Renting a Car in Norway for a Road Trip: Indian Family Guide
- rachnamone
- Jul 29, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 22
We drove across the fjord region of Norway over 14 days with our 2 kids, and it was genuinely an amazing experience. We rented an EV from Hertz — pick-up and drop-off were both hassle-free and smooth. Norway has extensively built infrastructure that supports EV charging even in remote regions — something we came across firsthand on this road trip. We decided to go for an electric vehicle because it was cheaper than renting a fossil-fuel car, and we also genuinely wanted to experience this charging infrastructure ourselves. Did it live up to expectations, and would we recommend it to our readers? Read on to find out.
Why Rent a Car in Norway for a Family Road Trip?
Flexibility with kids - When traveling with children, schedules often need to be adjusted for naps, snack breaks, or sudden detours. Renting a car gives you the freedom to move at your own pace without being tied to strict bus or train timings.
Access to fjords and scenic stops - Norway’s most stunning viewpoints and hidden gems are often off the main public transport routes. With a car, you can easily stop at waterfalls, fjord viewpoints, and charming villages along the way.
Easier travel with luggage and strollers - Families usually carry extra bags, snacks, and strollers, which can be cumbersome on public transport. A rental car makes it simple to pack everything you need while keeping the journey comfortable.
Embarking on a road trip marks the start of a thrilling adventure, and the key to making that journey with kids both enjoyable and smooth lies in selecting the right vehicle.
Renting a Car in Norway : What Families Need to Know
📍 Quick Summary - Renting a car in Norway
Cost per day | ₹6,000–12,000 (standard family car) |
Licence needed | Indian licence (valid 3 months), no IDP |
Insurance | Book directly with rental company, not third-party |
Booking | Book online in advance, not at the airport |
Child seats | Pre-book to guarantee availability |
Recommended company | Hertz (direct booking) - what we personally used |
Car choice | Prioritize boot space + rear-seat comfort |
Now let me explain everything in detail -
Cost of Renting a Car in Norway
Car rental prices in Norway can be on the higher side compared to other European countries. On average, expect to pay between Rs 6000–12000 per day for a standard family car, with SUVs and automatics often costing more. The final price depends on the season (summer is peak), car size, and extras like GPS, child seats, or insurance. Booking in advance online usually gives better deals than last-minute rentals at the airport. Also, keep in mind that fuel, tolls, and parking fees will add to your overall budget. In our experience, electric vehicles usually cost lower than petrol cars and Norway has a great EV charging infrastructure, so you can consider renting an EV ( read on for our experience of driving EV in Norway as tourists). We used Hertz to rent our car in Norway.
Documents and licence requirements
Indian driving licences are valid in Norway for up to 3 months. Make sure you carry a valid licence and that your details are written in English. An international driving permit is not necessary. Acquaint yourself with the driving rules/traffic signs in Norway before your trip. For more information check out the website Norwegian traffic rules.
👉 For more on entry requirements and practical tips before you go, see our 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Norway
Insurance, tolls, and hidden fees -
When renting a car Norway road trip we would suggest our readers to prioritize maximum security by opting for comprehensive insurance. It's recommended to secure insurance directly from the rental company, minimizing the need to navigate third-party processes in case of emergencies. This is what we always do and would also recommend doing!
Recommended rental companies in Norway
There are a lot of rental companies offering comparable deals - we chose Hertz with full insuarance and did not have any issue with it. It is important to mention at this point that we chose the car, rental company and paid for the rental costs, insurance and toll ourselves. While third-party websites may offer tempting offers and deals, it's often wiser to book directly through the rental company. This ensures clarity and avoids complications that might arise from third-party transactions.
Child seats, boosters, and family car options
To ensure a swift departure after formalities, pre-book car seats. This small step helps streamline the process and ensures that safety is a priority right from the start.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Family (and Luggage)
As you go through the process of choosing a car, envision the space your family requires for both themselves and their belongings. A cramped back seat can dampen the excitement of the journey, so it's crucial to prioritize comfort for all passengers, especially those in the rear seats. To ensure a pleasant ride, factor in the boot space of the car you're considering.
👉 Planning what to bring? See our Complete Norway Packing List for Indian Families
Driving in Norway: Rules and Practical Tips
📍 Driving in Norway — Quick Summary
Side of road | Right-hand side, steering wheel on left |
Speed limits | 30–50 km/h (towns), 80–90 km/h (highways), up to 110 km/h (motorways) — strictly camera-enforced |
Tolls | Automatic via AutoPASS tag, billed to your rental |
Ferries | Common in fjord regions, family-friendly with cafés/restrooms |
Narrow roads | Use passing bays, give way to uphill traffic |
Parking | Can be limited/expensive in Oslo & Bergen — use EasyPark app |
Tunnels | 1,000+ tunnels, some 20km+ — headlights on, no stopping |
Navigation | Google Maps works well; download offline maps for remote areas like Jostedal |
Now let me explain everything in detail -
Location for Pick-Up and Drop-Off
While renting a car for a Norway road trip, most families choose to rent a car directly from airports like Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø for convenience. Airport pick-ups are easy but sometimes more expensive due to added fees. If you're staying in the city first, it can be cheaper to pick up your car from a downtown rental office. Dropping the car at a different city is possible but usually comes with an extra one-way fee.
GPS or Google Maps
Most rental cars in Norway come with built-in navigation systems, but using Google Maps (or downloading maps offline) is often more reliable and updated. Apps like Norgeskart and Vy can also help plan routes, especially for ferries or public transport alternatives. (We opted for a rented GPS and it cost us about ₹10,000 - and realised that Google Maps works just fine). For remote areas, consider downloading offline maps in advance (we faced some network issues in Jostedal National Park).
Driving on the Right Side of the Road
Norway drives on the right-hand side, with the steering wheel on the left, similar to most of Europe. If you're coming from India or a country that drives on the left, it might take a day or two to adjust, but Norwegian roads are generally calm and well-marked.
Adhering to Speed Limits
Speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras, and fines are very high. In towns, it's usually 30–50 km/h, highways 80–90 km/h, and motorways up to 110 km/h. Always follow posted signs and reduce speed in tunnels, mountain passes, or near schools.
Toll Roads and Ferries
Many Norwegian highways and bridges use automatic toll systems. The rental car is usually fitted with an AutoPASS tag, and charges will be added to your rental bill. Ferries are common in fjord regions, and they are efficient and family-friendly, with restrooms and cafés onboard.
👉 We took one of these ferries en route to Flåm and Aurlandsfjord — see Day 10 of our Norway Family Road Trip Guide: 14-Day Itinerary
Single Roads and Road Etiquette
Outside major cities, you’ll encounter many narrow single-lane roads such as those along Lovatnet or to Stegastein viewpoint . When another car approaches, use the designated passing bays to let them through. Be patient with caravans or buses, and always give way to vehicles coming uphill on mountain roads.
Parking in Norwegian Cities and Tourist Areas
Parking in big cities like Oslo or Bergen can be limited and expensive. Look for designated parking garages or use apps like EasyPark for hourly payments. At popular tourist attractions, parking fills up quickly in summer, so arrive early or later in the day. Outside of major cities, parking at various tourist atractions is free of charge.
Safety for Driving in Tunnels
Norway has over a thousand road tunnels, some stretching for more than 20 km. Inside tunnels, keep headlights on, maintain speed limits, and avoid stopping unless it’s an emergency. Many long tunnels have emergency bays and ventilation systems for safety.
Our Experience Renting an Electric Car in Norway
Pros of Renting an EV in Norway
Excellent charging infrastructure - charging stations are widespread and easy to locate on Google Maps.
Cheaper rental rates - often lower than a similar-sized diesel car.
Big fuel savings - petrol and diesel are very expensive in Norway.
Discounted tolls and ferries - EVs may qualify for reduced charges.
No queues at charging stations - usually available, though summer can be busier.
Great driving performance - EVs handle mountainous and winding roads well (bonus: they recharge slightly when driving downhill).
Cons of Renting an EV in Norway
Range & charging time - long driving days (400-500 km) require planned charging stops, which take longer than refueling a diesel car.
Multiple charging apps - several providers require different apps (often in Norwegian), which can be inconvenient. Some networks like Circle K, Ionity, and Recharge allow direct drop-in charging.
Tesla superchargers - most rental EVs cannot use them, limiting options.
Our Verdict
If you're planning to explore Norway at a slow and relaxed pace (which we highly recommend), travelling with kids, and taking frequent breaks along the way, then an EV is a fantastic choice. You'll save significantly on fuel and tolls without compromising on sightseeing.
On the other hand, if your trip is short and packed with long driving days, a diesel or petrol car might suit you better. While it will cost more, refuelling is quick and gas stations are readily available throughout Norway, allowing you to cover more ground in less time.
📍 EV vs. Petrol/Diesel Renal car - Quick Summary
EV | Petrol/Diesel | |
Rental cost | Usually cheaper | Usually higher |
Fuel/charging cost | Significant savings | Petrol/diesel is expensive |
Tolls & ferries | Often discounted | Full price |
Refuelling time | Longer (planned stops needed) | Quick |
Best for | Slow, relaxed trips with frequent breaks | Short trips, long driving days |
Our pick | Recommended for most families | Better if time-constrained |
Planning your Norway road trip? These guides might help:
Norway Family Road Trip Guide: 14-Day Itinerary - day-by-day route, driving times, and budget
Where to Stay in Norway With Kids - our family-tested Airbnbs, base by base
Exploring the Fjords of Norway: Complete Family Travel Guide - which fjords to prioritize and where to stay near each one
Best Glaciers to Visit in Norway With Kids - Briksdalsbreen, Nigardsbreen, and Bøyabreen compared
Åndalsnes Travel Guide for Families - Trollstigen, Trollveggen, and the Romsdalen Gondola
The Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Oslo with the Oslo Pass - is the Oslo Pass worth it for your family
Tips for Renting a Car in Norway for a Family Road Trip - driving licence rules, EV vs petrol, insurance
10 Things to Know Before Visiting Norway - the practical stuff we wish we'd known
Complete Norway Packing List for Indian Families - clothing for every season, documents, medical supplies, and food from home
Exploring Oslo with the Oslo Pass: Is It Worth It? - real cost breakdown for 48 hours, and if it's worth the money
FAQ about renting a car in Norway for a family road trip
Q1: Is it worth renting a car in Norway for families?
Yes, renting a car is the best option for families. It gives flexibility, comfort, and easy access to remote scenic spots.
Q2: Do I need an international driving permit in Norway?
If your license is in English (US, UK, India, EU), you usually don’t need an IDP. Check with your rental company for specific rules.
Q3: Can I rent a child seat in Norway?
Yes, most car rental companies provide child seats and boosters for an extra fee. Always pre-book to ensure availability.
Q4: How much does it cost to rent a car in Norway?
On average Rs 6000–12000 per day depending on the vehicle, insurance, and season. Booking early often saves money.
Q5: Is driving in Norway safe with kids?
Yes, roads are very safe and well-maintained. Just watch for tunnels, mountain roads, and changing weather conditions.
Q6: Is renting a car cheaper than public transport for a family trip?
Often yes, as public transport costs add up for multiple passengers. A car also gives flexibility for kid-friendly stops.
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