Oslo’s Metro Upgrade Signals a New Era — And a Big Boost for Tourists

Published on December 3, 2025

Visitors to Norway’s capital can look forward to a smoother ride across the city, as the Oslo Metro has begun operating with a brand‑new digital signalling system. The upgrade uses Siemens Mobility’s advanced Communications‑Based Train Control (CBTC), now active on the first 3 km stretch of the network. The move marks a milestone — and promises to make exploring Oslo easier and more attractive for tourists.

This development comes under a major modernisation drive that spans the entire metro network. The project, valued at €270 million, replaces decades‑old signalling across the system’s 86 km of track and includes integration of the upcoming Fornebubanen extension with its new stations.

Faster Metro, Less Waiting: What Tourists Gain

With CBTC in place, the metro’s train‑per‑hour capacity jumps from 28 to 36 — roughly a 30% increase. This boost means shorter waits, less crowding, and more frequent service even during peak hours. For travellers juggling tight schedules, frequent connections or winter‑day light hours, this can make sightseeing far less stressful.

The system’s infrastructure even supports up to 40 trains per hour, offering potential for an over 40% capacity increase once fully deployed.

Wider Reach: New Areas Come Within Easy Metro Access

The overhaul isn’t just about speed. It includes the new Fornebubanen line — a metro extension which promises to connect more neighbourhoods and suburban zones to central Oslo. Once active, Fornebubanen will make it simpler for tourists to reach lesser‑known corners of the city, discover local life beyond tourist hotspots, or stay further away while still enjoying rapid access to the centre.

This kind of connectivity creates a real advantage. Improved public transport combined with tourism planning significantly raises a city’s appeal to visitors, boosting local economies and spreading visitors more evenly across different areas.

Green Travel and Smooth Journeys

Oslo aims to become the world’s first zero‑emission city, and the metro upgrade is integral to that goal. By offering an efficient and reliable alternative to private cars, the city encourages tourists — and residents — to choose public transport. For eco‑conscious travellers, this adds to Oslo’s appeal as a sustainable travel destination.

In addition, the CBTC system uses a public LTE mobile network for train‑control communications — the first such deployment in Europe. This modern signalling reduces delays and improves overall reliability, which translates into fewer unexpected disruptions for travellers.

What This Means for Your Oslo Trip

• You get more metro options and shorter waits — useful for hop‑on, hop‑off sightseeing.
• You can reach new neighbourhoods easily once the Fornebubanen extension opens — giving you a chance to explore beyond the usual tourist circuit.
• Travel becomes greener and smoother — a plus if you care about sustainable tourism.
• Dependable metro service helps you plan better around attractions, events or transfers.

Cities around the world show that well‑planned transport boosts tourism, injects vitality into local economies, and spreads visitor load across regions.

Oslo Metro’s Upgrade — A Welcome Sign for Visitors

For someone landing in Oslo for sightseeing, hotel bookings or a quick city break, the upgraded metro system is a clear advantage. What once might have involved uncertain waits or limited connectivity now feels like a reliable network ready to carry you across the city. With faster trains, broader reach, and greener credentials, Oslo looks more inviting than ever.

Frequent metro rides — from museums to fjords, from historic zones to modern neighbourhoods — now come with comfort, convenience and dependability. For tourists, Oslo’s digital‑era metro arrives not just as infrastructure, but as a travel companion.