How to Get From Oslo to Voss: Train, Car & Best Travel Options

Planning to travel from Oslo to Voss? The good news is that getting here is pretty straightforward.

Voss sits directly on the railway between Oslo and Bergen, so you can travel from the centre of Oslo to the centre of Voss without changing trains. You can also drive, with several routes crossing the mountains between Eastern and Western Norway.

For most travellers, we recommend taking the train from Oslo to Voss. It's easy, scenic, and drops you right in the centre of town.

If you're planning a bigger Norway road trip, however, driving gives you much more freedom to explore along the way.

Here's everything you need to know.

Oslo to Voss: Our Cheat Sheet

Best overall: Train

Best for a Norway road trip: Car

Best if you don't want to drive: Train

Best for scenery: Both, just in very different ways!

Oslo to Voss by Train: The Easiest Option

If you're travelling directly from Oslo to Voss, we'd usually take the train.

Voss is a major stop on the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) connecting Oslo and Bergen. There are several departures each day, and the journey from Oslo to Voss takes roughly 5.5–6 hours.

Best of all, there's no complicated transfer.

You get on in Oslo, settle in, cross the country and step off right in Voss.

Why We Recommend the Train

The biggest advantage is convenience.

Voss Station is right in the centre of town. When you arrive, you're already within walking distance of hotels, cafés, restaurants, Vangsvatnet lake and the Voss Gondola.

Our Outdoor Norway summer base is also just 300 metres from the train station.

That means you can travel from Oslo to Voss, stay centrally and enjoy a few days here without necessarily renting a car at all.

For most first-time visitors, that's hard to beat.

LOCAL TIP

Don't think of the Oslo–Voss train as five or six hours of wasted holiday time.

This is one journey where getting there is genuinely part of the trip.

The Oslo to Voss Train Is Part of the Experience

Norway isn't a small country, and travelling from Oslo to Voss means crossing a big chunk of it.

That's exactly what makes the train journey so good.

Leaving Oslo behind, the scenery gradually changes as the railway climbs toward the mountains. You'll travel through valleys and mountain landscapes before crossing the high country between Eastern and Western Norway.

The route passes places such as Geilo and Finse before continuing toward Myrdal and eventually descending towards Voss.

Finse is particularly special. Sitting high in the mountains and inaccessible by normal public road, it's one of those places that makes you realize how wild parts of Norway still are.

Then the landscape changes again as you travel toward Western Norway.

Our advice?

Get a window seat and don't spend the entire journey staring at your laptop.

Booking the Oslo to Voss Train

Train schedules and tickets are available through Vy, and we'd recommend checking the current timetable when planning your journey.

Check Oslo–Voss trains with Vy

There are multiple departures between Oslo and Voss, but departure times can change seasonally.

If you already know your travel dates, booking ahead is generally a good idea, particularly during busy summer periods, holidays and weekends.

And remember that you're looking for Voss Station, not Bergen. You simply leave the Bergen-bound train earlier.

Oslo to Voss by Car

Driving is the other option we'd seriously consider.

Depending on which route you choose, Oslo and Voss are roughly 380–420 kilometres apart, with driving times ranging from around 6 to 7 hours before longer sightseeing stops.

But here's the important part:

There isn't just one Oslo-to-Voss road trip.

Several routes cross the mountains, and choosing the right one can turn what looks like a long driving day into one of the best days of your trip.

So don't automatically follow whichever route your navigation app says is 15 minutes faster.

Think about what you want to see along the way.

Which Oslo to Voss Driving Route Should You Take?

There are four main routes worth knowing about.

Route 1: Oslo to Voss via Hardangervidda

Oslo → Geilo → Hardangervidda → Eidfjord → Voss

Distance: Around 380 km
Driving time: Around 6 hours without major stops

For a summer road trip, this would be high on our list.

The route takes you across Hardangervidda, one of Europe's largest mountain plateaus, before descending toward Hardanger and continuing toward Voss.

This is not a route we'd rush.

Stop for viewpoints. Stretch your legs. Take your time crossing the plateau.

And once you reach the western side, you're entering classic Fjord Norway scenery.

BEST FOR: First-time road trips, scenery and travellers who want the journey to be part of the holiday.

LOCAL TIP

If Google says six hours, don't plan a six-hour day.

Once you start stopping for mountains, waterfalls, photos, food and "we have to pull over here" moments, you'll want considerably longer.

Route 2: Oslo to Voss via Hemsedal

Oslo → Gol → Hemsedal → Borlaug → Voss

Distance: Around 396 km
Driving time: Around 6.5 hours

Another good mountain route takes you through Hemsedal.

Hemsedal is one of Norway's best-known mountain and ski destinations, so this route works particularly well if you're incorporating it into a larger itinerary.

It's also another opportunity to see how dramatically Norway changes as you travel from east to west.

BEST FOR: Mountain scenery, ski trips and road trips incorporating Hemsedal.

Route 3: Oslo to Voss via Aurland

Oslo → Hol → Aurland → Voss

Distance: Around 382 km
Driving time: Around 6 hours before sightseeing stops

This route becomes especially interesting if Flåm, Aurlandsfjord or Nærøyfjord are already on your Norway list.

Instead of treating Oslo → Voss as a transfer, you can build the fjords into the journey itself.

You could even break up the trip with an overnight stay around Flåm or Aurland before continuing toward Voss.

BEST FOR: Fjord itineraries and travellers combining Voss with Flåm.

Route 4: Oslo to Voss via Filefjell

Oslo → Filefjell → Voss

Distance: Around 420 km
Driving time: Around 7 hours

This is the longest of the main options, but it's another useful route through the mountains and may make sense depending on the rest of your itinerary or road conditions.

BEST FOR: Specific road-trip itineraries where Filefjell fits naturally into the route.

Which Driving Route Is Best?

There's no single answer.

If you're travelling in summer and simply want a beautiful road trip, Hardangervidda is a strong choice.

If Flåm and the fjords are part of your plans, look at the Aurland route.

If you're incorporating Hemsedal, take Rv52.

The important thing is to choose based on your trip — not just the fastest estimated arrival time.

Driving From Oslo to Voss in Winter

This is where we'd think more carefully about taking the car.

Winter driving in Norway is completely normal for locals, but crossing the mountains isn't the same as driving around Oslo.

Conditions can change quickly.

Snow, ice, wind and poor visibility can affect mountain roads, and exposed mountain passes can experience temporary closures or convoy driving during difficult conditions.

If you're driving in winter, always check the latest road and mountain-pass conditions before setting off.

Check Norwegian road conditions

And don't assume the travel time you saw when planning your trip months ago will necessarily be your travel time that morning.

OUR ADVICE

If you're experienced and comfortable driving in winter conditions, a car gives you plenty of freedom.

If you're not comfortable driving on snowy mountain roads, take the train.

You'll still cross the mountains and get the scenery.

You'll just be able to enjoy it from your seat instead.

Can You Take a Bus From Oslo to Voss?

Technically, there are bus options connecting Oslo with Western Norway, but for a straightforward Oslo-to-Voss journey, the bus wouldn't usually be our first choice.

There isn't the same simple direct option that you get with the Bergen Railway.

For example, the Haukeliekspressen connects Oslo with Western Norway, but reaching Voss involves additional connections.

Unless the bus works particularly well with another stop on your itinerary, we'd choose the train instead.

Should You Fly From Oslo to Voss?

Usually, no. Voss doesn't have a commercial passenger airport.

You could fly from Oslo to Bergen and then travel from Bergen Airport toward Voss, but once you factor in:

• Getting to Oslo Airport
• Arriving early for the flight
• Flying to Bergen
• Collecting luggage
• Travelling from Bergen Airport
• Continuing to Voss

…it becomes much less attractive.

The direct train lets you travel city centre to town centre.

If you're already flying into Bergen for another reason, that's different.

In that case, check out our complete guide to getting from Bergen to Voss.

Arriving in Voss: What Happens Next?

This is another reason we like the train.

You don't arrive at some station 20 kilometres outside town.

Voss Station is Voss.

The station sits right in the centre, alongside the Voss Gondola and tourist information.

From here, you can walk to many central hotels, restaurants and cafés. Vangsvatnet lake is right there too.

And if you're joining us for an adventure, our summer Outdoor Center is around 300 metres from the station.

So if your plan looks something like Oslo → Voss → Adventure → Bergen, you can do the whole thing without hiring a car.

Do You Need a Car in Voss?

Not necessarily.

For a short 2–3 night stay, particularly if you're staying centrally and joining guided activities, you can manage perfectly well without one.

A car becomes more useful if you want to explore remote valleys, villages and attractions independently.

So we'd think about it like this:

Voss adventure break?

Train.

Big Western Norway road trip?

Car.

Make Voss Part of Your Oslo-to-Bergen Trip

Here's where things get interesting.

A lot of visitors travel between Oslo and Bergen.

But you don't have to go straight from one city to the other.

Voss sits naturally between them and makes an easy place to break up the journey.

Instead of:

Oslo → Bergen

Try:

Oslo → Voss → Bergen

Spend two or three nights here, get outside, then continue to Bergen.

Suddenly your travel day becomes part of a much bigger Western Norway trip.

Option 1: Oslo → Voss → Bergen

This is the easiest version.

Oslo

Explore the capital.

↓

Voss — 2–3 nights

Get out into the mountains and water.

↓

Bergen

Continue by train for the final section to Bergen.

Simple.

No car required.

And you get a completely different experience between the two cities.

Option 2: Oslo → Voss → Fjords → Bergen

If you're coming to Norway for the scenery, build the fjords into the trip.

Travel from Oslo to Voss, use Voss as your adventure base and then explore places such as Nærøyfjord, Flåm and Gudvangen before continuing toward Bergen.

Voss sits between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, which is one reason it works so well as a base for exploring Fjord Norway.

Option 3: Oslo → Voss Adventure Break → Bergen

This is the one we'd recommend if you're tired of sightseeing from behind a window.

Spend a few days actually doing something.

Raft a river.

Kayak a fjord.

Ride a mountain bike.

Go hiking.

Then continue to Bergen.

Norway looks incredible from a train.

It's even better when you're actually outside in it.

How Long Should You Stay in Voss?

If you're coming all the way from Oslo, don't make Voss a day trip.

Stay.

For most first-time visitors, we'd recommend 2–3 nights.

One Night

One day in Voss is enough for a quick introduction and one main activity.

It works, but you'll probably leave wishing you'd had another day.

Two Nights

A good option if you're travelling Oslo → Voss → Bergen.

You'll have enough time for one or two adventures without slowing down your wider itinerary too much.

Three Nights

Our pick.

You can combine different sides of Voss — perhaps rafting one day, fjord kayaking the next and hiking or biking on another.

It also gives you a little breathing room if the weather changes.

What Should You Do When You Get to Voss?

Getting here is only half the fun.

Voss is known as Norway's adventure capital, and the landscape around town gives you plenty of ways to experience it.

Go Whitewater Rafting

Voss is famous for its rivers, and rafting is one of the classic summer experiences.

Whether you're trying it for the first time or want something more challenging, it's a great way to spend a day here.

Explore Voss Rafting

Kayak a Norwegian Fjord

Don't just look at the fjords from a viewpoint.

Get down to water level.

Guided kayaking gives you a completely different perspective on the landscape and works well even if you've never kayaked before.

Explore Fjord Kayaking

Explore by Mountain Bike

Voss has everything from accessible riding to much bigger mountain adventures.

E-mountain bikes also make exploring the area possible without needing legs like a professional cyclist.

Explore Mountain Biking

Go Hiking

Sometimes the simplest option is the best one.

Grab your hiking shoes, check the conditions and head into the mountains.

Voss is surrounded by trails, valleys and viewpoints, so there's something for everything from an easy walk to a full mountain day.

Explore Hiking

Is Voss Worth Visiting From Oslo?

It certainly is, but we wouldn't treat it as a day trip.

The train journey alone takes around 5.5–6 hours each way, so trying to visit Voss and return to Oslo on the same day makes very little sense.

Instead, think of Voss as the beginning of your Western Norway adventure.

Come from Oslo.

Stay for two or three nights.

Explore.

Then continue toward Bergen or the fjords.

That's a much better trip.

Train vs Car: Which Should You Choose?

Still undecided?

Here's how we'd make the call.

Take the Train If...

1. You're travelling directly from Oslo to Voss
2. You don't want to rent a car
3. You're staying in central Voss
4. You're continuing onward to Bergen
5. You want to relax and enjoy the scenery
6. You're visiting in winter and aren't comfortable driving in snow

Drive If...

You're doing a larger Norway road trip

You want to stop along the way

You're visiting Flåm, Hardanger or other destinations

You want to explore more remote areas independently

You value flexibility over convenience

Our Recommendation?

For Oslo → Voss, we'd take the train.

For Oslo → Western Norway road trip → Voss, we'd drive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting From Oslo to Voss

How far is Oslo from Voss?

The driving distance varies depending on the route. The main options range from roughly 380 km to 420 km.

How long does it take to get from Oslo to Voss?

The direct train takes around 5.5–6 hours. Driving takes approximately 6–7 hours before longer sightseeing stops.

Is there a direct train from Oslo to Voss?

Yes. Voss is a stop on the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen, so you can travel directly from Oslo to Voss without changing trains.

Is the Oslo to Voss train scenic?

Very.

You’ll cross from Eastern to Western Norway through valleys, mountains and high-altitude landscapes. We'd consider the train ride part of the Norway experience rather than simply transportation.

How much does the Oslo to Voss train cost?

Ticket prices can vary depending on the departure and how early you book, so we'd recommend checking current fares directly with Vy rather than relying on an old price from a travel article.

Can you visit Voss as a day trip from Oslo?

We wouldn't recommend it.

With around 5.5–6 hours of travel each way, you'd spend almost the entire day travelling.

Stay for at least one night — and ideally two or three.

Do I need a car once I arrive in Voss?

Not necessarily.

Voss Station is in the centre of town, and hotels, restaurants, the gondola, lake and many services are nearby. If you're joining guided activities, you can have a great Voss trip without renting a car.

Is it safe to drive from Oslo to Voss in winter?

People drive between Eastern and Western Norway throughout winter, but conditions in the mountains can be challenging and can change quickly.

Always check current road conditions before departure and make sure you're comfortable driving in snow and ice. If you're not, take the train.

Ready to Explore Voss?

Getting here is the easy part.

Now you need to decide what you're going to do when you arrive.

Spend a day rafting one of our rivers, kayak through a Norwegian fjord, explore the mountains by bike or turn your stop in Voss into a bigger multi-day adventure.

Coming from Bergen instead?

Read our complete guide to getting from Bergen to Voss.

See you in Voss.

Ready for an adventure? Explore our Voss day trips & multi-day trips in the Voss area.