Renting a car in Norway is disarmingly simple. Here, everything rests on trust and pragmatism: little paperwork, little suspicion, they hand you the keys and trust you to bring the car back in good shape. It is a change from many countries.
You will find all the big international chains at airports and in the cities: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, among others.
To pay less, Rent-a-Wreck is a clever option: the chain rents older, but perfectly reliable, cars at gentler prices. Another alternative that works well is the app Getaround, which gives access to a wide choice of private cars. The concept is excellent, with one honest caveat: creating and validating your profile is tedious and a little complicated, so do it calmly before you leave, not the night before. Note, unlike conventional agencies: with Getaround, the renter must return the vehicle clean, inside and out, so plan a trip to the car wash before handing it back, otherwise fees apply.
Almost all rental cars are now electric, and it is a non-issue: the range is more than enough to travel, even over long distances. I come back to this on the charging page.
A few driving rules to know before you take the wheel. Dipped headlights are compulsory at all times, day and night, all year round. Speed limits are low and strictly enforced, with frequent speed cameras: you do not race in Norway, and fines are steep. As for alcohol, tolerance is near zero, take no risks.
On the road, keep your eyes open. Moose, reindeer and sheep cross without warning, especially at dawn and dusk. Mountain roads are often narrow and winding, and some passes close in winter. To reach the fjords, you will regularly take ferries: payment is automatic via plate reading, with nothing to do at the time.
In case of a breakdown or accident
Keep these numbers in your phone. In case of a mechanical problem, first notify your rental company. Then call roadside assistance: Viking Redningstjeneste (+47 22 08 60 00) is the largest national towing and roadside service, with English-speaking operators. A reliable alternative is REDGO, formerly Falck (+47 33 13 80 80), available 24/7.
In brief
- Big chains: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt.
- Cheaper: Rent-a-Wreck (older cars) or Getaround (private cars, profile to validate in advance, return clean).
- Cars almost all electric, with ample range.
- Headlights on at all times, speed strictly enforced, no alcohol at the wheel.
- Breakdown: agency first, then Viking (+47 22 08 60 00) or REDGO (+47 33 13 80 80).
- Apps: Getaround.