Sandefjord Airport Torp is the handy low-cost gateway to Norway’s south-east, serving Oslo, Vestfold, Telemark, and parts of Viken and Innlandet. If you are flying in on a weekend break or beginning a longer Norwegian itinerary, you will find that connections from Torp are straightforward once you know the options. Trains link the airport with Tønsberg, Drammen, Oslo, Porsgrunn, and Skien, while express buses fill the gaps to places not directly on the railway. Renting a car is also simple, and the E18 highway makes driving efficient along the coast.
In short: the easiest routes from Torp are by train via the Torp railway stop for Oslo, Drammen, Tønsberg, Larvik, Porsgrunn, and Skien, and by express bus where the train is less direct, such as to Moss, Fredrikstad, and Sarpsborg. Local buses cover shorter hops to Sandefjord and Horten. Taxis are available but expensive by most visitors’ standards. If you plan your arrival to match either a train or an express bus, you will save both time and money.
Let’s take a deeper dive into how to travel from Sandefjord Airport Torp to the major cities in south-eastern Norway, with the practical tips I give visiting friends and family.
Understanding Torp’s Layout And Connection Basics
Torp is a compact airport. After you pick up your luggage, you walk straight out to the forecourt where buses, the airport shuttle to the railway, and taxis depart. The Torp railway stop is not at the terminal. Instead, there is a short, frequent shuttle bus that connects the terminal to the station in a few minutes. Tickets for the train include this shuttle, which is why I usually recommend the train if your destination is on the Vestfold or Grenland lines.
If you are renting a car, all the major brands are on site. Driving in this part of Norway is easy, especially along the E18 corridor, but parking in the bigger cities can be pricey. For public transport payments, most travelers use contactless card or a mobile app, and you can buy train tickets on your phone without hassle. Wi-Fi in the terminal is free, which helps if you need to download an app on arrival.
Getting From Torp To Oslo
Fastest simple option: Airport express bus or the train via Drammen.
Most comfortable for first-timers: Train.
From the terminal, hop on the shuttle to the Torp station and board any northbound train toward Drammen and Oslo. You will pass coastal towns like Tønsberg and Holmestrand before joining the main line to Oslo. Travel time into Oslo Central Station varies with connections but is typically around two hours, give or take. Seats are comfortable, and there is usually a small café section on longer services.
There is also an express bus that runs directly to Oslo bus terminal. I take the bus when I land late and the next train is quite a wait. On paper the bus and the train can be similar in time, but traffic into Oslo at rush hours can add uncertainty. If you are heading straight to hotels near Karl Johans gate or the Opera House, both Oslo S and the bus terminal put you within easy walking distance or a quick tram ride.
Local tip: If your Oslo accommodation is west of the center, consider changing at Nationaltheatret rather than Oslo S. It is the next stop and saves you a backtrack.
Getting From Torp To Drammen
Best option: Train via the Torp station shuttle.
Drammen sits at the point where coastal trains from Vestfold connect with the main line toward Oslo and Kongsberg. From Torp, you take the shuttle to the station and ride northbound to Drammen. Trains are frequent throughout the day. The station is central, right by the river, which makes arrival convenient if you are staying downtown. If you have a lot of luggage, Drammen taxis are usually lined up outside the station.
Driving note: Torp to Drammen on the E18 is an easy, mostly dual carriageway trip. If you are arriving during weekday late afternoon, build in a little buffer for traffic near Drammen.
Getting From Torp To Tønsberg
Easiest of the lot: Train every direction.
Tønsberg is one of Norway’s oldest towns and a lovely overnight if you have an early flight home. From Torp, the shuttle takes you to the station and the train northbound to Tønsberg is quick. You can also use local buses from the airport forecourt if your hotel is on the edge of town, but the train remains the most reliable.
Local tip: If you are visiting Tønsberg’s harbor area, the walk from the station is flat and pleasant. In summer, I usually skip a taxi and stroll.
Getting From Torp To Sandefjord City Center
Shortest hop: Local bus or taxi.
Despite the airport name, Torp is outside the center of Sandefjord. From the terminal, local buses run to Sandefjord station and downtown. This is the cheapest way. If you are two or more with luggage, a taxi can be worth it for the door-to-door convenience, especially late at night. If you plan to continue by train elsewhere after a night in Sandefjord, aim for accommodation within walking distance of the station.
Getting From Torp To Larvik
Best option: Train southbound.
For Larvik, take the shuttle to the station and board a southbound train. The ride is short and scenic along parts of the coast. Larvik’s station is close to the center and ferry connections if you are moving on to Denmark. If your hotel is out by the beaches, buses leave from outside the station and from the central terminal.
Driving note: The E18 south from Torp to Larvik is quick, usually under 30 minutes in normal traffic.
Getting From Torp To Porsgrunn And Skien
Reliable route: Train southbound to Porsgrunn and Skien.
These Grenland cities sit at the end of the line from Vestfold. From Torp’s station, stay on the southbound train past Larvik. Porsgrunn comes first, Skien second. Trains are the cleanest solution, especially if you are new to Norway and do not want to worry about bus transfers. If your accommodation is in a residential area of Skien, local buses fan out from the station and are easy to use with a contactless card.
Local tip: If you are landing late and just need a bed before pushing farther into Telemark the next morning, Porsgrunn often has better last-minute availability than Skien.
Getting From Torp To Horten
Practical combo: Train to Tønsberg then local bus to Horten.
There is no railway into Horten. The simplest public transport route is to take the train from Torp to Tønsberg, then a local bus over to Horten across the canal. Travel time is reasonable and the transfer in Tønsberg is straightforward. If you are carrying surfboards for the local spots north of town, renting a car at Torp can be worth it, since board-friendly buses are not guaranteed at busy times.
Driving note: The E18 to the Horten turnoff is straightforward. Parking in Horten center is usually easier than in Oslo or Drammen.
Getting From Torp To Moss
Two good choices: Express bus direct, or train to Drammen and onward by train or bus.
Moss is on the east side of the Oslofjord and is not on the same coastal railway that serves Torp. When friends fly into Torp for Moss, I usually point them to the express bus options that handle the fjord crossing routes. Alternatively, take the train north to Drammen, then continue by train or bus toward Moss. The bus tends to be simpler with luggage because you avoid multiple platform changes.
Local tip: If you are continuing from Moss to the islands or staying out toward Jeløya, check whether your bus goes beyond the center. It can save an extra transfer.
Getting From Torp To Fredrikstad And Sarpsborg
Most direct for most travelers: Express bus across the fjord corridor.
Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg, the twin cities in Østfold, sit on the eastern side of the fjord. The express bus is normally the best public transport from Torp, avoiding long rail detours. If you prefer trains, you would head north to Drammen and then back south-east toward Østfold, which adds time and changes. If your hotel is in Gamlebyen in Fredrikstad, the city’s local ferries and buses connect nicely from the bus terminal.
Driving note: With a rental car, Torp to Fredrikstad or Sarpsborg is simple via E18 and the ring roads. Expect heavier traffic near Oslo on weekday afternoons.
Getting From Torp To Kongsberg
Smoothest path: Train to Drammen, change to Kongsberg.
Kongsberg sits inland on the line west from Drammen. From Torp, take the train to Drammen and change for Kongsberg. The interchange at Drammen is well signposted, but give yourself a few minutes to find the correct platform if you are new to the station. If you are headed up into the forests or ski tracks above town, a car becomes very practical, especially in winter.
Local winter note: If snow is forecast and you plan to drive, ask the rental desk about winter tires and road conditions. Norway equips cars seasonally, but it is always fair to double check.
Getting From Torp To Notodden
Two workable options: Train to Kongsberg then bus to Notodden, or rental car.
Notodden does not sit directly on the main rail lines from Torp. The classic public transport route is train from Torp to Drammen, train to Kongsberg, then a regional bus to Notodden. This is reliable, though the bus segment means paying attention to schedules. If you are visiting for festivals or heading into the Telemark hills, a rental car can make your timing much more flexible.
Night Arrivals, Early Flights, And Missed Connections
Torp works well for late landings, but if your flight is delayed and you just miss a train or the last express bus, you have choices:
- Stay in Tønsberg or Sandefjord for the night. Both are close and have a range of hotels. In my experience, this is less stressful than chasing a tight connection after midnight.
- Taxi to the nearest rail hub if the next train is a long wait. A short taxi to Sandefjord station or a hotel near Tønsberg station can set you up for an easy start the next morning.
- If you rented a car, make sure your reservation covers late pickup. The desks usually match flight schedules, but it is worth confirming if you are landing just before closing time.
Tickets, Apps, And Payment Tips
Norwegian public transport is integrated and user friendly. A few pointers to keep things smooth:
- Train tickets can be bought at ticket machines, online, or in the official rail app. Tickets to or from Torp station include the airport shuttle. Keep an eye on platform screens, which switch to English.
- Express buses sell tickets online and on board. Buying in advance sometimes secures a seat on popular departures.
- Local buses in Vestfold and Telemark accept contactless cards when you board. If you are staying for a week and moving around by bus, a regional travelcard can be worth a look.
- Children and seniors often receive discounted fares. If you are traveling as a family, check the family or weekend offers in the apps before you board.
- Validation culture is relaxed but real. Inspectors do board trains and buses. Keep your digital ticket handy.
Renting A Car At Torp
If you are visiting small coastal towns, trailheads, or cabins, renting a car at Torp is a good call. The counter staff are used to international arrivals and speak English. A few practical notes from years of driving in this area:
- E18 is your friend. It runs north to Drammen and Oslo and south to Larvik and Porsgrunn.
- Speed limits are strictly enforced. Cameras are common.
- Parking apps are widely used in cities. Downloading one at the airport can save you juggling coins later.
- In winter, expect good road clearing, but allow extra time in snow or ice and brake gently.
- Ferries and tolls can pop up on longer drives. Rental companies typically bill tolls automatically after your trip.
Luggage, Sports Gear, And Accessibility
Torp is used by skiers and surfers alike. If you are carrying bulky items:
- Trains generally have space for skis and large suitcases, but avoid the tightest commuter departures if you can.
- Express buses stow larger items underneath. Arrive a few minutes early to give the driver time to load.
- Wheelchair users should look for low-floor buses and consult the train’s accessibility info in the app. Stations like Drammen and Oslo S have elevators and staff who can assist.
Choosing Between Train, Bus, And Car
Here’s the quick decision logic I offer guests:
- If your destination is on the Vestfold or Grenland rail line like Tønsberg, Larvik, Porsgrunn, or Skien, take the train.
- If you are heading to Oslo or Drammen, the train is usually best, with the bus as a good backup if it departs sooner.
- For Østfold cities like Moss, Fredrikstad, and Sarpsborg, the express bus tends to be simpler.
- If you are visiting rural Telemark or juggling multiple small towns, rent a car for flexibility.
Travel from Sandefjord Airport Torp is kinder than it looks on the map. With one short shuttle to the station and a clear idea of whether train or bus suits your route, you will be moving through south-eastern Norway with very little friction. And if your plans shift, Norwegians are used to travelers asking for help at stations and on platforms. A quick question gets you pointed in the right direction, every time.