Many employers in Norway ask the same question: does an employee’s journey count as working time? The answer decides how many hours the employee has worked, how much rest they need and, in some cases, what they are paid. This guide explains the rules and the court practice, current for 2026.
What Counts as Working Time in Norway?
Under the Working Environment Act, working time is time when the employee is at the employer’s disposal. As a rule, normal working time may not exceed 9 hours in 24 hours and 40 hours in 7 days, and the employee must have at least 11 consecutive hours of rest in every 24 hours. Employers must also keep a written record of all time the employee works or is at their disposal. See Arbeidstilsynet’s pages on working hours and recording working time.
Is the Journey From Home to Work Working Time?
No. Travel time between home and a fixed work address is not working time. This is the clear starting point, and it has not changed.
When Is Travel Time Working Time?
Travel can be working time when it is part of the job. The EFTA Court, whose view Norwegian courts follow, looks at three conditions. All three must be met:
- The employee is carrying out duties under the employment relationship.
- The employee is at the employer’s disposal.
- The travel is an integral part of the work.
| Situation | Working time? |
|---|---|
| Home to a fixed work address | Normally no |
| Business trip to a site outside the company, returning before the end of the workday | Usually yes |
| Necessary journey to a changing meeting point, on the employer’s instructions | Often yes, after a case-by-case assessment |
| Free time on a long trip, where the employee can freely pursue their own interests | Depends on the facts |
What Have the Courts Decided?
The Supreme Court ruled on this in June 2018 (HR-2018-1036-A). A police officer travelled outside normal hours to meeting points that changed from assignment to assignment. The court held unanimously that this travel was working time. It stressed that he used the employer’s vehicle, followed the employer’s instructions during the trip, and could not freely pursue his own interests. The ruling depends strongly on its facts, so similar cases need their own assessment.
In 2020, the Eidsivating Court of Appeal reached the same result for 15 service technicians who used a company van and received jobs through an app. The court still confirmed that travel to and from a fixed meeting place is normally not working time.
Is Travel Time Paid?
Not automatically. Whether a journey counts as working time and whether it is paid at the normal hourly rate are separate questions. Pay depends on the employment contract and any collective agreement. In the 2020 case above, the parties had agreed that travel was paid at the normal rate only when it exceeded 30 minutes. Working-time rules still apply, so travel time counts towards the daily and weekly limits and the rest periods.
What Changes in 2026 and 2027?
We found no enacted changes to the Norwegian travel time rules for 2026 and no enacted changes for 2027. The rules above still apply. One related topic is still open: overtime pay for part-time employees. Two district courts ruled in early 2026 that part-time employees may be entitled to overtime pay for work exceeding their agreed hours, although these judgments are not final. A government-appointed working group submitted its report on this issue on 15 September 2026, but the parties did not reach agreement on how the rules should be changed. No legislative change has yet been enacted. If travel counts as working time, it may count towards such hours, so employers should be aware of developments in this area.
What Should Employers Do?
- Record travel time whenever it is working time.
- Check that daily limits, weekly limits and rest periods are still met.
- Agree in writing how travel is paid, in the contract or with employee representatives.
- Review recurring travel to changing sites case by case.
Get Working Time Right With Leinonen Norway
Working-time and pay rules interact, and mistakes can be costly. Leinonen Norway’s specialists can help you set up clear rules for travel time. Contact Leinonen Norway to review your situation.
