Travel Oslo to Bergen by Train: Taking the Bergensbanen

If you’re looking to take in some of the best scenery in Norway, jump on the train between Oslo and Bergen. It’s called the Bergen Railway or Bergensbanen and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes across Norway connecting two of the most visited cities in Norway.

This amazing Oslo – Bergen train journey is one of the most scenic train routes in the world, and a can’t miss for visitors to Norway. Read on to discover everything you need to know about taking the Oslo to Bergen train journey.

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About the Train from Oslo to Bergen

The train ride from Oslo to Bergen takes about six and a half hours and runs five times per day, except in the winter when it runs only four times per day. This popular Norwegian train route is known as the Bergen Line or Bergensbanen and is one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe. Because of this, it is best traveled during the day so that you can take in the amazing scenery along the way.

Must Know Information

You’ll start your journey at the Oslo Train Station (or Bergen Train Station if going from Bergen to Oslo by train) and can stay on the same train all the way to Bergen. However, if you have time, you can also make stops along the way to see some of the best scenery and fjords in Norway – including the ever popular Norway in a Nutshell route.

Here are some fun facts about taking the Bergensbanen:

The Oslo to Bergen train runs 5 times daily, except in the winter when it runs 4 times daily.

On the train, you’ll travel 430km across Norway in about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

You’ll go through 180 tunnels and stop at 22 stations between Oslo and Bergen.

The Oslo to Bergen train is considered Northern Europe’s highest railway with the highest station being Finse Station at 1,222 meters above sea level.

The Bergensbanen is dog friendly, but taking your furry friend will cost extra.

You can also take your bicycle on the train from Oslo to Bergen at an extra charge.

Purchasing Bergensbanen Train Tickets

When planning your adventure to Bergen from Oslo, you will need a valid train ticket. Fortunately, these tickets are easy to buy and rarely seem to sell out – even still, there is an incentive to buying them ahead as you will get the best rate by purchasing in advance.

Here’s all you need to know about purchasing tickets for the Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo train route:

Choose to buy your train ticket ahead of time online at the Norwegian Railways website, directly at the train stations in Oslo or Bergen, or any train station along the route.

To find the cheapest tickets, book your train ticket from Oslo to Bergen in advance.

There are discount tickets available for seniors, students, and children. Children under 15 are eligible for a 50% discount, while infants under 1 are free.

You can print your ticket or show it on your electronic device.

When you book your Oslo to Bergen train ticket, you must select from Economy and Business class. You’ll then receive a seat reservation tied to a specific seat.

Helpful Info for the Train Oslo to Bergen

To help you plan your train travel from Oslo to Bergen, let’s learn a bit about the train stations in Oslo and Bergen, along with what to expect onboard the train.

Oslo Train Station

Oslo Central Station, also known as Oslo Sentralstasjon or Oslo S, is the busiest rail station in all of Norway and is located in the heart of Oslo. This puts the Oslo train station within walking distance of most of the best things to do in Oslo as well as the top Oslo hotels.

Facilities at Oslo Central Station include:

Cafes and restaurants – including the Ostbanehallen food court

Ticket machines and ticket office

Wi-Fi

Public bathrooms (20 NOK)

Baby changing facilities

Lockers for storage

Disabled access

Oslo Railway Station address: Jernbanetorget 1, 0154 Oslo

Onboard the Bergensbanen Train

When you board the train to Bergen, you’ll have different conveniences at your finger tips. Here are the need to know facts about the train ride itself and what you can expect onboard. All-in-all, it’s a very pleasant and comfortable journey.

The Bergensbanen Train is a regional train operated by VY that can hit speeds of 200km/hour.

When you booked your Bergensbanen train ticket, you selected Economy or Business class. Check your ticket for your seat reservation. If you have trouble finding your seat, just ask one of the staff.

In the basic Economy Class, you’ll find Wi-Fi, power sockets, luggage racks and overhead shelving, and some seats offer tables or trays.

For extra comfort, opt to travel in Business Class. They offer wider seats with extra legroom, complimentary newspapers and refreshments along with Wi-Fi and power sockets.

Both classes provide access to the restaurant car, which offers food and drink.

Bergen Train Station

The Bergen Railway Station is located in the center of Bergen, Norway. This makes taking the train to Bergen one of the best modes of transportation, as you’ll arrive and already be walking distance to the best hotels in Bergen and most of the key attractions in Bergen.

Facilities at the Bergen Train Station include:

Cafes and restaurants

Ticket machines and ticket office

Wi-Fi

Public bathrooms (20 NOK)

Baby changing facilities

Lockers for storage

ATMs

Car hire

Bike parking

Disabled access

Bergen Railway Station address: Strømgaten 4, 5015 Bergen

Other Options for Traveling from Oslo to Bergen

While taking the train from Oslo to Bergen is by far the best option, you’ll find a couple of other possibilities to travel between the two largest cities in Norway.

Drive from Oslo to Bergen

If you opt to not take the Oslo to Bergen railroad, you can rent a car and drive. The 460km road trip from Oslo to Bergen will take about 7 hours to drive directly, longer if you opt to stop on the way… and you should definitely stop along the way!

To make the most of driving from Oslo to Bergen, plan to enjoy one of these amazingly scenic routes that hits more of the hotspots of Norway:

Via Hardangervidda: Oslo to Gol to Geilo to Eidfjord to Voss to Bergen

Via Aurlandsfjellet: Oslo to Gol to Hemsedal to Laerdal to Aurland to Flam to Gudvangen to Bergen

Via Haukeli: Oslo to Seljord to Haukeligrend to Odda to Jondal to Norheimsund to Bergen

Want to find a rental car in Norway? Check out Discover Cars! They search all the car rental websites for the best prices, so that you don’t have to.

Fly from Oslo to Bergen

Another viable option is to take a quick 55 minute flight from Oslo to Bergen. There are frequent direct flights between Oslo and Bergen that won’t break the bank making it a viable transportation option.

The main disadvantage of flying from Oslo to Bergen is simply that you must book in advance, which locks in your travel days. Additionally, when flying to Bergen from Oslo, you’ll miss all of the natural beauty in between the two cities. That being said, if you’re short on time in Norway, flying may be your best bet.

Norway in a Nutshell Route

If you have an extra day or two in Norway, opt to do the Norway in a Nutshell route when traveling from Oslo to Bergen or reverse it on your way back from Bergen to Oslo by train. It will take you through some of the most famous Norwegian scenery!

To do the Norway in a Nutshell trip, you’ll take the Oslo to Bergen train to Myrdal, then change to the Flamsbana train. This train is also known as the Flam Railway and is one of the most picturesque train rides in the world!

You’ll then ride the Flam train through mountains and past waterfalls until you arrive at the Gudangen fjord. From there, take a fjord tour to Voss, where you’ll catch the bus or train from Voss to Bergen.

Get Acquainted with Oslo and Bergen

Taking the train from Oslo to Bergen will give you the opportunity to see two of the best cities in Norway! Make the most of your time in this stunning country by starting to plan your itinerary of these two incredible Norwegian cities.

Oslo, Norway

The capital and largest city in Norway is Oslo. It’s the classic entry point to the country and offers many attractions and rich history to keep you entertained for a few days. You’ll also want to sample some of the traditional Norwegian foods while in Oslo.

Here are some posts to help you get started:

Bergen, Norway

The second largest city in Norway, Bergen also offers a lot of attractions for visitors. Whether you are arriving in Bergen on the Bergen Line train or by other transport, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty along with rich history and world-class museums.

Here are some posts about Bergen to make the most of your time there:

Learn More about Visiting Norway

Traveling from Oslo to Bergen by train is one of the epic adventures tourists must do when in Norway. You’ll be able to take in the most gorgeous scenery in Norway from mountains to fjords. It’s an incredible journey.

Looking for more to do in Norway? Here are some posts to help you plan your trip:

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