Train vs car: which to choose to see Norway in all its glory?
The choice is not so obvious, but that's all part of the fun!
Norway may look compact on the map, but its stunning mountains, majestic fjords and lack of direct motorways create a beautiful landscape that makes the distances feel much longer. The train offers panoramic windows without a steering wheel, while a car gives you the freedom to stop at any waterfall. I'm thrilled to share a comprehensive analysis that will guide you to the ideal format for your travel style.
🚄 Comparison table: train vs car in 2025
| Criterion | Train (Vy, Flåmsbana, etc.) | Rented car |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate price (7 days / 2 people) | 4,100 NOK* tickets + 0 NOK parking | 8,300 NOK rental + 2,600 NOK diesel + 1,100 NOK tolls/ferries + 650 NOK parking |
| Time behind the wheel | 0 hours: time to read, drink coffee | 28–35 hours of driving (1,400 km) |
| Flexibility | Clear schedule, seats must be booked during peak season | Stop at any time, loop routes, mountain tracks |
| Impressions | Panoramic views from the Bergensbanen, café car, no fatigue | Trollstigen hairpin bends, view from Ørnesvingen, personal playlist |
| CO₂ footprint | ≈ 12 kg (2 passengers × 0.004 kg/km × 1,500 km) | ≈ 255 kg (diesel 6 l/100 km) |
| Stress factor | Late – wait for the next train, infrequent night trains | Parking in Bergen city centre, left-hand drive, speeding fines |
| Access to remote areas | Limited to stations + bus/taxi | Villages without public transport, scenic roads without timetables |
*Price with Mini Pris (purchase ≥ 60 days).
⛰️ Weekend fjord trip (3 days, Oslo → Bergen → Flåm)
| Step | Train | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Road Oslo → Bergen | Bergensbanen 6h 50m — 249 NOK | 470 km, 7h — diesel ≈ 650 NOK + 180 NOK toll |
| Fjords | One-day cruise Norway in a Nutshell 890 NOK | Ferry Gudvangen → Kaupanger 640 NOK car |
| Night in Flåm | Hotel 1,000 NOK | Camping 320 NOK |
| Total per person | ≈ 2,400 NOK | ≈ 3,150 NOK |
Conclusion: For a short route, the train is cheaper and more relaxing. Travelling by car is more economical if there are 3–4 people and you plan to make scenic stops.
"Fjord Ring + Lofoten" itinerary (7 days)
Train + bus + ferry
- Oslo → Trondheim (Dovrebanen).
- Night train Trondheim → Bodø (Nordlandsbanen).
- Ferry Bodø → Moskenes (Lofoten).
- Arctic Route buses along the archipelago.
- Flight Leknes → Oslo.
Budget: 4,800 NOK/person. CO₂: ~18 kg.
Car
- Oslo → Geiranger, Ørnevegen.
- Trollstigen → Atlantic Road.
- E6 via Saltfjellet → Bodø.
- Ferry to Lofoten, E10 ring road.
- Return by the same route (or return the car in Tromsø, additional one-way fee of NOK 1,800).
Budget: 13,500 NOK/car (2 people) CO₂: ~320 kg.
The best way to travel is by train and using public transport because it is better for the environment and cheaper. But if you want more flexibility, like being able to spend the night at Ramberg beach, then it's better to drive.
Key arguments in favour of the train
- The view outside the window is amazing. Bergensbanen, Flåmsbana and Raumabanen are among the top 10 train routes in the world, and you can walk around the outside of the train carriage.
- No stress. You won't have to worry about using a camera, getting fined for parking or finding a petrol station.
- It is also kind to the environment. Norwegian trains use almost all hydroelectricity, so they have a very small carbon footprint.
- If you travel overnight, you get a free hotel stay. A Pluss seat costs an extra 95 NOK — wake up in a different region.
Key arguments in favour of a car
- Stop wherever you like. If you see a rainbow over the fjord, stop, take a photo and make a cup of coffee.
- You can also listen to "secret" tracks. You can't get to the Blejdalssbre glacier or Hoddevik beach on Stad by bus.
- The company is cheaper. If you have three or four passengers, you can split the rental and fuel costs. You can also add up the train tickets.
- A house on wheels. Kemper saves space and turns a car park in Geiranger into a room with a million stars.
Hybrid format: the best of both worlds
● Train to Bergen → car rental for 3–4 days along the fjords → drop-off in Alesund → night train to Oslo.
Save 500 km of monotonous E134, but get the Atlantic Road.
● One-way car Oslo → Trondheim, then the Nordlandsbanen train to the Arctic Circle.
Saves time, reduces tolls, and still offers mountain views.
| If… | Take |
|---|---|
| 🧍♂️ You’re traveling solo or as a couple and want a stress-free experience | Train |
| 👨👩👧 Family of 3–5 with lots of luggage / child seats | Car |
| 🌲 Want maximum wilderness and freedom to camp off-grid | Car (camper van) |
| 🚂 Destination: top routes Flåmsbana + Bergen Railway + cities | Train |
| 🌍 You want to reduce your carbon footprint | Train or electric car |
| ⏳ Peak season or late booking | Car (train may be sold out) |
A train offers great views from the window, a comfortable seat instead of a night on the road, and minimal worries about fines. A car can take you to hidden beaches, scenic views at every turn, and the freedom to stop and enjoy waffles with brunost whenever you want.
Decide what matters more to you: being able to change your plans easily, or being able to relax and be kind to the environment. If you want to do both, take the train to the fjords, and then spend a few days driving along the waterfalls. The most important thing is to travel at your own speed in a country where the road becomes an adventure at any time of year. May your journey be as beautiful as your destination, God bless you!