🚆Internet on the road in Norway: trains, ferries, tunnels ⛴️

Onboard Wi-Fi on trains and ferries sounds amazing! While it depends on coverage along the route, weather and network load, it's great to know it's an option. The result is rock-solid messaging and email, but video calls do drop out in tunnels and at mountain passes. So, for business trips, it's essential to have a clear plan B: when to switch to eSIM/hotspot, where to find a "quiet spot" near the station/port, and how to prepare offline mode so that you can complete your important meeting.

How does Wi-Fi work on trains and when does it drop out?

Train Wi-Fi aggregates the mobile network along the route, so its quality is the "average temperature" of the signal outside the window. During the day and at rush hour, latency and jitter increase, and in tunnels and on difficult terrain, disconnections are possible. A reliable tactic: for important calls, sit closer to the window, turn on SD quality or audio mode in advance, have a hotspot ready, and switch to it at the first sign of a drop in signal. If the meeting is critical, hold it before departure or after arrival.

What to expect from Wi-Fi on ferries/boats?

On ferries, the connection is often based on the mobile network near the coast and may disappear when far from land. Speeds and stability fluctuate, especially in windy weather and when the ship is fully loaded. Plan ahead: keep calls short at the pier and make longer calls in a quiet area of the port/terminal before departure. Keep offline materials on board, reduce quality, turn off backgrounds/effects and be prepared to switch to audio.

What about coverage in tunnels/passes?

In most tunnels, mobile communication is unavailable or unpredictable. In high mountain areas, there may be "shadows" and frequent cell switching. If the route has many tunnels, switch your agenda to asynchronous (chat/documents) or audio calls with short pauses in advance. It is useful to remember "communication windows" — sections after long tunnels and stations where the network is stable.

How to prepare for offline mode?

Download offline maps, save presentations and documents locally, add dial-in numbers to meeting invitations, and prepare a message template saying "Reconnecting, 2 minutes." In the call client, lower the default quality, disable auto-updates and cloud synchronisation. Check your headset and enable power saving mode. Keep a power bank and cable handy. This way, even if you lose connection suddenly, you can continue the conversation by voice or quickly get back on the air.

When to switch to a hotspot and how to save GB?

Switch as soon as you see video "squares", increased jitter, and delays of more than 200–300 ms. To save traffic, turn off HD and background blur, use audio mode when the picture quality is poor, share the window instead of the entire screen, and close clouds and streaming services. When the meeting is over, turn off the hotspot immediately so that background processes do not use up your data.

Where to find "quiet spots" near train stations/ports?

The best options are city libraries, co-working spaces near the station, corners with power outlets in the terminal, and hotel lobbies (with coffee). Look for places near windows (better signal), with stable Wi-Fi and electricity. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to check the connection. We have prepared a "quiet spot" template where you can add good locations in your cities and routes (link at the end).

How to plan calls according to your travel schedule?

Don't schedule meetings for departure/arrival times, but 10–15 minutes later — this will give you time to find a window seat and check your connection. Avoid long sections with tunnels and transfers. Keep your colleagues informed: add a stable connection window to the invitation ("preferably between 10:15 and 10:45, after Oslo S") and an alternative in the form of a dial-in.

How can you keep your data safe on the go?

Use a VPN on public networks, disable shared folders and AirDrop/Quick Share, enable auto-screen lock, and don't log into your bank from "open" Wi-Fi networks. Do not connect to unknown USB chargers (risk of data transfer) — it is better to use your own adapter and cable. For confidential meetings, choose headphones with good noise isolation and watch out for "shoulder surfing" — a matte protective film will help.

Energy and heat: how to keep your phone from dying?

Cold weather quickly drains the battery: keep your smartphone inside your jacket, use wired headphones, reduce brightness, and turn off 5G if it consumes a lot of power while you are travelling. Before travelling, charge your power bank to 100%, take a short cable and a plug adapter — don't rely on USB ports on the train. For laptops, use "power saving" mode, turn off the keyboard backlight and unnecessary modules (Bluetooth/location) when idle.

What should you do if the connection is lost during an important call?

Algorithm: 1) immediately turn off the video and write in the chat "Reconnecting, 2 minutes"; 2) switch to audio via phone/dial-in; 3) turn on the hotspot and rejoin the call; 4) if possible, move closer to a window/doorway; 5) turn the video back on when the metrics stabilise. After the meeting, record the location/time of the interruption — this will help plan future "communication windows".

Get ready for the ultimate business trip experience in Norway! By embracing the "rules of the game" in advance, you'll be all set for seamless connectivity. Imagine the convenience of onboard Wi-Fi, your very own eSIM/hotspot, and smart planning of communication windows. With these essentials, you'll be cruising through your business trips, enjoying uninterrupted stability and convenience. Prepare offline materials, arrive at the station a little early, find a couple of "quiet spots" and have a backup plan in case of a connection drop — then even a long tunnel won't disrupt an important call.

We would love to hear from you if you have found an inaccuracy or update regarding transport Wi-Fi services. We would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback, please use the feedback form in the catalogue. We will check and update the article as soon as we can. And don't forget to share your "quiet spots" and routes in the comments — they'll be a lifesaver for other cyclists like you!