Oslo to Bergen
Complete Journey Guide 2026

The journey between Oslo and Bergen connects Norway’s two major cities through some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. Whether you choose the world-famous Bergen Railway, drive through mountain passes, or fly over snow-capped peaks, this route offers unforgettable experiences.

Most travellers recommend making the journey itself part of the adventure. The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) isn’t just transportation-it’s one of the world’s great train journeys, crossing the roof of Norway at 1,222 metres whilst passing glaciers, alpine lakes, and landscapes that seem almost otherworldly.

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Route Options Compared

At a Glance

Option	Duration	Cost	Scenic Value
Train	7 hours	�25-100	
Car	7-8 hours	�50-80 (fuel)	
Plane	50 min	�40-160	
Bus	10 hours	�25-50	

The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen)

Overview

The Bergen Railway is one of Europe’s highest mainline railways and consistently ranked among the world’s most scenic train journeys.

Detail	Information
Distance	496 km
Duration	~7 hours
Highest point	Finse (1,222 m)
Daily departures	4-5 each direction
Operator	Vy

The Journey

Oslo Departure: Trains leave from Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), heading west through the suburbs before climbing into increasingly dramatic terrain.

Hallingdal Valley: The train follows the Hallingdal valley, passing farms, forests, and the ski resort of Geilo.

Finse: At 1,222 metres, Finse is the highest point. Here, you’re surrounded by glaciers and barren highland-scenes that served as the Hoth ice planet in The Empire Strikes Back.

Myrdal: This mountain station offers transfers to the Fl�m Railway for the famous descent to Fl�m village.

Bergen Approach: The descent reveals increasingly lush landscapes before arriving at Bergen station.

What You’ll See

• Mountain plateaus
• Glaciers and snow (year-round at altitude)
• Alpine lakes
• Waterfalls
• Traditional Norwegian farms
• Dense forests
• Dramatic valley views

Book Train Tickets

Tickets & Booking

Price Tiers:

Ticket Type	Price Range	Flexibility
Minipris	�25-40	Fixed train, no refund
Low Price	�40-65	Limited changes
Flex	�80-100	Full flexibility

Booking Tips:

1. Book at vy.no
2. Tickets available 90 days ahead
3. Minipris sells out-book early
4. Seat reservations recommended in summer
5. Consider Komfort class for extra comfort

Best Seats

For Views:

• Right side Oslo�Bergen (valley views)
• Left side Bergen�Oslo
• Both sides offer stunning scenery
• Komfort class has larger windows

Driving Oslo to Bergen

Route Options

Main Route (E16):

• Distance: ~465 km
• Time: 7-8 hours
• Via: L�rdal tunnel (world’s longest)
• Character: Efficient but tunnels limit views

Scenic Route (via Hardanger):

• Distance: ~480 km
• Time: 8-10 hours
• Via: Hardangervidda, V�ringfossen
• Character: More scenic, summer only

Northern Route (via Filefjell):

• Distance: ~500 km
• Time: 8-9 hours
• Via: Jotunheimen area
• Character: Mountain scenery

Driving Tips

General:

• Right-hand traffic
• Speed limits strictly enforced
• Many tunnels (some very long)
• Toll roads-automatic payment
• Winter tyres Nov-Apr

Recommended Stops:

1. Gol: Halfway point, stave church
2. Geilo: Mountain resort town
3. Eidfjord: Hardanger fjord access
4. V�ringfossen: Spectacular waterfall
5. Norheimsund: Fjord village

Fuel & Costs

Cost	Estimate
Fuel	�50-65
Tolls	�12-20
Ferry (if scenic route)	�25-40
Total	�80-120

Flying

Quick Option

Detail	Information
Flight time	50 minutes
Airlines	SAS, Norwegian, Wider�e
Oslo airport	OSL (Gardermoen)
Bergen airport	BGO (Flesland)

Pros & Cons

Advantages:

• Fastest option
• Sometimes cheapest (booked early)
• Good if short on time

Disadvantages:

• Miss the scenery
• Airport time adds 3-4 hours
• Limited luggage
• Weather delays possible

Airport Connections

Oslo Gardermoen (OSL):

• Flytoget to city: 20 min, �20
• Bus: 45 min, �12

Bergen Flesland (BGO):

• Bybanen (light rail): 45 min, �5
• Bus: 30 min, �12

Norway in a Nutshell

The Classic Combination

The Norway in a Nutshell tour combines multiple scenic routes in one journey:

Segment	Experience
Oslo � Myrdal	Bergen Railway
Myrdal � Fl�m	Fl�m Railway
Fl�m � Gudvangen	N�r�yfjord cruise
Gudvangen � Voss	Bus
Voss � Bergen	Train

Package Options

One-Way: Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo

Round Trip: Return journey included

Self-Guided: Book segments yourself

Guided: With tour guide throughout

Book Norway in a Nutshell

Bus

Budget Option

NOR-WAY Bussekspress:

• Duration: ~10 hours
• Cost: �25-50
• Comfort: Basic but adequate
• WiFi available
• Toilet onboard

Best For:

• Budget travellers
• Those who’ve done the train
• Overnight travel option

Seasonal Considerations

By Season

Season	Train	Driving	Notes
Summer	Best views	All routes open	Book ahead
Autumn	Colourful	Good conditions	Less crowded
Winter	Snowy magic	Main route only	Possible delays
Spring	Melting snow	Passes opening	Variable

Weather Impact

Train:

• Runs year-round
• Occasional winter delays
• Snow adds to scenery

Car:

• Mountain passes close winter
• E16 always open
• Check conditions before travel

Sample Itineraries

Day Trip

Time	Activity
8:00 AM	Depart Oslo by train
3:00 PM	Arrive Bergen
3:00-7:00 PM	Explore Bergen
7:00 PM	Evening flight back

2-Day Journey

Day	Plan
1	Oslo � Myrdal � Fl�m (overnight)
2	Fl�m fjord cruise � Bergen

Week-Long Exploration

Day	Location
1-2	Oslo exploration
3	Train to Fl�m (overnight)
4	Fl�m activities, to Bergen
5-6	Bergen exploration
7	Return to Oslo

Practical Information

Luggage

Train:

• Large luggage allowed
• Storage areas on train
• No weight limits

Plane:

• Checked bag fees apply
• Carry-on restrictions
• Book ahead for equipment

Connections

From Oslo:

• International flights arrive OSL
• Flytoget to central station
• Direct connections to Bergen Railway

From Bergen:

• Fjord cruises depart nearby
• Bus connections to fjords
• Easy city access

Accessibility

Train:

• Wheelchair accessible carriages
• Advance notice helpful
• Platform assistance available

Car:

• Rest areas accessible
• Main route well-maintained

Final Recommendations

Best Choice For:

First-Time Visitors: Train (Bergen Railway)-the scenery is unmissable

Families: Train for comfort, or car for flexibility

Time-Limited: Fly one way, train the other

Adventure Seekers: Norway in a Nutshell with Fl�m extension

Budget Travellers: Minipris train tickets or bus

Photographers: Train (better viewing) or car (stop anywhere)

The journey between Oslo and Bergen is more than transportation-it’s an experience that showcases why Norway is called the land of natural wonders. Whatever method you choose, you’re in for spectacular scenery that makes the trip memorable long after you arrive.

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For more journey information, see our guides to Bergen Travel Guide, Oslo Travel Guide, and Fl�m Railway Guide.