Visiting Oslo with a suitcase in tow is doable, but it’s a lot more fun with free hands. Whether you’ve arrived too early to check in, you’re between hotels, or you only have a few hours before your train or flight, luggage storage in Oslo is straightforward once you know where to look. As a local, I’ve used just about every option over the years while meeting visiting friends at Oslo S, catching the airport train, or squeezing in a museum stop before dinner.
If you’re in a hurry: you’ll find secure lockers at major transport hubs like Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), the bus terminal, and select metro stations. Many hotels will hold bags for guests, and app-based luggage storage networks let you drop bags at vetted cafés and shops across the city. Museums offer cloakrooms for visitors during your visit, but generally not full-day suitcase storage. For airport time, Oslo Airport (OSL) has on-site options, though opening hours can vary by season.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the best places and smart tactics for storing your luggage in Oslo.
Lockers at Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)
Oslo S is the heart of city travel and the handiest place to unload a bag. The locker areas are well signposted and easy to find from the main concourse. Payment is card-based, with instructions in English. Sizes typically accommodate everything from daypacks to large suitcases. If you’re planning to visit the Opera House, MUNCH Museum, or stroll the waterfront at Bjørvika, leaving your bag here keeps you light on your feet.
A few practical notes from regular use: you’ll get a receipt or a digital code for reopening the locker; keep it somewhere safe and accessible. Storage durations vary and usually allow several hours to a couple of days. If you run late returning, there’s typically a grace process but expect additional charges.
Oslo Bus Terminal and Nationaltheatret Station
If your bus arrives at Oslo Bus Terminal (next to the Barcode district) or you’re switching to an intercity coach, the terminal’s locker area is a quiet alternative to Oslo S. It’s especially convenient if you plan to wander Grønland, walk the Akerselva river path, or grab a bite in the food courts nearby.
Over on the western side of the city center, Nationaltheatret Station sits close to the Royal Palace, Aker Brygge, and the ferry piers. Lockers here are a smart pick if you’re heading for a fjord cruise from Rådhusbrygge or an evening meal at the waterfront. As with Oslo S, card payment is the norm, and signage is clear.
App-Based Luggage Storage in Neighborhood Shops
Oslo has embraced app-based luggage storage networks that partner with cafés, boutiques, and convenience stores. The big advantage is location: you’ll find drop points in Grünerløkka, Frogner, Majorstuen, Vulkan/Mathallen, and near Aker Brygge, so you can stash your bag right where you plan to explore. Booking typically takes a few taps, you pay by the hour or day, and you’ll get a QR code or reservation number to show on arrival.
What I tell visiting friends: choose a spot that sits naturally along your day’s route, and check opening hours carefully so you’re not racing back after closing. These locations are attended by staff, and bags are kept in a set-aside area; if you prefer a closed locker, use a station facility instead.
Museums and Attractions: Cloakrooms for Visitors
Oslo’s major museums are well equipped with cloakrooms, and some have locker walls for backpacks and small bags. Places like the National Museum, MUNCH, Vigeland Museum, Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki are welcoming, but keep in mind the purpose is to store your belongings during your visit only. Suitcases can be too large for many museum lockers, and staff will often direct you to station lockers if you arrive with big luggage.
A friendly local tip: backpacks are often required to be worn on the front or stowed to protect art and exhibits, so plan on using those lockers anyway for comfort. If you want to spend the day hopping multiple museums on Bygdøy, consider a city locker at the start and travel light on the ferry.
Hotels: Stow Before Check-In and After Check-Out
Most hotels in Oslo are used to early arrivals and late flights. If you’re a guest, you can usually leave your luggage before check-in and after check-out at no extra cost. This is the simplest solution for many travelers. If you’re not staying at a given hotel, some places may still help for a small fee, but it’s not guaranteed. It never hurts to ask politely.
If you’re in an apartment rental, message your host in advance. Many hosts are flexible if cleaning schedules allow, and a one-hour shift of luggage time can save your day.
Oslo Airport (OSL) Options and Timing
If you’re headed straight to the airport later, consider storing at or near Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) so you’re not backtracking. Airport storage services are designed for short stops, ski bags, and oversized items, though availability and hours can change seasonally. The airport train (Flytoget) and the regular Vy trains run frequently from Oslo S and Nationaltheatret, so you can time a last walk by the fjord and still make your flight comfortably.
A small scheduling nudge: Oslo’s trains are reliable, but platforms at Oslo S can be busy. Build in 10 to 15 extra minutes to retrieve luggage and find your track without stress.
How Much It Costs and How to Pay
Pricing does move around, but expect a card-only system almost everywhere. Station lockers typically charge by size and time, and app-based spots price by the hour with a daily cap. Museums are usually free for small lockers during your visit, and hotels won’t charge their own guests.
If you’re comparing options, think in terms of convenience over small price differences. Saving a few kroner rarely beats the time you’ll lose crossing town to fetch a bag.
What to Keep on You
Oslo is safe, and locals leave strollers and jackets unattended all the time. Still, it’s smart to keep essentials close. I recommend carrying passport, medications, valuables, and a phone charger. If you’re the cautious type, add a small luggage lock and consider a Bluetooth or AirTag-style tracker in your suitcase. You won’t need much cash; cards and mobile pay are the norm in Norway, even for tiny purchases.
Accessibility, Opening Hours, and Practical Snags
Most central facilities are accessible, with elevators and step-free routes. That said, locker bays can sit down a short corridor or on a mezzanine, so if mobility is a concern, ask station staff for the smoothest path. When using shop-based storage, double-check the closing hour, especially on Sundays and public holidays when opening times are shorter. If you’re traveling with skis or unusually large gear, check size limits in advance; Oslo’s systems can handle big items, but not everywhere.
One more thing we learn the hard way: screenshots of codes and receipts. Take one the moment you pay. If your battery dies, that screenshot can be a day-saver.
Best Neighborhoods to Explore Bag-Free
If you’re storing at Oslo S or the bus terminal, walk the Opera House roof, peek into the Deichman Main Library, and wander the Bjørvika waterfront. With lockers at Nationaltheatret, it’s easy to stroll Karl Johans gate, the Royal Palace gardens, and Aker Brygge. Using an app-based spot in Grünerløkka puts you right by coffee bars, vintage shops, and the Akerselva river. From Majorstuen, you can hit Frogner Park and the full Vigeland Sculpture Park loop on foot.
If your plan is a Bygdøy museum afternoon (Fram, Kon-Tiki, Norwegian Maritime Museum), I’d store centrally and ride the ferry over light. Ferry decks are breezy, and you’ll enjoy it more without a roller suitcase knocking your ankles.
Step-by-Step: Using a Station Locker
- Find the locker wall via signage at Oslo S, the bus terminal, or Nationaltheatret.
- Choose your locker size with your bag in hand to be sure of fit.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, pay with card, and note your code.
- Stow the bag, check the door is fully latched, and photograph the receipt/code.
- On return, enter the code, settle any extra time, and you’re out in under a minute.
If something misbehaves, there’s usually a help button or a service point nearby. Norwegians answer in English without blinking; you’ll be fine.
Smart Timing for Trains, Trams, and Ferries
Oslo’s public transport runs on a simple zone system, and luggage doesn’t need a separate ticket. Avoid the tightest rush periods if you have a big suitcase, especially on trams. If you’re crossing town to fetch your bag before a flight, factor in the 10-minute swing that comes from a crowded platform or a missed pedestrian crossing. It’s a small city, but the last 300 meters always take longer when you’re tired.
When Storage Isn’t Ideal
There are moments when lockers and café drop-offs aren’t the right fit. If you’re arriving for just two or three hours and want a quick coffee and a stroll, consider keeping a small backpack and skipping formal storage altogether. Oslo’s center is compact; you can walk Opera House to Aker Brygge in 20–25 minutes. For anything larger than a daypack, though, storing is worth it so you can enjoy the city’s car-free streets the way they’re meant to be experienced.
Final Local Advice
If you remember only a few things: use station lockers for simplicity, book a neighborhood drop point when your plans center on one area, and leverage hotel storage if you’re a guest. Keep your essentials on you, screenshot your codes, and give yourself a little buffer time getting back. Oslo rewards unhurried days. Free your hands, and the city opens up.