The big question asked is where to store your bike case on arrival in Norway? I would usually advise flying out of the same city you arrived in if traveling with a bike case. Nevertheless here are several options that could help you.
If you are in a city and need to securely lock and store your bike or box for a short period, you should check out:
They have bike lockers all over the larger cities in Norway and are great to use while you wander around the city. They are not practical to use for more than 24 hours due to the costs involved.
In Oslo, there is a ‘bicycle hotel’ at the central station (Oslo S) which allows you to leave your bike there during the day (overnight is not allowed). You must download an app to get access, and a lock on your bike is recommended (CCTV cameras are in place).
Look for the bike sign for box/bag space on the regional trains.
On a city bus heading back to my hotel with two empty bike boxes collected from a sports shop.
Make sure you order the right size taxi
Bikes in boxes or cases can travel on Swedish trains.
“Bicycles are to be disassembled or folded and stored in a bicycle bag before embarking (maximum dimensions 140x85x30 cm, maximum weight 25 kg including both bicycle and bag). The bag must be placed on vacant floor space as instructed by the onboard staff. The bag must not protrude into the aisle or block doors.”
Tip from Eirik: To get around Sweden’s no bike rule, you could buy a lightweight bag that fits your bike in and is also easy to carry on you when cycling:
Arriving in Kirkenes Airport.
Unashamedly dragging your bike through Ålesund to the Airport Express Bus stop!
In Oslo if you book the right hotel the airport bus will turn up outside making it easy to get your bikes onboard (without any street dragging)!
This, for many cyclists, is perhaps the easiest and cheapest solution. Getting an old bike box before you travel shouldn’t be too difficult and if you pack your bike well you should expect no damage while in transit. Once you arrive in Norway you have two options.
Assemble a bike at the airport. Find a quiet corner and build up your bike and bag set up. Don’t forget to bring the tools required! You will need to dispose of the cardboard box. Speak to airport staff and try and find a solution. They usaully keep them for customers flying out. If no one will help you try and rip your box up into smaller pieces and dispose of it in airport bins if it’s possible.
Assemble your bike at your accommodation: Travel with your bike box on the airport train, bus, or taxi (see getting to Norway). If you take the Express bus (Flybus) it may stop at certain hotels in the city. If you arrive at the main train or bus station you could, if it’s close, unashamedly drag your bike box to your accommodation (I’ve done that before)! The other option is to take a large taxi (see photo). I usually don’t advise taking public transport in the city with a bike box but it’s been done before! You could also assemble your bike at the train or bus station but it’s perhaps better to do it at the airport.
If you want to keep your cardboard bike box for the return journey you could follow one of the options mentioned above but getting a new box for departure should not be difficult with a bit of planning.
Getting hold of a Cardboard Bike Box
Norwegians are passionate about the great outdoors and thus you will find sports/bike shops in most towns and several in the big cities. Some of the sports shops in cities are huge and not something you would expect for a small country of 5.5 million people.
Major Sports Shops in Norway
In the majority of towns and cities you will find these stores have a large bike section and asking for a spare bike box compatible with your bike should not be a problem. But be firm and persistent with any unhelpful shop attendant. Note in some towns like Bodø and Ålesund you will only find the large sports shops in the shopping malls on the outskirts of town. A local bus will take you there and back with you’re newly acquired bike box(s).
Tromsø in peak season!
Cycling in the north is becoming increasingly popular and Tromsø is the main airport to fly in or out of. Do not expect sports shops to reserve you a box. Going to the store and buying one directly is your best option. There should be enough bike boxes available but in peak season you may have to visit a few places before sourcing the right one. There may also be ones available at the airport (left over from arrivals) and worth contacting them.
If you’re planning on flying out of a small town I would call the local sport/bike shop a few days in advance and check they have a spare box and perhaps they can reserve it for you. Just make sure the box fits your bike. A mountain bike probably won’t fit in a road bike box.
How much is a box?
Sometimes, you’ll get one for free but I have paid 50kr and 100kr before. In Tromsø, they are charging up to 250kr for a box due to demand.
Tape, bubble wrap, packaging, etc
How long will all this take?
Sourcing a box and packaging, getting it back to your accommodation, dissembling your bike, packing, and taping will probably take half a day.
REMEMBER!
Shops in general will be CLOSED on SUNDAY. If you arrive in Oslo on Saturday evening and plan to fly out Monday morning you will not get a chance to pick up a box and pack in time. You will need to arrive earlier on Saturday and ensure you get to the shops before they close. You might not get a box at the first shop and require to visit other stores. Always give yourself plenty of time to cover unexpected situations.
Getting back to the Airport:
All airport buses and trains will allow bike boxes onboard. Moreover, larger taxis such as minivans will be available in every major town or city.
Remember: Book a taxi in advance especially if traveling early and ask for a set price. Uber is now available in Norway and may be your cheapest option.
Pick up a free Cardboard Box at Oslo Airport?
In the summer Gardermoen Airport has cardboard bike boxes left behind from arrivals. This is a great way to get your bike to the airport without dragging a heavy box through the streets of Oslo.
However, you are not guaranteed a box when you arrive at the airport. Julia from Canada went to the airport one day beforehand to check what was available. She discovered plenty which gave her peace of mind when returning the next day to catch her flight.
“For people flying out of Oslo there are leftover bike boxes already at the airport. Just ask the SAS info person to go back to the oversized baggage area before you check in. They are very helpful. They even have tape but better to bring your own as it’s pretty weak tape.” Julia Keenliside, Canada.
How to pack a cardboard bike box by GCN
If you’re planning a cycling adventure in Norway, you might be wondering about shipping your bike into the country — or getting it home again afterward. The truth is, Norway is not particularly cut out for bike shipping services in the way that more densely populated European countries are. Norway’s infrastructure for handling bicycles via courier is limited and often expensive. Most travelers will find they have to rely on international shipping companies rather than a local Norwegian service.
That said, with proper planning and the right courier, you can get your bike to and from Norway without too much hassle. Here’s what you need to know.
Bike Shipping Options
Website: bikeflights.com
BikeFlights is one of the most established bike shipping services globally. Based in the United States, they specialize in bike transportation and cater mainly to North American cyclists. They offer services to and from Europe, including Norway. However, because Norway is outside the EU, there may be additional customs paperwork and duties involved when your bike arrives.
Tip: Carefully measure and package your bike according to their guidelines to avoid extra charges. Always declare the value accurately for customs.
Website: posten.no/en
Posten, Norway’s national postal service, can ship large items within Norway — including bikes — but they aren’t geared toward international bike transport. If you are already in Norway and need to ship your bike somewhere else in the country (for example, to your hotel or to a cycling event), Posten is reliable but pricey.
Tip: Bikes must be packed in a box. You can often find suitable boxes at local bike shops if you need to pack your bike yourself.
Website: fedex.com
FedEx offers bike shipping globally and provides detailed instructions for packing and preparing a bike for shipment. They are a good option for people who want full tracking and insurance, but the price can be steep, especially for shipments to or from Norway. FedEx expects bikes to be fully boxed, and they have specific weight and size limits that must be respected.
Tip: Consider using their packing service if you’re unsure — a poorly packed bike can cost you later in damages.
Website: sendmybag.com/en-gb/bike-shipping/
Send My Bag started with luggage shipping but now offers bike transportation. It’s an affordable option for UK and European travelers sending bikes into Norway or back home. They handle customs fairly well, but you must clearly label the shipment as “personal sporting equipment” to avoid getting taxed like it’s a commercial import.
Tip: Bikes must be boxed and meet their dimensions and weight restrictions, so don’t overpack.
Website: shipbikes.com
ShipBikes is another U.S. based service similar to BikeFlights. They partner with FedEx for actual delivery but often at discounted rates. They are best suited for American cyclists traveling abroad, including to Norway. ShipBikes offers strong tracking systems and some flexibility in pickup and delivery dates.
Tip: Make sure you complete their shipping documents carefully — mistakes can cause customs delays in Norway.
Website: fedex.com
Best for: Premium, fast service.
Notes: Expensive but reliable. Full customs support. Strict size/weight regulations.
Website: ups.com
Best for: Worldwide shipping, including Norway.
Notes: You must pack your bike according to UPS standards (usually boxed with minimal movement inside). UPS offers clear customs brokerage services — helpful for Norway’s non-EU status.
Things You Need to Know Before Shipping a Bike to Norway
Customs Paperwork: Norway is not part of the European Union, which means customs declarations are mandatory. You’ll need to fill out export/import forms and may be subject to duties if paperwork isn’t clear. Always state that the bike is used personal sporting equipment and include a realistic value.
Packing Standards: Almost all courier companies require the bike to be disassembled (at minimum: wheels off, handlebars turned or removed, pedals removed) and packed in a bike-specific box or hard case.
Insurance: Always insure your bike for its full replacement value. International shipping carries risks — damaged or lost bikes are rare, but they do happen.
Timing: Allow extra time when shipping to or from Norway. While domestic services in Norway are efficient, international courier services can take longer due to customs processing.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points: Not all services offer door-to-door in rural parts of Norway. You may need to collect your bike from a local depot.
Price
This is very hard to say and can vary depending on the size of your box, pick-up/drop-off locations, and how closely you follow their packing instructions.
Expect to pay anything between €100-€450 one way.
If you try to “wing it,” expect extra fees at customs or delivery — no courier will make exceptions, especially not in Norway. The golden rule is always to get a custom quote before booking. And remember, you may find renting a bike a cheaper option for short trips.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your bike to Norway isn’t exactly seamless — but with major couriers and solid preparation, it’s manageable. The days of “easy” EU-to-Norway movement don’t apply here.
You must plan ahead, pack properly, and be willing to wrestle a little with paperwork.
For most travelers:
From the U.S. → Use BikeFlights, ShipBikes, or FedEx.
From the UK or Europe → Use Send My Bag, UPS, or DHL.
Inside Norway → Use Posten Norge or Bring.
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