Oslo Airport Terminal

Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL), is Norway’s largest and busiest airport, serving as a hub for international and domestic flights. It is strategically located 47 kilometers north of Oslo and is a key gateway for travelers heading to various destinations within Norway and abroad. The airport is renowned for its efficient design, modern facilities, and excellent connectivity.

Historical Background

The origins of Oslo Airport trace back to Gardermoen’s establishment as a military base in 1740, initially known as "Fredericksfeldt." Its aviation history began in 1912 when the site became a base for military flights. During World War II, the German Luftwaffe expanded its infrastructure. Post-war, Gardermoen served as a Norwegian Air Force base. By the 1970s, increasing air traffic at Fornebu Airport necessitated a shift to Gardermoen for charter flights. After years of debate and planning, Gardermoen was chosen as the location for Oslo’s main airport, replacing Fornebu in 1998.
Traveler Tip: Take advantage of the high-speed Gardermoen Line train, which connects Oslo Central Station to the airport in just 19 minutes.

Terminal Overview

Oslo Airport Terminal is a two-level integrated facility with two wings:

West Wing: Dedicated to domestic departures and arrivals.
East Wing: Serves international departures and arrivals, including passport control areas.

Levels

Arrivals Level:

Features domestic and international baggage halls.
Provides access to transportation options (bus, taxi), car rental counters, conference centers, and nearby hotels.
Includes the expanded railway station connecting travelers to downtown Oslo.

Traveler Tip: If you’re arriving late at night, consider staying at one of the nearby airport hotels for convenience.

Departures Level:

Houses 34 walk-through check-in desks and boarding gates (A2-A27, B1-B8, C1-C9, D1-D11, E2-E15, F12-F26).
Offers services such as currency exchange, baggage storage, lost & found, police assistance, customs clearance, retail stores, and restaurants

Piers

West Pier: Domestic gates (C1-C9).
North Pier: Gates A22-A27 and B1-B8.
East Pier: International gates (E2-E15, D1-D11, F12-F26). Passport control is required for gates E/F14

Traveler Tip: Distances within the terminal can be significant; plan walking times to ensure you reach your gate on time.

Shopping and Dining Options at Oslo Airport

Oslo Airport offers an exceptional shopping and dining experience, combining convenience with a touch of Norwegian culture. The terminal features a wide variety of stores and eateries, catering to both international and domestic travelers. Whether you’re looking for duty-free bargains, local delicacies, or a quick bite, the airport ensures a memorable experience.

Shopping

Oslo Airport is home to one of the largest duty-free shopping areas in Europe, spanning over 9,000 square meters. The redesigned Tax Free Norway and Travel Value shops, created in collaboration with Norwegian architects Snøhetta, emphasize sustainability and a Nordic aesthetic with natural materials and clear layouts.

Highlights of Duty-Free Shopping:

Tax-Free Arrivals Store: Covering 3,200 square meters, this store sees over 10,000 transactions daily. It offers an extensive selection of liquor, perfumes, cosmetics, and travel-exclusive wines in its new temperature-controlled Wine Cellar.
Flexible Design: The shops feature adaptable furniture that allows quick adjustments to product categories based on customer demand.
Local Products: A strong focus on Nordic brands includes regional specialties like cider from western Norway and perfumes from Oslo.
Sustainability: The stores are BREEAM-certified, incorporating recycled furniture and eco-friendly sections highlighting sustainable products.

Additional Retail Options:

Travel Value Shops: Located in both domestic and international zones, these stores offer clothing, sunglasses, accessories, toys, and cosmetics.
Local Delicacies: A shop selling Norwegian smoked salmon and other culinary treats is available for travelers seeking authentic souvenirs.

Traveler Tip: Use the expanded Click & Collect service to pre-order items online and pick them up conveniently near the store entrance—a great way to save time during your journey.

Dining

Oslo Airport boasts a diverse range of dining options to suit every palate:

Seafood Bars & Sushi Outlets: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes prepared with Norwegian ingredients.
Pizza & Fast Food Chains: Perfect for travelers seeking quick meals before their flight.
Cafés & Snack Bars: Located throughout the terminal, offering coffee, pastries, and light snacks for those on the go.

Notable Restaurants:

Norwegian Cuisine: Some restaurants specialize in local dishes like smoked salmon or reindeer stew—ideal for experiencing Norway’s culinary heritage.
Bars: A selection of bars serving local beers and cocktails is available in the departure lounges.

Traveler Tip: If you have time before your flight, try one of the seafood bars for a taste of Norway’s famous salmon or cod dishes.

Summary of Services

Both shopping and dining areas are designed for convenience and efficiency:

Duty-free shopping is available to all international passengers (departures and arrivals).
VAT reclaim services are offered for non-Nordic passengers.

VIP Lounges

The airport features several lounges designed for comfort and productivity:

SAS Next Generation Lounge (Domestic): Offers premium food, snacks, Wi-Fi, showers, flight monitors, newspapers/magazines. Located after security
SAS Gold Lounge & SAS Lounge (International): Near Gate E8; provides similar services with added amenities like printers/copiers
Oslo Lounge: Open from early morning until evening near Gate E8; includes snacks, beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), Wi-Fi

Traveler Tip: Book lounge access in advance if you have a long layover or need a quiet space to work.

Popular Flights and Airlines at Oslo Airport

Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, is a major hub connecting passengers to a wide range of domestic and international destinations. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Domestic Flights

Bergen (BGO): Approximately 50 minutes, operated by SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Trondheim (TRD): Approximately 55 minutes, operated by SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Stavanger (SVG): Approximately 50 minutes, operated by SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Tromsø (TOS) and Longyearbyen (LYR) are also popular domestic routes, often served by SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle

International Flights

London (LHR): Approximately 2 hours, operated by SAS, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and British Airways.
Copenhagen (CPH): Approximately 1 hour, operated by SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Amsterdam (AMS): Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, SAS, and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Paris (CDG) and Berlin (BER) are also well-connected, with flights operated by SAS, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and other major carriers.

Airlines

SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Offers extensive routes across Europe and beyond.
Norwegian Air Shuttle: Known for its budget-friendly flights to numerous European and intercontinental destinations.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Provides connections to Amsterdam and other global destinations via its hub.
Oslo Airport is served by 40 airlines, offering non-stop flights to over 145 destinations in 41 countries

Check flight durations in advance to plan layovers effectively or explore nearby attractions if you have extra time.