Renting a Car & Driving
To rent or not to rent?
Why rent a car? Norway is built for road trips. Many fjords and small towns are unreachable without a car, and the scenery between destinations is often the highlight.
Speed & safety: Speed limits are low (50 km/h in towns, 70–90 km/h on highways). Fines are notoriously high — up to $1,000 for going just 20 km/h over the limit.
Tunnels & ferries: Norway has thousands of tunnels, some stretching over 15 miles. Car ferries connect fjords and are simple to use (drive on, pay with card, drive off).
Toll system: Most rental cars are registered with AutoPASS. Tolls are billed automatically and added to your rental bill.
Gas stations: Self-service, card-only, and expensive (expect $8–9 per gallon). Some stations are unmanned at night.
Winter driving: Roads are well maintained, but mountain passes can close during storms. Snow tires are mandatory in winter rentals.
Want to see more?
I have created curated maps, itineraries and more for travellers that want to travel like me.
Looking for things to do?
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.