How to Get From Oslo to Bergen: Train, Plane, Car & More

Oslo and Bergen are Norway's two largest cities. However, planning how to get from Oslo to Bergen shouldn't be something you simply get out of the way.

You can fly and be there quickly, drive across the country at your own pace or spend around seven hours travelling through mountains, valleys and the vast Hardangervidda plateau on one of Norway's most famous railway journeys.

For most travellers, the choice comes down to speed, scenery or flexibility. Flying is fastest, driving gives you the freedom to stop wherever you like, and the train turns the journey itself into part of your Norway adventure.

And if you've got a little extra time? You don't necessarily have to go straight from Oslo to Bergen. Some of the best places to experience Norway are found in between.

Oslo to Bergen at a Glance

For most first-time visitors who aren't in a hurry, the train is hard to beat. The Bergen Line is 471 kilometres long and takes approximately 6.5–7.5 hours depending on the service. Vy currently operates several departures per day.

How Far Is Bergen From Oslo?

Oslo and Bergen sit on opposite sides of southern Norway, with mountains and high plateaus separating the east and west of the country.

The Bergen Railway itself covers 471 kilometres, while the driving distance varies depending on which route you take.

That's why distance alone isn't particularly helpful when planning this journey. Norway's geography means that 400 or 500 kilometres can feel very different from covering the same distance on a motorway elsewhere in Europe.

If you're driving, it's worth thinking about the journey in terms of which route and stops you want to experience, rather than simply finding the shortest distance between Oslo and Bergen.

Oslo to Bergen by Train: Our Top Choice for 9/10 People

If you've got the time, travelling from Oslo to Bergen by train is arguably the easiest way to make the journey itself part of your holiday.

The Bergen Line, or Bergensbanen, runs directly between Oslo Central Station and Bergen. There's no need to change trains, so you can settle in and watch the landscape change around you.

And change it does.

Leaving Oslo, the journey begins among the more gentle landscapes of eastern Norway before climbing towards Geilo and the mountains. From there, the railway crosses the enormous Hardangervidda plateau before descending towards Myrdal, Voss and eventually Bergen.

At its highest point in Finse, the railway reaches 1,237 metres above sea level. Just taking the train is one of the things to do in Bergen we recommend the most to our visitors.

How Long Is the Train From Oslo to Bergen?

The train from Oslo to Bergen generally takes around 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the service you choose. The standard journey goes for roughly seven hours and currently operates around six to seven departures per day on the Bergen Line.

Trains depart from Oslo S (Oslo Central Station) in the centre of Oslo and arrive at Bergen Station, also conveniently located close to the city centre.

This is why the seven-hour train journey isn't as slow as it might initially sound when compared with flying. With the train, you don't need to travel out to an airport, arrive well before departure and then make your way back into the city at the other end.

More importantly, you get seven hours of Norway along the way.

Is the Train From Bergen to Oslo Scenic?

It’s one of the most scenic railway rides in the world.

The Bergen Railway passes through forests, valleys, mountain landscapes and the high plateau of Hardangervidda. The route itself also changes significantly with the seasons.

And it's scenic in both directions.

Travelling Oslo to Bergen gives the journey a particularly satisfying progression. You leave Norway's capital, climb gradually towards the high mountains and eventually descend through western Norway towards Voss and Bergen.

Coming from Bergen, you simply experience that transformation in reverse.

If scenery is important to you, we'd prioritise a daytime departure. There's not much point choosing one of Norway's most beautiful railway journeys if darkness hides half of it.

Oslo to Bergen Train: Which Side Should You Sit On?

If you have the choice, the right-hand side is often recommended when travelling from Oslo to Bergen. All locals will give you the same recommendation for getting some of the best views along the route.

But don't worry if the right-hand seats are gone.

The scenery changes throughout a seven-hour journey and there are views on both sides of the carriage. You aren't going to spend seven hours staring at a wall because you picked the "wrong" seat.

Rather than obsessing over a particular seat, we'd put more emphasis on choosing a morning train with plenty of daylight.

How Much Is the Train From Oslo to Bergen?

Fares for the train from Oslo to Bergen generally range from 900 NOK (83 EUR) to 1,600 NOK (150 EUR) and beyond.

They vary according to the date and time of travel, how far ahead you book and which ticket type you choose. Standard seating, upgraded Plus travel and various night-train options are available.

For that reason, we'd recommend checking the live fare for your actual travel date rather than relying on a price quoted in a blog post made by us (that could quickly become outdated, by the way).

Check Oslo–Bergen trains and current prices with Vy.

If you already know when you're travelling, booking ahead is a good idea. Particularly if you want a specific departure or seat.

What Is the Night Train From Oslo to Bergen Like?

You can also travel overnight.

This can make sense if your priority is saving daytime for exploring rather than seeing the railway itself. Vy currently offers several overnight options, including reclining PlusNight seats and private sleeping compartments.

The trade-off is obvious: you'll sleep through much of the landscape that makes the Bergen Railway special.

For a first trip to Norway, we'd choose the day train for the experience unless your itinerary is particularly tight.

Where to Stop Between Oslo and Bergen by Train

You don't have to complete the entire journey in one go.

In fact, if you've got enough time, getting off the train can turn a simple transfer between two cities into one of the best parts of your trip.

Visit Norway specifically recommends the Bergen Railway as a route you can use to hop between destinations, with several worthwhile stops along the way.

Some of the most interesting include:

Geilo

Geilo is one of Norway's best-known mountain destinations, sitting between Oslo and Bergen and close to both Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda.

It's particularly well known as a ski destination in winter, while summer opens up hiking, cycling and other mountain activities.

Finse

For something very different, consider Finse.

Sitting high in the mountains, Finse is only accessible by train, and the area is a popular starting point for outdoor adventures. It's also closely associated with the famous Rallarvegen cycling route.

This is less of a quick sightseeing stop and more somewhere to consider if the high mountains are part of why you're visiting Norway.

Myrdal and

Myrdal is where the Bergen Line connects with the famous Flåm Railway.

If you want to visit Flåm, you'll leave the main Oslo–Bergen line at Myrdal and take the branch railway down towards the Aurlandsfjord.

That makes Flåm possible to incorporate into a longer Oslo-to-Bergen itinerary, but it's important to understand that Flåm itself isn't a stop on the direct Bergen Railway.

Voss

And then there's our favourite.

Okay, we're biased, Voss is home.

But it's also one of the most logical places to break up a journey from Oslo to Bergen if you want to do something rather than simply look around.

Voss is one of the final major stops before Bergen, with the last stretch of the train journey taking roughly an hour. Voss is Norway's "adrenaline capital", with tons of activities including rafting, cycling, hiking and skydiving. It’s popular as a destination for some of the best day trips from Bergen.

Which brings us to an alternative itinerary...

Don't Just Pass Through Voss!

If you're travelling from Oslo to Bergen, there's a good chance your train will pull into Voss station.

You could stay in your seat.

Or you could get off.

Voss sits among the mountains, rivers and fjords of western Norway, making it an easy place to add some actual adventure between Norway's two largest cities.

There’s tons of things to do in Voss. Depending on the season, that could mean whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking or exploring the fjords before continuing to Bergen.

And Bergen is still only around an hour away by train when you're ready to continue.

Explore Adventures in Voss

Oslo to Bergen by Plane: The Fastest Option

If time is your priority, flying is the obvious alternative.

The flight itself takes roughly an hour, making it considerably faster than the train on paper.

But remember to compare door-to-door travel time, not simply flight time.

You'll need to get to Oslo Airport, allow enough time before departure, fly to Bergen and then travel from Bergen Airport into the city.

The train, meanwhile, runs from central Oslo directly to central Bergen.

That doesn't make flying a bad choice. If you have a short itinerary and simply need to get to western Norway as efficiently as possible, it can be exactly the right one.

The question is whether you see the journey as travel time to minimise or part of the Norway experience.

If it's the former, fly.

If it's the latter, take the train.

Driving From Oslo to Bergen

Driving gives you something neither the train nor plane can: complete control over where you stop.

There isn't just one Oslo-to-Bergen driving route, either.

One popular option crosses Hardangervidda via Oslo → Gol → Geilo → Eidfjord → Voss → Bergen.

This route is around seven hours without turning it into an extended road trip. It gives you access to places such as Hardangervidda and Vøringsfossen before continuing through Voss towards Bergen.

Another option takes you via Hemsedal, Lærdal, Aurland, Flåm and Gudvangen, opening up opportunities to visit the Aurlandsfjord and other fjord landscapes along the way.

And a more southerly route via Haukeli and Odda takes you through Hardanger, with access to the region around Trolltunga. Visit Bergen puts this route at around eight hours before sightseeing stops.

Where Should You Stop When Driving From Oslo to Bergen?

That's where having a car really pays off.

Depending on your route and the amount of time you have, you could build stops around:

1. Geilo for mountain scenery and activities
2. Hardangervidda for high-mountain landscapes
3. Eidfjord and Vøringsfossen for waterfalls and fjords
4. Flåm and Aurland for classic fjord scenery
5. Voss for outdoor adventure
6. Hardanger for fjords, waterfalls and mountain landscapes

If you can spare the time, we'd avoid treating Oslo to Bergen as a seven-hour driving challenge.

Give yourself a night or two along the way and turn it into a road trip.

A Note About Driving in Winter

Driving across Norway in winter is a very different proposition from a summer road trip.

Mountain weather can change quickly, and conditions can affect roads and journey times. If you're unfamiliar with winter driving, don't choose a route simply because Google Maps tells you it's the fastest.

Check current road and weather conditions before setting off and allow flexibility in your plans.

Oslo to Bergen by Bus

Bus travel is also possible, although it's generally less attractive to international visitors travelling directly between Oslo and Bergen.

Services and connections vary, so check your specific dates before planning around the bus.

For most visitors, the train provides the easier scenic overland journey, while a car offers considerably more freedom if your goal is to explore along the way.

What's the Best Way to Get From Oslo to Bergen?

There isn't one answer for everyone.

Take the train if you want an easy journey and would like to see some of Norway's mountain landscapes along the way.

Fly if you're short on time and Bergen itself is the priority.

Drive if you're planning a wider Norwegian road trip and want the freedom to explore between the two cities.

And stop in Voss if you'd like to turn the journey into an adventure rather than simply getting from one city to another.

For a first-time visitor with enough time, our choice would be the daytime Bergen Railway.

It's not the fastest way to Bergen.

That's precisely the point.

Oslo to Bergen Train or Norway in a Nutshell?

You'll probably come across Norway in a Nutshell while researching how to travel between Oslo and Bergen.

They're not the same thing.

The standard Bergen Railway takes you directly between Oslo and Bergen. Norway in a Nutshell is a broader sightseeing itinerary that combines different forms of transport and can incorporate experiences such as the Flåm Railway and a fjord cruise through Nærøyfjord.

So think about what you actually want.

If your goal is simply to travel between Oslo and Bergen while enjoying the scenery, take the Bergen Railway.

If Flåm and a fjord journey are important parts of your itinerary, investigate the longer combination.

And if you'd rather swap sightseeing for something more active, break the Bergen Railway journey in Voss and spend some time exploring outdoors.

Can You Travel From Oslo to Bergen in One Day?

Of course. A direct train takes approximately seven hours, while flying can get you between the cities much faster.

So if your question is simply whether you can wake up in Oslo and go to bed in Bergen, the answer is yes.

But there's another question worth asking: Do you need to?

If your Norway itinerary allows it, adding a stop between the two cities gives you the opportunity to experience somewhere beyond Norway's biggest urban destinations.

One extra day in Geilo, Flåm, Finse or Voss can change the journey completely.

Tips for Travelling From Oslo to Bergen

Travel during daylight if you're taking the train for the scenery. The Bergen Railway is an experience in its own right, so check sunrise and sunset times when choosing your departure.

Check current train times rather than relying on an old itinerary. Timetables and services can change, and Vy recommends using its live journey planner for current information.

Don't judge flying by flight time alone. Compare the entire door-to-door journey.

Give yourself extra time if you're driving. The best reason to have a car is being able to stop, so don't create an itinerary that forces you to drive straight through.

Consider spending a night along the route. Oslo and Bergen are worth visiting, but they aren't the only places worth experiencing.

And finally:

Don't sleep through Hardangervidda unless you really need to.

How to Get from Oslo to Bergen: Some Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Bergen from Oslo?

The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen covers 471.25 kilometres. Road distance varies depending on which driving route you choose.

How long is the train from Oslo to Bergen?

Allow approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours depending on the service. The standard journey is commonly around seven hours.

Is the train from Bergen to Oslo scenic?

Yes. The Bergen Railway crosses forests, valleys and the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and is considered one of Norway's great scenic train journeys.

Which side should I sit on the Oslo to Bergen train?

Vy says the right-hand side is often recommended when travelling from Oslo to Bergen, although there are views from both sides throughout the journey.

How much is the train from Oslo to Bergen?

There isn't one fixed fare. Prices vary depending on the departure, travel date, how early you book and ticket type. Check Vy's journey planner for the current price for your dates.

Where should I stop between Bergen and Oslo by train?

Geilo, Finse, Myrdal and Voss are among the most interesting stops on or connected to the Bergen Railway. If you want to visit Flåm, change from the Bergen Line to the Flåm Railway at Myrdal.

Is Voss between Oslo and Bergen?

Yes. Voss is on the Bergen Railway and is one of the final major stops before Bergen when travelling west from Oslo. The train journey from Voss to Bergen is roughly one hour.

Is it better to fly or take the train from Oslo to Bergen?

If speed is the priority, fly. If you'd like the journey itself to become part of your Norway experience, take the train. The Bergen Railway takes around seven hours but crosses some of the country's most impressive mountain landscapes.

Is the Oslo to Bergen train worth it?

If you have seven hours available, we'd say yes. You're going beyond buying transport between two cities. You're getting a journey across Norway's mountains and high plateau at the same time.

Do I need to book the Bergen Railway in advance?

It's sensible to book ahead if you're travelling on specific dates or want a particular departure or seat. You can check current departures, availability and fares directly through Vy.

Make the Oslo to Bergen Journey Part of Your Norway Trip

Oslo and Bergen might be the endpoints, but don't make the mistake of assuming everything between them is just scenery to watch through a window.

The Bergen Railway crosses some of the most dramatic landscapes in southern Norway and passes mountain destinations where it's worth getting off and staying awhile.

And yes, we're going to make the case for Voss.

Get off the train here and your journey can take you onto whitewater rivers, mountain trails, bikes and fjords before you eventually continue to Bergen.

Because sometimes the best answer to how to get from Oslo to Bergen isn't simply the fastest one.

It's seeing what you can do along the way.

OUR OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES:

How to get from Bergen to Voss

How to get from Oslo to Voss