🚆🎿 Train instead of a car: 5 legendary rail-&-ski routes
Grab your skis and hop on a train — the perfect way to start your holiday! Norway is a fantastic place to go because this is not only possible, but also incredibly convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly! Rail & ski is an amazing way to travel where the journey becomes part of the adventure!
It's so exciting to see forums and social media buzzing with people raving about trains as a fantastic alternative to expensive car rentals! So, let's take a look at the five best train routes that will whisk you straight to the stunning ski slopes of Norway, while also helping you save money and contribute to protecting the environment.
This is going to be so great!
🌟 Why is "train + skiing" a trend?
● Economical: Train tickets are significantly cheaper than car rentals, especially if you book in advance.
● Environmentally friendly: Travelling by train reduces your carbon footprint.
● Convenient: Train stations are often located right next to ski resorts.
● Picturesque: Many routes pass through stunning landscapes, turning the journey into a full-fledged excursion.
📌 Review from TripAdvisor:
"We decided against renting a car and opted for trains instead, and we didn't regret it for a second. No hassle with parking, comfortable carriages and stunning views!"
🚉 5 best rail & ski routes in Norway
Get ready for the ultimate adventure, because here are the most popular and convenient destinations for skiers and snowboarders!
1️⃣ Oslo → Geilo
● Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes
● Price: from 249 NOK one way
● Why choose this route:
Geilo station is right next to the resort; a 5-minute walk and you're at the ski lift.
● Best slopes:
Family-friendly and wide slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers.
🎯 Tip: book your tickets in advance at Vy.no for maximum savings.
2️⃣ Oslo → Voss
● Travel time: about 5 hours
● Price: from 399 NOK one way
● Why choose this route:
Voss is one of Norway's oldest and most picturesque ski resorts, with a train station right next to the resort.
● Best slopes:
Many red and black slopes for advanced skiers.
🎯 Tip: the train runs through a picturesque section of the Bergen Railway — get your camera ready!
3️⃣ Oslo → Lillehammer / Hafjell (Oslo–Lillehammer–Hafjell)
● Travel time: about 2 hours
● Price: from NOK 199 one way
● Why choose this route:
The Olympic city of Lillehammer is the perfect base for skiing in Hafjell (15 minutes by bus from the station).
● Best slopes:
Family holidays and intermediate slopes.
🎯 Tip: buses from the station to Hafjell depart every 30 minutes (from NOK 50).
4️⃣ Bergen → Myrdal → Flåm (Bergen–Myrdal–Flåm)
● Travel time: approx. 3 hours
● Price: from 299 NOK (full route)
● Why choose this route:
The area around Myrdal offers excellent conditions for ski touring and cross-country skiing.
● Best trails:
Wild, unmarked trails, ideal for backcountry skiers.
🎯 Tip
Stay overnight in Flåm and combine skiing with a trip on the famous Flåmsbana railway.
5️⃣ Trondheim → Oppdal
● Travel time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
● Price: from 179 NOK one way
● Why choose this route:
Oppdal station is right next to the resort, one of Norway's best regions for alpine skiing.
● Best slopes:
Well-groomed and varied slopes for all levels of difficulty.
🎯 Tip
Oppdal is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a variety of skiing, from easy slopes to World Cup trails.
🚄 Timetable and ticket booking
Train schedules are regularly updated on the official websites:
● Vy (Norwegian Railways): Vy.no
● ENTUR (General transport portal): Entur.no
🎯 Tip: book in advance (2–3 months) to save up to 40%.
📸 Best places for photos along the way
- The section from Geilo to Voss (part of the Oslo-Bergen route) is really beautiful, with stunning snow-covered plateaus.
- Flåmsbana: beautiful mountains, waterfalls and valleys.
- You can see the Dovre Mountains on the way to Oppdal.
🎒 Checklist for rail and ski trips
● Book tickets in advance to save money.
● Pack light to fit comfortably on the train.
● Use the Vy app for up-to-date information on timetables and tickets.
● Allow time for transfers (if any) to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Rail-and-ski is the most amazing activity! It's all about comfort, accessibility and respect for nature. Travelling by train is a fantastic way to save money and avoid stress, and the experiences you'll have along the way are simply amazing! You're going to love these amazing routes! They'll make your holiday in Norway so much more memorable and hassle-free!
💬 Share your experience!
Have you already taken an amazing train trip to Norway to go skiing? We're so excited to hear all about your impressions, tips and life hacks in the comments! Share your photos, reviews and links to useful resources.
We can't wait to include the best tips from our readers in future articles in our Norway catalogue!
