Getting around by train

Trains connect Norway's major cities, and most lines run through the capital city, Oslo. Norway’s extensive railway network spreads out in a rough fan shape from Oslo, which is also well-connected by train with the other Scandinavian capitals, Stockholm and Copenhagen.

Travelling by train in Norway offers amazing views, with many routes passing through stunning landscapes of mountains, fjords, countryside and lakes. The most famous line is the Bergen Railway, named one of the world’s best train rides by Lonely Planet. It runs between Oslo and Bergen across Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau. It also connects to the incredible Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest railway lines.

The Dovre Railway between Oslo and Trondheim, and its branch line The Rauma Railway between Dombås and Åndalsnes, the mountaineering capital in Fjord Norway, are other award-winning lines that take you through some pretty amazing scenery.

Buying tickets

It's often easiest (and cheapest) to book tickets with the travel planner Entur, which provides travel suggestions for all kinds of public transport in Norway. It provides a more seamless booking experience and the option of booking multiple journeys in one place.

You can also book tickets on each train operator's website or app. Tickets are also available from machines at most major stations, at ticket counters, and on board. Note that there is a surcharge if you buy your ticket onboard the train, and your seat might already be reserved.

For the best deals, look for 'low fare' tickets. Bear in mind that most of the cheapest tickets are non-refundable, so if you're looking for flexibility, consider buying a 'flex ticket'.

You can find timetables, traffic updates and more on the train operators' websites:

SJ Nord does not have its own ticket sales point. You can however purchase tickets at Entur.

Go Ahead Nordic sells tickets on its website and app, but only for its own services.

Vy sells tickets for all services in Norway, but does charge a surcharge on sections run by operators other than themselves. There is no surcharge on sale of tickets for Bergensbanen and other Vy sections, but they charge a "surcharge" when they sell tickets to Dovrebanen, Raumabanen, Sørlandsbanen etc.

Entur sells tickets to all services and does not charge a surcharge, matching the operator's own prices.

Get more inspiring train travel tips from Norwegian train expert Erik Sveberg Dietrichs.