Norway Trains: Travel Norway by Train — Routes, Tickets & Tips

Norway's railway stations are well-equipped and easy to navigate for international travellers. The country's main hub is Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) — the largest train station in Norway and the starting point for most long distance train journeys. Located in the heart of the capital city, Oslo S connects domestic routes to Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Kristiansand with international services to Stockholm and Gothenburg.
From Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), the Airport Express Train (Flytoget) connects to Oslo Central Station in approximately 20 minutes — one of the fastest and most convenient airport connections in Europe. The airport express train runs every 10 minutes and is separate from the regular regional train services.
Bergen Station is the western terminus of the Bergen Line and the starting point for the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour. The station is centrally located in Bergen's city centre with easy access to the harbour, Bryggen wharf and all major attractions.

Norway's railway network is managed by the government agency Bane NOR, with train services divided among three primary regional operators. The majority of trains in Norway are operated by two main companies — SJ and Vy — which offer various types of trains categorised by speed, route and departure time. Norwegian train services include a range of train types such as sightseeing, regional, comfort night, intercity, express and high-speed trains, catering to different travel needs. Local commuter trains around Oslo and Bergen generally run on an hourly or sub-hourly basis.
Vy trains (formerly NSB) operates the majority of domestic routes including Oslo to Bergen, Oslo to Trondheim, Oslo to Stavanger and Oslo to Kristiansand. Night trains equipped with private sleeping compartments operate on the Bergen, Dovre, Sørland and Nordland lines — ideal for overnight journeys to Trondheim or Bodø.
SJ trains handles cross-border services between Norway and Sweden, including Oslo to Stockholm and Oslo to Gothenburg, as well as some domestic Norwegian routes in the south.
Flamsbana operates the Airport Express Train between Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) and Oslo Central Station — departing every 10 minutes, covering the journey in approximately 20 minutes.

Beyond the main operators, Norway's railway network includes several iconic lines:

• Nordland Line — travels north from Trondheim, crossing the Arctic Circle to reach Bodø. One of the world's great railway journeys through remote Arctic landscape.
• Rauma Railway — the Golden Train on the Rauma Railway is renowned for its breathtaking views of western Norwegian scenery, including the Verma Waterfall and the Kylling Bru bridge. The line descends through dramatic mountain gorges to Åndalsnes.
• Flåmsbanen (Flåm Railway) — a short but steep railway offering dramatic views of waterfalls and mountains, covering a distance of 20.4 km from Myrdal to Flam Station. With an uphill rise of 5.5%, it is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in Europe.
• Bergen Railway — runs from Oslo to Bergen, reaching its highest point at Finse on the Hardangervidda plateau. The Bergen Railway is known for its stunning views of rivers, mountains and gorges — consistently rated one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe.
• Dovre Railway — stretches 485 km from Eidsvoll to Trondheim, climbing up Dovrefjell and offering opportunities to spot musk oxen in their natural habitat.
• Ofoten Line — runs from Narvik to the Swedish border through the Arctic mountain landscape. Originally built to transport iron ore, it now carries passengers through some of the most remote scenery in Scandinavia.
• Sørland Line — connects Oslo to Stavanger along the southern coast of Norway.

Train tickets for Norway can be purchased online through Rail Ninja, directly on the Vy or SJ websites, or through Entur — the official national transit planner that provides real-time schedule data for every train, bus and ferry in Norway. Entur serves as a central booking platform for all Norwegian train operators, allowing passengers to book tickets for multiple services without surcharges, except for Flytoget AS. For international travellers, Rail Ninja covers all operators in one place with English-language booking and payment in multiple currencies.
Tickets generally open for booking 90 days in advance, and booking early can unlock discounted ticket options. Prices are dynamic — the cheapest tickets are available weeks or months ahead of travel. For the best deals, look for 'low fare' tickets, which are often non-refundable, while 'flex tickets' offer more flexibility for changes and cancellations. Travelling during Norwegian public holidays or peak summer season is generally more expensive. It is often easiest and cheapest to book train tickets in Norway using a travel planner that provides travel suggestions for all kinds of public transport.
Tickets can be purchased from machines at most major stations, at ticket counters, and on board the train — although buying on board incurs a surcharge. Booking online in advance is strongly recommended to secure the cheapest tickets and avoid surcharges.
Seat reservations are included with long-distance tickets and are highly recommended during peak summer seasons. For rail pass holders, seat reservations are required on most long distance trains in Norway and must be made separately. Reserve your seat when booking, especially on the popular Oslo to Bergen route and international services to Stockholm.
Rail passes offer good value for travellers planning multiple journeys. The Eurail Norway Pass and Interrail Norway Pass provide unlimited travel on Norwegian railway services for a set number of days.
Premium Pluss is Vy's premium class on long distance trains — wider seats, more legroom, complimentary refreshments and a quieter environment. Worth considering for journeys of 4 hours or more such as Oslo to Bergen or Oslo to Trondheim.

Norway's railway system is well-developed and easy to navigate for travellers coming from abroad. Every route is a scenic adventure — some so picturesque that you won't want the train to reach its final station.

• Oslo to Bergen is Norway's most iconic train journey — 492 km across the Bergen Line through the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Myrdal junction and the dramatic western fjord landscape. The journey takes approximately 6.5–7 hours and is one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe.
• The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) branches off the Bergen Line at Myrdal and descends 865 metres through the Flåmsdalen valley to the village of Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord. Just 20 km long, it is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world and one of Norway's top tourist attractions.
• Oslo to Stockholm is the most popular international train route from Norway, connecting the two Scandinavian capital cities in approximately 5.5–6 hours through the Gudbrandsdalen valley and southern Sweden. Operated by SJ trains.
• Oslo to Trondheim runs north along the Dovre Line through central Norway, passing through the Gudbrandsdalen valley and crossing the Dovre mountain range. Journey time approximately 6.5 hours.
• The Rauma Railway runs from Dombås to Åndalsnes through some of western Norway's most dramatic mountain scenery — a favourite among railway enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• The Ofoten Line in northern Norway connects Narvik to the Swedish border through the Arctic mountain landscape — one of the most remote and spectacular railway routes in Scandinavia.