Objective: To compare childbirth satisfaction and obstetrical outcomes with outpatient versus inpatient induction of labour (IOL). Design: Multicentre, randomised-controlled trial Setting: Eight hospitals in Norway. Population: A total of 283 women scheduled for IOL with single cephalic presentation, ≥ 37 weeks, no previous uterine scar and low risk of complications by predefined criteria, were randomised to outpatient or inpatient setting, after stratification by parity. Methods: All women received 25ug oral misoprostol as primary induction agent, for up to 48 hours/12 tablets. If labour was not established, further IOL with secondary induction agents was continued in hospital for all women. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and the Experience with Induction Tool (EXIT) was used to assess childbirth satisfaction. Main outcome measures: Childbirth satisfaction. Secondary outcome measures: Obstetrical outcomes. Results: Of 283 women randomised, 152 women were assigned to outpatient and 131 to inpatient setting. Outpatient IOL resulted in a more positive childbirth experience (mean CEQ-score 3.1 (0.44) vs. 3.0 (0.45), p=0.01 with multiparous women reporting highest satisfaction (mean EXIT-score 3.6 (0.63) vs. 3.3 (0.61), p=0.03 and mean CEQ-score 3.3 (0.39) vs. 3.1 (0.43), p<0.01. In the outpatient group, 101 women (67%) were admitted to hospital due to contractions, 25 (28%) required further IOL. Obstetrical outcomes were alike and there were no cases of hyperstimulation in the latent phase or serious adverse events observed. Conclusion: Outpatient IOL with oral misoprostol resulted in higher childbirth satisfaction with similar obstetrical outcomes compared to inpatient IOL. This method should be an option to selected women.