The Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Oslo with the Oslo Pass
- rachnamone
- Jul 26, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
What Is the Oslo Pass?
The Oslo Pass is a sightseeing card that gives you free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, unlimited access to public transport within Oslo, and discounts on tours, restaurants, and activities. It’s designed to help travellers — especially families — explore the city easily while saving both time and money.
Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the Oslo Pass is activated from the moment you use it, making it perfect for planning a flexible and budget-friendly Oslo itinerary.
( Trip to and from the airport is not included in Oslo pass, , taking a Regional train to and from the airport to Oslo city center in the most comfortable and cost effective way to travel).
Packed with activities for both kids and adults, Oslo offers a compact yet enriching experience. To make the most of our time, we opted for the Oslo Pass, a smart choice granting us free access to renowned museums and attractions, along with complimentary use of public transport within the city.
The pass can be easily purchased online and can be activated when you embark on your first public transport ride or enter a museum.
Though it might seem like a significant upfront cost, the Oslo Pass streamlined our exploration, allowing us to seamlessly hop onto public transport, , decide to visit attractions spontaneously, and cater to the preferences of our little adventurers without a hitch.
We definitely recommend getting the Oslo pass as it makes exploring the city super fun and easy .
Here’s How We Spent 48 Hours exploring Oslo with Oslo pass -
Day 1 :
We ventured to Bygdøy, a captivating peninsula housing the Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Museum of Maritime History. This locale quickly became our favorite spot in Oslo. We began our journey at the National Theateret station and hopped onto a ferry from the waterfront outside the City Hall.
The Oslo Pass covered the entrance to these museums as well as the ferry ride.
At the Fram Museum, we immersed ourselves in Arctic exploration history, with fascinating artifacts and even a preserved section of the Fram ship showcasing the daily life of those aboard during these daring journeys.
The Kon-Tiki Museum was equally impressive, dedicated to explorers and their remarkable voyages. Don't miss the delightful restaurant offering scrumptious food and ice cream.
Returning from Bygdøy, we continued our exploration at the Akershus Fortress, City Hall, and the Nobel Peace Prize Museum.
In the evening, we strolled along Karl Johans Road or relished the good weather in the gardens near the Royal Palace.
Day 2:
A perfect morning awaited us at the Zoological and Geological Museums, both situated within the same grounds. These museums house captivating exhibits, ranging from ancient fossils to models of the universe and fragments of meteorites. A wonderful adventure for kids and adults alike!
We continued our exploration at the Climate Change Museum and later enjoyed a picnic at the Botanical Garden.
Afterward, we headed to the Oslo Reptile Park , to check out the pythons and tarantulas.
After a late lunch we went to the Munch museum housing the famous paintings of Edvard Munch, including the iconic "The Scream."
The Opera House, shaped like an iceberg, provided a perfect backdrop to climb, explore, and revel in its architectural wonder.
Both Opera house and Munch museum are located at a walking distance from the Oslo central station, from where you can get public transport back to your accommodation easily. There are multiple restaurants in this area.
After a whole day of exploring Oslo city, we took a tram to the National theateret museum to give rest to our tired feet and enjoy the sun in the palace gardens one more time before concluding our day.
📍 Plan Ahead & Buy the Oslo Pass Online
For the most convenient experience, you can buy the Oslo Pass online before your trip and simply activate it when you start sightseeing.
Visit the official Oslo Pass website to check current prices, validity options, and the full list of included attractions.
Category | 24 hours | 48 hours | 72 hours |
Adult | 550 NOK | 800 NOK | 945 NOK |
Child* | 275 NOK | 400 NOK | 475 NOK |
Senior* | 440 NOK | 640 NOK | 755 NOK |
Is the Oslo Pass Worth It?
Yes — the Oslo Pass is absolutely worth it for most travellers, especially families. Oslo’s museums and attractions can add up quickly, and public transport fares are among the highest in Europe. With free entry to more than 30 attractions, unlimited city transport, and discounts on tours and dining, the pass easily pays for itself if you plan to visit even 2–3 major attractions a day. For a 48-hour visit, families typically save 30–40% compared to buying individual tickets, making it a smart and stress-free way to explore Oslo.
💰 Cost Breakdown for Our 48 Hours in Oslo (Family of 4)
Attraction | Adult Price | Child Price | Total for Family |
Fram Museum | 160 NOK | 65 NOK | 450 NOK |
Kon-Tiki Museum | 160 NOK | 65 NOK | 450 NOK |
Ferry to Bygdøy (round trip) | 90 NOK | 45 NOK | 270 NOK |
Public Transport (Day 1 share of 48h cost) | 220 NOK | 110 NOK | 660 NOK |
Day 1 Total | 1,830 NOK |
Attraction | Adult Price | Child Price | Total for Family |
Natural History Museums (Zoological + Geological + Climate Change) | 120 NOK | 60 NOK | 360 NOK |
Botanical Garden | Free | Free | 0 NOK |
Oslo Reptile Park | 160 NOK | 110 NOK | 540 NOK |
Munch Museum | 180 NOK | 90 NOK | 540 NOK |
Public Transport (Day 2 share of 48h cost) | 220 NOK | 110 NOK | 660 NOK |
Day 2 Total | 2,100 NOK |
💰 Final Savings Summary for 2 days
Scenario | Total Cost |
Without Oslo Pass | 3,930 NOK |
With Oslo Pass | 2,400 NOK |
Total Savings | 1,530 NOK saved |
A Few Tips to Remember
Carry enough water — public drinking fountains are rare in Oslo, and bottled water can be expensive.
You can purchase the Oslo Pass at 7-Eleven convenience stores, making it easy to pick one up on the go.
Airport transport is not included in the Oslo Pass, so plan your journey to and from Oslo Airport separately.
Be cautious at pedestrian crossings — not all drivers strictly follow pedestrian signals, so double-check before stepping onto the road.
We definitely recommend Oslo pass for families
Planning a trip becomes so much easier when you know exactly where your money is going—and breaking down our Day 1 and Day 2 expenses helped us stay on track without compromising on comfort or experiences. These numbers aren’t just figures; they’re a reminder that smart planning can make family travel stress-free and enjoyable. Hope this helps you map out your own budget with confidence—happy travelling!
✈️ Planning a Trip to Norway?
Before you go, check out our complete guide - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Norway: Essential Norway Travel Tips for Families
👉Read our easy to follow, 14 days road trip itinerary, perfect for slow travel -
👉 Check out our blog Åndalsnes Travel Guide 2025 for Families with Kids
FAQs About the Oslo Pass
1. What is the Oslo Pass and what does it include?
The Oslo Pass is a sightseeing card that provides free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, unlimited public transport, and discounts on tours, restaurants, and activities.
2. Is the Oslo Pass worth it for families?
Yes — if you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transport, the Oslo Pass can save 30–45% compared to buying tickets individually.
3. How do I use the Oslo Pass for public transport?
Simply activate your pass and show it on buses, trams, metro, and ferries within Oslo — unlimited rides are included.
4. Where can I buy the Oslo Pass?
You can buy it online from the official website, at selected hotels, or 7-Eleven stores across Oslo.
5. Does the Oslo Pass cover travel to and from Oslo Airport?
No — airport transfers are not included, so you’ll need to arrange a regional train, airport bus, or taxi separately.
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