Everything You Need to Know About the Oslo – Bergen Railway

While Norway is captivated by an unimaginable amount of beauty, the Oslo – Bergen railway might just top the list of must-do experiences in this amazing country. Also known as Bergensbanen, this daily train journey takes you through almost every type of Norwegian landscape you could imagine. 

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the train ride from Oslo to Bergen twice—once in 2019 and then again in 2023. Based on those experiences, I’m putting together this complete guide to the Oslo – Bergen railway. Expect to learn how to buy tickets, what the on-board experience is like, and what to see along the way. 

How Long Does the Train Take From Oslo to Bergen? 

Traveling between Oslo and Bergen by train usually takes around seven hours. You’ll call at several stops along the way, including Drammen, Geilo, and Ål. 

While the route is generally well-maintained, the journey between Oslo and Bergen can take longer if the conditions aren’t ideal. 

Oslo – Bergen Railway: Route 

The journey from Oslo to Bergen starts to get scenic around an hour into the journey; for the early part, you’re pretty much just traveling through the suburbs of the Norwegian capital. 

After leaving Oslo, you’ll travel through some of Norway’s most popular skiing areas. Arguably the most scenic part of the journey is when you cut through Hallingskarvet National Park in the heart of the country. Even if you visit in late May, it’ll probably still look like winter. Finse—at 1,222 meters above sea level—is the highest point on the journey. 

As you approach Bergen, Western Norway’s sheer beauty comes into full effect. You’ll pass alongside many of the region’s steep mountains and fjords, admiring its cute villages in the meantime. It’s a great primer for what you can expect during your time in the Bergen region. 

If you want to explore even more of this region’s landscape by train before heading to Bergen, you can take the Flåmsbanen from Myrdal to Flåm. However, you’ll need to buy an extra ticket. 

Does the Oslo – Bergen Railway Run Year-Round? 

Yes—the train from Oslo to Bergen runs year-round. There are also several departures each day, and you can book the night train if you want (though you’ll miss out on much of the scenery outside the summer if you do!). 

If you’re planning to visit Norway for its national day—the 17th of May—you can also take the train from Oslo to Bergen on this day. And as a side note, you definitely should visit the country around this time of year if you can. 

When’s the Best Time of the Year for the Oslo – Bergen Railway?

Both times I’ve been on the train from Oslo to Bergen have been in the spring (more specifically, late May), and I would thoroughly recommend that time of year. The route is quite crowded during the summer, and late May means that you still get long daylight hours. As mentioned earlier, you’ll probably experience multiple seasons in one day; many inland parts of the journey are still covered in snow at that time of the year. 

While I haven’t been in the autumn, I do know people who have traveled from Oslo to Bergen at this time of year. Considering that Norway is beautiful enough year-round, the autumn colors dotting the landscape would undoubtedly make for superb photo opportunities. I’ll report back when I eventually make this journey at that time of year 😛. 

Traveling during the winter means that your train probably won’t be as busy. However, you should keep in mind that you’ll also have limited daylight hours to enjoy the scenery outdoors. Oslo and Bergen both get fewer than six hours of daylight for much of December. If you want to experience the landscapes in true winter, I recommend going in late February or March when the daylight hours are longer. 

If you’re planning a trip to Norway, consider checking out my full one-week itinerary (which actually takes you between Oslo and Bergen).

What Facilities Are There on the Train From Oslo to Bergen? 

You can charge your phone on the train from Oslo to Bergen without problems, and you can also buy snacks via the on-board shop. It’s worth bringing enough water with you, as you’ll otherwise need to buy some; the tap water in the toilets may not be safe to drink. 

While you can buy food and drink on board, you can also bring your own stuff onto the train without problems. 

How to Buy Tickets for the Oslo – Bergen Railway 

You can buy your train tickets for the Oslo – Bergen railway directly from the Vy website, which is Norway’s national train operator. Tickets are available for purchase three months before departure, and you can get excellent deals if you book in advance. My friend and I got a one-way ticket from Oslo to Bergen in May 2023 for 329 Norwegian Kroner per person (c. $31/£25), having booked three months before traveling. 

Since the Bergensbanen route is popular, the least expensive tickets often go quite fast—especially during busy periods. When researching for this article, I had a look on the Vy website for tickets one day later, and they had risen well above 1,000 NOK. Some departures had also sold out. So, basically, buy your tickets when you know you’re going to travel. 

After buying your tickets, you’ll receive an email with a reference code. You can download your tickets to the Vy app (iOS and Android), allowing you to have them handy for ticket inspection on board. You should also receive a seat reservation with your ticket. 

What Are the Luggage Allowances for the Oslo – Bergen Train?

You’re allowed to take up to 30kg worth of luggage with you on the train from Oslo to Bergen, and you need to be able to carry it yourself. This will be more than enough for most luggage you fly with.

Good to Know: You Can Bring Your Dog on the Train

I’ve done a lot of research on this question as I plan to have a dog someday, and you’ll be pleased to know that you can bring your dog on the Oslo – Bergen train; you will find animal-friendly carriages on-board 🙂.

Whether you need to buy a ticket for your dog or not depends on its size. If your canine companion has a shoulder height below 40 centimeters, you can bring them on the train for free. However, you will need to buy a ticket for them—which is 50% of the adult fare—if their shoulder height is above this.

If you need a guide dog, you can bring these without needing to buy an extra ticket.

If you’re visiting from a different country, you should also make sure that your dog has all the necessary paperwork and vaccinations to accompany you. This page on the Norwegian Customs website has all the information you need about traveling with dogs (and other pets) to and from Norway. You should also make sure your dog is not one of the banned breeds; you can find the full list of banned dog breeds here.

I’ve had one instance when the train from Oslo to Bergen has in part been a replacement bus service. This can occur, and in these instances, your dog isn’t necessarily guaranteed a spot. So, I recommend contacting Vy ahead of time to ensure that everything is sorted.

Does It Matter if I Start My Journey in Oslo or Bergen?

It doesn’t really matter if you begin the Bergensbanen route from Oslo or Bergen, as it covers the same route. But you’ll appreciate the scenery more if you travel from Oslo first, as it takes more time to uncover its true self. 

Your Norwegian adventure will probably begin in Oslo anyway, as that’s where most international flights arrive. So, from that sense, it’s more logical to for most begin in the Norwegian capital. 

Good to Know: I’ve written guides on my top activities in Oslo and Bergen, based on multiple visits to both cities. You can read both of these below:

• My Top Things to Do in Oslo, Norway
• All of My Favorite Things to Do in Bergen

Making Your Onward Journey From Bergen

From Bergen, it’s also easy to get to other parts of Norway by rail, sea, road, or air. Flesland Airport serves flights all over the country, and it’s less than an hour if you want to return to Oslo before heading home. Since the airport in Bergen serves several international destinations, it’s worth checking to see if you can fly home from there instead of needing to make your way back to Oslo.

You can also get to other parts of Norway easily from Bergen. For example, Hurtigruten has a cruise that goes all the way up the Norwegian coastline. You can view all of their cruises here.

Prepare Yourself for One of Europe’s Most Beautiful Rail Journeys 

The Oslo – Bergen railway is an attraction in and of itself, and it’s one of my top recommendations when people ask me for things to do in Norway. The scenery is beautiful and the seven hours go by much quicker than you may have previously anticipated. 

When booking your tickets for the Oslo – Bergen railway, make sure you book well in advance. Charge your camera in advance while you’re at it, too 🙂. 

If you need more tips for your Norway trip, be sure to also check out these guides:

• My Honest Thoughts on Oslo, and if It’s Worth Visiting
• Oslo Itinerary: 2 Days in the Norwegian Capital
• How I Recommend Spending 3 or 4 Days in Bergen, Norway
• Everything You Need to Know About Island-Hopping in Oslo

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