Oslo and Kristiansand are two popular destinations for visitors to Norway. Here’s how best to travel between the two cities.
Norway’s capital city Oslo is the entry point for many international visitors to Norway. Thanks to its regular ferry service from Denmark, Kristiansand is a lesser-known arrival option.
I spent two years living in Oslo and still visit the city regularly. Kristiansand is somewhere I’ve visited on three occasions.
Whether you are planning a trip to Norway, or you live here and need to visit Kristiansand on business or for a family-friendly vacation, here are the best ways I’ve found to travel between the two destinations.
Introducing Oslo and Kristiansand
Norway’s capital is well worth spending at least a day or two exploring before heading off into your Norwegian adventure. With so many things to do in Oslo, you’ll need to prioritise your time.
Kristiansand is known throughout Norway as a great summer city due to the generally good weather enjoyed in the summer along the southern coastline.
It’s also known as a family-friendly city. That’s mainly due to the area’s large number of nice beaches and the Dyreparken amusement park and zoo, a major attraction.
Kristiansand Travel Resources (affiliate links): Find a Hotel in Kristiansand with our partners at Booking.com. Rent a car in Oslo or Kristiansand. Book a Private Transfer from Oslo to Kristiansand. And whatever you do, don’t travel without comprehensive Travel Insurance!
The two cities are approximately 310 km apart. Many locals choose to drive or fly, but tourists visiting Norway have several options.
Flying from Oslo to Kristiansand
Although flying around Norway is commonplace for many people, air travel between these two cities isn’t really necessary due to the short distance and choice of alternatives.
However, that doesn’t stop lots of people travelling by air every day. Both Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian offer between one and three direct flights every day, with a flight time of 40-50 minutes.
Although air travel offers the shortest flight time, remember the additional travel time at both ends of the journey. When you factor this in, flying isn’t always much of a time-saver.
It’s certainly not a cost saver, either. With no specific airport ground transfer available, a taxi is required at Kristiansand’s airport if you don’t have your own transport. There is a local bus that calls at the airport, but it’s not particularly suitable for those with luggage.
Driving between Oslo and Kristiansand
Most locals with a car wouldn’t even consider any other option than driving. Unless you’re travelling at the height of rush hour, it’s usually possible to drive between the two cities in under four hours.
Driving is a great options for visitors planning a longer road trip around Norway. That’s especially true if you want to explore the picturesque towns of Norway’s southern coastline, or perhaps you’re arriving by ferry.
If you aren’t bringing your own car to Norway, rental cars are available at Oslo Airport, in Oslo itself, or in Kristiansand.
Private Transfer from Oslo to Kristiansand
If you don’t have your own car and money isn’t a concern, consider a private transfer between the two cities. Although pricey, you’ll travel in style and comfort in an air-conditioned, luxury vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
Train Travel from Oslo to Kristiansand
If you prefer train travel, you’ll be pleased to hear that Kristiansand is a major stop on the Oslo to Stavanger railway. There are approximately daily departures on the route, but check in advance for any maintenance work on the line.
The journey between Oslo and Kristiansand takes approximately 4.5 hours. When booking tickets in advance, you should be able to secure a ticket for as little as NOK 299, although this rate would be non-refundable. Premium seating is available.
As with all train travel in Norway, use the website En Tur to plan your journey and to buy tickets.
Bus Travel from Oslo to Kristiansand
Many locals I know who don’t drive actually prefer to take the bus. Norway’s long-distance coaches are comfortable and good value.
Kristiansand Travel Resources (affiliate links): Find a Hotel in Kristiansand with our partners at Booking.com. Rent a car in Oslo or Kristiansand. Book a Private Transfer from Oslo to Kristiansand. And whatever you do, don’t travel without comprehensive Travel Insurance!
They take about the same time as the train, although the journey time can be impacted by traffic especially when entering or leaving Oslo.
Both Vy Express (affiliate link) and Nor-Way Bussekspress offer services from Oslo Bus Terminal. Check their websites for more details on timetables and fares.
Is There a Boat from Oslo to Kristiansand?
No, at the time of writing there is no direct service by sea between the two cities. Some cruise ships stop at both ports, but there is no car or passenger ferry service.
How do you prefer to travel between Oslo and Kristiansand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
