Norway
General train travel information for NORWAY. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
In the mid-nineteenth century, construction of Norway's railroad network began, and the first line, the Hovedsbanen, opened in 1854, connecting Oslo with the city of Eidsvoll. The rail network expanded in the following decades, including lines such as the Bergen Line (1875) and the Dovre Line (1921). Electrification began in the 1930s, and in 1996 Norwegian State Railways (NSB) was reorganized and the infrastructure transferred to the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Bane NOR). Norwegian passenger railroads continued their development in the 2000s. NSB was renamed Vy, then Vy Tog. Efforts were made to modernize infrastructure and increase train speeds. The Vollerenna-Gardermoen high-speed rail project was launched in 2010. Regional lines were developed, and in 2019 Vy was privatized, bringing new operators to the passenger rail market.
General Information and Statistics
Currently, the largest passenger rail carrier in Norway is Vy (formerly known as NSB). In 2019, the total number of passengers carried by Norwegian Railways was around 70 million. This includes both long-haul, regional and suburban trains.
There are 4114 kilometres of railway lines in Norway. the total number of railway stations in Norway is approximately 400
As of 2017, 306 kilometers of railroads have been electrified, of which 242 kilometers are double track and a 64-kilometer high-speed rail line has been electrified.
What connections to other countries there are.
There are frequent train services to all neighbouring countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark. There are also direct trains to Hungary, Italy and Sweden.
Are trains fast in Norway in general? How much time to cross the country?
If you're looking for the fastest way to get around Norway and the rest of Scandinavia, check out the SJ high-speed trains. These fast and modern bullet trains run on routes connecting the Norwegian capital with Stockholm and Gothenburg, as well as major routes in Sweden.
The high-speed trains can be divided into two classes, the SJ X2 (also known as the X 2000) and the SJ X55 (SJ 3000). Both are painted gray and have similar equipment. However, the SJ X2 was built in 1990, a decade before the other SJ high-speed trains, and is awaiting modernization.
After all, both classes of trains can reach speeds of over 200 km/h and are operated by SJ, Sweden's national passenger rail operator..
The journey from Larvik to Dombås takes 6:29 hours and from Kongsvinger to Bergen 8:27 hours.
What railway companies are available?
In Norway, the main railway company that operates passenger train services is Vy. In addition to Vy, there are a few private companies that operate specific railway services in Norway. For example, Flytoget operates the airport express train service between Oslo Airport (Oslo Lufthavn) and Oslo city center. Another company, Go-Ahead Norge, started operating regional train services in the Eastern Norway region from December 2020, as part of a contract with the Norwegian government.
SJ Nord is also represented in Norway. The Swedish company has recently started operating its trains in Norway
What train types are available in Norway
Regular trains operated by the national rail carrier are divided into three types – intercity, regional and suburban.
• Intercity trains are electric passenger trains running 4 times a day on the Bergen, Dovre, Sørland lines and providing a high level of comfort for travelers.
• Regional trains run hourly on the Trunk, Vestfold and Østfold lines. They offer the same high level of comfort as the intercity trains.
• Suburban trains run on many lines connected to the Norwegian cities of Arendal, Bergen, Oslo, Skien, Stavanger and Trondheim. Suburban trains run hourly or every half hour.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
RJ high-speed trains run on routes connecting the Norwegian capital with Stockholm and Gothenburg, as well as on major routes in Sweden.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Norway are Oslo Central Station, Bergen Station, Trondheim Central Station, Stavanger Station, Tromsø Station.
Websites to buy train tickets for Norway?
https://www.vy.no/en , https://go-aheadnordic.com/en/
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Norway?
Vy has its own app called "Vy". Go-Ahead Norge тоже имеет свое приложение "Go-Ahead Norge AS".
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Norway?
You can buy your train ticket in Norway from Vy.no, their mobile app, ticket machines, staffed stations or Narvesen convenience stores, or from the onboard conductor or customer service.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
Contact Customer Service if you have questions about changes/refunds, itineraries, ticket purchases, or for more information about our services. Customer Service can answer questions about traveling with Vy, Go-Ahead and SJ NORD. To get help quickly, we encourage you to call or chat.
Chat
Call +47 61 05 19 10
Email customer service at tog@vy.no.
Email us about group travel at gruppereiser-tog@vy.no
Return the ticket.
If you have a fully flexible ticket issued by Vy, SJ NORD, or Go-Ahead (not applicable on the Jær and Arendal Lines), or a flexible ticket on the Bergen Line, you can change your ticket type and departure time via My Account on vy.no. However, you cannot change your route of travel. Sleeper or Compartment ticket holders can change the departure time by contacting Customer Service. Return tickets and tickets with connections cannot be changed via self-service. Any changes to more expensive departures will incur an additional charge. Lowfare tickets cannot be amended or canceled. Customers can make up to 5 changes within 30 days using the app or website, after which they should contact customer service for further assistance.
Train ticket prices
"Vy" always offers special discount tickets Tickets are released for sale 90 days before departure. The cheapest ticket from Oslo to Bergen will cost €33.8 for an overnight train or €58.8 for a day train.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
There is a direct connection to neighboring Sweden. A train from Oslo to Göteborg costs from 32.6 euros per person.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.vy.no/en/traffic-and-routes/times?item=2893
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
If you know when you want to travel on a long-distance journey within Norway or to neighbouring countrie, buy your ticket now. You will then be able to find cheaper fares.
If you are travelling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.
Types of tickets.
Most trains in Norway offer two ticketing options: flexible tickets and non-flexible tickets.
Inflexible tickets are cheaper, but you will not be able to choose your seat, change tickets after booking or return them if necessary.
Flexible tickets, on the other hand, are slightly more expensive but allow you to choose your own seats, change tickets and refunds after booking.
There are also "season tickets". If you travel frequently, buying a ticket for 24 hours or for 7, 30 or 365 days will help you save money. It is valid for an unlimited number of trips in any direction on the selected route.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Norway
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website using their app.
Saver price.
Lowfare is Vy's cheapest ticket option. It includes a seat, power outlet, and table. However, there are some limitations to consider.
Lowfare tickets cannot be changed, upgraded, or refunded. They cannot be combined with other discounts, except for children aged 0-5 who can travel for free. Additional fees may apply for dogs and bicycles.
On regional services, seat allocation is provided for Lowfare ticket holders, but there are no seating restrictions in Eastern Norway. Seat reservations can be purchased for select departures in Eastern Norway.
If you purchase your ticket online or through the app, you have a four-hour cancellation period before departure. After that, no cancellations are allowed.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
Flexible tickets are available. Flex tickets offer more flexibility compared to other ticket options. With a Flex ticket, you can change your departure time as often as you like until your originally scheduled departure. You have the option to choose your seat and make changes to your departure time, but you cannot change the route of travel.
If you choose a departure that costs more than your original ticket, you will be charged the price difference. For journeys involving a transfer, you can change your departure time at any point prior to your first departure. Upgrading to higher fare classes such as Plus or Sleeper is possible, but switching to Lowfare or upgrading to Flex Refundable is not allowed.
Flex tickets cannot be combined with other discounts, except for children aged 0-5 who travel for free. Additional fees may apply for dogs and bicycles, while wheelchairs and strollers are carried free of charge.
Flex Refundable tickets, on the other hand, are refundable, meaning you can get your money back if you cancel your journey prior to departure. The same flexibility and conditions apply as with regular Flex tickets. Upgrading to higher fare classes such as Plus Refundable or Sleeper Refundable is possible, and discounts are available for different passenger categories.
Please note that a four-hour cancellation period applies to both Flex and Flex Refundable tickets if purchased online via vy.no, the app, or a ticket machine.
Rules of boarding.
ID may be required to confirm eligibility for the discount, otherwise a ticket will suffice.
Discounts for group travel.
If you plan to travel by train in a group of 10 or more people, a discount is available. Request a group discount by contacting Customer Service or email us at gruppereiser-tog@vy.no.
Age groups and discounts.
With the family discount, an adult, senior citizen, student or military (over 18) with either a season ticket or a single ticket, can take two children 6 up to 18 years of age free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays. The discount applies on most train routes in Eastern Norway and to Gothenburg. Children under the age of 6 always travel for free. Now is the time to check out both familiar and unfamiliar destinations with the family.
Children 0–5 years old travel for free on every ticket except Plus and Plus Refundable. Children from 6 years old through 17 years old receive a 50 percent discount on Single ticket and Flex Refundable.
Students
Single ticket with student discount
The discount varies from 10 to 25 per cent on select ticket types. Tickets are only valid when presented along with approved ID. Regardless of the discounts available, a minimum price applies to tickets.
Season ticket with student discount
Students under 30 years old with a valid student ID card, also get discounted season tickets. This means that you have to buy/activate your ticket before turning 30. Tickets are only valid when presented along with approved ID.
Senior discounts do not apply to the Flåm Line.
The following discounts on tickets are available to seniors (67+):
Single Ticket: 50 percent off; Flex Refundable: 50 percent off; Plus Refundable: 25 percent off; PlusNight Refundable: 25 percent off; Sleeper Refundable: 25 percent off.
Age limitations for minors.
Children aged 6 to 17 can travel unaccompanied on VY. The fare is 50% of the adult fare.
Handicapped passengers.
Disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility have the right to travel on Vy's trains. They can purchase tickets at no extra cost and bring aids to mobility such as wheelchairs or guide dogs. Vy provides information and assistance throughout the journey, and their trains are designed to meet accessibility standards. In case of major delays or capacity limitations, alternative transport may be provided.
Seat reservations in trains in Norway.
Seat reservations are included in the ticket price for Bergen Line trains.
You can select your own seat using the seat map when you book your ticket, unless you have selected the Lowfare fare, in which case the seat will be allocated automatically. You can also change your seat reservation before departure via My Account on vy.no.
On regional trains in Eastern Norway, you can purchase seat reservations as an add-on to a single or season ticket.
Comfort classes on the trains.
There is a standard comfort class and a comfort plus class. Plus is a premium class on Vy's Bergen Line, offering enhanced comfort and amenities. Passengers enjoy upgraded seats, new headrests, convenient tables, power outlets, and access to a refreshments area with complimentary coffee or tea. It provides a little extra comfort and convenience for a more enjoyable journey.
Night trains also offer services such as PlusNight – with a lie-flat seat
• A comfortable alternative to standard seats.
• Your own flat-backed seat
• Free blanket, earplugs and sleep mask
Sleeping compartment — with 2 beds
• Two beds with duvets, pillows, sheets and towels
• Washbasin in the compartment
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Norway.
On the Bergen line (Oslo-Bergen) you will find an on-board café.
Vending machines offering hot drinks, soft drinks, snacks and healthy light meals are available on the following lines:
Drammen – Lillehammer
Oslo – Halden – Gothenburg
Skien – Eidsvoll
You can pay for your fare with bank cards or coins at vending machines on most trains. Trains that depart on time and are marked with the coffee cup symbol in the trip planner have vending machines on board.
Asian noodles 16,49/17,7 euros
Chicken fricassee with sage 18,2 /16,85 euros
Burger with red cabbage With cheese 2,3/2,6 With chips 2,3/2,6
Night trains in Norway?
There are night trains in Norway. Night trains are a convenient option for traveling between two Norwegian cities.
Important train routes in Norway.
Oslo-Bergen / from 6:37 hours / from 39,1 EUR / 5 trains a day
Oslo- Stavanger / from 7:40 hours / from 49,50 EUR / 6 trains a day
Oslo -Trondheim / from 6:37 hours / from 26,5 EUR / every 1-2 hours
Trondheim - Bodø / from 9:55 hours / from 74,18 EUR / 2 trains a day
Lillehammer - Trondheim / from 4:30 hours / from 20,4 EUR / 8 trains a day
Voss - Myrdal / from 0:40 hours / from 13,4 EUR / every 1-2 hours
International train routes.
At the moment, you cannot book tickets from Norway to Europe in a single purchase. If you want to travel from Norway to Europe by train, you first need to go to vy.se and buy a ticket for Oslo-Gothenburg-Copenhagen, and then book your onward ticket in Europe here.
Vy sells tickets to Germany, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. They also sell transnational tickets between several countries, including Eurostar tickets for travel through the Channel Tunnel.
Tourist / scenic routes in Norway.
The Flåm Railway
Discover The Flåm Railway – the most beautiful train journey in the world.
The Flam Railway (Flåmsbana) is a spectacular train journey that offers a panoramic view of some of the wildest and most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjord landscape. The 20 km-long train ride took 20 years and is one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world.
Train travel Oslo – Bergen
If you're looking for a convenient option for traveling between Oslo and Bergen, this train trip will also be a nice bonus! This journey is considered one of the most scenic in Europe – 7 hours of beautiful scenery. Starting with gentle rural landscapes dotted with quaint farmhouses, the journey only gets better: fjords, waterfalls, barren mountain peaks and classic Norwegian forests.
Local train to Frognerseteren, Oslo
If you're spending time in Oslo and want to take a trip outside the city, we recommend taking the local train to Frognerseteren (the terminus of the Frognerseteren line). Located about 30 minutes outside of the city, this train ride gives you a glimpse into Oslo's backcountry and is especially enjoyable in the winter when you can watch local children skiing and sledding alongside the train. Locals recall that King Olav V often traveled with skis in hand. After climbing Frognersetteren, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Oslo. After having a hot chocolate at the Frognersetteren restaurant, walk down to Holmenkollen and visit the Ski Museum and the famous ski jump.
Luggage information.
You may bring a maximum of three pieces of luggage with a total weight of no more than 30 kg.
Bicycle on the train.
Remember to reserve your bicycle on vy.no or the app for regional routes and the Gjøvik line. On commuter trains, you can buy a bicycle ticket after boarding the train.
Bicycle ticket prices
The price of a bicycle ticket is usually the same as a child's ticket, which on most routes means a maximum price of 20.95 €.
During the summer season, the Bergen Line charges a flat fare for bicycles regardless of distance. Fares for bicycles on regional trains can be found in the trip planner.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
You can bring a total of 30 kilograms of luggage in a maximum of three pieces of luggage at no extra charge. You can also bring pets, and items such as bicycles, children's buggies and skis, subject to certain restrictions.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Norway.
Almost all Norwegian train stations have luggage lockers that can be rented for passengers who wish to leave their luggage behind. Simply deposit your luggage, pay with your Visa or Mastercard and go explore the city while your luggage is safe and waiting for your return.
Prices for storage boxes at train stations in Norway vary from station to station, but they usually range from €5.35 to €9.80 for 24 hours.
Lost and Found Items.
If you are traveling by train, you will find information about lost items at lost and found items pickup points. They are located in 2 cities:
Oslo S office stores luggage left on local trains serving southeastern Norway: the Vestfold Line, Østfold Line, and on regional trains stopping in Oslo. In addition, lost items from the Røros Line trains that stop in Røros or Hamar can be collected from the Oslo office. Telephone + 47 61 05 19 91
The Bergen lost property office stores luggage and other personal belongings found on Bergen-area local trains and regional trains from Oslo to Bergen. Telephone + 47 41 36 80 24
Pets on the trains.
You do not need a ticket for small dogs and other small pets (up to the size of a domestic cat). You may take your pet with you free of charge in a transport box, for example.
If your dog is larger, you will need an additional ticket. You only pay half the fare, i.e. the price of a child's ticket.
Assistance dogs always travel free of charge and do not need to wear a muzzle on the train.
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Do you have further questions and need assistance? Do not hesitate to ask in our friendly forum where you always get detailed help.
