Travel by train in Norway
The Norwegian State Railways' network (NSB) covers more than 3,000 km (1860 mi), with a total of 775 tunnels and over 3,000 bridges.
The best known scenic route is the 460 km (290 mile) long Bergen railway, a railroad track through mountains and across rivers with continuous panoramas of unspoiled scenic beauty.
Norway has an extended railway network stretching from the Southwest coast up to Bodø on the coast of Nordland county. In addition there is the Bergensbanen route that crosses the mountains on its way from Oslo to Bergen on the west coast.
Domestic trains
Most domestic trains in Norway do not require reservations. Exceptions:
- Long distance trains: reservation compulsory
1st class (Komfort): free. 2nd class: € 6,25
Komfort class is available for 1st class Eurail pass holders without supplement if reservation is made locally, 2nd class pass holders pay €11,25.
International trains
- InterCity Stockholm-Oslo: reservation is compulsory
- NSB Regiontog Göteborg - Oslo: reservation is recommended for NSB
Komfort class
How to make reservations for Norwegian trains
You can make reservations for domestic and international high-speed trains and night trains:
- At a ticket desk or self-service machine at local train stations.
- By phone through the NSB call center.
Phone number: +47 815 00 888
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00-20.00
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00-15:00 (local times)
When you call you'll hear a Norwegian menu. Select extension "9" for services in English.
Reservations can be payed over the phone by credit card. You can collect your reservations at a ticket machine at a railway station in Norway. If you do not have a credit card, you can pay cash when collecting the reservation. In this case you have to collect the reservation at least 7 days before departure of your train.
The NSB call center can also book trains in several other countries. The NSB call center charges a 50,- NOK (aprox. €6.50) booking fee for making reservations for trains that do not pass through Norway.
The call center can only deliver reservations to Norwegian addresses.
Scenic Railroad Lines
There are several scenic railroad lines in Norway. Eurail passes are valid on these trains, except for the Flåm Railway. Feel the thrill and sensation of your exposure to Norway’s unspoiled beauty on the following railroad lines:
The Bergen Railway
The best-known line is the 460 km (290 mi) Bergen railway that crosses the high mountain range between Oslo and Bergen. For a distance of about 100 km (62 mi) the trains run across a windswept and treeless mountain plateau, awesome in its bleak solitude.
The Dovre Railway
The Dovre Railway runs from Oslo to Trondheim through the stunning Norwegian scenery of the mighty Dovrefjell.
The Rauma Railway
From the fjords to the mountains: The Rauma railway runs between Åndalsnes (4 meters above sea level) and Dombås (659 meters above sea level).
Read more about the Rauma Railway.
The Northern (Nordland) Railway
The Nordland Railway runs between historic Trondheim and beautiful Bodø in the north. You will even be crossing the Arctic circle!
The Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) loops its way from Myrdal to Flåm 865 meters below. The train journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery.
Video from Visit Norway.
Eurail pass holders are entitled to 30% reduction on The Flåm Railway.
Read more about the Flåm Railway.
Rail tour suggestion
Oslo - Bergen - Oslo
The best of Norwegian scenery from your comfortable train seat is yours to enjoy with your Eurail Norwegian Pass. Magnificent mountainscapes, icy lakes and rocky, snow capped ridges and quaint Norwegian villages will surely grab your attention.
Tour stages and average journey times:
- Oslo – Voss (5 hours 30 min)
- Voss – Bergen (1 hour 15 min)
- Bergen – Stavanger (4 hours 10 min by ferry)
- Stavanger – Kristiansand (3 hours)
- Kristiansand – Kongsberg (3 hours 25 min)
- Kongsberg – Oslo (1 hour 25 min)
From Oslo you can start other scenic railway tours, like a railway trip to the arctic circle. With international connections, Oslo is a hub for several Scandinavian destinations.
Read a detailed description of this tour in the recommended guide Europe by rail, available from Thomas Cook Publishing.
Eurail aid office
For questions about Eurail, you can go to the international ticket office at Oslo central station. Open Mon-Fri: 08.00 - 15.00.
Airport-station links
The Norwegian railway company offers plenty of
connections from Oslo Gardermoen international airport to the city center of Oslo. Eurail passes are accepted on regional trains, but not on the airport express train/ Flytoget.
From Moss Airport Rygge there is a free bus transfer to Rygge station. From Rygge trains depart every hour to Oslo.
Smoking
In Norway, smoking is prohibited on domestic trains and inside the train stations.
