Sky-High Taxi Fares at Oslo Airport Spark Outrage

Passengers arriving at Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) are facing exorbitant taxi fares, particularly during late-night hours when train and bus services are limited. Reports of prices reaching NOK 3,700 for a short trip have prompted criticism of both taxi operators and the airport authorities.

The Problem: Soaring Costs After Hours

Travelers landing at Gardermoen after midnight often find themselves with limited transportation options. With the last trains departing at 00:24 (Vy) and 00:50 (Flytoget), those missing these services are often left reliant on taxis. This demand surge allows taxi companies to significantly inflate prices.

One passenger reported paying NOK 3,700 for a 4.4-kilometer trip to a hotel, while another was quoted NOK 5,500 for a similar distance. A frequent traveler in finance noted a recurring pattern of expensive taxis after late arrivals, exacerbated by the lack of alternative transport.

Oslo Taxi Points to Avinor

Anders Berg, marketing and communications manager at Oslo Taxi, asserts that the airport authorities, Avinor, are responsible for the situation. He explains that the high prices are a result of artificially suppressed fares during normal times, leading to a dramatic increase when demand exceeds supply. VG reports Berg stating, “Avinor beats its chest when the competition is strong within normal times, because then the prices are pushed down, but these prices are the result of the prices being pushed too far down.”

Avinor Deflects Responsibility

Avinor, which operates 43 airports in Norway including Gardermoen, denies any control over taxi pricing. Cathrine Fuglesang Framholt, a communications manager at Avinor, stated that their role is simply to facilitate public transport options to and from the airport. VG quotes Framholt saying, “Avinor has nothing to do with taxi prices, so I think it is natural that the taxi industry itself answers this question.”

Avinor utilizes a booking system implemented by Fast Travel, which displays prices from various taxi companies, allowing passengers to choose based on cost and vehicle type. However, critics argue this system prioritizes price above other factors like driver ratings or company reputation.

Local Operators Offer Alternatives

Romerike Taxi, a local operator based in Jessheim, offers fixed prices comparable to national rates and does not participate in the airport’s booking system. Dag Erlend Bakke, the general manager, described the airport taxi situation as “rotten” and encourages customers to be mindful when ordering, though acknowledges the difficulty for tired travelers.

Concerns Over Unsolicited Offers and Dynamic Pricing

Avinor is aware of drivers soliciting customers in the arrivals hall, a practice that violates regulations. The utilize of dynamic pricing by companies like Bolt and Uber contributes to the problem. VG documented cases of triple prices during peak traffic, with one passenger paying NOK 700 for a 15-minute ride with Bolt.

Bolt’s press manager, Jens Öhgren, explained that dynamic pricing is implemented during high demand, rush hour, or adverse weather conditions, a practice known internationally as surge pricing.

Alternative Transportation Options

While the Vy train, Flytoget, and personal vehicles are typically more affordable options, they are unavailable late at night, leaving passengers vulnerable to high taxi fares. Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) is located 35 km northeast of Oslo and serves as the main international airport for the capital city of Norway. Oslo Airport handled 26 million passengers during 2024.