(2025) From $39 Top 5 Cheapest hotels in Oslo

The 5 Best Cheap Hotels & Hostels in Oslo (Central, Clean, and Great Value)

Looking for cheap hotels in Oslo that don’t feel like a compromise? These five stays deliver smart design, central locations, and wallet-friendly rates—exactly what budget travelers search for when planning a city break in Norway’s capital. Each option below has a distinct personality, and together they cover most needs: social hostel vibes, minimalist budget hotel efficiency, and sleek, self-service stays steps from Oslo Central Station.

Bunks at Rode — From $39 (Hostel)

If your priority is spending as little as possible while staying in a central area, Bunks at Rode hits the sweet spot. The concept is simple: clean bunks, smart storage, and a sociable atmosphere that makes it easy to meet other travelers. You’re a short walk from tram and bus connections, so getting to the Opera House, Munch, or Aker Brygge is fast and affordable. For solo travelers and digital nomads, the value is outstanding. You trade private-room privacy for a prime location, reliable Wi-Fi, and a community-forward vibe that many boutique hostels try to emulate at twice the price. If you’re after nightlife, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can reach Youngstorget without paying “party district” hotel rates.

Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget — From $64

This is a budget hotel that feels designed for city explorers. Rooms are compact and efficient, with good beds, blackout curtains, and plug-and-play check-in that saves time. The location near Youngstorget places you close to food halls, bars, and live venues; it’s a practical base if you plan to spend your time out in the city rather than in your room. Compared with other cheap hotels in Oslo, Xpress Youngstorget stands out for consistent cleanliness and a lobby that doubles as a casual co-working spot. There’s no daily housekeeping by default, which helps keep prices low—ideal if you prioritize price and location over full-service frills.

Citybox Oslo — From $66

Citybox has become a benchmark for modern budget hotels in Oslo: streamlined rooms, self-service kiosks, and a location moments from Oslo Central Station. This is the classic “drop your bag and go” hotel for travelers who value time and simplicity. Rooms are bright and minimal, with good showers and quality mattresses that outclass many competitors in the same price bracket. Because it’s so close to Karl Johans gate, you can walk to the Opera House in minutes and catch regional trains without stress. If you’re comparing alternatives, Citybox wins on frictionless arrival, reliable comfort, and consistent pricing that stays competitive year-round.

Smarthotel Oslo — From $70

Smarthotel leans into the “micro-room” idea with compact footprints and clever storage, but the experience feels more boutique than bare-bones. The lobby is welcoming, the breakfast is solid, and the staff understand city-trip logistics. You’re well placed for the Royal Palace area and quick tram links to waterfront neighborhoods. Travelers who worry that micro-rooms feel cramped will appreciate that layouts are surprisingly functional; for one or two nights, it’s often more comfortable than similarly priced legacy hotels. As a budget hotel in Oslo, Smarthotel wins on design details that make small spaces feel calm and considered.

Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station

For travelers who want the closest thing to the platforms without paying premium rates, Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station is a standout. Step outside and you’re practically on the station concourse, which means early departures and day trips are effortless. Rooms follow the Xpress playbook—clean, compact, and tech-forward—with a modern aesthetic that appeals to city-break travelers. Compared with hostels, you gain privacy and quiet; compared with traditional full-service hotels, you save money by skipping extras you may not use. If your plan is “Arrive. Explore. Sleep well. Repeat.” this address delivers.

How These Compare—and Who Each Is For

If you want the absolute lowest price and a social scene, choose Bunks at Rode. If you like nightlife and creative districts, Xpress Youngstorget puts you in the action. For maximum transport convenience and quick airport train access, Citybox Oslo and Xpress Central Station are unbeatable around Oslo Central Station. If you prefer compact-but-designed rooms with a more boutique-leaning lobby, Smarthotel Oslo is the pick. All five properties share the same core strengths travelers care about most—central locations, transparent pricing, and clean, efficient rooms—making them the safest budget choices for short stays in Oslo.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Rate

Prices in Oslo move with seasons and events. Book early for weekends and summer, and be flexible with dates when possible. Self-service models like Citybox and Xpress typically offer the most consistent value, while hostels can be dramatically cheaper on shoulder-season weekdays. If you’re arriving by train or planning day trips to the fjord or museums, staying near Oslo Central Station simplifies everything and reduces local transport time.

Our Verdict

For first-time visitors, Citybox Oslo is the best all-rounder thanks to location and reliability. For rock-bottom pricing and new friends, Bunks at Rode wins. Design-minded travelers who still want a cheap hotel in Oslo should look at Smarthotel Oslo. If you prioritize nightlife access, go with Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget; if you’re chasing train convenience above all, Comfort Hotel Xpress Central Station is the move. These recommendations balance price, location, and sleep quality—so you can focus on Oslo’s museums, cafés, and waterfront, not your room rate.