Early flight or late arrival? Here鈥檚 everything you need to know about staying at or near Oslo Airport, including the best airport hotels and how to choose the right one for you.
For most international travellers, Oslo Airport Gardermoen is the gateway to Norway.
Whether you're arriving late on an international flight, connecting onwards to northern Norway, or facing an early departure, an overnight stay is often the most practical option.
But choosing where to stay isn鈥檛 always straightforward. Despite the number of hotels branding themselves as 鈥淥slo Airport鈥�, only a handful are actually within walking distance of the terminal.
The rest require a shuttle bus or taxi, which can quickly add both cost and hassle. Here鈥檚 what you need to know.
Table of Contents
Do You Really Need an Oslo Airport Hotel?
Before booking, it鈥檚 worth asking whether you need to stay at the airport at all.
The Flytoget Airport Express Train connects the airport with central Oslo in around 20 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. The local train takes just a few minutes more.
If your flight arrives in the afternoon or early evening, staying in the city can be a better option. You鈥檒l have more restaurants, more atmosphere, and a more memorable experience.
However, staying at the airport makes sense if:
- You have an early morning flight
- You arrive late at night
- You have a tight onward connection
- Convenience matters more than location
There鈥檚 also a cost factor. While Oslo city centre hotels have become increasingly expensive, airport hotels can sometimes offer better value, especially outside peak travel periods.
Hotels at the Airport (Walking Distance)
At Oslo Airport, only three hotels are directly connected to the terminal via covered walkways. These are by far the most convenient options.
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Oslo Gardermoen
The is located immediately outside the terminal building.
With around 500 rooms, it鈥檚 one of Norway鈥檚 largest hotels and a popular choice for both transit passengers and conferences.
The main advantage is simplicity. You can walk from arrivals to your room in minutes, and from your room to departures just as quickly. Breakfast is typically available from very early in the morning, making it ideal for early flights.
Radisson RED Oslo Airport
The is a newer addition and offers a more modern, design-led alternative.
It鈥檚 connected to the terminal via a covered walkway and delivers the same convenience as the Blu, but with a more contemporary feel. Expect bold interiors, a lively bar area, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere overall.
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Oslo Airport
The is located just a short walk from the terminal, connected via the same walkway system. It shares a reception area and restaurants with the Red.
As the name suggests, it caters heavily to conferences and business travel, but it鈥檚 also a practical option for regular guests.
It can sometimes offer slightly better rates than the main Radisson Blu, so it鈥檚 worth checking if price is your main concern.
Which Airport Hotel Should You Choose?
If convenience is your priority, all three are excellent choices.
In simple terms:
- Choose for the closest possible location
- Choose for a more modern experience
- Choose the for potential value
For most travellers, the decision will ultimately come down to price and availability.
Hotels Near Oslo Airport (Shuttle Required)
Beyond the terminal area, there鈥檚 a wide range of hotels within a short drive of the airport. These are often much cheaper, but there鈥檚 a catch.
The airport shuttle bus can be relatively expensive for such a short journey. If you鈥檙e travelling alone, the cost can quickly cancel out any savings compared to staying within walking distance.
These hotels tend to make more sense if you鈥檙e travelling as a group or find a significantly lower room rate.
Comfort Hotel RunWay
The is one of the most popular budget-friendly options near the airport.
It offers modern design, relatively low room rates, and an early breakfast service suited to travellers with morning flights.
The hotel is cash-free, which is unlikely to affect most visitors but worth noting for those travelling with cash only.
Scandic Oslo Airport
The is a reliable mid-range option with a strong reputation for its breakfast buffet, which is usually included in the room rate.
However, breakfast typically starts around 6:30am, which can be too late for very early departures.
Clarion Hotel Oslo Airport
The Clarion Hotel Oslo Airport is one of the largest hotels in the area and a popular choice for conferences and events.
It offers spacious rooms, a well-regarded restaurant, and a strong breakfast offering.
Located a short shuttle ride from the terminal, it鈥檚 a good all-round option if you find a competitive rate.
Thon Hotel Oslo Airport
The Thon Hotel Oslo Airport is a dependable mid-range hotel known for good value and comfortable rooms.
It鈥檚 particularly popular with business travellers and often priced competitively compared to the Radisson options.
Thon Hotel Gardermoen
The Thon Hotel Gardermoen is a more budget-friendly option offering simpler accommodation at lower prices.
It鈥檚 a good choice if you鈥檙e prioritising cost over convenience, although a shuttle is required.
Best Western Plus Oslo Airport
The Best Western Plus Oslo Airport is a solid, no-frills option with competitive pricing and reliable standards.
As with the others in this category, you鈥檒l need to factor in transport to and from the terminal.
Park Inn by Radisson Oslo Airport West
The Park Inn by Radisson Oslo Airport West is worth mentioning primarily to avoid confusion.
Despite the name, it is not within walking distance of the terminal and requires a shuttle bus.
Don鈥檛 Forget Transport Costs
When comparing hotel prices, always factor in:
- Shuttle bus fares (per person)
- Taxi costs, especially late at night
- Time and convenience, particularly with luggage
In many cases, the apparent saving of a cheaper hotel disappears once transport is included.
Final Thoughts
Oslo Airport is one of the easiest airports in Europe to navigate, and staying nearby can make your journey significantly less stressful.
If you have an early flight or late arrival, a hotel connected to the terminal is often worth the extra cost for the convenience alone.
However, if your schedule allows, Oslo city centre is just a short train ride away and offers a far more interesting overnight experience. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities: convenience, cost, or experience.
The Park Inn is completly without any atmosphere, the restaurant/bar is like an office cantine with average overpriset food and drinks.
Sorry, the next time I would rather spend a bit more money on another option by the airport.
Fair enough, but none of the other options are any different in that regard.