Oslo to Bergen

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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The Bergen Line is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau at nearly 1,300 metres above sea level before descending through a series of valleys and fjords to Bergen on Norway's west coast. The train is the obvious and most rewarding way to make this journey — but there are practical alternatives, and it is worth understanding how each option really compares.

The train: the Bergen Line

NSB (Vy) operates several departures daily on the Bergen Line between Oslo S and Bergen station, with journey times of around 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours. This is a journey you do not need to rush — the whole point is to watch the landscape transform from the forested lowlands of eastern Norway through the high, treeless plateau past the glacial lakes of Finse, then down through tunnels and hairpin valleys to the west coast.

The line peaks at Finse, one of Europe's highest railway stations at around 1,222 metres, which is snowbound well into spring. On a clear day the views across the Hardangervidda are extraordinary; even in cloud and rain, the journey has an atmosphere quite unlike anything else in European rail.

At Myrdal, roughly two-thirds of the way along, a branch line descends sharply to Flåm — 20 km of some of the steepest standard-gauge railway in the world, dropping more than 860 metres through waterfalls and tunnels. The Flåmsbana is itself a spectacular journey, and many travellers incorporate it into a wider flightless itinerary combining the Bergen Line, the Flåm Railway and a fjord cruise.

Adding the Flåmsbana and fjord leg

The classic Norway in a Nutshell combination takes you from Oslo on the Bergen Line to Myrdal, down the Flåmsbana to Flåm, by boat along the Nærøyfjord (a UNESCO-listed fjord) to Gudvangen, by bus to Voss, and then by train back to Bergen. Total journey times vary but typically run to a full day, arriving in Bergen in the evening. It is a genuinely impressive itinerary that shows the best of the western fjords as a continuous journey rather than a series of separate excursions.

The cheapest way: the long-distance bus

Express buses operate between Oslo and Bergen, taking roughly 8–10 hours depending on the route and stops. Fares are typically lower than the train, but the journey is longer and significantly less scenic — the bus uses the main road corridors rather than the high mountain route. For budget travellers focused purely on cost, the bus is a viable option; for those who came for the landscape, it is a poor substitute.

The fastest door-to-door: flying

The flight from Oslo to Bergen is around 45–55 minutes, and Norwegian and SAS operate frequent services throughout the day. Door-to-door time — with airport transfers at both ends, check-in and security — typically comes out at around 2.5–3.5 hours, which is genuinely faster than the train even when you add all the airport faff.

Flying makes practical sense if you need to be in Bergen quickly and have no interest in the landscape — but for most visitors to Norway, choosing the plane over the Bergen Line is to miss the point entirely. The journey is the experience.

Driving

The road distance between Oslo and Bergen is around 460–490 km, and the drive takes roughly 6–7 hours without long stops, depending on the route. Norway's mountain roads are dramatically beautiful but require care — gradients are steep, some sections are single-track with passing places, and winter conditions above the plateau can be challenging even in spring. Road tunnels have made many routes more practical than they once were, but driving across the mountains remains a committed undertaking.

Driving makes most sense if you want to explore the fjord region in your own time — with a car you can stop at viewpoints, side valleys and ferry crossings that the train cannot reach. Allow plenty of time and be prepared for the tolls that are common on Norwegian roads.

Which should you choose?

For almost everyone, the Bergen Line by train is the right choice: it is one of the world's great journeys and you would be doing yourself a disservice to skip it. The time investment — around seven hours — is very reasonable for the experience you get. Add the Flåmsbana if you have the time. Choose flying only if schedule forces your hand. The bus is a last resort for the budget-constrained. Driving rewards those who want a car in the fjord region and can take their time.

See our dedicated Bergen Line guide for detail on the route, Finse, the Flåm branch and what to expect at each station. For more on Norway and Scandinavia by rail, see our guide to Europe's most scenic railways.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Bergen Line train take?

Trains take around 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours from Oslo S to Bergen, depending on the specific departure and stops. It is a long journey by European standards, but the scenery makes the time pass remarkably quickly.

Do I need to book the Bergen Line in advance?

You do not need a compulsory reservation, but booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in summer when the train is popular with tourists. Advance fares are also cheaper than buying on the day. Book via Vy (Norwegian State Railways).

What is the Flåmsbana and should I do it?

The Flåmsbana is a spectacular branch line descending from Myrdal (on the Bergen Line) to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, dropping 865 metres in 20 km through waterfalls and hairpin tunnels. It is a remarkable experience in its own right, and well worth incorporating into your journey if you have the time.

Can I use an Interrail pass on the Bergen Line?

Yes — Norway is included in the Interrail network and the Bergen Line is covered by the pass. You can travel without booking a separate reservation on most services, though booking ahead is advisable in peak season. See our Interrail guide for the full picture.