The train from Oslo to Bergen covers 496 km (308 mi) on the Bergensbanen in 6h30–7h30, crossing Finse at 1,222 metres — the highest point on any mainline railway in Northern Europe. Direct departures run between Oslo Central Station and Bergen Station, on one of Europe's most scenic train journeys.
The Bergensbanen runs west from Oslo through Drammen and Hønefoss, climbs steadily across Hallingdal to the Hardangervidda plateau, crests at Finse, then drops sharply past Myrdal and Voss down to sea level at Bergen.
About the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen)
Norwegians call it the Bergensbanen — the Bergen Railway — one of the country's oldest and most celebrated mountain lines, opened in 1909 to connect Oslo and Bergen by rail for the first time, crossing some of the most rugged terrain in western Norway. The route includes 182 tunnels, the longest being the 10.3 km Finse Tunnel. Nine stations anchor the line between Drammen and Arna — full detail on each is in the Stations Guide below.
Elevations are approximate published figures and can vary slightly by source.
Finse
The Highest Point on the Line
At 1,222 metres, Finse sits on the Hardangervidda — Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau, protected as Hardangervidda National Park — where snow lingers most of the year and the Hardangerjøkulen glacier is visible from the platform. Weather on the plateau can change rapidly in any season, which is why the station is served only by rail — there's no road access.
Compare Train Classes
Every class rides the same train — the difference is comfort and price, not the departure.
Seat classes may vary by specific departure; sleeper cars run on night services only.
Oslo to Bergen Train Stations
Nine stations anchor the route, plotted by real distance and elevation — hover or tap a stop for details.
Sea level
Highest PointFinse1,222 m
Elevations are approximate published figures and can vary slightly by source.
Oslo S, ~5 m: Oslo Central Station — departures for Bergen leave from here.
Drammen, ~5 m: Still valley-level — the climb hasn't started yet.
Hønefoss, ~95 m: First real gain in elevation as Hallingdal opens up.
Geilo, ~795 m: Ski-resort town where the line breaks onto the high plateau.
Finse, 1,222 m: The highest point on any mainline railway in Northern Europe — reachable only by train, with Hardangerjøkulen glacier visible from the platform.
Myrdal, ~867 m: Transfer point for the Flåm Railway, the steep branch line down to the fjord.
Voss, ~56 m: Sea level again — the descent from Myrdal is that steep.
Arna, ~7 m: Last stop before Bergen, just through the Ulriken tunnel.
Bergen, ~4 m: Harbourside terminus near the historic Bryggen wharf and fish market.
Top Things to Do in Oslo & Bergen
Before you board or after you arrive, both ends of the Bergensbanen are worth a day or two on their own:
Oslo
The Opera House
Walk straight up its sloped marble roof to the top for a harbor view; inside, catch an opera or ballet performance.
Munch Museum
Thirteen floors dedicated to Edvard Munch, including versions of The Scream, overlooking the Oslo fjord.
Oslo Fjord Islands
A short public ferry from the harbor front reaches several small islands with beaches and walking paths, popular in summer.
Bergen
Fløibanen Funicular
A steep ride up Mount Fløyen for a full view over the city and its seven surrounding mountains; hiking trails at the top.
Fish Market (Fisketorget)
A working market on the harbor for fresh seafood, samples, and local produce.
Hanseatic Museum
Inside one of Bryggen's original merchant houses, showing how German traders lived and worked in the 1700s.
Many travelers pair Bergen with the Flåm Railway or a fjord cruise before heading back east on the Bergensbanen — worth building an extra day into your itinerary either direction.
Journey Details
The Oslo to Bergen Train Journey
What the train ride is actually like, from seating to the branch line most travelers add on. Depending on the service, it's anywhere from six and a half hours to a seven hour journey across the mountains.
Which side to sit on
Sit on the left-hand side traveling from Oslo, or the right-hand side traveling from Bergen, for the best scenic views over the Hardangervidda plateau and Hardangerjøkulen glacier near Finse.
On board
Every departure has a café car — sometimes called the bistro or restaurant car — serving hot drinks, pastries, sandwiches and other warm meals, plus power sockets at most seats. Seat reservations are mandatory on long-distance departures, and wifi gets patchy inside the route's 182 tunnels. Luggage racks are near your seat, or reserve space in the designated storage car for skis and large bags — bringing your own food is fine too.
Through the Hallingdal Valley
Between Hønefoss and Geilo, the line follows the Hallingdal valley, climbing gradually past lake country and forested hills before the trees thin out onto Hardangervidda.
The Flåm Railway, Fjord Cruise & Norway in a Nutshell Tour
At Myrdal, a branch-line train descends 863 metres to Flåm village on the Aurlandsfjord — the classic add-on many travelers combine with fjord tours and cruises through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord as the "Norway in a Nutshell" route. It works as a long day trip from Myrdal, or with overnight stays in Flåm or Bergen.
Six Landscape Types: Crossing the Hardangervidda Plateau
The train passes through six distinct landscape types between Oslo and Bergen — more than most European rail journeys cover in twice the distance.
Oslo's agricultural valley — farmland and lakes for the first hour out of the capital.
Numedal lake country — long, narrow lakes as the line follows forested valleys toward Hallingdal.
Hallingdal treeline — forested hills thin out as the train gains altitude toward Geilo.
Hardangervidda high plateau — treeless tundra, snow most of the year, glacier views near Finse.
The steep descent past Myrdal — waterfalls and fjord-cut valleys as elevation drops fast.
Bergen's coastal approach — past fjord villages and softer, greener terrain into western Norway's mild coastal air.
Fares & Booking
Oslo to Bergen Train Fares & Booking Basics
Vy prices this route with advance-purchase "Minipris" tiers and full-flex fares. Minipris fares are cheapest, non-changeable, and sell out quickly on popular dates; flex fares cost more but allow changes. How much you'll spend often comes down to timing.
One-way farefrom ~$110, varies by date
Minipris (advance)from lower tiers, limited seats
Standard flexhigher, changeable
Night train sleeperberth supplement applies
Booking windowopens ~90 days ahead
Vy's Comfort class is the closest equivalent to first class on this route, with wider seats and additional space for luggage — most travelers find Standard class perfectly comfortable for a single trip. Tickets can be bought online, through the Vy app, at the station, or via the search widget on this page for live fares, one-way or round trip. If you're also riding several other long-distance trains around Norway, a rail pass such as Eurail or Interrail may be worth pricing out; otherwise single tickets are usually simpler for this route alone.
Compare live fares and schedules
See current Oslo–Bergen departures, seat availability and prices for your travel dates.
Flight, Bus or Car Instead of the Oslo to Bergen Train
However you reach these two destinations, it's worth being honest: the flight is genuinely fast, so the train is a scenery choice, not a time-saving one.
Flight
~55 minutes in the air, and budget carriers sometimes offer cheap flights on this route
2–3 hours total once you add airport transfers and check-in
Fastest option if you're on a tight schedule and skip the scenery
Bus
~9–10 hours, notably slower than the train
Usually the cheapest option
Follows a different, more southerly road route
Car
A rental car via the E16 and Rv7 covers the distance in about 7–8 hours, similar to train time including stops
Mountain roads can close in winter weather
Useful if you want to stop freely along the way
FAQ
Oslo to Bergen Train — Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the train from Oslo to Bergen?
The day train takes roughly 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the departure. The night train runs a little longer, around 7 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes, since it makes a different stopping pattern. Either way, you're covering 496 km across some of Norway's highest terrain.
Is the train scenic?
Yes — the Oslo to Bergen train is widely considered one of Europe's great scenic rail journeys. It climbs from sea level to 1,222 metres at Finse, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau in full daylight on the day service, with glaciers, snowfields and remote mountain stations visible for hours.
Which side should I sit on?
Sit on the left-hand side of the train when traveling from Oslo to Bergen, and the right-hand side when traveling from Bergen to Oslo. Both put you on the side facing the best views over the Hardangervidda plateau and Hardangerjøkulen glacier near Finse.
Is there a night train?
Yes. One nightly sleeper service runs each direction with private and shared sleeper cabins, letting you arrive rested — the tradeoff is that you sleep through most of the Hardangervidda plateau, the section with the best daytime views.
Can I stop at Myrdal for the Flåm Railway?
Yes. Myrdal is the transfer point for the Flåm Railway, a steep branch line down to the Aurlandsfjord. It works well as a same-day detour or an overnight stop before rejoining an Oslo–Bergen service.
What amenities are on board?
All departures have a café car — sometimes called the bistro or restaurant car — serving hot drinks, pastries, sandwiches and other warm meals, plus power sockets at most seats. Seat reservations are mandatory on long-distance departures, and you can reserve luggage space in the designated storage car for skis or large bags; bringing your own food is fine too. Vy's Comfort class, the closest equivalent to first class on this route, adds wider seats and additional space for luggage.
Can I combine the train with a fjord cruise?
Yes. Many travelers pair the Oslo to Bergen train with the Flåm Railway and a fjord cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord as the classic "Norway in a Nutshell" route. It works as a long day trip from Myrdal, or with overnight stays in Flåm or Bergen.
Enjoy Your Train Journey
