The Norwegian State Railways' network (NSB) covers more than 3,000 kilometres, with a total of 775 tunnels and over 3,000 bridges.
The best known scenic route is the 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. The main railway station is Oslo Centralstasjon (Oslo-S), where nearly all long-distance trains depart.
Visit the website of the Norwegian railway company NSB. The site has an online journey planner on the homepage. You can also download timetables in PDF-format.
How to get there
Norway is connected by train with Sweden and has a ferry connection with Denmark.
General info
All trains convey 2nd class seating accomodation. Only a selected number of trains offer 1st class compartments ('Komfort'), with complimentary tea/coffee and newspapers.
In Norway, smoking is prohibited on domestic trains and inside the train stations.
Bicycles are allowed on most trains. On long distance trains you need to book a bike space well in advance. More info on the NSB website
Train types
- Long-distance and InterCity trains (both called NSB Regiontog): reservations are required, 2nd class: € 6,25
Komfort class available for 1st class Eurail pass holders without supplement, if reservation is made locally, 2nd class pass holders pay €11,25
(for example on the routes Oslo – Kristiansand – Stavanger, Oslo – Bergen, Oslo – Trondheim / Åndalsnes and Trondheim – Bodø) - Regiontog (international route to Göteborg): reservations are required
- Night trains: reservations are recommended
For other trains, reservations are not required. They are only possible for NSB Komfort (business class) against payment of a supplement of NOK 90.
The international InterCity between Oslo and Stockholm (Sweden) also requires advance reservation.
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 train routes
There are several spectacular scenic train routes in Norway. InterRail passes are valid on these trains (except for the Flåm Railway) and reservation is not compulsory.
The Bergen railway
The best-known line is the 290 mile Bergen railway that crosses the high mountain range between Oslo and Bergen. Enjoy a spectacular journey through the winter sports resorts of Geilo, Gol and Nesbyen.
The Dovre railway
This train runs from Oslo to Trondheim through the stunning Norwegian scenery of the mighty Dovrefjell mountain area.
The Rauma railway
Travel from the fjords to the mountains! The Rauma railway runs between Åndalsnes (4 metres above sea level) and Dombås (659 metres above sea level).
The Northern (Nordland) railway
The Nordland railway runs from historic Trondheim to 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 sea. The train journey treats you to some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. Your InterRail pass is not valid on the Flåm Railway, but you are entitled to 30% discount.
Video from Visit Norway:
More info: www.flamsbana.no
