Train from Oslo to Flam: Everything you Need to Know [By a Local]

For many travelers visiting Norway, the train from Oslo to Flam is one of the most scenic and memorable journeys in the country. This route takes you from the bustling capital, through vast mountain plateaus, and down one of the world’s steepest railway tracks, ending in the picturesque fjord village of Flåm.

As a local from Aurland, just 10 minutes from Flåm, I know this journey well. I used to work at the ticket office for the Flåm Railway, helping visitors plan their trips, and I grew up riding these trains to visit family in Oslo. I even remember when there was a sleeper train that ran all the way from Flåm to Oslo – something I wish still existed!

Personally, when I travel to Oslo, I usually prefer taking the bus because it’s just my preferred way of travel. But for anyone visiting Norway, the train is by far the most scenic option, and it’s an experience in itself.

If you’re wondering how to take the train from Oslo to Flåm, how to book tickets, and what to expect along the way, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know!

How to Travel from Oslo to Flåm by Train

Taking the train from Oslo to Flåm is a two-part journey, combining the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the spectacular Flåm Railway. While there’s no direct train to Flåm, this route is one of the most scenic in Norway and an experience in itself.

I’m gonna repeat that, just in case you skimmed that last paragraph; there is no direct train from Oslo to Flåm.

Step 1: Oslo to Myrdal on the Oslo-Bergen Railway

The first leg of the journey is on the Oslo-Bergen Railway, one of Europe’s most stunning train routes. It takes you across Norway’s vast mountain landscapes, passing through forests, deep valleys, and the Hardangervidda plateau, one of the largest high-mountain plateaus in Europe (and a National Park).

• Travel time: ~4,5 to 5,5 hours
• Best side for views: Left side when departing Oslo, for better mountain scenery. All though keep in mind that the scenery out of Oslo is mostly smaller cities and farms.
• Route highlights:
  • Lush farm landscapes near Oslo, transitioning to rugged mountain terrain.
  • Hardangervidda National Park, where the train reaches its highest point at over 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level.
  • Small mountain villages (ski resorts) and remote wilderness areas as you get closer to Myrdal.

Once you arrive at Myrdal Station, you’ll transfer to the Flåm Railway for the final leg of the trip, from Myrdal to Flåm.

Step 2: Myrdal to Flåm on the Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is a 20-kilometer (12,4-mile) journey that takes you from the mountains down to the fjords, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, steep cliffs, and the Flåm Valley. This train ride is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, with an elevation drop of 866 meters (2,841 feet).

It is also one of the biggest attractions in Flåm, and people travel around the world to take this train.

• Travel time: ~50-60 minutes
• Best side for views: Left side when traveling from Myrdal to Flåm, for the best views of the valley below.
• Scenic highlights:
  • Kjosfossen Waterfall, where the train makes a short stop for passengers to take photos.
  • Views of Rjoandefossen, a waterfall with a 241-meter (791-foot) drop.
  • Steep switchbacks and deep green valleys leading down to Flåm.

Since this is one of Norway’s most famous train journeys, I always recommend not dilly-dallying in Myrdal. Just get on the train to get a good seat on the left side for the best views!

📍 More details: Complete Guide to the Flåm Railway

Short Transfer Time at Myrdal – Don’t Worry!

At Myrdal, the transfer time between trains is sometimes very short – it can be as little as 10 minutes. But don’t worry! Myrdal is just a train station, and transferring is easy. The Flåm Railway train usually waits for incoming passengers, so even with a quick transfer, you won’t miss your connection.

This two-part journey is not just a way to get from Oslo to Flåm – it’s an unforgettable experience, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in Norway. Whether you’re crossing the mountain plateau or winding down to the fjords, it’s a train ride you won’t forget!

How to Book Train Tickets from Oslo to Flåm

Since the Oslo to Flåm train journey involves two different rail lines, booking your tickets correctly is important to ensure a smooth trip. Below is everything you need to know about buying tickets, when to book, and what to expect in terms of pricing.

Where to Book Tickets

The only place I recommend booking tickets is through Vy.no, which is the official Norwegian rail company. While third-party websites may sell tickets, they often charge extra fees or don’t allow for proper ticket changes if needed.

Additionally, if something goes wrong (knock on wood), a third party is an unnecessary delay for getting the issue solved. In my guide to Norway in a Nutshell on your own, for example, I highly recommend booking all legs of the journey yourself – and not through the “official” Norway in a Nutshell provider. This is because I have seen too many times (when I worked at the ticket office) travellers not getting help when there was an issue with the train, because they had to call the third party – whilst the travellers who could deal with us directly got their new tickets printed immediately.

When to Book Train Tickets

• Tickets are released 90 days before travel – this applies to both the Oslo to Myrdal train and the Myrdal to Flåm train.
• I always recommend booking as early as possible if you know your travel dates, especially in peak season (June–August).

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

The price of your train journey depends on when you book and which leg of the trip you’re taking:

• Oslo to Myrdal: Prices vary depending on demand, availability, and how early you book. If you book far in advance, you can find discounted fares, while last-minute tickets tend to be expensive.
• Myrdal to Flåm (Flåm Railway): Ticket prices are fixed and do not change based on when you book.

Seat Reservations: What You Need to Know

• Oslo to Myrdal: Seat reservations are possible and recommended, especially during summer and holiday periods.
• Myrdal to Flåm: No seat reservations – seating is first come, first serve.

Can You Buy a Ticket for the Whole Journey in One Booking?

Yes! On Vy.no, you can book a single ticket from Oslo to Flåm, and the system will automatically include your transfer at Myrdal. This makes things simple and ensures a smooth connection between trains.

As mentioned above, do not panic if you feel like you have a very short transfer time. Myrdal is just a 2-platform train station, and the crew onboard the Flåm Railway will know you are arriving.

If you prefer, you can also book each segment separately, but this isn’t necessary unless you want flexibility in planning a stopover at Myrdal (for example to go do the Flåm zipline) or somewhere else along the Oslo-Bergen Railway.

Be aware: Bus Journeys in the Search Results

Since Vy bought the bus company Nettbuss (and rebranded them VyBuss) a few years ago, you now also get buses showing up in your search results when you look up your journey on their website.

This is not a big problem, just something to be aware of, so you don’t mistakenly book a bus from Oslo to Flåm. As you can see in the screenshot below, the bus option (the 09:40 departure) shows an illustration of a bus, and it also says so quite clearly below the timings.

So, before you get excited thinking you found a direct train between Oslo and Flåm, double-check. As mentioned above, there are no direct trains (if they start doing them you’ll be the first to know!).

What to Expect on the Oslo to Flåm Train Journey

Taking the train from Oslo to Flåm isn’t just a way to get from one place to another – it’s an experience in itself. This journey takes you through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes, from high mountain plateaus to deep fjords.

I mean, these sceneries alone are reasons why people visit Norway and Flåm. Here’s what you can expect along the way.

Scenery Highlights

Oslo to Myrdal (Oslo-Bergen Railway)

• The first part of the journey starts in Oslo, passing through forests and rolling farmland.
• As the train climbs higher into the mountains, the scenery becomes more dramatic, especially as you reach the Hardangervidda plateau – one of Europe’s largest high-altitude mountain plateaus.
• Expect to see snow-covered landscapes (even in summer), remote mountain cabins, and winding rivers.
• The highest point of the journey is at Finse (1,222 meters above sea level)—if you step off the train here, you’ll notice how crisp and cool the air is, even in summer!
• Fun fact: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was shot at Finse – you know, planet Hoth (the ice planet)!

Myrdal to Flåm (Flåm Railway)

• The landscape changes completely as you descend from Myrdal into the Flåm Valley.
• Steep mountain walls, cascading waterfalls, and lush green pastures dominate the scenery.
• One of the highlights is Kjosfossen Waterfall, where the train makes a short stop so passengers can step outside for photos.
• As the train approaches Flåm, the first glimpses of the Aurlandsfjord come into view.

Facilities on Board

Oslo to Myrdal (Oslo-Bergen Railway)

• Seats: Comfortable and spacious, with large windows for viewing the scenery.
• WiFi: Free onboard WiFi is available, but it may be unreliable in the mountains.
• Food & drinks: A small café carriage offers snacks, coffee, and light meals. You can also bring your own food onboard.
• Restrooms: Available on board.
• Luggage storage: Overhead racks and designated luggage areas in each carriage.

Myrdal to Flåm (Flåm Railway)

• Seats: Open seating (first come, first serve).
• WiFi: No WiFi available on this train.
• Food & drinks: No café or food service – bring snacks if needed!
• Restrooms: Limited, so it’s a good idea to use the facilities at Myrdal before boarding.

Best Side for Views

• Oslo to Myrdal: The left side offers better views of the mountains.
• Myrdal to Flåm: The left side is best for seeing the valley, waterfalls, and fjord as you descend.

If you want the best views, try to get a window seat on these sides!

Whether you’re traveling in summer, winter, or anywhere in between, the Oslo to Flåm train journey is a spectacular ride with ever-changing scenery. From the snowy peaks of Hardangervidda to the deep green fjords of Flåm, it’s an experience that captures the beauty of Norway in just a few hours.

Best Time to Take the Train from Oslo to Flåm

The Oslo to Flåm train journey is spectacular year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Summer (June–August) is the most popular time to travel, offering lush green landscapes and roaring waterfalls, but trains can be crowded, and tickets sell out fast. Winter (November–March) turns the route into a magical snowy wonderland, with frozen waterfalls and dramatic white-covered mountains.

My personal favorite time to take this journey is autumn (September–October). The landscapes are painted in golden and red hues, the crowds have thinned out, and you still get beautiful, clear views of the fjords and valleys. Spring (April–May) is another great time to travel, when the snowmelt creates powerful waterfalls, and the mountains slowly turn green again. No matter when you go, this is a train ride you won’t forget!

Final Thoughts: Is the Oslo to Flåm Train Worth It?

Absolutely! The train from Oslo to Flåm isn’t just a way to get from one place to another – it’s an experience in itself. From the high mountain plateaus of Hardangervidda to the deep fjord landscapes of Flåm, this journey offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway.

Whether you’re visiting Norway for the first time or returning to explore more, this train ride is one of the best ways to see the country’s natural beauty up close. Book your tickets early, sit back, and enjoy one of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world!