Norway Travel by Train

Norway is one of Europe's great railway destinations for travellers who want to make the journey part of the experience.

Norwegian trains connect major cities, mountain regions, fjord gateways and northern destinations. Some routes cross high mountain plateaus, follow valleys and rivers, or provide access to spectacular landscapes that would otherwise require a long drive.

For many travellers, the train is not simply a way to get from one city to another. It can be one of the highlights of the Norway trip itself.

This chapter explains how Norway's railway system works, which routes are particularly useful for visitors, how to book tickets, how to choose seats, what to expect on board, and how to combine train travel with fjords, hiking and road trips.

58.1 Norway's Railway System at a Glance

Norway has a national railway network serving cities and regions across the country.

The infrastructure is managed by Bane NOR, while passenger services are operated by different train companies depending on the route.

For travellers, the simplest way to plan a journey is usually to start with Entur, Norway's national journey planner. Entur allows travellers to search public transport journeys and purchase train tickets for Norwegian train journeys through its website and app.

Important railway routes include: Oslo–Bergen (Bergensbanen), Oslo–Trondheim (Dovrebanen), Oslo–Stavanger (Sørlandsbanen), Trondheim–Bodø (Nordlandsbanen), Hamar–Røros–Trondheim (Rørosbanen), Dombås–Åndalsnes (Raumabanen), Myrdal–Flåm (Flåmsbana), Oslo–Gjøvik (Gjøvikbanen), Trondheim–Storlien (Meråkerbanen), Stavanger–Sandnes–Egersund (Jærbanen).

Bane NOR's current railway information lists the routes and stations across the Norwegian network.

58.2 Who Operates Norwegian Trains?

The company operating your train depends on the route.

For travellers, this is less complicated than it may initially appear because Entur provides a national journey-planning and ticketing service for Norwegian train journeys.

Vy operates important services including the Bergen Railway and a number of routes in Norway. The Bergen Line between Oslo and Bergen is operated by Vy.

SJ Norge operates several important routes in Central and Northern Norway, including services associated with Dovrebanen, Rørosbanen, Raumabanen, Meråkerbanen, Trønderbanen, Nordlandsbanen, Saltenpendelen. Tickets for these services can also be sold through Vy and other national booking channels.

Go-Ahead operates services on the Sørlandsbanen network.

Because operators and schedules can change, always check the current journey result rather than relying on an old timetable.

58.3 The Bergen Railway — Oslo to Bergen

The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) is one of the most famous train journeys in Norway.

It connects Oslo → Bergen. The line crosses the mountainous interior of Norway and passes across the Hardangervidda plateau.

According to Vy, the railway is approximately 471 kilometres long, is electrically powered and reaches its highest point at approximately 1,237 metres above sea level. The journey normally takes around 6.5–7.5 hours, depending on the service.

Important stops include: Oslo S → Drammen → Hønefoss → Flå → Nesbyen → Gol → Ål → Geilo → Ustaoset → Haugastøl → Finse → Hallingskeid → Myrdal → Voss → Dale → Arna → Bergen.

Why take the Bergen Railway? The journey passes through dramatically different landscapes: forests, lakes, valleys, mountain scenery, Hardangervidda, high-altitude landscapes, western mountain valleys, fjord-country scenery approaching Bergen.

The railway itself opened in 1909 and remains one of Norway's major scenic travel experiences.

Best strategy: if scenery is your priority, consider a daytime departure rather than travelling overnight. During winter, daylight hours are limited, so a morning or early-afternoon departure can provide better opportunities to see the landscape.

58.4 Finse — A Special Stop on the Bergen Railway

Finse is one of the most distinctive railway stations on the Bergen Line.

At approximately 1,222–1,237 metres above sea level depending on the reference point used, the surrounding landscape has a distinctly alpine character.

Finse is useful for travellers interested in: hiking, cycling, winter activities, photography, mountain scenery, multi-day outdoor adventures.

However, do not treat Finse like an ordinary city stop. Weather can change rapidly, particularly outside summer, and travellers planning outdoor activities should check current mountain conditions before departing.

58.5 Flåm Railway — Flåmsbana

Myrdal to Flåm. The Flåm Railway is one of Norway's most famous tourist railway experiences.

It connects Myrdal → Flåm. Myrdal is located on the Bergen Railway, making it possible to combine the two journeys.

The Flåm Railway descends from the high mountain railway at Myrdal towards the fjord settlement of Flåm.

The journey takes approximately one hour and provides dramatic views of: steep mountains, waterfalls, valleys, rivers, farms, mountain settlements.

The official Flåm Railway describes the journey as one of Norway's most popular railway attractions.

Classic combination: Oslo → Myrdal → Flåm, or Bergen → Myrdal → Flåm. Travellers can then continue their journey through the fjord region by boat, bus or another train.

Flåm + fjord itinerary: a highly practical combination is Oslo → Myrdal → Flåm → Nærøyfjord/Sognefjord → Bergen. This turns the train journey into part of a larger Western Norway experience.

58.6 Oslo to Trondheim — Dovrebanen

The Dovre Railway connects Oslo with Trondheim.

The route travels through central Norway and provides access to destinations including: Lillehammer, Hamar area, Dombås, Dovrefjell, Trondheim.

Bane NOR identifies the Oslo–Trondheim route as the F6 Dovrebanen service.

Why use this railway? The route is particularly useful for travellers combining Oslo + Lillehammer + Dovrefjell + Trondheim. It also provides connections for travellers continuing towards Åndalsnes via Dombås.

Dovrefjell connection: Dombås is an important railway junction. From Dombås, travellers can connect with the Raumabanen towards Åndalsnes. This makes it possible to create a scenic itinerary such as Oslo → Dombås → Åndalsnes → Romsdalen.

58.7 Raumabanen — Dombås to Åndalsnes

The Rauma Railway (Raumabanen) connects Dombås → Åndalsnes. This is one of Norway's most scenic railway journeys.

Åndalsnes is an important gateway to: Romsdalen, Trollstigen, Rauma valley, Molde, Atlantic Road region, hiking and mountain adventures.

The route is therefore particularly useful for travellers who want to combine train travel with Western Norway's mountain landscapes.

Bane NOR currently lists the Dombås–Åndalsnes railway as R65 Raumabanen.

Suggested journey: Oslo → Dombås → Åndalsnes. Then continue by bus, rental car, organised tour, local transport.

This can be an excellent alternative to flying if the journey itself is part of your holiday.

58.8 Trondheim to Bodø — Nordlandsbanen

The Nordland Railway (Nordlandsbanen) is one of Norway's great long-distance railway routes.

It connects Trondheim → Bodø. The route travels north through Central Norway and towards the Arctic.

Bane NOR currently lists Trondheim–Bodø as the F7 Nordlandsbanen service.

This route is particularly interesting for travellers heading towards: Mosjøen, Mo i Rana, Saltfjellet, the Arctic Circle, Fauske, Bodø.

Why choose the train? For travellers who have enough time, the railway provides a way to experience the transition from Central Norway to the Arctic landscape without flying.

A possible journey is Trondheim → Mosjøen → Mo i Rana → Bodø. You can break the journey into several destinations instead of travelling directly.

58.9 Crossing the Arctic Circle by Train

One of the memorable experiences on the Nordland Railway is travelling across the Arctic Circle.

The railway crosses the Arctic Circle in the Saltfjellet region.

This makes the journey particularly attractive to travellers who want to experience the transition into Arctic Norway.

A simple travel concept is Trondheim → Arctic Circle → Mo i Rana → Bodø.

Allow extra time if you want to explore destinations along the route rather than simply passing through them.

58.10 Rørosbanen — Hamar, Røros & Trondheim

The Røros Railway connects areas around Hamar → Røros → Trondheim.

Bane NOR currently lists R60 services along the Rørosbanen.

This railway provides access to Røros, one of Norway's most distinctive historic towns.

A useful itinerary is Oslo → Hamar → Røros → Trondheim.

Røros is especially interesting for travellers interested in: mining history, traditional wooden architecture, winter scenery, Norwegian cultural heritage, photography.

58.11 Oslo to Stavanger — Sørlandsbanen

The Sørlandsbanen connects Oslo and Stavanger through southern Norway.

Entur currently describes the direct Stavanger–Oslo train journey as approximately eight hours, with the fastest current journey listed at around 7 hours 38 minutes; exact schedules vary by date.

The journey provides access to southern destinations including: Kristiansand, coastal Southern Norway, inland areas, Stavanger.

Why choose the train? For visitors travelling between Oslo and Stavanger, the train offers an alternative to flying.

It can be particularly useful when you have enough time, you prefer ground travel, you want to reduce airport transfers, you want to see more of southern Norway.

For a Stavanger-based itinerary, this can be combined with Oslo → Kristiansand → Stavanger.

58.12 Stavanger to Oslo by Train

If you are beginning your Norway holiday in Stavanger, the railway can provide a direct connection towards Oslo.

A practical itinerary could be Stavanger → Kristiansand → Oslo. The journey crosses Jæren and continues through southern Norway.

Entur currently lists direct rail travel between Stavanger and Oslo, with journey times varying by departure.

The cheapest ticket is not always the cheapest complete journey.

58.13 Night Trains

Night trains can be useful for travellers who want to combine transportation and sleeping.

Vy currently offers several overnight travel options on the Bergen Line, including:

PlusNight — a reclining seat designed to provide a more comfortable sleeping experience.

Rest — a private compartment with six berths, useful for families or groups travelling together.

Sleeper — a private two-bed sleeping compartment with beds, bedding, pillows, towels, sink, power outlet, wake-up service.

Vy states that the Sleeper compartment can accommodate up to two adults and two children under its current conditions.

Important: night-train arrangements can change. Always check the current service, departure time and accommodation type when booking.

58.14 Train Tickets in Norway

The easiest starting point for most visitors is Entur, which currently states that train tickets can be purchased through its app and website, as well as through ticket machines and staffed station counters.

Depending on the journey, travellers may encounter: standard tickets, low-fare tickets, flexible tickets, upgraded seating, family seating, compartments, night-train accommodation.

The exact ticket types vary by operator and route.

Booking tip: never assume that a ticket type available on one railway route is automatically available on another. Always read cancellation conditions, change conditions, seat reservation information, luggage rules, bicycle rules, boarding station, arrival station before payment.

58.15 When Should You Book?

For popular scenic journeys, booking earlier can be useful, particularly during summer holidays, Christmas and New Year, Easter, weekends, school holidays, major events.

Popular trains can have limited availability in preferred seating categories.

If your itinerary depends on a specific train connection, do not leave the booking until the last minute without checking availability.

58.16 Choosing Your Seat

On routes with seat reservations, seat choice can make a significant difference.

For the Bergen Railway, Vy recommends different sides of the train depending on the direction of travel and which landscape you want to view. From Oslo, the left side can provide particularly good views across Hardangervidda, while the right side becomes attractive for western landscapes.

However, scenery changes continuously, so there is no single perfect seat for the entire journey.

Photography tip: avoid blocking windows with large bags. Clean windows, reflections and changing daylight can affect photography.

58.17 Travelling with Luggage

Train travel is generally easier with luggage than air travel, but passengers still need to manage their own bags.

Before travelling: check the operator's current luggage rules, avoid oversized luggage where possible, keep valuables with you, label your luggage, keep medication in your hand luggage, keep passports and travel documents accessible, avoid blocking aisles or exits.

If you are travelling with hiking equipment, skis or a bicycle, check whether a separate reservation is required. For example, Vy requires bicycle reservations on relevant services.

58.18 Train Travel with Children

Norwegian trains can be convenient for families.

Depending on the service, facilities may include: family seating, children's areas, changing facilities, space for prams, family compartments.

Vy currently offers a family carriage on the Bergen Line with a children's playroom and changing facilities.

Family strategy: 1. Reserve seats together. 2. Bring snacks and drinks. 3. Download entertainment before departure. 4. Carry warm layers. 5. Keep essential items in a small day bag. 6. Allow extra time at stations.

58.19 Accessibility

Travellers with reduced mobility should check accessibility before booking.

Accessibility can vary by train type, station, platform, boarding arrangement, luggage requirements, assistance availability.

Vy provides dedicated accessibility information for its train services, while station information is also available through Bane NOR.

Best practice: contact the relevant operator in advance if you require wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets, help boarding, special seating, assistance with luggage.

Do not assume that every small Norwegian station has the same facilities as Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim.

58.20 What Happens if Your Train Is Delayed?

Weather, infrastructure problems, technical issues and other disruptions can affect railway services.

For this reason, avoid creating extremely tight connections.

If your itinerary involves train → ferry, train → flight, or train → hiking transfer, leave an appropriate buffer.

Entur and the train operators provide current journey information and updates.

Important rule: if missing a connection could cause you to lose a flight, a cruise, a non-refundable hotel, a guided hike, a rental-car pickup, build extra time into your itinerary.

58.21 Train vs Flight

• City-centre access: train often excellent, flight usually requires airport transfer.
• Scenic experience: train excellent on major routes, flight limited.
• Security process: train usually simpler, flight requires airport security.
• Long-distance speed: train slower, flight usually faster.
• Luggage handling: train generally convenient, flight subject to airline rules.
• Environmental impact: train often lower, flight usually higher.
• Mountain scenery: train excellent, flight limited.

For a short trip, flying may save valuable time. For a longer holiday, a scenic railway can become part of the attraction.

58.22 Best Scenic Train Experiences

Bergen Railway (Oslo → Bergen) — best for mountain scenery, Hardangervidda, classic Norway railway experience.

Flåm Railway (Myrdal → Flåm) — best for fjords, waterfalls, dramatic valleys, photography.

Raumabanen (Dombås → Åndalsnes) — best for mountains, Romsdalen, adventure travel.

Nordlandsbanen (Trondheim → Bodø) — best for Arctic travel, long-distance scenery, Arctic Circle.

Dovrebanen (Oslo → Trondheim) — best for Central Norway, Dovrefjell, Trondheim.

Rørosbanen (Hamar → Røros → Trondheim) — best for heritage, Røros, winter landscapes.

58.23 Five Excellent Train-Based Itineraries

Itinerary A — Classic Norway: Oslo → Bergen. 2–3 days Oslo, Bergen Railway, 2–3 days Bergen. Ideal for first-time visitors.

Itinerary B — Oslo, Flåm & Bergen: Oslo → Myrdal (Bergen Railway) → Flåm (Flåm Railway) → fjord transport → Bergen. Combines city sightseeing, mountain railway travel and fjord scenery.

Itinerary C — Oslo to Åndalsnes: Oslo → Dombås (Dovre Railway) → Åndalsnes (Rauma Railway). Continue towards Romsdalen → Trollstigen area → Ålesund.

Itinerary D — Central to Arctic Norway: Trondheim → Arctic Circle → Mo i Rana → Bodø (Nordlandsbanen). Continue to Saltstraumen → Lofoten.

Itinerary E — Southern Norway: Oslo → Kristiansand → Stavanger (Sørlandsbanen). Then explore Preikestolen → Lysefjord → Jæren.

58.24 Train + Ferry Combination

Norway's railway network does not reach every fjord or island. That is not a problem.

One of the best ways to travel through Norway is to combine train + ferry + bus.

For example: Oslo → Myrdal → Flåm → fjord cruise → Bergen, or Trondheim → Bodø → ferry → Lofoten, or Oslo → Dombås → Åndalsnes → bus → Ålesund.

The national journey planner can help identify connections across different transport modes.

58.25 Train + Hiking

Norwegian railway travel can also be combined with hiking.

Possible concepts include: Oslo → Finse → hiking; Oslo → Dombås → mountain adventure; Dombås → Åndalsnes → Romsdalen hiking; Trondheim → Dovrefjell region; Bergen → Voss → mountain activities.

Always check trail opening conditions, weather, daylight, transport frequency, last return train, accommodation before starting a hike.

Never assume that a train will still be available after you finish a long mountain hike.

58.26 How to Save Money on Train Travel

Train prices vary according to route, date, availability and ticket type.

Useful strategies include: book early (cheaper fare categories may have limited availability), travel outside peak periods (weekdays and shoulder-season travel can sometimes provide more availability), compare routes (a slightly different departure may cost less), compare train and bus (for some journeys, bus travel can be competitive), compare complete journey costs (ticket + local transport + accommodation + food + airport/station transfers) rather than comparing only the headline ticket price.

58.27 Railway Stations as Travel Hubs

Oslo S — gateway to Oslo city centre, airport connections, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, southern Norway.

Bergen Station — gateway to Bergen, Bergen Railway, Flåm connections, Western Norway.

Trondheim S — gateway to Central Norway, Dovrebanen, Nordlandsbanen, Rørosbanen, Meråkerbanen.

Dombås — important connection between Dovrebanen + Raumabanen.

Myrdal — important connection between Bergen Railway + Flåm Railway.

Understanding these junctions makes itinerary planning much easier.

58.28 The 20-Minute Station Rule

For travellers unfamiliar with Norway, a useful planning principle is: arrive at least 15–20 minutes before a major train departure.

For smaller stations, check the exact boarding arrangements.

For busy stations such as Oslo S: find your platform, check the train number, check the destination, confirm the departure time, keep your ticket accessible, allow extra time if travelling with children or large luggage.

Do not wait until the final minute.

58.29 Norway Train Travel Checklist

Correct date, correct departure station, correct arrival station, train number, departure time, platform information, ticket downloaded, seat reservation checked, luggage ready, passport/ID available, food and water, phone charged, power bank, weather checked, connection time checked, bicycle reservation if required, ski/equipment rules checked.

58.31 Recommended Train Strategy for Different Travellers

First-Time Visitor — Oslo → Bergen, add Flåm if time permits.

Photographer — Oslo → Bergen → Flåm, prioritise daytime journeys and good weather windows.

Family — use direct services where practical and reserve family seating when available.

Budget Traveller — compare train + hostel/cabin against flight + airport transfer + hotel.

Couple — consider a scenic daytime railway journey and a night train where suitable.

Adventure Traveller — combine train + hiking + mountain accommodation.

Arctic Traveller — consider Trondheim → Bodø and continue towards Lofoten.

58.32 Final Railway Planning Formula

For every railway journey, calculate: ticket + local transport + luggage/special equipment + food + connection buffer + accommodation if necessary = realistic railway travel cost.

For a complete Norway itinerary: international flight + train + bus + ferry + accommodation + food + activities + local transport + emergency buffer = total Norway trip cost.

58.33 Important Note

Railway schedules, operators, fares, ticket categories, construction work and service patterns can change.

This chapter is a planning framework, not a replacement for checking the journey planner (vy.no, entur.no) for your travel date.

Before travelling, verify: current departure time, current ticket price, train operator, platform, seat availability, disruptions, engineering works, luggage rules, bicycle rules, accessibility arrangements.

Use the current Entur journey planner and the relevant railway operator's official information immediately before travel.

58.34 Quick Reference

Bergensbanen (Oslo–Bergen) — mountains & scenic travel.

Flåmsbana (Myrdal–Flåm) — fjords & waterfalls.

Dovrebanen (Oslo–Trondheim) — Central Norway.

Raumabanen (Dombås–Åndalsnes) — mountains & Romsdalen.

Nordlandsbanen (Trondheim–Bodø) — Arctic travel.

Rørosbanen (Hamar–Røros–Trondheim) — heritage & inland scenery.

Sørlandsbanen (Oslo–Stavanger) — Southern Norway.

Jærbanen (Stavanger–Egersund) — Jæren & local travel.

Bane NOR's current route information confirms these major railway corridors and their associated services.

Norway by Train in One Sentence

Norway's railway network is not simply a transportation system — on the country's great scenic routes, the train itself becomes part of the Norwegian travel experience.

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