Norway - Driving and Public Transportation

EEA nationals are allowed to drive in Norway on the driving licence issued in their home country, for the period of its validity, but also have the option of exchanging their licence for a Norwegian one. The nationals of many other countries are allowed to use their own licence for up to a year, after which time they are required to apply for a Norwegian licence and will be required to take a test. For those who are not permanent residents of Norway, the Norwegian licence they are given will be valid for an initial four years.

Driving is on the right hand side of the road in Norway. Outside the city centres, traffic is often very light. Major and secondary roads are generally of a high standard, but some smaller rural roads may not be well-maintained, and can be dangerous in icy conditions. The road system is linked by many car ferries across the fjords. Tolls are payable on some roads.

It is compulsory under law to wear seat belts in the front seats of cars, and in the back seats where fitted. Dipped headlights are required at all times, even in daylight. The maximum blood/alcohol ratio is 0.5% and there are severe penalties for drink driving. The speed limits are 80 to 90 kph (around 50-60 mph) outside built-up areas and 50 kpm (around 30 mph) in built-up areas.
Domestic air travel is used a lot in Norway, due to the vast distances between cities and the icy conditions for much of the year. There are three main domestic airlines: SAS, Braathens and Widerøe Norsk Air, which serve around 50 airports throughout the country. Many discounted fares are available.

There are also long-distance bus services connecting every main city and some remote areas. Services are of a high standard and there is usually no need to pre-book tickets.

There is a well developed rail network with services operated by the Norwegian State Railway (NSB), but for cross-country travel this is geographically limited to four main regional lines from Oslo to Stavanger, Bergen, ÃâEUR¦ndalsnes and Bodø. Trains pass through some spectacular mountain and fjord scenery.

Many ferries, express boats and hydrofoils serve Norway's coastal towns and villages, even in the most remote areas. The 'Hurtigruten' ferry service leaves daily from Bergen for Kirkenes near the Russian border, calling at 35 ports en route and taking 11 days to reach its destination.

Within Norway's cities there are well developed public transport systems, and many residents do not own cars, which are very expensive in Norway. Oslo has an underground rail system and a tram system.