Norway’s Road Tolls Surge This Summer, But Some Routes Offer Relief
As Norwegians and tourists alike prepare for summer road trips, a stark reality is setting in: toll costs are rising, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. However, strategic route planning can still yield significant savings, with some areas offering temporary or permanent toll exemptions.
Many families are opting for domestic vacations this summer, often relying on personal vehicles to explore Norway’s scenic landscapes. While convenient, this choice comes with a growing financial burden as toll roads become increasingly prevalent, especially in southern Norway. “The boom bill that shows up in the mail can be a big surprise,” one source noted, estimating a round trip through Gudbrandsdalen could cost upwards of $1,000.
Last year, motorists paid nearly NOK 16 billion in tolls, and projections indicate a similar figure for this year. A recent report from The Institute of Transport Economics confirms that toll expenses are now a substantial component of most household budgets. The funds are intended to finance new road construction and public projects, but the cost is increasingly borne by drivers.
The Most Expensive Routes
The E6 highway from Oslo through Gudbrandsdalen – a popular gateway to cabin destinations like Hafjell, Sjusjøen, and Kvitfjell – currently stands as the most expensive route. According to data from bompengekalkulator.no, a round trip from Sandvika (outside Oslo) to Otta costs NOK 930 for petrol cars and NOK 794 for EVs without an AutoPASS agreement and transponder. With an AutoPASS device, these costs decrease to NOK 629 and NOK 420, respectively. Motorists on this 606km stretch encounter a total of 17 toll plazas.
However, there is some good news. During July, the final two toll plazas between Gardermoen and Minnesund were removed, offering a savings of approximately NOK 50. This relief is likely to be short-lived, however, as construction of a new E6 segment near Moelv and Lillehammer will introduce four new toll points.
Electric Vehicle Tolls on the Rise
Drivers of electric vehicles, once largely exempt from tolls, are now facing increasing charges. While gasoline and diesel car prices have remained relatively stable, EV toll rates have risen significantly in many areas over the past year. “It’s not very long since it was free for electric cars to drive through the booms. Now we see that it is becoming increasingly expensive,” a transportation analyst observed.
For example, a trip from Stjørdal to Oppdal now costs NOK 217 with a bomb tag for EVs, up from NOK 155 last summer. Similarly, the route from Bergen to Geilo is experiencing a reduction in EV discounts. Despite these increases, an AutoPASS agreement and transponder remain essential for EV drivers to minimize costs. Without a transponder, EVs are charged the same rate as petrol and diesel vehicles, potentially adding hundreds of kroner to a holiday trip.
Where to Find Toll-Free Roads
For motorists seeking to avoid tolls altogether, Finnmark offers a welcome respite. All roads in this northernmost county are fully funded by the state, meaning no toll plazas exist. Troms is another viable option, with tolls limited to the Tromsø area. A round trip from Tromsø to the Swedish border currently costs NOK 34 for EVs and NOK 128 for petrol cars with a transponder.
Another popular route, the E18 south from Oslo to coastal towns like Kragerø, Arendal, and Grimstad, costs NOK 526 round trip for petrol cars (without a transponder) and NOK 390 for EVs. An AutoPASS agreement reduces these costs to NOK 306 and NOK 156, respectively.
Key Toll Costs for Popular Routes (June 2025)
Here’s a breakdown of estimated toll costs for several popular routes, based on data from Toll Calculator.no:
- Sandvika-Otta-Sandvika (606 km):
- With AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 628.80, Electric – NOK 420.32
- Without AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 930.00, Electric – NOK 794.00
- Fyllingsdalen/Bergen-Geilo (496 km):
- With AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 272.00, Electric – NOK 177.60
- Without AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 400.00, Electric – NOK 332.00
- Stjørdal-Oppdal-Stjørdal (296 km):
- With AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 310.40, Electric – NOK 217.28
- Without AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 388.00, Electric – NOK 388.00
- Tromsø-Swedish Border-Tromsø (520 km):
- With AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 102.00, Electric – NOK 34.00
- Without AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 128.00, Electric – NOK 128.00
- Lillestrøm-Kragerø-Lillestrøm (220 km):
- With AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 305.60, Electric – NOK 156.00
- Without AutoPASS: Petrol – NOK 526.00, Electric – NOK 390.00
Ultimately, careful planning and the use of an AutoPASS transponder are crucial for minimizing toll expenses during summer travel in Norway. As toll rates continue to evolve, staying informed and adapting travel strategies will be key to a more affordable road trip.
