Frequently Asked Questions
Booking your train tickets online is the smartest way to obtain them as it allows you to save plenty of time and avoid such potential unpleasantries as a possible language barrier or already-sold out tickets. Norway trains are working on the Rail Ninja platform, an online service, boasting an intuitive user-friendly interface and allowing you to book rail tickets for any train in Norway in a matter of several mouse clicks. All you need to do is select your travel dates and destinations, fill out several forms, and "voila"!
The first rule of booking your train tickets (or any tickets) is the sooner you do it, the better. First of all, early booking allows you to save a significant amount of money as last-minute tickets often cost up to several times more than tickets bought in advance. Second of all, you need to keep in mind that a high-speed train is a popular way of traveling through Norway among locals and tourists alike, so rail tickets get sold-out fast and early booking is a sure way to anticipate the problem. Plus, don't forget that the earlier you book your tickets, the bigger choice you have in terms of seats and travel classes.
This abbreviations are related to the value-added tax (VAT) on the railway tickets. Gr.lag stands for "Grunnlag" and it is the basic price before VAT is inflicted. Mva is expressed as a percentage of the basic price and stands for a consumption tax, placed on the ticket (aka VAT). Mva kr is Mva, expressed in Norwegian Kroner instead of percentage terms.
It depends on the train you prefer for a journey. For example, there are no luggage limitations on Flamsbana trains while NSB trains allow a maximum of 3 bags per passenger (maximum weight of the luggage is 30 kg). Keep in mind that the SJ trains have a limited luggage space onboard and they allow bringing no more than 2 bags with you (maximum dimensions are 80x50x35 cm/31x20x13.8 in and maximum allowed weight is 20 kg).
Yes, all modern Norway trains provide bathroom facilities onboard.
The NSB trains allow traveling with a bike provided that the train you take has a special storage place for bikes (and you will need to pay a bicycle fare). You can bring a bicycle onboard SJ train on condition that it's foldable or you disassemble it and put in a special bicycle bag for the journey (maximum dimensions are 140x85x30 cm/55x33x12 in and maximum allowed weight is 25 kg). The Flamsbana trains have no specific limitations on the matter.
Most regional trains in Norway have a cafe with a cozy sitting area onboard. There, you can order a delicious hot meal or enjoy an offered selection of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. The Flmasbana trains don't provide any dining options but the Myrdal train station and Flam both house eateries.
Yes, you can but there are several limitations on the matter. First, you can't drink your own alcoholic beverages while onboard. All long-distance trains have a pantry car where you can purchase beer and wine. Second, it's forbidden to consume alcohol anywhere but the dining car during the ride.
Fairytale Norway is a very traveler-friendly country, boasting plenty of free Wi-Fi spots, including the most major tourist attractions, cafes, airports, and railway stations, including the Oslo S, Bergen, and Trondheim train stations.
Although it's impossible to say for sure as every train station provides a different set of onsite facilities, all the major railway hubs of the scenic country offer luggage storage for the travelers. But it's always better to check in advance as the Myrdal Central Station, for example, provides left luggage facilities only during April - October months.
The question of currency exchange bothers most of the travelers who arrive to/depart from beautiful Norway by train. All major railway station in the country (including the Oslo Central Station, Oslo Airport, Stavanger, and Trondheim stations) either house a cash service or have a currency exchange point nearby.
Booking your train tickets online is the smartest way to obtain them as it allows you to save plenty of time and avoid such potential unpleasantries as a possible language barrier or already-sold out tickets. Norway trains are working on the Rail Ninja platform, an online service, boasting an intuitive user-friendly interface and allowing you to book rail tickets for any train in Norway in a matter of several mouse clicks. All you need to do is select your travel dates and destinations, fill out several forms, and "voila"!
All Norwegian train stations provide basic amenities, including bathroom facilities. As a rule, visitors are welcome to use them for free, however, at some rail stations you will be asked to pay a fee up to 10 kr (approximately 1 USD) to use them.
