Rent A Car In Trondheim For Great Value And Total Freedom

Compare competitive prices, choose airport or city pickup, and use our practical UK-focused guide to drive Trondheim and Trøndelag with confidence.

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UK Traveller Essentials

Trondheim Car Hire Guide: Locations, Pros & Cons, And Local Driving Tips

Hiring a car in Trondheim is one of the easiest ways to explore beyond the city—think fjords, coastal roads, and mountain scenery in Trøndelag—without relying on timetables. For UK travellers, driving is straightforward: Norway drives on the right and most cars are automatic-friendly, but expect higher fuel prices, strict speed enforcement, and seasonal requirements such as winter tyres. If you will mostly stay central, Trondheim’s public transport and walkability can be enough; a car becomes most worthwhile for day trips (e.g., the coast, rural cabins, or ski areas), travelling with family, or carrying luggage. Booking ahead typically gives better choice and value, especially in peak summer and winter holiday periods.

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Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD) – Arrivals Car Hire Desks

The main rental desks are typically located in or near the arrivals area. Follow signs for “Car Rental/Bilutleie”, collect your keys and rental agreement, then proceed to the signed parking area. Best for immediate onward travel, late arrivals, and wider vehicle availability (including winter-equipped cars). Downsides can include higher airport surcharges and busier collection queues at peak times.

Trondheim Central Station (Trondheim S) / City Centre

Convenient if you arrive by train or prefer to settle in before collecting a car. Pros: easier for short rentals, often avoids airport pickup timing stress, and can suit travellers staying centrally. Cons: limited opening hours, fewer vehicle classes (especially automatics and larger SUVs), and city driving/one-way streets can feel tight; parking in central Trondheim can be expensive or restricted.

Solsiden & Inner Harbour Area

A popular central area with hotels, restaurants, and access to the ring roads. Pros: handy for visitors staying near the waterfront and good for weekend hires. Cons: traffic can build at peak times, and nearby parking can be limited; check whether your accommodation provides a space before choosing a downtown pickup.

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Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup (TRD)

City Centre Pickup

Fastest Start For Road Trips From Trondheim Airport

Picking up at Trondheim Airport Værnes is ideal if you are heading straight to Trøndelag’s countryside or continuing on the E6. You will usually find longer opening hours, broader vehicle choice (including winter-ready cars), and straightforward access to main roads. The trade-off can be slightly higher prices due to airport fees and busier counters during peak arrival waves—booking ahead helps secure better rates.

Fjord ExplorerSUV

Trondheim Airport (TRD) Car Hire Reviews from Real Travellers

Compare honest, verified ratings for every car hire provider at Trondheim Airport (TRD) — covering service, vehicle condition and overall value for money.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.1 250+ reviews	$142	In terminal, Walk to counter	$214	●App-controlled keyless car rental ●No queues or paperwork needed ●Clean vehicles at fair prices
	2.9 2 reviews	$161	In terminal, Walk to counter	$1,083 - $2,219	●Fast efficient service ●Competitive pricing ●Straightforward rental process
	2.5 13 reviews	$170	In terminal, Walk to counter	$1,070 - $2,288	●Friendly and competent staff ●Smooth and efficient rental process ●Good cars at acceptable prices
	2.5 25 reviews	$182	In terminal, Walk to counter	$1,793 - $2,389	●Friendly staff excellent service ●Quality vehicles great condition ●Easy pickup drop-off process
	2.1 180+ reviews	$214	In terminal, Walk to counter	$535 - $2,578	●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Friendly and helpful staff ●Smooth pickup and return process
	1.6 11 reviews	$153	Walk to counter	$405 - $1,514	●Helpful phone service ●Nice cars available ●Smooth pickup process
	1.2 350+ reviews	$194	0.4 mi from Trondheim Downtown	$300 - $5,000	●Clean vehicles provided ●Self-service return option ●Helpful knowledgeable staff
	1.2 5700+ reviews	$142	In terminal, Walk to counter	$405 - $1,412	●Easy online booking ●Clean well-maintained vehicles ●Professional courteous staff

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 14 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

First-Timer's Guide to Fuelling a Rental Car in Norway

A comprehensive guide for first-time visitors on how to refuel a rental car in Norway, covering fuel types, payment methods, and tips for a smooth experience.

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Trondheim Car Hire Insurance Guide — Avoid High Excess and Hidden Fees

Essential guide to car hire insurance in Trondheim: why standard CDW often leaves you liable for huge excesses (up to ~30,000 NOK), the pros and cons of rental-company 'super cover' versus third-party reimbursement policies, and a step-by-step action plan (inspect the vehicle, check your credit-card limit, document everything) to protect your holiday from costly surprises.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Trondheim Airport (TRD) hosts 6 major operators including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise. Airport pickups dominate due to convenience and widest vehicle selection, accounting for majority of rentals. Oslo leads Norway searches at 37%, Bergen 24%, with Trondheim among top 6 cities."

Booking Patterns

"Small/economy cars dominate at 43% cheaper than other types (avg $63/day). SUV/4x4 demand surging for F-roads and winter. August peaks 33% above average ($131/day) while April offers best value ($81/day). Weekly rentals avg $753. Advance booking 7 days yields below-average prices."

Customer Pain Points

"CDW not always included for US/Canadian travellers, with deposits €600-1000 blocked. Insurance confusion affects 30-40% of renters industry-wide. Hidden fees (airport surcharges, one-way €200-300) and winter tyre requirements (Nov 1-mid-April) are top pain points."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Avinor Airport Authority - Trondheim Airport
KAYAK Norway Car Rentals Market Data
KAYAK Norway Car Rental Booking Insights
Road is Calling - Renting a Car in Norway Guide
Road is Calling - Car Rental Insurance Norway
KAYAK Norway Car Rentals

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Trondheim

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Trondheim

TrondheimBergen

From

$274.00

Popular Driving Routes & Trips From Trondheim

Top Self-Drive Routes:

The Golden Detour & Inderøy Food Route (Trondheim–Inderøy–Trondheim)

Scenic countryside & local food loop2 hr 30 min–3 hr 30 min driving (half day to full day with stops)

A relaxed loop north-east of Trondheim through Trøndelag’s farmland and fjord-edge villages, best known for the Inderøy ‘Golden Detour’ producers. Expect short, easy drives, good roads, and plenty of cafés, farm shops and viewpoints along the Trondheimsfjord.

Stiklestad National Culture Centre (Verdal area), Straumen (Inderøy centre), Inderøy Brenneri, Kjerringvik Mountain Viewpoint (Inderøy), Frosta Peninsula viewpoints

Atlantic Road Day Trip via Kristiansund (Trondheim–Kristiansund–Atlanterhavsveien)

Coastal scenic drive6 hr–8 hr driving return (full day)

A longer but rewarding day out to Norway’s iconic ocean-hugging bridges. Drive west to Kristiansund, then continue to the Atlantic Road for dramatic seascapes, wind, and photo stops—best in clear weather or big-swell conditions (with care).

Kristiansund harbourfront, Kvernes Stave Church (Averøy), Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road), Storseisundet Bridge viewpoint, Håholmen (viewpoint/area)

Trollheimen Gateway: Oppdal & Inner Valleys (Trondheim–Oppdal–Gjevilvatnet)

Mountain & hiking access route4 hr–5 hr driving return (full day; longer with hikes)

Head south along the E6 to the mountain town of Oppdal for a taste of alpine Norway. Continue into the valleys towards lake Gjevilvatnet for beaches, short hikes, and classic mountain scenery—excellent in summer and early autumn.

Oppdal town centre, Vang church (Oppdal), Gjevilvatnet, Trollheimen trailheads (near Gjevilvasshytta area), Drivdalen viewpoints

Easy Trips By Car (2–8 Hours):

Trondheim to Stjørdal & Hell (quick local outing)

1 hr–2 hr return driving

A short trip east for an easy change of scene. Stop by the village of Hell for a quick photo, then enjoy riverside walks and local cafés around Stjørdal.

Munkholmen & Coastal Trondheim Viewpoints (city + near-coast loop)

2 hr–4 hr total (short driving plus stops)

Combine a compact drive to the city’s best viewpoints with waterfront strolls. Ideal if you want something flexible without committing to a long day on the road.

Røros UNESCO Heritage Town (day trip)

5 hr–6 hr driving return (full day)

A classic Trondheim day trip to Norway’s best-preserved mining town. Wander wooden streets, visit museums, and stock up on local goods—especially atmospheric in winter.

Hitra & Frøya Coastal Drive (islands and fishing villages)

6 hr–7 hr driving return (full day)

Drive west to Trøndelag’s island coast for windswept seascapes, bridges, and seafood stops. Great for photographers and anyone wanting a ‘big sky’ coastal feel.

Car Hire Planning Tips For Trondheim

Check licence and age rules early: Most companies require a valid full driving licence; some apply surcharges or restrictions for younger drivers. Confirm requirements before you book so you are not forced into an upgrade at the counter.

Plan for seasonal driving conditions: Winter driving around Trøndelag can mean snow, ice and limited daylight. Choose a car with proper winter tyres (standard in season) and allow extra time on mountain and coastal roads.

Fuel up before remote stretches: Petrol stations are common on main roads but can be sparse in rural areas and on islands. Top up before heading towards mountain valleys or long coastal sections.

Watch for tolls and parking rules: Norway uses automatic tolling in many areas, and city parking is strictly regulated. Ask how toll charges are handled on your rental agreement and use official parking apps or machines where available.

Understand insurance and excess in plain terms: Compare the excess (deductible), what windscreen/tyre damage covers, and whether roadside assistance is included. The cheapest daily price is not always the best value if the excess is high.

Download offline maps and keep a charging cable: Mobile coverage is generally good, but it can drop in valleys and on exposed coastal stretches. Offline maps plus a reliable phone mount and cable make navigation far less stressful.

Build in buffer time for photo stops and weather: Scenic drives invite frequent stops, and coastal weather can change quickly. Start earlier than you think, especially for longer day trips like the Atlantic Road or Hitra/Frøya.

Drive into Norway's Stunning Fjordland

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Trondheim and beyond with essential driving tips, costs, and regulations for your Norwegian adventure

LANGUAGES

Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk

CURRENCY

NOK

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+47

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$85 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-100 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.02% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.29/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.48/L - $2.79/L

Trondheim Car Hire FAQs for UK Travellers

Driving licences, toll roads, winter tyres and other essentials before hiring a car in Trondheim

Can I drive in Trondheim with just my UK photocard licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, your UK photocard driving licence is accepted for tourist driving in Norway for up to three months - no IDP is required after Brexit. Carry your passport as photo ID, and ensure you have held the licence for at least one year. Most rental firms in Trondheim require a minimum age of 19-21, so check the small print before booking. If your licence was issued before 1998 or has non-Latin characters, request an IDP from the DVLA before travel - it costs just £5.50 and takes minutes. Always carry both licence and passport while driving; police spot-checks on the E6 are routine.

How do Trondheim's toll roads and AutoPASS work, and will I get a surprise bill after returning the car?

Most Trondheim hire cars come fitted with an AutoPASS transponder, which logs every toll and city charge automatically. You will receive a single invoice 1-2 weeks after returning the car, plus a daily admin fee of around NOK 75-150. Expect NOK 15-35 per ordinary pass and roughly NOK 45-60 each way on the E6 into the city. There is no cash option at most booths - use only lanes marked 'AutoPASS'. If you would rather not pay the admin fee, decline the tag and pay tolls manually online within 14 days, though this is fiddly on a short trip.

What happens if I hit snow or black ice on the E6 in November - is a 4x4 essential?

Winter tyres (studded or non-studded) are legally required between 1 November and the first Monday after Easter, and virtually every hire car in Trondheim already has them fitted - just confirm at the desk. For snowy spells of -5 to -20°C, a front-wheel-drive estate or compact SUV is more than adequate; a 4x4 is helpful but rarely essential. Pack a torch, warm layers, a phone charger, water and a small shovel in the boot. Do not overtake gritters (it is illegal) and keep at least four car lengths of gap on icy stretches. Minor rural roads can be tricky, but the E6 is well-gritted and reliable.

I am 23 - how much extra will a 'young driver surcharge' actually add to my Trondheim hire?

Plan for a daily surcharge of NOK 100-250 (about £8-£20) if you are under 25. The minimum age is 19-20 with most major firms, though premium brands such as Sixt and Hertz insist on 21. At 23 you are unlikely to be refused outright, but bring a credit card in your own name - debit cards are routinely declined. The surcharge applies to every day of the hire, so a week could add £140-£280 to the bill. A few Norwegian firms cap the total, so check the terms and conditions carefully before paying.

Is it worth hiring an electric car in Trondheim given the cold, and where do I charge it?

Trondheim is well covered with fast chargers (150 kW+) at shopping centres and along the E6, so range anxiety is rarely a problem. Cold snaps can cut EV range by 20-30% - a Tesla Model 3 does 350-400 km in January rather than 500 km. Diesel and petrol cost roughly NOK 22-24 per litre (about £1.65), so an EV can halve fuel costs on a week-long trip. Fast charging is around 4-6 NOK/kWh, and most EVs come with a Type 2 cable and CCS plug. Book early in winter, when battery EVs are in high demand.

How strict are Norwegian drink-drive limits and speed cameras - what fines should I really worry about?

Norway's drink-drive limit is 0.02% BAC - effectively one pint - and penalties start at a month's gross salary (often NOK 8,000-15,000), rising to a ban and possible prison. Speed cameras are widespread, mobile vans frequent, and fines scale steeply: doing 100 km/h in an 80 zone can cost NOK 10,000-plus and licence confiscation. Urban Trondheim is 50 km/h, rural 80 km/h, motorway 90-110 km/h. Dipped headlights are compulsory 24/7, even in summer. Use Waze or the Statens Vegvesen app for live camera alerts - far more reliable than guessing.

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Rent A Car In Trondheim For Great Value And Total Freedom

Drive Trondheim: Smart Rental Choices for Every Road

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Fastest Start For Road Trips From Trondheim Airport

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Trondheim Airport (TRD) Car Hire Reviews from Real Travellers

Car Rental Expert Advice

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Booking Volume

Review Quality

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

Booking Patterns

Customer Pain Points

Data Sources

One-way rental routes starting from Trondheim

Popular Driving Routes & Trips From Trondheim

Top Self-Drive Routes:

The Golden Detour & Inderøy Food Route (Trondheim–Inderøy–Trondheim)

Atlantic Road Day Trip via Kristiansund (Trondheim–Kristiansund–Atlanterhavsveien)

Trollheimen Gateway: Oppdal & Inner Valleys (Trondheim–Oppdal–Gjevilvatnet)

Easy Trips By Car (2–8 Hours):

Trondheim to Stjørdal & Hell (quick local outing)

Munkholmen & Coastal Trondheim Viewpoints (city + near-coast loop)

Røros UNESCO Heritage Town (day trip)

Hitra & Frøya Coastal Drive (islands and fishing villages)

Car Hire Planning Tips For Trondheim

Drive into Norway's Stunning Fjordland

Trondheim Car Hire FAQs for UK Travellers

QEEQ Platform Awards

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers