Travelling to Norway

This assistance is offered at Campus Elverum, Campus Evenstad and Campus Hamar.

All students must provide information on their arrival. It can be sent either by email, submitted in an arrival form, or by other means of communication. Detailed information will be provided by the International Office at your campus.

If you are travelling by public transportation, find your way to the train/bus station in Elverum, Evenstad, or Hamar from the airport, Oslo Central Station, or Oslo Bus Terminal. You will be met at the train station, the campus parking lot, or at the student accommodation, depending on your mode of transportation. More information will be given by the International Office at your campus of study.

Your assigned Buddy will pick you up at the train station upon arrival. Keep in touch with your Buddy on the day of arrival so they know if you will be delayed. They will take you from the train station to your accommodation and inform you of specific rules for your accommodation (if you rent a SINN dorm).

If you arrive by car, remember to schedule a meeting time with your Buddy.

Please note that this service may not be provided in January 2027. Detailed information will be provided to admitted exchange students.

About the service

This service is only offered at Campus Lillehammer for exchange students and international full-degree students starting their studies at INN. 

All students must submit an Arrival form within specific dates. The International Office will provide the link to the form and the exact deadline.

Find your way to Lillehammer from the airport, Oslo Central Station or Oslo Bus Terminal. We do not offer airport pick-up. The International Office will meet students at the train station on the "Arrival days" to hand out the SINN housing key. Students will receive documents before arrival explaining how to purchase bus tickets and travel to their dorm (SINN).

Students arriving by car must visit the train station to pick up their key (SINN accommodation) during the Arrival days. And, students renting private accommodation (not through SINN) must schedule a key pick-up directly with their landlord.

Arrival in the autumn semester (August)

The Arrival days are usually Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (12:00 pm to 8:00 pm), the week before the start of the semester. Detailed information on the Arrival days will be announced well in advance to admitted students.

Arrival in the spring semester (January)

The Arrival days are usually Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (12:00 pm to 8:00 pm) or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (12:00 pm to 8:00 pm) the week before the start of the semester. The exact Arrival days will be announced well in advance to admitted students.

Arrival outside of the Arrival days

If you wish to arrive outside the recommended hours of the Arrival days, you may need to book a hostel/hotel/Airbnb accommodation at your own expense. Or, you may need to schedule a key pickup at the SINN Housing Office on campus. 

Complete the Arrival Form, which will be sent to you by email. Students who plan on arriving outside of the Arrival Days and hours will receive further information from the International Office. 

If you take a bus from abroad, you must switch buses at the Oslo bussterminal (bus station). If you plan to travel with the VY bus from the airport or Oslo Bus Terminal, purchase a ticket through the VY webpage (external link) or the "VY" app. 

Travelling to Elverum

It is possible to take the direct bus VY123 from the Oslo Bus Terminal or Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen Airport) to the campus stop "Terningen Arena rv.25" or "Elverum skysstasjon".

It is also possible to take the NW130 bus, Trysilekspressen, from Oslo Bus Terminal or Oslo Airport to "Elverum skysstasjon". You can read more about the bus and purchase tickets on NOR-WAY's webpage (external link).

Travelling to Evenstad 

There is no bus to Evenstad. It is highly recommended to choose the train option for travelling to these locations, unless one is coming by car. Students travelling to Evenstad will need to take the train from Hamar. 

Travelling to Hamar

There is no direct bus to Hamar. To see relevant bus schedules to Hamar, search in the ENTUR webpage for buses going from e.g. the Oslo Bus Terminal or Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen Airport) to "Hamar skysstasjon". However, as this may be complicated, we recommend arriving by train, unless one is arriving by car. 

Travelling to Lillehammer

To get to Lillehammer, take the VY146 (only direct bus) from Oslo Bus Terminal or Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen Airport) to "Lillehammer Skysstasjon".

Purchasing bus tickets

Tickets for the VY buses cannot be purchased in ENTUR. You have to purchase it on the VY webpage or in the app.

Bus tickets for city and regional buses can be purchased on the ENTUR webpage or app. They offer various ticket options, including single, 24-hour, 7-day, 30-day, 180-day, and 365-day tickets. Prices vary by age (under 20, 20-29, and 30+) and zone. Purchase a physical bus card and add the bus ticket of your choice if you do not wish to/cannot use the app. 

Arriving by car ferry from Denmark, Great Britain, or Germany is possible. For more information on travelling to Norway Visit Norway's webpage for arrival with car ferry (external link). You can also drive from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the Øresund bridge (external link).

• Familiarise yourself with the Norwegian traffic rules before starting your journey to Norway (external link).
• Check out Visit Norway's webpage for driving in Norway in winter conditions (external link).

To find the visiting address of your campus destination, view the campus information at the bottom of the webpage.

Parking at the INN campuses

Parking at Campus Evenstad and Lillehammer is free; however, there is a parking fee at Campus Elverum and Hamar. For further information, see the INN parking webpage. Cars with a non-Norwegian registration number (vehicle identification number) must be registered in the Apcoa Flow webpage before activating the student benefit in the app. You will also need access to your INN student account (student number and password) to activate the student benefit. 

Parking at the SINN accommodation

Please be aware that there might be a parking fee at the SINN student dorm. View the "Enclosure to the tenancy agreement" for further information on the monthly price. To register your car, view the information for your student dorm on SINN's webpage (external link). If you cannot find the information there, contact SINN directly.

Parking at Campus Evenstad is not through SINN, but through the University.

Road toll

All drivers in Norway are required to pay road tolls. There are no manual booths. Therefore, a transponder for the toll stations is highly recommended to make it easier for you to use the automatic payment on bridges, ferries, and toll roads. The recommended companies offering transponders for Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark & Sweden) are:

• Øresund pay can be used in Scandinavia (external link).
• Autopass can only be used in Norway (external link).
• Epass24 can only be used in Norway and Sweden (external link).

Summer/winter tyres

Specific rules apply to tyres during different seasons. Remember to check the quality of your summer/winter tyres before starting your journey. The driving conditions in winter can be challenging, with snow and ice on the road.

For further information, see the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's webpage for tyres (external link).

Your driver's licence

EU/EEA citizens do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive a car in Norway. However, non-EU/EEA citizens may or may not need one. 

Depending on the length of your stay, some non-EU/EEA nationalities can exchange their foreign driver's licence for a Norwegian version. 

You can read about the foreign driving licence in Norway on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's webpage (external link).

If you are interested in driving in Norway, check with the local authorities in your home country for specific information on your driver's licence.

Students planning to travel by train in Norway should download the app "ENTUR". Register your credit/debit card in the app before arrival. If you cannot use the app, you have to purchase a ticket at the train station (from the ticket machine) or on the train (an additional fee may apply). If you take a train from abroad, you must switch trains at the Oslo Central Station (Sentralstasjon).

• It is recommended to take the VY RE10 train from Oslo S (central station) or Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen Airport). It does not require a seating reservation and has lots of room for your luggage. Taking the SJ F6 train requires a seat reservation and offers less luggage space. Using a VY ticket on an SJ train, or vice versa, is not possible.
• While it is not recommended, if you arrive at TORP Sandefjord Airport, take the VY RE11 train to Oslo S (central station), then transfer to the RE10 or F6 train. Be aware of the transfer time in Oslo Central Station (Sentralstasjon).

Interrail or Eurail?

If you plan on arriving in Norway by train or travelling around with a train (within and outside of Norway), a rail pass might be relevant for you. Various passes are available, from a few days (within one month) to a three-month pass.

• European residents can purchase an Interrail pass (external link).
• Non-European residents can purchase an Eurail pass (external link).

Time for purchasing train ticket(s)

You should wait to purchase your train ticket until you have arrived in Norway due to flight delays or other delays that might cause you to miss your train. Travelling between/through different time zones on your way to Norway may affect the ticket (in the app). When purchasing a ticket, be aware of the difference between the LOW FARE and the TOTAL FLEXIBILITY options.

If you purchase the "Low fare" option, you cannot modify your train ticket after 2 hours. The "total flexibility" option allows you to change or refund your ticket up to the time of departure, but it is more expensive.

Travelling to Elverum

To get to Campus Elverum, exit the train at Hamar stasjon. View the information for "Travelling to Hamar" by train. From there, find suitable transportation to Elverum. The easiest option is to travel by bus (VY123 - purchase ticket in the VY app) or the regional buses (100 or 105 - purchase ticket in the ENTUR app) from Hamar bus station (skysstasjon) and exit at the nearest bus stop in Elverum. The campus stop is called "Terningen Arena rv. 25". The other option is to take the R60 train to Elverum stasjon.

Travelling to Evenstad

To get to Campus Evenstad, exit the train at Hamar Stasjon. View the information for "Travelling to Hamar" by train. From there, board the R60 train towards Røros or Trondheim, which is often located on the neighbouring track. Exit the train at "Evenstad stasjon". 

Be aware of the short transfer time in Hamar. The train to Evenstad can sometimes be a very short Diesel train. Ask any of the employees at the train station or on the other train if you are unsure.

Travelling to Hamar

To get to Hamar, take the VY RE10 or SJ F6 train from Oslo S (central station) or Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen Airport) to "Hamar Stasjon". This is the stop for students going to Campus Hamar. Walk or take a bus to your accommodation.

Travelling to Lillehammer

To get to Lillehammer, take the VY RE10 or SJ F6 train from Oslo S (central station) or Oslo Lufthavn (Gardermoen Airport) to "Lillehammer stasjon". This is the store for students going to Campus Lillehammer. 

To get to the campus or your accommodation, you will most likely need to take the bus.

Look into different airlines or other companies before travelling to Norway. Also, make sure to check the luggage regulations and restrictions. For detailed info about continuing your travel from an Airport with trains and busses, read the information in the drop-down lists above.

OSL Gardermoen Airport or TORP Sandefjord Airport?

Two airports will be relevant to your arrival in Norway. The recommended airport is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL).

• Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) – You can find direct trains from Gardermoen to Hamar (approximately 40-50 minutes) and Lillehammer (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). If you are travelling to Elverum or Evenstad, check the trains or buses from Hamar that correspond.
• TORP Sandefjord Airport (TRF) – we do not recommend arriving at Torp Airport unless that is your best option. Travelling from this airport takes extra time by train, such as from Torp to Hamar (approximately three hours) and Lillehammer (approximately four hours).

In Elverum, students can easily walk from the SINN accommodation to the campus. If one rents accommodation from the private market, one might need a bus ticket. One can walk or take a bus to the city area from the campus, or vica versa.

• Use the ENTUR webpage or app to find the bus schedules (external link).
• See the webpage on arriving in Elverum for information on the campus visiting address and how to get to campus. 

In Evenstad, SINN Housing is located on campus. Public transportation is the local train. Students with cars organise themselves on WhatsApp for grocery runs. Otherwise, there is a small local grocery store within walking distance.

• Use the ENTUR webpage or app to find the train schedules (external link).
• See the webpage on arriving in Evenstad for information on the campus visiting address and how to get to campus. 

In Hamar, students may need to use the bus, depending on where one lives. However, travelling from the bus and train station to campus is a 5-10 minute easy walk.

• Use the ENTUR webpage or app to find the bus schedules (external link).
• See the webpage on arriving in Hamar for information on the campus visiting address and how to get to campus. 

In Lillehammer, students will need to use the bus during their stay as the campus is located 5 kilometres outside the city centre. Dorms are located in various places between the city centre and the campus.

• Use the ENTUR webpage or app to find the bus schedules (external link).
• See the webpage on arriving in Lillehammer for information on the campus visiting address and how to get to campus.