A peak behind the numbers: How we travel during Christmas
In a recent survey among people in Oslo and Akershus, 2 out of 3 respondents say that public transportation makes it easier to participate in social events. The survey was conducted by Ipsos for Ruter in November 2025.
– It's great to see that so many travel by public transport in December. The fact that getting on a bus, tram, or subway makes it easier to socialize is a sign that we are relevant during a period which for many is about spending time with the people they care about, says Yvonne Waage, head of marketing communications at Ruter.
– At the same time, not everyone has someone to celebrate Christmas with. Then organizations like the Church City Mission, Red Cross or for example Alternative Christmas, can be good alternatives to get in touch with others, says Waage.
These are the things we love to travel to by public transport – and not
During the festive pre-Christmas period, 6 out of 10 people prefer to travel to the cozy Christmas markets using public transport. This is perhaps not so surprising, since many Christmas markets are centrally located in Oslo, but the markets at Bogstad Gård and Hadeland Glassverk are also easily accessible by public transportation.
Here you can get an overview of Christmas markets and how to get there.
In the survey, more than 7 out of 10 say they will travel by bus, tram, or subway when going to and from the Christmas party. But remember, it might be wise to check the night schedules before you take the last dance or your favorite song on karaoke. Check our travel advice further down in the article.
9 out of 10 say, however, that it is completely out of the question to bring the Christmas tree on the subway, bus, or tram.
– We are happy that people choose to travel with us, but also that they are considerate of their fellow passengers and do not take up unnecessary space, says Waage.
Numbers summarized: This is how we travel during Christmas
"Home for Christmas"
- 24% plan to use public transportation for travel during the Christmas celebration. (33% for residents of Oslo – 12% for Akershus)
- 58% plan to use a car to travel during the Christmas celebrations
- Of those residing in Akershus, 57% say they plan to travel on Christmas Eve itself to celebrate. Among the respondents living in Oslo, most say they travel a bit earlier for the Christmas celebration, around December 22-24.
Social during Christmas
- 67% believe that public transportation makes it easier to participate in social events in December. Public transportation brings people together!
- 71% report that public transportation is an option to use in connection with this year's Christmas party.
- 60% report that public transportation is an option for traveling to Christmas markets.
- 38% say that they find it pleasant to use public transport during the pre-Christmas season – which is far more than those who disagree with this. That's nice!
Christmas shopping
- 56% plan to use public transport for Christmas shopping
- On the opposite end, only 9% say that public transport is an option when buying a Christmas tree. Perhaps it's for the best!
Travel highs and lows in December
According to Ruter's own travel statistics for 2024, December was the month with both the most and the fewest number of travelers: The lowest number for the year was during the Christmas week, while certain days in the pre-Christmas period had the highest number of travelers. Friday, December 12th was the day with the most boardings throughout the year.
And finally – here are our tips for public transport during the busy holiday season:
- Do your Christmas shopping outside of rush hour if you can. Friday, December 12th was the day with the most travelers last year, while the period after Christmas had the fewest number of travelers that year.
- Being out at the last minute isn't always a bad thing: If you dare to postpone your Christmas shopping until the very last moment, there might be more space available on board.
- 36% of those we have asked say they get stressed from using a car to and from Christmas shopping. Take a deep breath, let the Christmas peace descend, and ride with us instead.
- Plan your trip with the Ruter app, as schedules vary on holidays.
- Make sure your ticket is active. It's better to spend money on Christmas presents than on a fine. Extra tip: You can enable auto-renewal of the 30-day ticket in the app, if there's a lot to remember.
- Enjoy the seating availability during the Christmas season. On the days between holidays, fewer people travel with us, so if you want to experience the city, visit friends and family, or exchange some dull Christmas gifts, these are the days to do it.
- Do you live around Hovinbyen? How about trying our service HENT this Christmas? Ruter picks you up and you share the ride with others going the same way. Trips with HENT can be booked from the Ruter app within a limited area.
- Please note that we will be operating "holiday schedules" from Christmas Eve through January 2, 2026. Read more here.
