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Oslo Gardermoen Airport OSL Airport Traveler Guide

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OSL Airport Insights & Guide

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Anthony Bruno
Reviewed by: Hylke Robben
Updated:
Key OSL Airport Topics:

Getting to Know OSL Airport

Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Norway's largest and the primary hub for Scandinavian Airlines, welcomes over 30 million travelers annually. Notably, OSL is renowned for its impressive, energy-efficient snowmelt system, ensuring runways stay clear during harsh winters. Dive into our guide for essential travel tips, from flight status, parking, to dining options. For a deeper dive into airport insights, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.

WATCH VIDEO: Learn essential tips for a smooth departure from Oslo Gardermoen International Airport in summer 2022:

OSL has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 28 gates and is used by airlines such as SAS, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Terminal 2 has 14 gates and is used by airlines such as Norwegian, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

Passengers can easily navigate between the two terminals via a covered walkway. Additionally, there is a shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes between the terminals for those who prefer not to walk.

Both terminals offer a variety of food and beverage options, duty-free shopping, and other services such as currency exchange and ATMs. Passengers can also take advantage of the airport's free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

OSL Airport has one terminal building that is divided into two sections: Domestic and International. The two sections are connected by a short walkway and passengers can easily walk between the two sections. The walkway takes around 5-10 minutes to complete depending on the passenger's pace.

If passengers need to transfer to another airline, they can use the shuttle bus service provided by the airport. The shuttle bus runs between the terminal building and the pier, which is located a short distance away from the main terminal building. The shuttle bus is free of charge and runs every 10 minutes during peak hours. Passengers can also use the train service that connects the airport to Oslo city center and other destinations in Norway.

Tips from OSL Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Oslo Gardermoen Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from OSL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"Navigating OSL is pretty straightforward. If you're flying SAS or Lufthansa, you'll be in Terminal 1. It's a good idea to check your gate number on the airport's app before you arrive, as it can save you a lot of walking." — Lars E., Lillestrøm, December 2023

"The shuttle bus between the terminals is a lifesaver if you're in a rush. It runs every 10 minutes and is free, so you don't have to worry about missing your connection." — Ingrid N., Jessheim, February 2024

Getting To/From the City

"The Airport Express Train is the fastest way to get to Oslo city center. It's a bit pricier than the bus, but it only takes about 20 minutes. Worth it if you're in a hurry." — Erik S., Oslo, March 2024

"For a cheaper option, the local bus is great. It takes longer than the train, but it's reliable and you get to see more of the city on your way in." — Kari T., Eidsvoll, June 2024

Parking

"Pre-booking your parking space online can save you a lot of money, especially during the busy holiday seasons. It's quick and easy to do on the airport's website." — Nils J., Hurdal, May 2024

"If you’re just picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free and you can wait there until your passenger is ready to be picked up." — Anne M., Råholt, August 2024

Inside the Airport

"If you have some time before your flight, head to Jamie's Italian for a nice meal. It's a bit pricey, but the food is worth it." — Ole P., Oslo, July 2024

"For a quick snack, there's a 7-Eleven that's perfect for grabbing something on the go. It’s convenient and has a good selection." — Liv F., Nannestad, September 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the Flight Information Display System when you arrive at the airport. It gives you real-time updates on your flight status, so you know if there are any changes or delays." — Jonas K., Lørenskog, October 2024

"To avoid stress, try to get to the airport at least two hours before your flight. Security lines can be long, especially during peak times, and it’s better to have some extra time to relax." — Eva H., Skedsmo, November 2024

iFly Tip: Get the best deals on airport parking by checking out our comprehensive guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

OSL provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the designated curbside drop-off zones located in front of the terminal buildings. However, please note that parking is not allowed in these areas, and you must remain with your vehicle at all times. If you need to park your vehicle, you can use the short-term parking facilities located near the terminal buildings.

If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the terminal buildings. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient place to wait for your passenger to arrive. Once your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can meet you at the designated pick-up zones located in front of the terminal buildings. Please note that parking is not allowed in these areas, and you must remain with your vehicle at all times.

Parking Facilities & Options

Travelers flying from OSL Airport have several parking options to choose from. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with several parking lots and garages located near the terminals.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport has designated cell phone waiting areas where drivers can wait for free until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spots located close to the terminals for easy access.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers.

Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Oslo Gardermoen Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

  • Rental Cars: For those looking to rent a car, major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz can be found in the arrivals hall of the terminal.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal. Fares are based on distance and time, and can be paid in cash or by credit card.
  • Ride Share Services: Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available for pickup at designated areas outside the terminal. However, it is important to note that these services may have restrictions based on the type of vehicle or number of passengers.
  • Airport Shuttles: For those looking for a more affordable option, airport shuttles are available and can be found at designated pickup areas. Fares may vary based on destination, but are typically lower than taxi fares.
  • Public Transportation: For travelers looking to use public transportation, the airport is conveniently located near the train station. The Airport Express Train runs frequently and connects directly to Oslo city center. Additionally, local buses and coaches are available for those looking to explore other parts of the region. Tickets for public transportation can be purchased at the airport or online.

iFly Tip: Find out how to accompany your loved ones to the gate by reading our gate pass guide.

Airport Hotels

Looking for the perfect place to rest before an early flight or a convenient base for exploring the city? We've got you covered. From luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options, we have a list of hotels near the airport that cater to every traveler's needs. Some of the top picks include the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, and the unique Oslo Airport Apartments. For those who prefer environmentally conscious options, the Clarion Hotel & Congress is a great choice. Explore these and other great options on our Oslo Airport Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. For those looking for a quick bite, Starbucks and McDonald's are conveniently located throughout the airport. For a more sit-down experience, O'Learys Sports Bar & Restaurant offers a menu of classic American dishes and a selection of beers on tap. Another recommended restaurant is Jamie's Italian, which serves up delicious Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients.

When it comes to shopping, Oslo Gardermoen Airport has plenty of options. Travelers can browse through a variety of stores, including Duty Free, Victoria's Secret, and Hugo Boss. For those in need of last-minute travel essentials, there are also several convenience stores available, such as Narvesen and 7-Eleven.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Oslo Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.

Passenger Services

Oslo Airport is equipped with various passenger services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for all.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available in case you misplace any belongings during your journey.

If you are traveling with children, there are designated play areas where they can burn off some energy before your flight. Additionally, special-needs services are available for those who require assistance, including wheelchair access and priority boarding.

Banking services are available at the airport, with several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the terminals. If you require medical attention or first aid, facilities are available within the airport to assist you.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight. One way to do this is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another way to stay informed is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. These apps allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to your phone via text, email, or push notifications. This can be especially helpful if you are on the go and need to quickly adjust your travel plans.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at OSL by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

iFly Tip: Understand the importance of crew coordination in the cockpit by visiting our cockpit operations page.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is located in Ullensaker municipality, approximately 35 km northeast of Oslo city center, Norway.
  • Terminals: The airport has two terminals: one for domestic flights and one for international flights.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include SAS, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Widerøe. For a full list of airlines, visit the OSL Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Oslo Gardermoen Airport handles around 30,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees approximately 300 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from OSL are Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam, London, and Bergen.
  • Long-Haul Destinations: The airport also serves long-haul destinations such as New York, Dubai, and Bangkok.
  • Hub Status: OSL serves as a hub for Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Widerøe.

Airport History

OSL, located in Norway, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1800s - The area where the airport now stands was used as a military airfield.
  • 1940s - During World War II, the Germans built a military airport on the site.
  • 1998 - Construction began on the new OSL Airport.
  • 1999 - The first flight departed from the new airport.
  • 2004 - The airport's second runway was completed.
  • 2010 - the airport became the first airport in the world to offer biofuel to all airlines.
  • 2017 - The airport celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Today, Oslo Gardermoen Airport is the largest airport in Norway and serves millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Oslo Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Oslo Gardermoen Airport Q&A

The Airport Express Train is the fastest way, running every 10 minutes and taking about 20 minutes to reach Oslo city center.
Passengers can use a covered walkway or a shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes to navigate between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Yes, taking the local bus is a budget-friendly option, though it takes longer than the express train.
Use the shuttle bus between terminals, which runs every 10 minutes, to save time if you have a tight connection.
The observation deck near Gate 19 is a quiet spot with great views of the tarmac.
Pre-book your parking spot online through the airport's website to take advantage of discounts, especially during peak seasons.
For a sit-down meal, O'Learys Sports Bar & Restaurant and Jamie's Italian offer diverse menus. For quick bites, Starbucks and McDonald's are available.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals at the airport.
Use the cell phone waiting areas near the terminals, which are free, and then meet your passenger at the designated pick-up zones.
Yes, nearby options include the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel and the Clarion Hotel & Congress, offering a range of accommodations to suit different budgets.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport