Europe > Norway > Trondheim (TRD)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Trondheim can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Trondheim ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Trondheim ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Trondheim?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.📍 Getting Around Trondheim — the Reality
Trondheim is small to medium-sized by Scandinavian standards.
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The historic centre is compact
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Key sights cluster close together
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Distances are manageable on foot or by bike
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Traffic is light compared with larger Norwegian cities
For most city activities, a car adds little value.
🚶♂️ A Walkable, Student-Friendly City
Much of Trondheim works best on foot.
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Bakklandet and the old town are pedestrian-friendly
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The riverfront connects neighbourhoods naturally
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Cafés, museums, and shops sit close together
Walking is often faster than driving within the core.
🚲 Cycling and E-Bikes Make Hills Easy
Trondheim is known for embracing cycling despite its hills.
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Strong local cycling culture
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Widespread use of e-bikes
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Urban routes are short and direct
Cycling is practical rather than aspirational here.
🚌 Public Transport Covers the City Well
Public transport is reliable and easy to use.
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Frequent buses across the city and suburbs
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Good evening and weekend services
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Simple ticketing
For visitors, buses fill any gaps left by walking.
🚆 Strong Rail Connections
Trondheim functions as a regional rail hub.
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Frequent trains to Oslo
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Scenic long-distance rail routes
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Easy station access from the city centre
Arriving and departing by train is often easier than driving.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car only becomes useful if you’re heading beyond the city.
A car is helpful for:
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Exploring fjords and rural Trøndelag
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Coastal drives and mountain areas
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Visiting remote villages
- Driving further afield, for example on the Atlantic Road
Within Trondheim itself, it’s unnecessary.
⚠️ Downsides of Driving
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Limited central parking
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Winter conditions part of the year
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Little time advantage over buses or walking
Most visitors find a car sits unused.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Trondheim?
No for the city — yes for the wider region.
Trondheim’s walkability, buses, cycling culture, and rail connections make it easy to explore without a car. Renting only makes sense once you leave the city behind.
