various hotels, hostels  and tourist sites around the city.

Note that some of these only sell the pass in summer and may not always have all versions of the pass on sale. So, if you know you want to buy the pass it’s best to get it in advance .

The Oslo Pass: our verdict

If you plan on having a fun-packed trip, then the Oslo Pass is definitely going to give you good value – especially if you’ll be doing the rounds of the museums.

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to enjoy Oslo on a budget, be sure to check out our list of 40 free things to do in Oslo .

What other passes are available?

There are other transport passes available, though the main alternative pass that includes attractions, the Oslo Card (see below), is currently not available to buy.

What is the Ruter Pass?

If you are not planning on visiting many of Oslo’s sights and museums, but want to travel around a lot you could buy a Ruter Pass, which give you unlimited use of the ferries, buses, trams and metro plus national trains within the city’s zones.

A 24-hour Ruter pass costs 121 NOK for zone one and 199 NOK for zones 1&2; a 7-day pass costs 335 NOK for zone one, and 585 NOK for zones 1&2.

The easiest way to buy these passes is through the Ruter app. Alternatively, you can buy a travel card for (50 NOK non-refundable), plus whichever type of pass you want. 

Cards and tickets can be bought at staffed train stations or at some kiosks around the city including Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Deli De Luca and Mix. See here for ticket outlets .

What is the Oslo City Bike Pass?

Oslo is a great city for cycling, and has a citywide bike rental scheme, with around 250 locations where you can pick up and drop off bikes.

You’ll need to download the app to use the bikes.

A 24-hour pass costs 69 NOK, but if you’re in Oslo for more than one day, you’re better off buying the 30-day pass for 79 NOK. 

Both passes give you unlimited bike trips of up to 60 minutes. If you exceed this limit for any individual trip it costs 15 NOK for every 15 minutes extra.

Alternatively, you can buy a one-off journey of up to 60 minutes for 35 NOK.

Which Oslo pass is best?

Since Oslo is a fairly compact city, the central areas are all within reasonable walking distance, so you may not need to use public transport much.

If you fancy doing some island-hopping or going to the Bygdøy museums, you’ll have to go by ferry.

But as you’re likely to be visiting the museums in Bygdøy, you’re better off buying the Oslo Pass , rather that the Ruter public transport pass.

The Oslo City bike pass is certainly good value, particularly if you’re in Oslo for a longer trip or staying outside of the most central area.

Does the Oslo Pass get good reviews? 

The Oslo Pass reviews are good – click here to read them for yourself – and it’s generally considered to be very good value, especially if you’re in Oslo for just a few days and want to see as much as possible.

Most people felt that having admission included made them visit places and try activities that they might not otherwise have done.

It also allowed them to pop into a museum or sight for just a short time, where they might not have bothered if they had to pay the full admission fee.

Is Oslo’s National Museum included in the Oslo Pass?

Yes, Oslo’s Nasjonalmuseet (National Museum), the largest art museum in the Nordic countries, is included in the Oslo Pass.

Is the Oslo Pass the same as the Oslo Card?

No. The Oslo Card is an alternative scheme, which includes some of the same attractions as well as hop-on, hop-off bus trips and boat tours, but costs more than the Oslo Pass. It’s currently not available to buy.

See also: Our guide to Oslo Five cool neighbourhoods to check out in Oslo 7 of the best Airbnbs in Oslo Is the Stockholm Pass worth it?

How to see Swedish Lapland on a budget

You may also like.

Guided tours worth trying in Oslo

The Stockholm Pass

Where to find cheap beer in Oslo

Where to go skiing in Oslo (and nearby)

Exploring the Oslofjord in Norway

Five cool Oslo neighbourhoods you have to check out

Stockholm vs Oslo: which one should you visit? 

Oslo for book lovers

The Bergen Card: is it worth buying?

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Interessant jeg elsker oslo! intresting! I love oslo!

Save money on your sightseeing tour in Oslo - buy an Oslo discount pass.

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions in Oslo  and free travel on all public transport. Free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues. You decide whether you want a card valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Where to buy the Oslo Pass

If you don`t want to buy your Oslo Pass online in advance, you can buy the pass on arrival at the Tourist Information Centre, hotels, campsites, hostels and some museums.

Please notice some selling points only offer the Oslo Pass during the summer months.

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Highlights included in Oslo Pass

Holmenkollen & Ski Museum

TusenFryd Amusement Park

Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology

The National Gallery

The Kon-Tiki Museum

The Munch Museum

The Ibsen Museum

Akershus Castle & Fortress

Oslo Viking Ship Museum

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Last updated: 03/01/2023

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On this page you will find all the important information about the Oslo Pass: What services does this City Card offer and who is it suitable for? How long is it valid and where can you buy it?

You can get the City Card from our partner companies. We receive a small commission for the sale. Of course, the price does not change for you.

• Visit top sights for free
• Free public transport in Oslo
• Valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours
• Pick up your Oslo Pass in town
• With the card you save money in Oslo!

How the Oslo Pass works

The Oslo Pass is the official city card of the Norwegian capital. It entitles the holder to free or reduced admission to numerous museums and sights and also serves as a ticket for public transport.

• Free admission to museums and attractions
• Free use of public transport in Oslo
• Discounts on city tours, restaurants and various other offers

The Oslo Pass is available as a physical card at the many points of sale in Oslo or can be used as a mobile ticket on your smartphone. In this case, the purchase must be made via the official Oslo Pass app (Oslo Pass - Official City Card). If you buy the Oslo Pass locally, it is best to check with the point of sale beforehand whether the pass is available during your stay, as some points of sale only offer the pass seasonally. The Oslo Pass is also valid as a mobility ticket and entitles you to use the entire Ruter public transport network in tariff zones 1 and 2, including the ferries to the islands in the Oslo Fjord.

Who is the Oslo Pass suitable for?

The Oslo Pass is suitable for travellers who want to explore the city by public transport and visit some museums and sights.

If used regularly during the validity period, the Oslo Pass quickly pays for itself.

How much does the Oslo Pass cost?

The price of the Oslo Pass depends on the period of validity. The following prices are currently valid for persons 18 years and older:

• 24 hours: NOK 520 (approx. 46 €)
• 48 hours: NOK 760 (approx. 67 €)
• 72 hours: NOK 895 (approx. 79 €)

A reduced price applies for children aged 6 to 17 and senior citizens aged 67 and over. In addition, students under 30 years of age with a valid student ID receive a discount of 20%. Please note: The discount is only available at the Oslo Visitor Centre and Ruter Customer Centre.

All services of the Oslo Pass

With the Oslo Pass, many museums and attractions can be visited for free. Some attractions also offer reduced admission. A selection of the offers and more information can be found here.

Of course, you can also use public transport free of charge.

Free Museums, Attractions & Experiences

The Oslo Pass gives you free admission to the following museums and attractions:

• Akershus Castle
• Fram Polar Ship Museum
• Munch Museum
• Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Ski Jump
• National Museum
• Frognerbadet outdoor pool
• Kon-Tiki Museum
• Oslo Reptile Park
• Oslo Transport Museum
• Various city tours
• Norwegian Open Air Museum

A very clearly designed complete overview of all offers as well as more detailed information, such as opening hours and directions, can be found on the official website: www.visitoslo.com

Discounts with the Oslo Pass

Here you get discounts on the regular purchase price:

• Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra (-20% on tickets purchased at the Oslo Concert Hall ticket office).
• Skimore Oslo (-15% on ski rental)
• Boat tours on the sailing ship (-15% on the tours "Fjord Sightseeing" and "A Summer Evening on the Fjord")
• TusenFryd Amusement Park (-20%)
• Norwegian Opera (-20% on tours and many products in the Opera House shop)
• The Viking Planet (-15%)
• Oslo Climbing Park (-20% on the Climbing Pass)
• Various bars and restaurants (different discounts)

In addition to the website mentioned above, this brochure provides a good overview of all discounts and reductions: Oslo Pass Flyer

Public transport with the Oslo Pass

With the Oslo Pass you can use all means of transport in zones 1 and 2 of the Reuter public transport network. This includes metros, trams, regional trains, buses and the ferries to the islands in the Oslo Fjord.

All sights included in the Oslo Pass can be reached this way.

For timetable information, you can use the "RuterReise" app or the journey planner on the Ruter website.

Depending on the validity period of your Oslo Pass, you can use the transport for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Simply show your activated Oslo Pass at the ticket control.

Is the Oslo Pass worth it?

The Oslo Pass gives access to a wide range of sights and museums, as well as participation in sightseeing tours and guided walks. This City Card grants free or discounted entry to all these activities.

By using public transport and visiting some of the sights, the Oslo Pass is a convenient way to save money.

The following table shows how much you can save using the 48h Card as an example:

In two days, you can discover a lot in Oslo and save a few hundred kroner (NOK 100 currently corresponds to approx. 9€).

The more you use your Oslo Pass, the more it pays for itself!

Buy & Collect Oslo Pass

The Oslo Pass is available online from various suppliers - for example from Tiqets.com . You will receive a voucher after purchase, which you must then exchange for a physical pass at the Oslo Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can buy the pass directly in Oslo at one of the many sales points:

• Oslo Visitor Centre
• Ruter Customer Centre
• Some hotels and museums 

Some outlets only offer the Oslo Pass during the summer months and only in limited quantities. We therefore recommend that you check in advance whether the Oslo Pass will be available during your stay there.

After collection, the Oslo Pass can be used immediately. The validity period of 24, 48 or 72 hours starts with the first use of the card on public transport or at an attraction.

Another option is to buy the Oslo Pass as a mobile ticket for your smartphone via the app "Oslo Pass - Official City Card". In this case, you can activate the pass at the desired time via the app.

If your travel plans change, you can cancel your purchase free of charge up to 23:59 on the evening before your visit. To do this, you must purchase the refundable ticket.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages of the oslo pass.

• You get free entry to many popular attractions and museums.
• Almost all of Oslo's major attractions are included.
• Free use of public transport in zones 1 and 2 in Oslo.
• Discounts on many other attractions and restaurants.
• The price-performance ratio is good: the card pays for itself quickly if you visit several sights.

Disadvantages of the Oslo Pass

• The card must be collected after your arrival in Oslo.
• The card does not give priority entry to the attractions.
• The Oslo Pass is hardly suitable if you are only visiting the city for one day.

More offers in Oslo

If you don't opt for the Oslo Pass, you can also book individual tickets for many sights and tours. We would like to introduce some of them here:

• City tour by hop-on/hop-off bus
• Ticket for The Viking Planet
• Ticket Paradox Museum
• Sightseeing on the Oslo Fjord

Oslo Pass FAQ

How does the Oslo Pass work?

You buy the Oslo Pass online, receive a voucher and collect the card when you arrive in the city. This allows you to use public transport in Oslo for 24, 48 or 72 hours. You also get free entry to many museums and attractions. There are also discounts at many sights, museums, guided tours and restaurants.

Can I use public transport with the Oslo Pass?

Yes, with the Oslo Pass you can use public transport in Oslo. This applies to all means of transport such as metro, suburban train, regional train, tram and bus. The ferries to the islands of the Oslo Fjord are also included.

Can I cancel the Oslo Pass free of charge?

Yes, if your travel plans change, you can cancel your Oslo Pass free of charge until 23:59 the day before your visit begins.

How is the Oslo Pass activated?

The Oslo Pass is activated the first time you use it on public transport or at an attraction. When you use the physical Oslo Pass, you must enter your name and the date on the card. You can then use it on 1, 2 or 3 consecutive calendar days.

Is the Oslo Pass worth it for families?

In principle, the Oslo Pass is suitable for adults as well as children and young people. Especially as there is a reduced price for the Oslo Pass for children between 6 and 17 years.

Here writes: Patrick

Patrick has visited various metropolises such as Amsterdam, London, Paris and Barcelona. Here he writes about the most important City Cards. His aim is to present detailed and up-to-date information for the official tourist maps of popular cities.

The Oslo Pass: Is It Worth It In 2022?

The Oslo Pass is a type of all-in-one ticket that give you free access to use the public transpiration system and most museums and attractions in Oslo and its surrounding areas.

Tourists who visit Oslo might be tempted to buy the Oslo pass to make life a bit easier. However, the steep cost makes a lot of people questions if it’s worth it.

So, should you buy the Oslo pass when visiting Oslo, or is it better to just buy single tickets? And will you really save money by buying the Oslo Pass?

The Oslo Pass is worth it if you visit at least two of the free attractions or museums that are included, as well as use the public transportation system at least 3 – 4 times during the 24 hour period. If not, you might as well get single tickets.

The Oslo Pass is great for those of you that wants to pop by a few museums in a matter of hours, or for people who likes to get on and off the public transport regularly during the stay.

On the other hand, it’s a complete waste of money if you don’t intend to visit at least one of the museums, and you won’t even save money if you only visit two museums .

Table of Contents

Some examples where the Oslo Pass makes sense

Let’s say you want to ride the public ferry (included) to Bygdø, then spend an hour at Fram Museum, another hour at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History ( which has a stave church ), then stop by at Akershus Castle on the way back.

At this point single tickets would have cost more than the Oslo Pass has, and you still have plenty of hours left on it. Maybe you have the time to stop by the newly build MUNCH Museum or the Museum of Natural History? Now remember to use the 20 % discount rate when eating dinner, and you’ve got yourself a good deal.

Keep in mind that you will save some money if you visit 3 museums, but it’s not going to be that much of a saving . However, at 4 – 5 museums, you have saved a decent amount of money.

Another good point that makes the Oslo Pass worth it, is the fact that you can try out some museums that you would otherwise not bother to visit . Maybe you end up having a blast at Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art even though you didn’t expect it? If you had to pay the entrance ticket to get it, the chances of finding these surprise experiences is much lower.

And when you have the pass, why not just jump on the buses or trams to get between even small distances in Oslo? These depart all the time with little waiting, and it’s a nice and cozy way to see the city. I advise everyone to ride the tram when they are in Oslo, just because it’s such a nice experience.

The Oslo Pass will give you unlimited access to the buses, trams and subway in Oslo and its surrounding area , and you can jump on and off as often as you like within the time limit.

Some examples where the Oslo Pass is a waste of money

Some people might be tempted to buy the Oslo pass as a method of just getting unlimited use of the public transportation, but that’s actually a waste of money . You can buy 24 hour passes or 7 day passes directly from Ruter . These give access to unlimited use of public transportation, and are far cheaper than the Oslo Pass. The “2 Soner” Pass is the equivalent of what’s included in the Oslo Pass.

Another example where the Oslo Pass is a waste of money is if you mainly walk when in Oslo, and only use it to enter a single museum . For example, entering the Fram Museum cost 140 NOK for adults, making it far cheaper than a single Oslo Pass. Most of the museums in Oslo are located fairly close to the city center, and it’s perfectly fine to walk to most of them on days with OK weather.

I often find myself spending 3 – 4 hours in a single museum, and I’m not really up for another museum visit that same day, so in these cases the Oslo Pass is not really worth it.

All parks and nature is free to access in Oslo , independently of the Oslo Pass. So don’t bother spending money on the Oslo Pass if you want to spend most of your time going on hikes or walks in the forest.

Prices for the Oslo Pass (2022)

The Oslo Pass is pretty expensive, and you can see the prices for different groups in the table below. You can choose to buy the Oslo Pass for either one, two or three days.

It can get pretty expensive for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) who wants it for a few days. An Oslo Pass for then entire family for 48 hours will cost just under 2000 NOK, so it’s absolutely a noticeable expense!

You will save some money if you buy the 72 hour passes, but are you really up for visiting 2 or 3 museums for three days in a row? Sounds a bit exhausting to me to be honest, but it might be enjoyable for others .

Some of the attractions that are included in the Oslo Pass

Oslo Pass includes free entry to plenty of different museums and attractions, including places like:

• Fram Museum (polar expedition museum).
• Natural History Museum (zoological museum).
• Akershus Castle.
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.
• The Kon-Tiki Museum.
• MUNCH museum.
• Nobel Peace Center.
• Oslo Reptilpark.
• Vigeland Museum.
• The Museum of the Viking Age, previously called the Viking Ship Museum ( closed for maintenance until 2026 ).
• Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.
• Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower.

And plenty of other museums and attractions. Most of the museums in Oslo are included in the pass, so it’s unlikely that you have to pay to enter any museum if you have the Oslo Pass.

You can see a full list of all included museums and attractions at this link .

Each of these museums typically charge around 100 to 150 NOK for adult tickets. So you need to buy a few of these before breaking even on the Oslo Pass cost.

How to buy the Oslo Pass

You can buy the Oslo Pass digitally at this link . Just click on it, choose your preferred length, the number of passes you are getting, and an e-mail address to send them to.

They will need to be activated before you can begin to use the passes . You will probably want to do that just before you board the first bus or tram, or entering the first museum.

To activate the pass, download the Oslo Pass app on your mobile phone, and redeem the voucher that got sent to your e-mail address. It’s also possible to buy the pass directly in the app.

Another option is to buy a physical Oslo Pass after arriving in Oslo . Stop by Oslo Visitor Center (inside the main train station Oslo Sentralbanestasjon ) to buy it. It’s also sold at some of the museums and hotels, or from places that sell physical Ruter tickets (but not on the buses themselves).

Frequently asked questions about the Oslo Pass

Can you use the oslo pass to get from oslo airport gardermoen to oslo city.

No, you need to buy a separate train ticket to get between the airport and Oslo city. Here’s a guide to getting from Oslo airport to Oslo city center .

Can you buy the Oslo Pass at the airport?

No, you cannot buy the Oslo Pass at Oslo airport (unless you buy it from the app while waiting at the airport). You need to wait until you get to Oslo to buy the physical Oslo Pass there.

Can you get the Oslo Pass as a digital ticket?

Yes, the Oslo Pass is available both as a physical ticket, as well as an app on your mobile phone. Both are exactly the same, so choose the option you like.

Nicklas is the owner and editor of The Norway Guide, and is responsible for most of the content on the website.

He lives in Skien, Norway with his wife and two children. Nicklas is specialized in Norwegian ecology (including Norway’s geology, wildlife and flora) from his degree in Ecology And Nature Management at University of South-Eastern Norway, but has a particular interest in tourism and content creation.

His biggest hobbies are fishkeeping, going on hikes with his dog, and rooting for the local football team.

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Oslo Pass – Is The Oslo City Card Worth Buying For Your Visit?

October 19, 2018 By //  by  Halef Leave a Comment

Is the Oslo Pass worth the price?

Norway is one of the most expensive destinations in the world – and Oslo is not a cheap city. The capital city of Norway is rich in history and tradition, and there is no shortage in beautiful architecture and cultural diversity.

If you are visiting Oslo, you have to spend time exploring the city and soaking it all in.

But Oslo is expensive – so how can you travel on a budget in Oslo?

Like many popular destinations, the official Visit Oslo tourism office offers a package deal. It’s called the Oslo Pass, and it gives the pass holder the option to save money when exploring Oslo attractions and using public transportation in Oslo.

Find Hotels in Oslo!

If you want to do a budget trip in Norway, the Oslo Card may help you save time and money.

Here’s our review of the Oslo Pass.

Table of Contents

What is the Oslo Pass?

The Oslo Pass is the official City Pass that’s possibly the perfect product for your Oslo holiday. It’s basically a package deal that you can use to fulfill your list of things to see in Oslo.

With it, you can use the central Oslo public transportation for free, as well as get free admission to many Oslo museums and other discounts.

You’ll also get deals with select Oslo restaurants, cafes, and other shops.

There are a few different Oslo Passes you can choose from. The only difference is the length of validity.

Oslo Pass Price

These prices are guaranteed till December 2018. Children and Seniors can buy the reduced-price Oslo Pass.

To get these discounted Oslo Pass prices, you won’t need a special Oslo Pass discount code – just an ID. There are special prices for students (up to 30 years old) with valid ID, too.

All of the following prices of Oslo Pass are for full fare/children/seniors

• 24 hours: 395 NOK (≈ 41 €) / 210 NOK (≈ 22 €) / 315 NOK (≈ 33 €)
• 48 hours: 595 NOK (≈ 62 €) / 295 NOK (≈ 31 €) / 475 NOK (≈ 50 €)
• 72 hours: 745 NOK (≈ 77 €) / 370 NOK (≈ 39 €) / 595 NOK (≈ 62 €)

Where to buy an Oslo Pass

The Visit Oslo visitor center sells them, and they can assist you with the Oslo Pass and suggestions about what to see in Oslo. You can find them in Østbanehallen – the carriage hall in the main Oslo train station.

You can also buy Oslo Passes in several major hotels in Oslo, as well as at Ruter’s customer centers (Oslo public transportation centers). There’s a Ruter center at Oslo International Airport (OSL).

Unfortunately, the Oslo City Pass does not include transportation from Oslo Airport to the City Center.

You can pre-order your Oslo Pass at Visit Oslo’s  official website . With the voucher provided, you can pick your card at the Oslo Visitor’s Center.

You will also receive a booklet to outline what’s included in your Oslo Pass.

Another way is to download the Oslo Pass app and purchase your Oslo City Card digitally.

What’s included with the Oslo Pass?

There are a lot of benefits of using the Oslo Pass. If you are wondering what to do in Oslo, check the Visit Oslo page, the Official travel guide to Oslo, for the most current  benefits list .

They update the list periodically.

While it is impossible to mention them all in one post, here are some of the main highlights of what you can do with Oslo tourism card.

Unlimited use of Oslo Public Transport

The Ruter network (Oslo public transport) – bus, metro, tram, and ferry – are included with the Oslo Pass, as long as they are in Oslo City Center Zones 1 and 2.

The highlight of this benefit is the ferry ride to get around the Oslo Fjords. How does free “Island hopping in the Oslo Fjord” sound to you?

Free Guided Walking Tours (or discounted)

We enjoy exploring a city with guided walking tours, and have done a few free tours around the world ( Are free walking tours ethical? ).

The Oslo Pass includes a few themed guided walking tours, which are more mature and concentrated than the free walking tours.

Here are some Oslo Pass guided tours you can do within the validity of your card. Check the Visit Oslo website for walking tour dates and times, as the majority of the tours are only offered in the Spring to Fall.

• Oslo Promenade walking tour – tour starts at 17:30 at the Radhuset City Hall.
• The City of Contrasts (Mondays at 17.00) and Historic River Walk (Sundays at 14.00) – tours start at the Oslo Visitor Centre.
• Ourway Tours: Oslo City Walk – tour starts at 14.00 in front of the Nobel Peace Center.
• City Cruise hop on-hop off – free only with the 72-hour Oslo Pass. The 24-hour or 48-hour Oslo Pass gives you a 15 % discount.

In addition to these tours, the Oslo Pass offers a discounted rate for other Oslo Tours:

• Båtservice Sightseeing: Oslo Fjord Sightseeing, Norwegian Evening on the Fjord and City Cruise Hop On-Hop Off – 15% off
• Discover the Charming Westside of Oslo: guided walk – 50% off
• Ourway Tours: Hipster Oslo – 15% off
• Pre-booking on their official website – 15% off with Oslo Pass discount code OSLOPASS
• Viking Biking and Viking Hiking guided tours (April to October) – 30% off

Free Admission to Oslo Museums

The Oslo card gets you into more than 30 museums in the capital area. Here are some of the free museums in Oslo that you enter with the Oslo Pass:

• National Gallery (Nasjonalmuseet)
• Nobel Peace Center
• Vigeland Museum
• Viking Ship Museum
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)
• Oslo City Museum
• Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower

…and many, many more !

Discounted Admission to Oslo Sights and attractions

You can get discounted admission, up to 20% off, on many of Oslo’s top destinations.

Try the discounted Ski Jump simulator at Oslo Winter Park, too!

Discounts at Oslo Cafes and Restaurants

Six Oslo restaurants and cafes participate in the discount programs. Christiania, Den Glade Gris, Hard Rock Cafe Oslo, Kaffistova, Rorbua and The Scotsman. They offer different food specialties, such as Northern Norwegian dishes, American classic burgers, to gastropub.

And they have a 20% discount on food for valid Oslo Pass holders.

Oslo Visitor’s Center

The Visit Oslo center is in the Oslo main train station – Oslo Sentral. The staff can help you with your travel itinerary and to figure out what to do in Oslo.

They can arrange guided tours and Oslo activities.

If you need accommodations in Oslo, they can also offer suggestions that suit your specific needs and budget.

You can purchase an Oslo Pass here.

Is the Oslo Pass worth it?

The bottom line is that it really depends on what are you are trying to accomplish in the city. Here are some of the pros and cons of obtaining the Oslo Pass – or any official city pass, really.

I’ll go into even more detail in the Highlights and Tips section. But here are the major pros and cons:

Pros of the Oslo Pass

• It can save you money:  If you’re on a budget, having the Oslo CityPass can save you money, as many major Oslo tourist attractions offers free admission or discounted price for pass holders.
• Free Oslo public transport: The Oslo City Card covers major transportation within Zones 1 and 2, which is pretty much all of Central Oslo. This includes the ferry to the Oslo islands.
• Ready-made plans:  Like any official City Pass, it gives you a list of top attractions that are free or discounted. It basically makes what to do in Oslo an easier decision.

Cons of the Oslo Pass

• You may feel restricted:  To justify the cost, you may feel obligated to do as much as you can within the validity of your card.
• What if you lose the card?:  Unfortunately, you can’t replace or refund the Oslo Pass if you lose it. That includes the electronic Oslo Pass on your phone.

What to consider

Before purchasing an Oslo City Pass, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What kind of traveler are you?

If you want to experience the touristy things Oslo offers, the Oslo Pass is most likely for you. You will save money on admissions. You’ll also save time from not having to purchase tickets in some places.

You can browse through your options in the official app.

What do you want to do in Oslo?

If you are a museum person, the Oslo Pass is great. It offers many free admissions and discounted prices.

Some of the free or discounted admissions include the most popular Oslo sights and museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and the Oslo City Museum.

How long are you staying in Oslo?

The longer the validity of your Oslo Pass, the better the deal. The 72-hr Oslo City Card is the best deal, since it will be cheaper to use it over a longer period of time.

What’s your travel style/pace?

Some visitors like to explore a city slower and prefer to get lost in the city. If you are this kind of independent traveler, the Oslo Pass may not be a good option.

You may end up paying more for the card compared to purchasing individual tickets.

There are a few things to do in Oslo that are free anyway. They include Vigeland Park, Oslo Opera House exterior, and the Free Walking Tour Oslo. You don’t need the Oslo Pass for these.

All you may need is an Oslo tourist map and a  great travel attitude !

Oslo Pass Activation

To start using the benefits of the Oslo Pass, you must validate the physical card by signing the back. They will not accept any errors or corrections made after the initial signature.

So be sure you won’t be making any changes afterwards.

On your Oslo Pass app, follow the directions until you press the Activate button. Every time you need to use it, simply open up the app and generate a QR code for the ticket office to scan.

This app has a lot of useful tourist information that can help you to navigate around Oslo and to learn about the city!

Oslo Pass Highlights and Tips

With so many different options and possibilities, Oslo offers plenty of things to keep you busy. Be sure to check the updated list of benefits at their official website.

Or, plan your days using the booklet you get when you pick up your Oslo City Card.

Here are some of the highlights of what you can get from having a valid Oslo City Pass:

Cruising the Oslo fjord for free!

by Kate from the Untold Morsels

After a long morning of sightseeing, catch the ferry from Aker Brygge wharf for a few hours cruising the beautiful Oslo fjord.

There are only a handful of islands in the fjord and its a perfect activity if you want to relax and explore the local landscape beyond the city.

The ferry makes a few stops on its circular journey. At Gressholmen, take a stroll across the island and climb its small hills for views of the fjord and the Heggholmen lighthouse.

On Hovedøya you can explore the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and go swimming from little beaches and inlets across the island.

The ferry runs year-round but there are additional services in the summer months.

The ski museum of Holmenkollen

by Elisa from  World in Paris

The ski museum of Holmenkollen was one of my favorite activities in Oslo. The museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history through pictures, informative panels, and ski artifacts.

It is located in the Oslo Winter Park, just below the famous ski jump tower, which since its inauguration in 1887 has hosted ski jumping world cups, Nordic ski world championships, and the Winter Olympics.

Even if, like me, you are not a ski aficionado, the Holmenkollen Museum is very interesting, entertaining, and worth the visit. Apart from the skiing history, you will learn the history of this ski jumping hill and its evolution since its construction in 1914.

If the weather is good, climb up to the top of the jump tower to enjoy a panoramic view of Oslo.

There is also a ski simulator to experience what it must be like to fly down the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

In my opinion, the Oslo Pass is worth having if you are staying in Oslo for a few days. The 24 hour Oslo Pass is not the most cost-effective of the options though. 

You will barely scratch the surface.

Plus, you will feel rushed from trying to do as much as you can to get your money’s worth.

That said, on average, Oslo museums are around 100 NOK each. So, by visiting two museums in a day, plus a day of Oslo public transportation, you already save money with the 24-hr Oslo Pass.

On the other hand, the best value is probably the 72-hour card.

In three days, you can easily double the value of the money spent on the Oslo Pass.

Pin this for later

Many thanks to Visit Oslo . They provided me with two 24 hour codes for my Oslo Pass app – giving me two days of use.

I was not asked to write a review. So even though the pass was free, this Oslo Pass review is my own honest opinion as to its value.

More City Cards and Passes

In the past, we have reviewed a few other City Passes. Check out our reviews here:

• Bratislava Card Review
• Budapest Card Review
• Vienna Pass Review

Want more like this? Subscribe to our newsletter below (mobile) or in the sidebar (desktop) to get our posts delivered to your mailbox! And like our Facebook page and Instagram feed . We’re also on YouTube. Watch our Travel vlogs right here .

Halef moved from Indonesia to the US nearly two decades ago to go to college here. He hasn’t looked back. He’s been to over forty countries and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He’s a Landscape Architect in Atlanta, GA.

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The Oslo Pass tourist card allows you to save time and money with entry to various museums in the Norwegian capital and the unlimited use of public transport.

Description

The 10 most popular attractions included on the Oslo Pass are:

• Nobel Peace Center
• The Holmenkollen Ski Jump
• Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
• Edvard Munch Museum
• Maritime Museum
• The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
• Oslo Reptile Park
• Popsenteret Musical Centre
• Henie Onstad Art Centre

Besides entry to all those places, with your Oslo Pass, you will have important discounts in restaurants and shops around the center of the city.

You can see all the attractions and discounts of the Oslo Pass via this link.

We also recommend that you consult the latest timetables before visiting each of the attractions included in the Oslo Pass.

Unlimited use of public transport

You can use the tourist card as many times as you want over a period of 24, 48, or 72 hours, inside zones 1 and 2 , on the bus, tram, or metro of Oslo.

You can also use the Oslo Pass to catch the ferry to Bygdøy (the museum district) and to the islands of the Oslo fjord. You can also use your card to travel on the local NSB trains in zones 1 and 2.

How it works

Your Oslo Pass is activated the moment it used for the first time, whether that is on a form of public transport, a museum, or any other tourist attraction. You can then enjoy all the advantages that the card offers for 24, 48, or 72 hours depending on the duration that you have chosen.

Where to collect the card

To collect your Oslo Pass you must attend the Oslo Visitor Centre , located at number 1, Jernbanetorget (next to the main entrance to the Oslo Central Station).

The tourist information office opens from Monday to Friday from10 am to 5 pm.

More Information

1 day - 3 days.

Olso Pass card for the chosen duration.

Entry to the museums and tourist attractions included on the card.

Discounts in restaurants and shops.

Unlimited use of public transport in Oslo for the length of the card.

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Varies according to the attraction included.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

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Corporate name: VisitOSLO as

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we only offer tickets at official prices, with transparency and exclusive advantages for our users. More information

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Oslo Visitor Centre.

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Experience Oslo, the capital of Norway, with Stromma! This coastal city has the most things you could ever wish for – beautiful mountains, beaches, shopping and a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars. On top of that, our sightseeing tours with  Hop on - Hop off buses  takes you to the city's most famous museums and attractions.

Highlights to experience in Oslo

• The Royal Palace
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Read more about things to do in Oslo and find out the best places to visit. 

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How to buy a ticket.

Here you can find information on how you buy a ticket or travel card for bus, tram, metro, ferry and train in Oslo and Akershus.

Remember to buy a ticket before boarding. It's cheaper for you and helps us keep our schedules.

The Ruter app

Plan your journey, buy tickets and set up a personal profile in the Ruter app.

How the Ruter app works

You may buy travelcards with tickets or pay-as-you-go credit in kiosks, service points and at our customer service centre Ruter S. A new travelcard costs NOK 50. Take good care of your card! It can be reused.

You can top up your card in kiosks, at Ruter S or service points. You cannot top up your card here at ruter.no.

How the travelcard works

Kiosks and Service Points

You can buy all our tickets and obtain a travelcard at the following sales outlets:

• The kiosks Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Deli De Luca and Mix, as well as some selected shops
• Our customer service centre Ruter S and Service Points
• Staffed train stations (365-day ticket not available).

Find your nearest sales outlet

Buses and ferries

If you are unable to buy a ticket before travelling, you may buy single tickets on board buses and ferries. You must pay with cash, and we accept no denominations larger than 200 kroner.

How our onboard surcharge works

Trams and Metro

It is not possible to buy tickets on trams and metro carriages. You must either buy a ticket beforehand or pay with pay-as-you-go credit on board without a surcharge.

If you're travelling from a Metro station with a control zone line, you must scan your travelcard before boarding the train. From stations without a control zone line, you may scan your card on board the Metro.

How Vy's onboard surcharge works on vy.no

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