Fjords, waterfalls, wooden cabins, fields covered in snow and desolate land. The train ride from Bergen to Oslo provides an impression of Southern Norway. We share all you need to know about one of best train rides in Europe!
The Oslo-Bergen railway is often cited as one of the worlds most beautiful train journeys.
After spending a few days in Bergen, it was time to start our Bergen to Oslo train trip. Why weren’t we flying home directly from Bergen? Apparently one of the best train rides in Europe. Not sure if you are aware that I’m a fan of travelling by train. After my Trans-Siberian Railway adventure last year, this almost 7-hour train ride from Bergen to Oslo was a baby ride.
Bergen Train Station
The Bergen train station is a small train station with just 4 tracks. Bergen is the starting point of this trip and it’s where most of the people will get on board of the train. There are storage facilities, an ATM and a few shops to buy coffee and a sandwich. The shops were even open on Sunday at 07:15 so even on early weekend days you will be able to get your caffeine shot! When we were there in May this year, the Bergen train station was being renovated. I could still see it’s a beautiful building. Pay some attention to the colourful painting in the central hall 🙂
Bergen – Oslo Train Time Schedule and Stops
The train from Bergen to Oslo runs every day, several times per day. There are 22 stops between Bergen and Oslo: Arna, Vaksdall, Dale, Voss, Mjølfjell, Upsete, Myrdal, Hallingskeid, Finse, Haugastøl, Ustaoset, Geilo, Ål, Gol, Nesbyen, Flå, Hønefoss, Vikersund, Hokksund, Drammen, Asker, Sandvika. Consider getting off at Myrdal to take the famous train to Flåm. Flåm is a popular (cruise) destination and is known for its waterfall and fjords.
For more information about time schedules, please check timetables at NSB.no. There are English language timetables available. Our train left on Sunday morning at Bergen station at 07:57 and arrived at Oslo at 14:45. There is no time to get off the train to stretch your legs or buy something. So do your exercises on the train, buy your food and drinks on the train or BYO.
Train Tickets
Where to buy your Bergen – Oslo train tickets and what’s the price?
Tickets can be purchased online at NSB (Norges Statsbaner AS). We paid 449 NOK (€ 50) for the Bergen-Oslo route. This is a ‘Mini Pris’ deal, a non-refundable rate that is cheaper than the standard price. NSB claims Mini Pris’ its the lowest price and is based on the demand and availability. The tickets can (and must) be purchased via the NSB app, website or the machine at train stations at least one day prior to the date of your travels.
It’s best to book your ticket in advance. We booked our Bergen to Oslo train tickets mid-February and travelled mid-May. If I look at tickets next Sunday, the standard price is NOK 950 (€ 110) which is twice the price. So keep an eye on the price and book when you find yourself a Mini Pris deal.
So what’s the train from Bergen to Oslo like?
Train carriages
The train from Bergen to Oslo had 8 carriages, most of them standard class.
- Carriage 1: NSB Komfort. For 90 NOK (€ 9,90) extra you benefit from Wifi and free coffee. The quality of the Wifi depends on where you are. You can imagine that in the middle of nowhere reception is not that good.
- Carriage 2: Family Carriage. This carriage is designated for families with (young) kids. There is a special playground where kids can climb and play.
- Carriage 3 and 4 and 6, 7 and 8: Standard class. I spotted a sign of a dog on Carriage 8. You can bring your pet on the train for free if it’s a small one. If your dog is taller than 40 cm, you will pay 50% of an adult ticket. I hope the dog will get his own seat 🙂
- Carriage 5: Catering carriage called NSB Meny. You will receive a menu once the train rides. There are cold and warm beverages, breakfast, lunch and warm food.
Seating – what’s the best spot to sit on the train from Bergen to Oslo?
We decided to reserve seats that face the riding direction on the left side of the train. We did quite some research before we booked and it appeared that there is no huge difference between the left or right side of the train. I would recommend paying € 9,90 if you need Wifi and coffee 🙂
Luggage
You are allowed to bring 30 kilos of luggage with you with a maximum of 3 pieces. This is Norway so you are allowed to bring skis and snowboard on the train free of charge. Even in May, we saw locals entering the train after hitting the slopes. That is amazing right!?
There is a separate space for your bikes. Bringing your bike on the train is possible, it will cost you half of your personal ticket with a max of 204 NOK (€ 20,00). As a Dutchie, that fee is difficult to understand. It’s recommended to book your bike ticket beforehand.
Food and drinks
Although we brought our own fruit and crackers from the supermarket, there are enough options for you to survive the train ride if you don’t bring anything. The food and drink details:
- In the NSB Komfort carriage, you will find 3 cans of filter coffee and a machine to make a cappuccino or a latte.
- There is a large menu to choose from. NSB has had the support of the Norwegian chef Jostein Medhus to create a menu with local ingredients and flavours. There are gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. Haven’t tried any of the food myself so I can’t tell you ifit’s any good.
- Expect to pay 69 NOK (€ 7,50) for a ham cheese sandwich, 109 NOK (€ 11) for a noodle salad with vegetable, pizza with beef and local ham for NOK 81 (€ 9). There is a special kids menu with lower prices for a sandwich and a smoothie for NOK 26 (€ 3). Pastries are about NOK 35 (€ 4). You pay a little bit more to eat in the restaurant.
- And then he drinks: I guess you all are aware of the outrageous alcohol prices in Norway. Can’t control yourself? Half a bottle (it said 1/2 fl at the menu) of Chardonnay is NOK 259 (€28), the cheapest red wine option is NOK 109 (€ 11) for 1/4 fl of Merlot. All beers are 89 NOK (€ 10). Enjoy!
- The restaurant is open throughout the whole journey.
- There is a special, slightly simpler, night menu for passengers on the Bergen – Oslo night train.
Clean Toilets
The toilets on the train were very clean, there is soap to wash your hands. In the Family carriage are baby facilities.
The Views
It’s fascinating how desolated the land between the small villages is. I wonder what the inhabitants do for a living in those small towns, I guess it’s fishing or working in the wood industry. I have seen many cabins of which I have no idea how you can ever reach them. No paths, no roads. And there is still snow in May. Loads of snow.
Where to pay some extra attention?
Fjords, waterfalls and lakes
- When the train left Bergen I was overwhelmed by the beautiful lakes, fjords and tunnels. The water of the fjords seemed so clean and fresh.
- Near the lake of Evangervatnet (just after the tunnel) you will spot a beautiful waterfall as well as in the region of Mjølfjell. After those, I stopped making waterfall notes as there are so many to see!
- In Geilo, a town on 800-meter height, where we arrived a few minutes before 11:00, the landscape gets a little less impressive.
- You will spot the Stranda fjords (at about 11:05), just a bit of a shame the Hallingplast plastic factory ruins the view.
- Tyrifjorden is a huge lake where people seem to have their private beaches! Again, beautiful reflections of the wooden houses and trees.
- Between Nesbyen en Stavn (no stops) there are stunning lake reflections on your right.
Endless fields
- Between Myrdal and Finse are many stunning open fields, covered in snow. this would depend on the period when you travel.
- After Ustaoset there is less snow, landscapes are not yet green but yellow and brown.
- Hønefoss at 13:05: from here onwards more forest where you see the importance of logging, agricultural fields.
- Urban development takes over half an hour before Drammen until Oslo.
Norwegian Architecture
- There are quite a few wooden Nordic style train stations. I especially liked Dale and Voss. If you are as lucky as were, you may spot some locals in traditional clothing.
- At Gol you will meet the train to Bergen from Oslo at 11:45: halfway there!
- Keep your eyes open, at about 13:10 on your left you will see a beautiful tiny black church, the Ask Kapell in Ask, and a mini graveyard.
Have you been travelling on the train from Bergen to Oslo or Oslo to Bergen? Share your experience with us and let us know if we missed anything in this blog post! Happy travels ♡
Looking for a hotel in Norway? Check out the latest offers in Bergen or Oslo.
25 comments
Fascinating! I’ve always wanted to go to Bergen for the scenery of the town, but the train ride was never on my radar. I love the idea of the wooden train stations and people in still wearing traditional clothing. Great tip to check this out!
Bergen and Oslo are definitely worth a visit! Locals often take the plane because it’s faster but we preferred the more scenic option and I would do it again for sure!
Wow, what a beautiful journey. Road trips are my favourite but being the driver it makes a nice alternative to go by train. At least I get to see the scenery then.
Completely get your road trip preference: Norway is a great road trip country too. I love train travel because it’s so relaxing 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever travelled by train in Europe ( we drive) but this looks lovely.Thanks for the idea and the great information. On the list!
We often drive in Europe as well. Though Europe has great a railway system that can bring you to so many beautiful places! If you book in advance trail tickets are affordable and there is often no luggage restriction!
My husband has been to both Bergen and Oslo – and he loved them both. Taking a train ride from one to another looks indeed like an amazing journey! I’ll have to try this when I visit them too!
You should join your husband and take the train, it’s such a nice journey to do together.
The train looks very nice and interesting there’s a luggage allowance. I’ve never had that before on a train! Also is there free Wi-Fi as well as paid? Thanks for the price for the food, that’s interesting and those beer prices (I like beer) sound crazy!
Your pictures also look beautiful and it seems like you see a lot of variety on the trip! Thanks for the travel recommendation! I still need to make it to Norway! 🙂
Me neither, trains I travelled on in the past in Europe there were no luggage restrictions. Or not that I was aware of at least 🙂 I guess in most cases you can bring more luggage on trains than on planes these days. So in Komfort Class Wifi is included. It’s an additional fee of just € 9,90 for a Komfort Class ticket. For that fee you get Wifi access and coffee or tea.
Glad you like my photos, thanks Mike!
Train travel is so civilized. I wish that we had more of it in the US. The views on this route look amazing.
I’m such a fan of train travel! Trains in Europe are fast, clean, convenient, and inexpensive. And this route looks beautiful too. Wish trains in the US were this great.
I love travelling by train, especially where the scenery outside is so beautiful and the train system is well run, on time, clean and comfortable like this. A route to add to my wishlist!
That’s so cool there is an area for kids to play! I bet my daughter would love to take this train ride : )
What amazing scenery to look at from a train window. Your pictures are stunning you’ve captured the landscape brilliantly
I’m not the biggest fan of train rides but this train looks well planned out! Even with the kids, it seems like the train ride will go okay 🙂 Love the scenery from the window as well!
I am going to Norway this summer and will be doing the trip from Oslo to Bergen. I have read you can combine the trip with a boat trip to see the fjords at the same time. Did you do this?
Hi Debbie, no we didn’t but I know it’s one of the things to do. It looks beautiful and if you have the time, definitely go for it! Also take a look at Flam 🙂 Have a great time!
A wonderful train trip, magnificent scenery. You need to do Norway in a Nutshell, 3 days including train trip with 2 nights in Voss, staying at the magnificent Fleischers Hotel and a day trip to Flam and a cruise on the fiords ( make sure you go on the best boat not the car carrier which is not good viewing in the rain). I loved Norway and the friendly people.
Thanks Sue, that definitely sounds like a great train trip! Flam and a fjord cruise would absolutely be something I’d like to do when going back to Norway. And yes, Norwegians are the best 🙂
I can’t find it if you wrote it already, sorry, but how long of a ride is it?
Hi Sarah, from Bergen to Oslo is an almost 7-hour train ride.
We are planning two nights in Bergen, take the train to Myrdal and then boss for a couple nights, then Oslo. Is it possible to buy one ticket or will we have to purchase them separately? Any tips and/or must sees are appreciated!
Hi Jan, I’m not 100% sure about buying one ticket or separate tickets. For Bergen I recommend Fløyen, it’s lovely for hiking and has great views. Have a great time, Myrdal looks beautiful!
I did this trip in both directions in May. Oslo to Bergen on 1st May- lots of snow, frozen streams. Very beautiful. Then we came back on 15h May and already much less snow and beautifully green. Tyrifjorden lake was gorgeous in the late afternoon.