Norway takes child safety seriously, and this extends to how you travel from the airport. Here is what families need to know.
Norwegian Child Seat Laws
Norway requires children to use an appropriate child restraint in all vehicles, including taxis. Children must be in a rear-facing seat until at least age 4, and ideally longer according to Norwegian safety guidelines. This is stricter than many other European countries. The law applies to taxis without exception, which means the driver is responsible for having appropriate restraints available.
The Reality in Taxis
While the law is clear, the practice is inconsistent. Not every taxi at the Gardermoen rank will have the right child seat for your child. You can call a taxi company in advance and request a vehicle with the appropriate seat, but availability depends on what the company has. If you arrive at the rank and no suitable taxi is available, you may need to wait for one to be dispatched.
Private Transfers with Child Seats
Booking a private transfer and specifying your child's age and weight at the time of booking is the most reliable way to ensure the right seat is waiting. Transfer companies in Norway generally have access to rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats, and booster seats. The seat is installed before you arrive, and you do not need to negotiate or wait.
Taking the Train with Kids
The Flytoget and Vy trains are genuinely family-friendly. There is space for strollers, luggage racks for bags, and the ride is short enough that children do not get restless. On the Vy train, children under 4 travel free and ages 4-15 pay a reduced fare. The Flytoget offers family tickets. The train station is directly below the terminal, so you do not need to go outside or cross any roads. This is the easiest option for families heading to central Oslo, provided you can manage your luggage on the train.
When the Train Does Not Work
If you have a mountain of family luggage, need a rear-facing seat for an infant on an onward road journey, or are heading somewhere outside the rail network, a private transfer is the practical choice. A minivan transfer from Gardermoen to central Oslo costs about 1,200-1,800 NOK and fits the whole family with all luggage and child seats sorted.
Practical Tips
The airport has good baby changing facilities and a play area in the departures hall. If you need formula or baby food, the arrivals hall has a convenience store. Norwegian winters are cold, so dress children in layers and have warm clothing accessible, not buried in checked luggage. If you are visiting in winter and heading to a ski destination, a private transfer with roof rack or ski box can handle equipment that would never fit on a train or in a standard taxi.