London to Oslo by train

Discover seamless train journeys from London to Oslo with our comprehensive guide, covering routes, schedules, tips, and must-see stops for an unforgettable trip.

Train tickets to Oslo

You can buy train tickets directly from the operator or through a reseller. The reseller is typically slightly more expensive (3-5%) but can provide an easier booking experience, especially if you travel with more than one operator.

Omio
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers – trains, buses, flights, and more – to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Rail Europe
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.

Direct train service to Oslo

These operators provide a complete journey either as a direct connection or through their partners. Even if a change of trains is involved, it’s all part of a single itinerary managed by the same train company or its partners, offering a smoother and more coordinated travel experience.

Flixbus
FlixBus is a German intercity bus company offering affordable, tech-driven travel across Europe and beyond.

Some operators don’t run direct trains the whole way, but they serve either the departure or arrival station. In many cases, you can combine two of these operators to complete your journey by changing trains along the way. This is often a flexible and budget-friendly way to travel — especially if you’re comfortable piecing together your own itinerary.

Just keep in mind that these are separate journeys, which means a delay on the first leg could cause you to miss the second without automatic compensation or rebooking. It’s a great option for confident travelers who don’t mind a bit of extra planning.

Departing from London

SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.

Arriving to Oslo

Entur
Entur is Norway’s state-owned mobility platform, providing nationwide journey planning and ticketing across all public transport modes.
Vy
Vy is Norway’s state-owned transport company, operating most train and bus services nationwide and some regional rail routes in Sweden.

There seems to be a misunderstanding in the information provided. FlixBus is not a rail operator; it is actually a long-distance bus service that operates across Europe. Therefore, it does not provide train services from London to Oslo. Currently, there is no direct train service connecting London and Oslo, as the journey would typically require a combination of trains and possibly other modes of transport, such as ferries or buses, to cross from the UK into Europe and then travel north to Norway.

When traveling by train from London towards Oslo, travelers usually take the Eurostar from London to Brussels or Paris and then continue northward using different rail services like Deutsche Bahn in Germany or SJ (Swedish Railways) in Sweden, before reaching Oslo. Each operator has specific amenities and services. Eurostar provides high-speed services with amenities including Wi-Fi, food and drink services, and different seating classes, from standard to business premier, which offers enhanced comfort and meals. Deutsche Bahn and SJ both offer modern trains with comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi access. Booking assistance and customer support are generally available through their official websites, at stations, or via contact centers. Travelers planning this route should check the specific details and updates from the respective rail operators for the latest information.

Travel with a rail pass to Oslo

The Interrail Global Pass is valid for travel from London to Oslo for residents of the EU, including the UK when it was part of the EU, as it covers multiple countries in Europe, allowing for travel across national borders. The Interrail One Country Pass, however, would not be valid for the entire journey from London to Oslo as it covers only domestic travel within a single country. The Eurail Pass is applicable for non-EU residents and can be used to travel from London to Oslo, as it allows travel across multiple European countries similar to the Interrail Global Pass.

Getting around in Oslo

Upon arriving in Oslo by train, you’ll find that the city offers a robust and efficient public transportation system operated by Ruter. The central hub for public transport in Oslo is Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), from which you can easily access various modes of transportation. The Oslo Metro, known as the T-bane, encompasses five lines that efficiently connect the inner city with surrounding suburbs. It operates frequently and is a reliable way to travel longer distances within the city. For shorter trips, the tram system covers much of the central and inner city areas, providing a scenic way to explore neighborhoods and landmarks. Buses complement the metro and tram services, reaching areas not covered by rail lines. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi stands, or booked via apps like Taxi 2 or Norgestaxi. Ridesharing services such as Uber also operate in Oslo, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. Tickets for public transport are integrated, meaning the same ticket can be used for trams, buses, and the metro, and they can be easily purchased via the Ruter app or ticket machines available in stations. It’s advisable to check current schedules and route maps which are available through Ruter’s website and app to plan your travel efficiently.

Onward connections from Oslo

Oslo serves as a central hub for both domestic and international rail connections, offering a variety of scenic and efficient journeys. Domestically, the train from Oslo to Bergen is one of the most renowned routes, often considered one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. This line takes you across dramatic landscapes, including the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The Dovre Line runs between Oslo and Trondheim, passing through picturesque areas like Gudbrandsdalen and offering connections to the Rauma Line, which leads to Åndalsnes and showcases breathtaking views along the Rauma River. The Sørland Line connects Oslo with Stavanger, traversing charming southern coastal landscapes. Another notable domestic route is the Østfold Line, which heads southeast towards Swedish border towns and connects with regional services. Internationally, the Østfold Line extends towards Gothenburg, Sweden, where trains continue to Copenhagen, Denmark, and further into the European rail network. While Oslo does not offer direct international train services beyond Sweden, connections via Gothenburg and Malmö allow for travel to numerous European destinations. Travelers often utilize these connections as part of larger itineraries across Scandinavia and Europe.

Best time to visit Oslo

The best time to visit Oslo is generally during the late spring and summer months, from May to September. During this period, the city enjoys mild to pleasantly warm temperatures, with long daylight hours peaking around the summer solstice in June. This is ideal for exploring Oslo’s outdoor attractions, such as the Vigeland Park, Oslofjord, and numerous hiking trails. The summer months also coincide with a variety of festivals, including the Norwegian Wood Music Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, and the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, offering vibrant cultural experiences.

In contrast, winter months from November to March can be cold and dark, with reduced daylight hours and potential snowfall. Although this season is less suitable for outdoor sightseeing, it offers unique experiences like skiing in nearby resorts and enjoying cozy cafes and Christmas markets in the city center. Prices for accommodations and train travel might spike during peak tourist seasons, particularly in the summer, and during holidays like Christmas and Easter. Spring and autumn can be more affordable and are generally quieter times to visit, but weather can be unpredictable. Visitors arriving by train should be aware that panoramic rail journeys, such as the Bergen Line, are particularly beautiful during late spring and autumn due to landscape changes.

Packing for Oslo

When traveling from London to Oslo by train, it’s important to pack a valid passport or national ID card for entry into Norway. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, ensure your passport has at least six months validity. Pack any necessary visas if you’re from a country that requires one for Norway. Bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable, or ensure you have travel insurance that covers healthcare abroad.

For the train journey, pack comfortable clothing, snacks, and a reusable water bottle. Noise-cancelling headphones and entertainment like books, magazines, or a tablet can enhance your travel experience. A neck pillow and a light blanket could improve comfort on long stretches.

Pack a universal power adapter, as Norway uses type C and F plugs with a voltage of 230V. Ensure all your electronic devices, including phones, cameras, and laptops, have their respective chargers and possibly a portable power bank.

Once in Oslo, consider packing a travel guidebook or download a map and activity planner on your device. Clothing should fit the season, with warm layers for winter and lighter outfits for summer. Don’t forget an umbrella and waterproof shoes due to variable weather conditions.

Keep some local currency or a credit card for payments, as cash is less frequently used in Norway. Finally, pack basic toiletries, sunglasses, and all necessary prescription medications in their original packaging, plus a copy of your prescription for reference.