Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most common questions about renting a car with BGS in Flåm.

Q: How do I book a car?
A: You can book your car directly on our website, If you need a one-way rental or special equipment, please contact us on WhatsApp or  email us.

Q: What’s included in the daily price?
A: Our prices include VAT, unlimited km and basic insurance. Fuel and optional add-ons (child seats, deductible reduction, etc.) are extra.

Q: Can I change or cancel my booking?
A: Contact us to change or cancel your booking free of charge up to 7 days before pick-up, and up to 10 days before pick-up for one-way rentals. If you are arriving on a cruise ship and, for any reason, the ship does not arrive in Flåm, you will receive a full refund.

Q: Do you offer low-season discounts?
A: Yes. from 1 December to 30th March our winter season rates offer lower prices.

Q: Are there age or licence requirements?
A: The driver must be at least 23 years old and have held a valid driver’s licence for two year or more. The upper age limit to rent a car is 75 years. Please bring your licence and passport when collecting the car.

Q: Do you have a rental office in the centre of Flam?
A: We do not have a walk-in rental office in the centre of Flåm. Our office is located about 3 km outside the village, and all pick-ups and drop-offs are at the Flåm train station.

If you have not pre-booked a car, please do not go to our office.
Instead, reserve the car on our website or contact us by email or WhatsApp to check availability.

Q: Where do I pick up the car in Flåm?
A: Pick-up and drop off takes place in central Flåm near the train station (exact location and instructions are provided in your confirmation email). A BGS representative will be waiting for you with the rental car at the agreed pick-up time. The pick-up point is also only a five-minute walk from the cruise ship port in Flåm

Q: I am arriving on a cruise ship—how do I ensure a smooth pickup?
A: We provide a dedicated “Meet & Greet” service for all cruise passengers. To ensure we are there waiting for you exactly when you disembark, please include your Cruise Ship Name in the notes field during the booking process.

Why is this important?

  • Port Monitoring: We track the docking times for every ship. If your ship is delayed, we will automatically adjust your pickup time.

  • Easy Location: Our representative will meet you with your rental car just a 5-minute walk from the pier at the Flåm Train Station. Knowing your ship name allows us to be in the right place at the right time.

  • Refund Guarantee: Your 100% “No-Dock” refund guarantee is linked to the ship name provided in your booking.

Q: Do you offer one-way rentals?
A: Yes — from October to April we offer one-way rentals to and from all major Norwegian cities with an airport, including Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Ålesund, and Trondheim. A one-way fee applies, and we require at least 5 days’ notice.

We may also consider offering one-way rentals during the high season (May–September) for rentals of 4 days or more, depending on availability and logistics.

Q: What about one-way rentals in May?
A: Normally not offered in May, but we sometimes make exceptions depending on availability and destination.

Q: How is the one-way rental fee calculated?
A: The one-way rental fee is an additional cost on top of the regular rental price. The exact fee depends on the length of your rental, the logistics required to return the car to Flåm, and staff availability for the handover or retrieval. In most cases, this fee ranges from 3,000 NOK to 6,500 NOK. For longer rentals or simple routes, the fee may be lower; for complex routes, it may be at the higher end of the range.

Q: Where can I return the car on a one-way rental?
A: For one-way rentals, you can return the car either at the airport or in the city centre of the agreed destination. A BGS representative will meet you at the arranged time — preferably before 18:00.

Q: Is out-of-hours pick-up or return possible?
A: Yes. Out-of-hours pick-up or return can usually be arranged depending on staff availability. Please contact us by email or WhatsApp if you would like to set this up.

Q: What insurance is included in the rental price?
A: All rentals include standard insurance as part of the daily price. This covers collision damage, theft, and third-party liability, in accordance with Norwegian regulations.
Roadside assistance is also included for mechanical issues or breakdowns during the rental period.

Q: Does roadside assistance cost extra?
A: No. Roadside assistance is included in the standard insurance and covers unexpected mechanical breakdowns. 

Q: What should I do in case of an accident or damage?
A:In the event of an accident or damage, please contact us immediately. If required, local authorities should be notified, and any damage must be documented.

Q: What’s the standard deductible?
A: The standard deductible is 9,000 NOK per incident for damage or collision. This means you are responsible for up to this amount if the vehicle is damaged.

Q: Does insurance remain valid everywhere I drive?
A: Insurance coverage is valid only on public roads open to general traffic. Driving on closed roads, restricted areas, or beyond permitted limits (such as past Bergkvam in the Flåm Valley) voids insurance coverage..

Q: Can I reduce my deductible?
A: Yes. You can add our Deductible Reduction option, which lowers your deductible to 0 NOK for an additional daily fee. This upgrade can be selected easily during the online booking process.

Q: Does zero deductible cover unlimited damages?
A: No. The zero-deductible option applies to one damage incident only during the rental period.

Q: Do you offer vehicles for more than five persons?
A: Unfortunately, at the moment we do not offer vehicles for more than 5 people.

Q: Can I choose a specific model?
A: We guarantee the car category, but we try to provide the model you request.

Q: Do you provide child seats and boosters?
A: Yes — please pre-book and tell us your child’s age/weight so we prepare the correct seat. Parents are responsible for correct installation.

Q: Are your cars ready for winter?
A: Yes. Every car is equipped with winter tires (many studded) and includes scraper, and snow brush. We also share local winter driving tips.

Q: Are studded tires legal in Norway?
A: Yes, during the winter season. However, in some cities a small environmental fee may apply.

Q: Do you have ski racks or snow chains?
A: Available on request, subject to availability. Please ask in advance when booking.

Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Norway?
A: In most cases, no. If your driver’s licence is issued in the EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or most other countries using the Latin alphabet, you do not need an International Driving Permit to rent or drive a car in Norway.

If your licence is not in English or not using the Latin alphabet (for example: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Cyrillic), you must bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national licence. Your physical licence must always be brought with you at pick-up.

For more information about license click here.

Q: Can I drive the rental car to Kjosfossen?
A: No, it is not possible to drive to Kjosfossen by car. The waterfall is only accessible by the Flåm Railway, as there are no roads leading directly to the site. If you wish to visit Kjosfossen, you must take the train from Flåm to Myrdal, where the waterfall stop is included on the journey.

Q: Can I drive the rental car to Myrdal?
A: No, you cannot drive to Myrdal by car. Myrdal is a mountain railway station with no road access, and it can only be reached by the Flåm Railway or by hiking from nearby areas. If you wish to visit Myrdal—or experience the popular Flåm Zipline—you will need to take the train from Flåm to reach the starting point.

Q: Can I drive the rental car further into the Flåm Valley past Bergkvam?
A: No. The rental car may not be driven past Bergkvam, which is located a short distance up the Flåm Valley on the road toward Kårdal and Myrdalen. This upper valley road is closed to general traffic, and there is no insurance coverage for the vehicle beyond this point.

You may drive up to Bergkvam, and it is a scenic and enjoyable drive, but please be especially careful of cyclists coming downhill from Myrdal and Kårdal, as this route is very popular for bike traffic. Renters must always remain on public roads open to general traffic to maintain full insurance protection.

Q: How do toll payments work?
A: Most tolls are automatic (AutoPASS). We receive the invoice and charge you afterward at cost + a small admin fee.

Q: Do I need to book fjord ferries?
A: Most ferries are “turn up and go,” but some main routes can be busy in summer. Check schedules in advance.

Q: Where can I park the rental car in Flåm?
A: You may park the rental car in any public parking area in Flåm, Aurland, or Undredal during your rental period.

Our rental cars are registered locally, so you do not need to pay at the parking machines in these villages. Simply park in a public parking space and continue your visit.

Please note that this applies only to public parking areas in Flåm, Aurland, and Undredal. Parking rules and fees may apply in other towns and cities.

Q: How do I pay for my reservation?

A: Once your reservation is submitted, you will receive a secure payment link via email from Email: 
booking@explore-flam.com within 24 hours.
Please check your spam folder if you do not receive it.

Q: How does the deposit and balance payment work?

A: If the total rental cost exceeds 10,000 NOK, you will first receive a payment link for 10,000 NOK.
The remaining balance is due 10 days before pick-up, and you will receive a second payment link for this amount.

Q: What is your cancellation and refund policy?

A:You may change or cancel your reservation free of charge and receive a 100% refund up to 7 days before pick-up. For one-way rentals, the cancellation deadline is 10 days before pick-up. Changes to your reservation are subject to availability and must be requested within the same deadlines.

Q: Do I need a child seat for my 3-year-old?
A: Yes — Norwegian law requires suitable child restraints. Let us know your child’s age, height, and weight so we can provide the correct seat.

Q: Do your cars have space for strollers or large luggage?
A: The Auris Touring and Outlander PHEV offer large luggage space. Tell us your needs and we’ll recommend the best option.

Q: Can I drive the car outside Norway?
A: Normally not permitted. Contact us before booking if you require cross-border travel.

Q: What if I return the car late?
A: Please inform us as soon as possible. Late returns may incur a fee or an additional rental day after a short grace period.

Q: Who pays for traffic or parking fines?
A: The renter is responsible for any fines or fees. If BGS receives a fine after your rental, we’ll forward documentation and charge the amount plus an admin fee.