A layover doesn’t have to be just waiting. Knowing a few things to do at Oslo Gardermoen Airport can turn hours between flights into downtime that’s more comfortable and even enjoyable. Oslo Gardermoen is Norway’s main international gateway, with a single, easy-to-navigate terminal offering a range of food, shopping, and services that reflect Scandinavian style and local tastes. It’s not a city, but with a bit of planning, your layover here can be surprisingly pleasant.
1. Enjoy a meal
Food choices at Oslo Gardermoen are broader and more regionally rooted than at many airports of its size, and they lean into Scandinavian and Norwegian flavours alongside international fare. If you’re craving a well-made coffee and fresh pastries, W.B. Samson, one of Oslo’s oldest bakery chains, has multiple outlets in the terminal with focaccia sandwiches, croissants, and baguettes fresh from the oven — perfect for an airport breakfast or light lunch. Mel offers freshly baked goods, baguette sandwiches and barista coffee if you want something quick and wholesome. For something heartier, casual spots like O’Learys serve burgers, fries, and beer in a relaxed setting if you’ve been up for a few hours, and FoodBar tempts with built-to-order sandwiches, cold drinks, and hot dishes with occasional halal options during daytime hours. Alongside these, you’ll find Scandinavian classics such as open-faced smørbrød-style sandwiches and cold seafood snacks in some cafés. Many places open around early morning, but late-night food options are limited to just a few outlets, so if you have an overnight layover, plan ahead for snacks or meals before late night closures.
2. Hang in the lounge
Pay-to-enter lounges are available at Oslo Gardermoen, which is helpful if you’re flying economy or want a quieter place to sit. The OSL Lounge accepts walk-in guests regardless of airline or ticket class, subject to space. Expect basic food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and more comfortable seating than the main terminal, rather than luxury facilities. Entry can usually be arranged online or at the door. For current access rules and locations, travellers should check our Oslo Gardermoen Airport Guide.
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Oslo Gardermoen isn’t vast like big European hubs, but it’s thoughtfully curated with several opportunities to pick up distinctly Norwegian items alongside practical travel buys. The duty-free area has a wide range of beverages, sweets, chocolates, and snacks that make good travel companions or gifts. Ting offers a selection of Scandinavian design home goods and lifestyle products that reflect regional aesthetics, and shops like Aera showcase Norwegian fashion brands that are a step beyond typical airport fare. For food-centric souvenirs, airport outlets like Fine Food Salmon House sell vacuum-packed Norwegian salmon, cheeses, and other preserved seafood that travel well, giving a taste of Norway back home. You’ll also find bookstores stocked with English-language and Nordic titles, travel electronics shops, and convenience kiosk options for basics. Other familiar international and Norwegian chain shops are peppered throughout the terminal both before and after security.
4. Go sightseeing
If you have a layover of six hours or more and are comfortable clearing security again, heading into Oslo can be worthwhile. The Flytoget Airport Express Train runs frequently and reaches Oslo Central Station in about 20 minutes, making it the fastest option. Buses take longer, and taxis are convenient but rarely quicker due to traffic.
Once in the city, waterfront areas such as the Harbour Promenade are easy to explore on foot and offer views of the fjord and modern architecture. Some travellers opt for fjord cruises that provide a relaxed overview of the city from the water, while others focus on museums like the Fram Polar Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, or the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Art lovers may enjoy outdoor sculpture areas such as Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park. Keep timing conservative—customs, security re-entry, and queues can eat into a short layover. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Oslo.
5. WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Each session lasts up to four hours, and you can reconnect for free if needed.
6. Sleep
There is no need to worry about napping here, as staff tolerate sleepers during the day and at night. Thanks to the flight schedule, though, there aren’t too many overnight campers. For comfy rest spots, keep your eyes peeled for the few lounge chairs with leg rests opposite the Exchange Office in the pre-security Arrivals area. If you’re staying overnight, try to snag a booth or couch inside the restaurants once they close. If a proper hotel is more your style, Radisson Blu Airport Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson are connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. Other hotels are located within a few minutes drive, with shuttles available. Locations and details are in our Oslo Gardermoen Airport Guide.
Updated 02 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Visit our Oslo Gardermoen Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.