Oslo to Bergen Train | Timetable & Tickets
Oslo to Bergen Train | Timetable & Tickets
Oslo to Bergen Railway Route
| The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) was constructed between 1875 and 1909, making it one of the greatest engineering achievements in Norwegian history. Building the Bergen Railway presented enormous engineering challenges — workers had to blast through hard gneiss rock to create over 180 tunnels, many in extreme winter conditions at high altitude, making it one of the most technically demanding railway projects ever completed in Europe. The route passes through the Hallingdal Valley and crosses six distinct landscape types: agricultural valleys, lake country, forested hills, high Arctic plateaus, tundra, and coastal regions near Bergen. Near Myrdal, travellers can connect to the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) for a scenic fjord cruise detour into the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord area. For the best views of fjords and waterfalls, sit on the left-hand side when travelling from Oslo to Bergen — the right side is better during the first and last hour of the journey. |
| The highest point on the Bergen Railway is Finse Station, sitting at 1,237 metres above sea level on the Hardangervidda Plateau. In winter, this section of the route is blanketed in snow and offers a dramatic Arctic panorama unlike anywhere else in Europe. In summer, the plateau transforms into a vast green landscape with wildflowers, rivers, and mountain lakes stretching to the horizon. The journey also passes through the beautiful Hallingdal Valley, with its charming villages and river scenery, before climbing into the mountains. Further along, the views open up to reveal majestic fjords, waterfalls, and forested valleys — making this one of the most beautiful landscapes in Western Norway. The Bergen Railway is consistently ranked among the most scenic train journeys in the world, and it is easy to see why. |
| Travellers looking to extend their Oslo to Bergen experience can detour at Myrdal Station to board the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) — one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. The Flåm Railway descends 863 metres through stunning gorges and past thundering waterfalls to the village of Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord. From Flåm, a fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord is one of the most popular activities in Norway. Many travellers combine the Oslo to Bergen train, the Flåm Railway, and a fjord cruise into a single Norway in a Nutshell itinerary. |
Oslo to Bergen Train Details
The following information about train stations will help you plan your journey smoothly between Oslo and Bergen.
Oslo to Bergen Railway MapSecond largest city in Norway is less than 7 hours away from the capital city Oslo if you travel by train. You would depart from the central railway station in Oslo (Central S) and enjoy one-of-a-kind rail journey to the beautiful city of Bergen. Both stations are located in the hearts of the cities, so you can easily get by with the public transport. How to travel from Oslo to Bergen? Your Oslo-Bergen train is run by the VY, who ensure that you are equipped with anything you might need during the 6.5 hours onboard. The first departure from Oslo is at 08:25 am and the latest one takes place at 15:43 pm. Choose to travel in the first/business class and enjoy the complimentary refreshments and newspapers throughout your journey. Sit back in your comfortable seat and get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking views of Norway: soothing countryside, flowing rivers, majestic fjords and colorful villages. |
| The train is not the only way to travel between Oslo and Bergen — but it is the most scenic and popular option. Here is how the main travel options compare: By train: 6.5–7 hours, city-centre to city-centre, most scenic, modern amenities onboard, no airport transfers needed. By plane: approximately 55 minutes flying time, but add airport transfers on both ends — total door-to-door time is often 3–4 hours. Cheap flights between Oslo and Bergen do exist, but factor in airport transfers, baggage fees, and check-in time, and the total cost often comes close to a train ticket. No scenic views. By car: 7–8 hours depending on the route, with flexibility to explore cities and towns along the way. Mountain roads can be challenging, especially in winter. A rental car is an option for travellers who want to explore at their own pace. By bus: approximately 9.5 hours — the slowest option with the fewest amenities. Not recommended for most travellers. For the vast majority of visitors, the Oslo to Bergen train is the best way to travel between the two cities — combining comfort, convenience, and some of the most stunning nature in Norway. |
| Oslo to Bergen train tickets start from around $110 one-way. Fares vary depending on travel class, how far in advance you book, and the specific service. Tickets open for booking 90 days before departure — booking at least 30 days in advance is recommended, especially in summer when seats fill quickly. Tickets can be purchased online via Rail Ninja or in person at Oslo Central Station and Bergen Station. Youngsters up to 25 years old receive a 15% discount; infants under 1 year travel free, with the option to reserve a seat at the youngsters' rate. |
| The Hardangervidda Plateau is the geographical and scenic centrepiece of the Oslo to Bergen train route. Stretching across central Norway, it is the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe and one of the largest in Europe overall. The train crosses it at heights of over 1,200 metres, passing through a landscape of tundra, snow fields, mountain lakes, and rivers. The plateau is home to Europe's largest wild reindeer population and has been protected as Hardangervidda National Park since 1981. The full Oslo to Bergen train journey spans approximately 496 kilometres, passing through six distinct landscape types — from agricultural valleys and lake country near Oslo, through forested hills and high Arctic plateaus, to tundra and coastal regions as the train descends into Bergen. In winter the crossing feels almost Arctic; in summer the plateau offers endless open scenery under long daylight hours. No other rail journey in Scandinavia offers this kind of high-altitude wilderness experience. |
| The Oslo to Bergen train connects two of Norway's most visited and celebrated cities. Oslo, the capital, is a modern European city with world-class museums, waterfront dining, and easy access to fjords and forests. Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its colourful wooden houses on Bryggen wharf, its fish market, and its surrounding mountains. The city has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets, from boutique guesthouses to larger international properties. Bergen is also a popular base for exploring the surrounding region by bicycle — the city and its fjord surroundings offer excellent cycling routes year round. Travelling between Oslo and Bergen by train is not just a transfer — it is one of the best ways to understand the geography, landscape, and character of Norway. Many visitors use the route as the backbone of their Norway trip, combining city stays with fjord excursions and stunning nature along the way. |
FAQ: What to Know About Oslo to Bergen Train
The price of train tickets varies depending on travel class, how far in advance you book, and the ticket tariff. A one-way Oslo to Bergen ticket starts from $110. You can find the current schedule and book tickets online on Rail Ninja.
The journey takes approximately 6.5 hours. Some services run closer to 7 hours depending on stops.
Is a train ride from Bergen to Oslo scenic? Norway is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. The Bergen Railway is widely regarded as one of the most popular trains in Europe for sightseeing and natural beauty. The journey through Western Norway offers stunning nature at every turn — forested valleys, mountain rivers, dramatic fjords, and beautiful landscapes that make every hour of the seven hour journey worthwhile. On your way from Oslo to Bergen you will pass countless authentic villages, crystal-clear lakes, and the vast Hardangervidda Plateau. Many travellers describe it as the most beautiful train ride in the world, and it is easy to see why.
Getting from Oslo to Bergen by train is a popular and scenic way to travel. Book tickets in advance on Rail Ninja or directly via Vy.
Tickets open 90 days before departure. Booking at least 30 days ahead is recommended — especially during summer peak season when seats fill up quickly.
Book Train Tickets from Oslo to Bergen
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