Updated 2026
The Rail Network at a Glance
Norway's train network is run by Vy, and it reaches from Oslo up the spine of the country to the Arctic. The Bergen Railway is legendary. Most routes are regional express services, and you'll find that trains reach into places where buses and cars would struggle.
How Eurail Works in Norway
Eurail passes are honored on most Vy services without reservation, though some high-speed or express services charge a small seat reservation fee. You won't need reservations on regional trains, but we recommend booking ahead during peak summer season to ensure a seat.
Popular City-Pair Routes
Oslo to Bergen: 7 hours. Regional express, 4 times daily. No reservation required. €40-80 (~$44-87 USD).
Oslo to Trondheim: 7 hours. Regional express, 3 times daily. No reservation required. €35-70 (~$38-77 USD).
Oslo to Stavanger: 8 hours. Regional express, 2 times daily. No reservation required. €40-75 (~$44-82 USD).
Oslo to Kristiansand: 4.5 hours. Regional service, 4 times daily. No reservation required. €25-50 (~$27-55 USD).
Bergen to Voss: 1.25 hours. Regional express, hourly service. No reservation required. €12-20 (~$13-22 USD).
Oslo to Drammen: 40 minutes. Local regional, hourly service. No reservation required. €5-10 (~$5-11 USD).
Trondheim to Bodø: 10 hours on the Nordland Line. Regional express, 1 daily. No reservation required. €50-90 (~$55-99 USD).
Scenic Routes and Day Trips by Rail
The Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen is one of the world's greatest rail journeys, crossing the high plateaus and descending into fjords. It's not to be missed.
The Flåm Railway is a short branch line that descends steeply into a fjord. You'll often connect through Flåm station from the Bergen Railway, and the views are extraordinary.
The Rauma Railway runs from the Dovre Line down to Åndalsnes, following a river through steep terrain. It's a short ride but memorable.
The Nordland Line from Trondheim to Bodø penetrates the Arctic, crossing the Arctic Circle. It's an epic journey if you have the time.
Practical Tips for Norway
Norwegian trains are clean and punctual. You can bring bikes on regional trains, though you'll need to book a bike space ahead.
Food and beverages are sold on longer trains, but they're pricey. We recommend bringing snacks if you're budget-conscious.
Many regional routes run only a few times daily, so check schedules in advance. In winter, snow can sometimes delay service on mountain routes.
English is widely spoken by staff, and station announcements are often bilingual.
Cross-Border Connections
Oslo to Stockholm via Sweden takes about 6 hours. You can plan a Sweden rail journey from there. See our Sweden Eurail guide.
Oslo to Gothenburg via Sweden takes about 4 hours and passes through beautiful Swedish countryside. Learn more about Sweden's routes.
FAQ
Not usually. Most regional trains don't require reservations. However, some express services and peak-time routes may charge a small reservation fee, typically €3-5. We recommend checking Vy's website or asking at the ticket counter.
Summer (June-August) offers the longest days and most frequent services, including the famous Flåm Railway which closes briefly in winter. Winter (December-February) can be magical in the north, but some mountain routes run reduced schedules or close temporarily.
Eurail passes are accepted on Vy regional and express services. High-speed trains like the Bergensekspressen may require a small reservation fee. Check with Vy for the latest policy.
The Flåm Railway is a scenic branch line accessed via the Bergen Railway. You'll take the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Flåm station, where you can connect to the Flåm Railway. No reservation needed.
The Nordland Line runs from Trondheim to Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle. It's a 10-hour journey with stunning views. In winter, the far north offers a chance to see the Northern Lights, though you'll need additional ground transport to reach the best viewing spots.
Vy operates some overnight regional services on longer routes, especially in summer. You can sleep in a couchette or regular seat. We recommend booking ahead.