Why Norwegian Rail Outshines Flying
While budget airlines connect Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim in under an hour, taking the train through Norway is not merely transit; it is one of the greatest travel highlights in Europe. The railway climbs from sea-level fjords up onto high alpine tundras and passes thundering glacial meltwater waterfalls.
Understanding how to book tickets on Vy (Norwegian State Railways) lets you experience legendary routes like the Bergensbanen at a fraction of full walk-up prices.
1. The Bergensbanen (Bergen Railway)
Connecting Oslo Central to Bergen in 6 hours 45 minutes, the Bergensbanen traverses the desolate Hardangervidda mountain plateau, reaching 1,222 meters above sea level at Finse:
- Booking Lowfare Tickets: Vy releases its cheapest non-refundable tickets (Lavpris / Lowfare) 90 days before departure on vy.no. Lowfare tickets start at 299 to 399 NOK (26 to 35 Euros). Full-fare walk-up tickets on the day of departure cost over 1,100 NOK (98 Euros).
- Seat Selection: When booking on vy.no, you can choose your specific seat from an interactive carriage map. Sitting on the left side facing forward when traveling from Oslo to Bergen gives you the best panoramic views across the alpine lakes of Hardangervidda.
- Onboard Amenities: Modern Vy InterCity trains feature comfortable reclining seats, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and a full bistro carriage serving hot reindeer stew, Norwegian waffles with sour cream and jam, and coffee.
2. The Flåmsbana Connection (The DIY Hack)
At the mountain junction station of Myrdal on the Bergensbanen line, the world-famous Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway) branches off, descending 863 meters through 20 mountain tunnels in just 20 kilometers down to Aurlandsfjord:
- DIY Booking vs Norway in a Nutshell: Commercial tour operators sell Norway in a Nutshell packaged tours for 150 to 190 Euros. However, Norway in a Nutshell is not a private tour; it simply bundles the standard public train, Flåmsbana, and public ferry tickets into a single voucher.
- Save 40%: By booking the Vy train to Myrdal on vy.no, the Flåmsbana connection, and the public fjord ferry on norled.no independently, you take the exact same trains and boats while saving 50 to 70 Euros per person.
3. The Dovrebanen: Oslo to Trondheim
Another spectacular Norwegian mainline connects Oslo to historic Trondheim in 6 hours 40 minutes, traveling north through the Olympic town of Lillehammer, the Gudbrandsdalen valley, and over the high tundra of Dovrefjell National Park, home to wild musk oxen.
- Fares: Lowfare tickets start at 349 NOK (30 Euros) booked in advance.
- Night Train: Vy also operates a nightly sleeper train on this route. Private 2-berth sleeper compartments cost an additional 950 NOK (82 Euros) for the cabin, saving a hotel night while traveling north.