How to pay for buses in Oslo
Oslo Ruter recommends buying before boarding in the Ruter app or on a travel card; bus and boat onboard single tickets exist but cost more and must be paid in cash.
Best option for tourists
Buy a ticket in the Ruter app before boarding. If you need a physical option, buy a travel card at Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Mix or Ruter service points.
| Transport | Card | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Cash | Onboard | Advance ticket | Front door | Tap off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oslo busRuter says to buy before boarding. Onboard tickets are available only on buses and boats, cost more, and cash bills over NOK 200 are not accepted. | No | Partial | Unknown | Yes | Yes | Partial | Unknown | No |
Can you pay by card on the bus?
Not as direct open-loop bus tap-to-pay. Pay by card in the Ruter app before boarding, or use a physical travel card.
Do you need to buy a ticket before boarding?
You should buy before boarding. Ruter does sell single tickets onboard buses and boats, but they are more expensive and not available on tram or metro.
Cash, boarding doors and tap-off rules
Cash is accepted for onboard bus/boat single tickets, but Ruter does not accept larger bills than NOK 200 and charges an onboard surcharge.
Common questions
Can I pay with card on the bus in Oslo?
Not as direct open-loop bus tap-to-pay. Pay by card in the Ruter app before boarding, or use a physical travel card.
Do I need cash for buses in Oslo?
Cash is accepted for onboard bus/boat single tickets, but Ruter does not accept larger bills than NOK 200 and charges an onboard surcharge.