The Bergen to Oslo train journey on the Bergensbanen is one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau at over 1,300 metres. Vy trains cover the 306 km between Bergen Central Station and Oslo Central Station in as little as 6 hours 49 minutes, with 6 daily departures running from 08:08 to 23:01. On board you'll find allocated seating in Economy or Business class, power outlets at every seat, free Wi-Fi, and a bistro car. Browse the full schedule and book your ticket from $149 — your e-ticket arrives instantly, no queuing at the station required.
306 km
The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) stretches 496 km across some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes, climbing over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau at 1,301 metres above sea level — the highest railway in northern Europe. Passengers are treated to sweeping views of snowy peaks, glaciers, fjords and waterfalls throughout the journey.
The Hardangervidda plateau, which the Bergen Railway traverses, sits at over 1,300 metres altitude. This vast Arctic tundra landscape is one of the largest high mountain plateaux in Europe, and crossing it by train — especially in winter when the landscape turns completely white — is an unforgettable experience.
Vy, the main Norwegian rail operator, consistently achieves high on-time performance. Norwegian rail culture values punctuality highly, and the Bergen–Oslo route is one of the most reliable long-distance rail services in Scandinavia.
Near Myrdal station, passengers on the Bergen Railway can connect to the legendary Flåm Railway — one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. The main Bergen–Oslo line itself passes through breathtaking valleys and past frozen lakes near this iconic area.
The Bergen–Oslo route is operated by modern Vy trains with comfortable reclining seats, large panoramic windows perfect for sightseeing, power sockets at every seat, a bistro car serving hot food and drinks, and free Wi-Fi throughout the journey.
Vy trains on the Bergen–Oslo route offer free Wi-Fi for the entire approximately 6.5-hour journey. Even when the train passes through the many tunnels on the route, the connection is maintained, so you can stream, work or browse without interruption.
Construction of the Bergen Railway began in 1894 and was completed in 1909. The engineering challenge of crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at extreme altitude, through harsh winters and difficult terrain, made it one of the most ambitious railway projects in Norwegian history.
The Bergen Railway passes through more than 180 tunnels along its 496 km route. This is a direct result of Norway's dramatic mountainous terrain — cutting through rock was often the only practical way to keep the railway line running. The longest tunnel on the route stretches over 10 kilometres.
Bergen Station sits right in the heart of the city, a 5-minute walk from the famous Bryggen wharf and the fish market. The historic red-brick building is hard to miss. Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) is equally central — step outside and you're in the middle of the city with trams, metro and buses right at the door. Unlike many European cities, both stations are simply named after their city, so there's no confusion. (optional p2): Both stations have good English signage throughout, so navigating as a foreign visitor is straightforward.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Pick up snacks for the journey (the bistro car is fine but the station shops have more variety), then locate your platform — it's shown on the large electronic departure boards in Norwegian and English. Check your ticket for your car number and find the matching car marker on the platform. The train stops briefly, so be ready before it pulls in.
The Bergen–Oslo train makes several stops along the way, so get ready to disembark a few minutes before your scheduled arrival. Gather your luggage and move toward the exit doors early — the stops are short. This is especially important at intermediate stations like Voss or Geilo, where the train pauses only briefly before continuing.
When you arrive at Bergen Station, the city centre is immediately on your doorstep. Taxis wait just outside the main entrance. The Bybanen light rail stops directly outside the station and connects to the airport in about 45 minutes — a cheap and easy option. If you're heading to a hotel in the city centre, most are walkable from the station.
There is no luggage check-in on Norwegian trains. You do not pay any luggage fees — bring as much as you can carry. There is no staff assistance with luggage, so you must be able to manage your bags yourself. As a general guideline, each passenger is permitted luggage up to about 30 kg and within approximately 1.5 m in total dimensions.
Each train car has overhead racks for smaller bags such as backpacks and cabin-size suitcases, as well as large luggage racks at the ends of each car by the entry/exit doors. The luggage racks are not supervised — keep your valuables and travel documents with you and never leave them unattended in the racks.
If you are travelling with oversized items such as bicycles or large sports equipment, contact Vy in advance to make arrangements. Bikes require a reservation and must be stored in the dedicated bicycle compartment. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early to allow time to board with bulky items.
Both Bergen and Oslo Central stations have luggage storage lockers and staffed left-luggage counters, so you can explore the city before or after your train without dragging your bags around.
For the smoothest ride, choose seats in the middle carriages. The front and rear cars can feel slightly more movement on the mountain sections. Business class offers wider seats with more legroom and is especially worth it on this 6.5-hour journey.
Business class on the Bergen–Oslo route is highly recommended for the extra comfort on this long journey. You get wider, more comfortable seats, fewer passengers per car, a quieter atmosphere, and more luggage space — well worth the modest premium for a 6.5-hour scenic trip.
Both Bergen and Oslo Central stations have large electronic departure boards showing all departures in Norwegian and English. Look for "Oslo S" (if travelling from Bergen) or "Bergen" (from Oslo), find your departure time and note the platform number (spor).
Trains in Norway typically appear on the board 15–20 minutes before departure, so don't worry if your train is not shown immediately. However, platforms can occasionally change at short notice, so keep an eye on the board right up until departure.
Once you know your platform, head there early. On the platform floor and overhead signs you will find car number markers. Walk to the marker matching your car number — the doors will align there when the train pulls in.
Check the car number displayed on the outside of each carriage before boarding — it will match your ticket. Vy trains have clear numbering on each car. If you are unsure, staff on the platform or the train conductor (in a Vy uniform) will be happy to help.
Seats are allocated, so there is no rush to board early. If your reservation shows a specific seat number, simply find it once on board. Seats are numbered clearly above the headrests.
Experience one of the world's most scenic train journeys, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, passing frozen lakes and dramatic valleys on the 496 km route between Bergen and Oslo.
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