How Long Does It Take to Fly to Norway?
Quick Answer
8–12 hours from the US on direct flights. New York to Oslo takes about 7.5–8 hours, while Los Angeles to Oslo takes 10–11 hours. Flights with connections add 2–5 hours.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Flying to Norway from the United States takes 8–12 hours on direct flights, depending on the departure city. East Coast cities have the shortest flights at 7.5–9 hours, while West Coast departures take 10–12 hours. Connecting flights through European hubs add 2–5 hours to total travel time.
Flight Times by US Departure City
Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) is Norway's main international airport. Direct flight times reflect nonstop service where available.
| Departure City | Direct Flight Time | With 1 Stop | Airlines (Direct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK/EWR) | 7.5–8 hours | 10–13 hours | SAS, Norse Atlantic, United |
| Boston (BOS) | 7–7.5 hours | 10–12 hours | Norse Atlantic (seasonal) |
| Washington, DC (IAD) | 8–8.5 hours | 11–13 hours | SAS, United |
| Miami (MIA) | 9.5–10 hours | 12–15 hours | No regular direct service |
| Chicago (ORD) | 8.5–9 hours | 11–14 hours | SAS (seasonal) |
| Denver (DEN) | 9.5–10 hours | 12–14 hours | No regular direct service |
| Dallas (DFW) | 10–10.5 hours | 13–15 hours | No regular direct service |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 10.5–11 hours | 13–16 hours | Norse Atlantic, SAS (seasonal) |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 10–11 hours | 13–15 hours | SAS (seasonal) |
| Seattle (SEA) | 9.5–10 hours | 12–14 hours | No regular direct service |
Other Norwegian Airports
While Oslo receives the most international flights, other Norwegian cities are accessible through European connections.
| Destination | From New York (1 stop) | From London (direct) | Airport Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | 11–14 hours | 2–2.5 hours | BGO |
| Stavanger | 11–14 hours | 2 hours | SVG |
| Trondheim | 12–15 hours | 2.5 hours | TRD |
| Tromsø | 13–16 hours | 3 hours | TOS |
| Bodø | 13–16 hours | 3.5 hours (1 stop) | BOO |
Common Connection Hubs
Flights without direct service typically connect through one of these European airports.
| Hub Airport | Connection Time | Airlines | Best From |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) | 1.5–3 hours | British Airways, SAS, Norwegian | East Coast |
| Copenhagen (CPH) | 1.5–3 hours | SAS | All US cities |
| Amsterdam (AMS) | 1.5–3 hours | KLM | All US cities |
| Frankfurt (FRA) | 1.5–3 hours | Lufthansa | Midwest, South |
| Reykjavik (KEF) | 1.5–3 hours | Icelandair | East Coast, Midwest |
| Helsinki (HEL) | 2–3 hours | Finnair | West Coast |
Eastbound vs. Westbound
Flights to Norway (eastbound) are typically 30–60 minutes shorter than return flights due to prevailing jet stream winds that blow west to east across the Atlantic.
| Route | Eastbound (to Norway) | Westbound (from Norway) |
|---|---|---|
| New York–Oslo | 7.5–8 hours | 8.5–9.5 hours |
| Los Angeles–Oslo | 10.5–11 hours | 11.5–12.5 hours |
| Chicago–Oslo | 8.5–9 hours | 9.5–10.5 hours |
From Other Regions
Norway is accessible from most major global regions, with varying flight times.
| Origin | Direct Flight Time | Common Route |
|---|---|---|
| London, UK | 2–2.5 hours | LHR/LGW to OSL |
| Paris, France | 2.5–3 hours | CDG to OSL |
| Dubai, UAE | 7–7.5 hours | DXB to OSL |
| Toronto, Canada | 7–8 hours | YYZ to OSL |
| Sydney, Australia | 20–24 hours | 2 stops minimum |
| Tokyo, Japan | 12–14 hours | 1 stop via Helsinki or Copenhagen |
Best Time to Book
Direct flights to Norway are most frequent from May through September, when airlines add seasonal routes. Winter schedules often reduce direct service, particularly from West Coast cities. Booking 2–3 months in advance typically yields the best combination of price and availability for summer travel.
Norway's main tourist season (June–August) coincides with the midnight sun in northern Norway and the best weather for fjord cruises. Shoulder season (May and September) offers fewer crowds and sometimes lower airfares while still providing pleasant weather.