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I use Oslo Central Station as my compass point, coffee stop, and rain shelter. Locals call it Oslo S, and it sits on Jernbanetorget with trams gliding past like clockwork. If you want the city to introduce itself while you walk, start StoryHunt’s Oslo audiowalk right here and let the narration carry you from platforms to parliament.
What is the story behind Oslo Central Station?
Oslo S grew from the merger of the city’s east and west terminals in the late 20th century, pulling Norway’s rail heart into one hub. The concourses you see today combine 1980s modernism with continuous upgrades by Bane NOR. Services knit together regional lines to Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger, plus Flytoget and Vy trains from Oslo Airport Gardermoen.
Kick off the StoryHunt audiowalk at Oslo S for a narrated first look at Oslo’s core
Are Oslo S and Oslo Central Station the same?
Yes. Oslo Sentralstasjon is the Norwegian name, shortened everywhere to Oslo S. You will see both on signs, departure boards, and tickets. If your itinerary lists Oslo Central Station, Oslo S, or Oslo Sentralstasjon, they all indicate the same place on Jernbanetorget, directly linked to the metro, trams, and airport trains.
What is the main train station in Oslo called?
The main station is called Oslo Sentralstasjon, abbreviated Oslo S. It is the country’s busiest rail hub and the best landmark for orienting yourself downtown. Long-distance services to Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger depart here, as do suburban lines and the T-Bane connections via nearby Jernbanetorget. If you are meeting friends, agree on the Tiger statue outside.
How much is the ticket from Oslo airport to Oslo Central Station?
Two train options run from Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo S. The Vy regional trains are the budget choice, typically around NOK 120 to 140 one way for adults. Flytoget, the Airport Express, is faster and more frequent, usually about NOK 230 to 270. Children, youths, and seniors get discounts. Always confirm current prices on vy.no and flytoget.no.
- Vy: cheaper, slightly slower
- Flytoget: pricier, a few minutes faster
- Discounts: check age and family offers
Use StoryHunt’s audiowalk after arrival for a relaxed, screen-free city intro.
How to take a train from Oslo airport to city center?
Follow the Train icons after baggage claim to the station concourse under arrivals. Buy tickets at machines or tap a bank card for Flytoget at the gates. Vy tickets are sold at machines and in the Vy app. Trains to Oslo S depart from tracks under the terminal. Ride 20 to 25 minutes, then arrive beneath the main concourse at Oslo Central Station.
- Look for platforms signed Oslo S
- Keep your ticket or receipt for inspection
- Lifts and escalators connect platform to concourse
Does Oslo Central Station close?
The transport side aligns with train schedules, so access to platforms remains available when services run. The retail arcade and eateries have separate hours, many close late evening and reopen early morning. Some entrances can be locked overnight for cleaning or security. If you need a warm spot late, the concourse is usually open around first and last departures.
- Check posted door hours at Jernbanetorget entrance
- Night buses and trams stop right outside
- Restrooms have paid access and limited hours
Is there luggage storage at Oslo Central Station?
Yes, self-service lockers in multiple sizes sit inside the station, card-payment friendly, priced by size and time. There is also staffed storage at times in the travel center. Lockers fill quickly on summer weekends and during big events. I photograph my locker number and keep the receipt, then head light to the Opera roof or Karl Johans gate.
- Bring a card, cash is uncommon
- Oversize lockers fit large suitcases
- Maximum storage time applies, check the screen
Flytoget vs Vy, which train should you take?
If time is money, Flytoget wins on frequency and a minute or two on speed, about 19 to 22 minutes. If money is money, Vy is the solid value at roughly half the price, around 23 to 25 minutes. Both roll to Oslo S. I choose Flytoget when I have meetings, Vy when I am in no rush and snacking on the platform cinnamon buns.
- Flytoget: high frequency, contactless gates
- Vy: cheaper, app tickets, same destination
Queue up StoryHunt at Oslo S to flow straight into an easy walking route.
Is it worth seeing Oslo Central Station?
As an attraction, the station is functional rather than photogenic, though the Tiger statue and people-watching deliver a sense of the city. Food courts are convenient but pricey, and signage can feel busy at peak times. Still, it is the perfect launch pad: you land, orient, then walk straight into Oslo’s best sights with audio guiding your pace.
Start the StoryHunt Oslo audiowalk from the concourse for a stress-free first hour in town.
What else is nearby Oslo Central Station?
From Oslo S, you can build a beautiful loop on foot. The Opera House is five minutes away, climb the roof for fjord views. Oslo Cathedral sits on lively Stortorvet. Stortinget anchors Karl Johans gate, and Oslo City Hall waits near the harbor with its Nobel Peace Prize hall. All are on StoryHunt’s route, stitched together with context.
- Opera House, roof walk and harbor views
- Oslo Cathedral, baroque altar and ceiling art
- Stortinget, Norway’s Parliament on Karl Johans gate
- Oslo City Hall, murals and ceremonies
Explore them with StoryHunt’s immersive audiowalk for a sustainable, story-rich city walk.
