By 
When planning a road trip through Norway, one of the most important questions you might be asking yourself is ‘should I rent a campervan or a car?’. The debate of campervan vs car rental in Norway comes down to budget, flexibility, convenience, and the type of experience you want.
With advantages and disadvantages for both options, it can be difficult to decide. But, don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down campervan rental vs car rental in Norway, highlighting the unique pros and cons of each option, the relative costs, and which type of trip suits which type of vehicle. Let’s go!
Why Take a Road Trip Around Norway
First of all, let’s talk about why taking a road trip in Norway is a bucket-list vacation. With its breathtaking fjords, snow-capped mountains, lush forest, endless hiking routes, charming towns and serene coasts, Norway is one of the best countries in the world to explore on four wheels.
Unlike other European destinations where public transport is enough to see the main sights, in Norway the real treasures are off the beaten track. Taking a road trip in Norway gives you access to all these hidden gems, allowing you to explore wherever your heart takes you.
Whether you choose a campervan or car, the freedom to stop at villages, waterfalls, and viewpoints without relying on fixed schedules is invaluable. So, let’s discuss the differences between renting a car or campervan for your epic Norway road trip adventure!
Campervan Rental vs Car Rental in Norway: The Key Differences
Renting a Car in Norway
Pros:
- Usually cheaper per day compared to campervans.
- More compact so easier to drive in cities or tight mountain passes.
- Works well if you plan to stay in hotels, cabins, or Airbnbs.
Cons:
- Accommodation costs add up quickly – Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for hotels.
- Limited flexibility – you need to plan your nights around where you’ll stay.
- No cooking equipment – daily meals at restaurants or cafes can be costly.
- Less suited to exploring remote areas where accommodation options are scarce.
Renting a Campervan in Norway
Pros:
- Combines transport and accommodation, saving money overall.
- Wild camping is legal in Norway under the ‘Right to Roam’ policy, meaning you can stay in many natural spots for free.
- Built-in kitchen facilities let you save on food costs by cooking your own meals.
- Wake up with fjord views or under the Northern Lights – it’s not just travel, it’s an experience.
- More flexibility – no need to book accommodation weeks in advance.
Cons:
- Daily rental cost is usually higher than a car alone.
- Larger vehicles can be harder to maneuver, especially in cities.
- Fuel costs may be slightly higher depending on vehicle size.
While both options have advantages, renting a campervan does give you more freedom to explore. When you weigh it up, a campervan rental in Norway gives you much more overall value, especially if you’re a nature-loving traveler aiming to see as much of Norway as possible without breaking the bank.
Why Rent a Campervan in Norway?
Save on Accommodation
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a campervan over a car is the ability to cut accommodation costs from your budget. Hotels in Norway often range between $140–235 USD per night, even in smaller towns. With a campervan, you don’t need to worry about that at all because you’ve got a moving home with you at all times.
Freedom to Camp Anywhere
As you’re allowed to camp freely in most uncultivated areas across Norway, you can stop for the night by a fjord, near a waterfall, next to a forest, or in the mountains. So, choosing a campervan allows you to immerse yourself in Norway’s incredible nature, which is something you can’t experience as fully if you’re staying in hotels.
Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out in Norway is expensive; even a simple meal can cost $20–30 USD per person. With a campervan, you can save a lot of money by shopping in supermarkets and cooking fresh meals in your onboard kitchen. Over a two-week trip, this can save hundreds of dollars compared to renting a car and eating out daily. It also gives you more flexibility to eat whenever you like, without waiting for the next restaurant along the route, which is pretty important in remote areas where facilities are sparse.
Flexibility on the Road
With a campervan, there’s no pressure to check into a hotel by a certain time. Instead, you can take the scenic route, stop for sunset at a viewpoint, or change your plans last minute without worrying about where you’ll sleep. This makes campervan vs car rental in Norway less about cost and more about the type of travel experience you want.
Better for Nature Experiences
Imagine waking up next to one of Norway’s most amazing fjords with the water right outside your window or sleeping under the Midnight Sun in the magical Lofoten Islands. Need we say more?!
Fantastic Camping Facilities Across Norway
Another reason to choose a campervan in Norway rather than a car is that the country is well set up for campers, so you can enjoy handy facilities and well-equipped campgrounds wherever your road trip takes you. While wild camping is always a great option, a comfortable campsite might come in handy when visiting more popular locations.
When a Car Rental Works Better
Of course, there are a few situations where a car might make more sense. For these types of road trips or vacations in Norway, a car might be the way to go:
- Short trips – If you’re only visiting Norway for a few days and plan to base yourself in one city or town, a car rental will be a simpler and easier option for you.
- Urban-based travel – In the cities of Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim, parking a campervan can be difficult. If you’re sticking mostly to urban areas, a car is definitely more convenient.
- Luxury-style travel – If your plan includes boutique hotels, spa resorts and exclusive guided tours, then a car will pair better with those experiences.
Costs Compared For Campervan vs Car Rental in Norway
To give you an idea of what the costs might look like for a campervan road trip and a car road trip in Norway, here’s how expenses might compare for a week-long trip:
Car Rental Costs in Norway
- Car rental: 700–950 NOK per day (65–90 USD) = 4,900–6,650 NOK per week (450–600 USD)
- Hotels: about 1,700 NOK per night (160 USD) = 11,900 NOK per week (1,100 USD)
- Meals out: around 330 NOK per meal (30 USD), twice daily for 2 people = about 7,700 NOK per week (710 USD)
Total ≈ 24,500–26,000 NOK (2,270–2,400 USD)
Campervan Rental Costs in Norway
- Campervan rental: 1,400–2,100 NOK per day (130–200 USD) = 9,800–14,700 NOK per week (920–1,380 USD)
- Campsites: about 1,100 NOK (100 USD)
- Groceries for cooking: around 3,300 NOK (310 USD)
Total ≈ 14,200–19,100 NOK (1,330–1,780 USD)
So, even though the daily rental price is higher, you might be surprised to learn that campervan travel often ends up cheaper overall.
Practical Tips for Renting a Campervan in Norway
If you’re planning to rent a campervan in Norway, here are our top travel tips to make sure you have the best trip possible:
- Book early – Campervans are in high demand in Norway during the warmer months, especially June to August.
- Choose the right size – A compact campervan is easier to drive on narrow roads, while larger motorhomes suit families. Take some time to consider what size campervan would suit you best and don’t be afraid to ask your rental company if you have any questions.
- Consider insurance – Roads can be steep and gravelly, so make sure you’re covered for tires and windscreen damage to enjoy a comfortable and stress-free vacation.
- Use campsites occasionally – While wild camping is allowed, designated campsites offer showers, laundry and facilities that make life easier every few days.
- Plan fuel stops – Remote regions may have fewer gas stations, so keep an eye on your tank, especially in northern Norway.
Enjoy Your Own Unforgettable Norway Road Trip Adventure!
In the end, the choice of campervan vs car rental in Norway depends on what kind of adventure you want. If your goal is comfort in cities and hotels, a car rental is perfectly fine. But if you’re seeking freedom, flexibility, cost savings, and true immersion in nature, renting a campervan in Norway is for sure the best way to go.
