Norway’s rail network is simple to navigate once you know where to buy tickets and which app to use. As a Norwegian who rides these trains weekly, I’ll walk you through the easiest, most reliable ways to purchase tickets, how to unlock discounts, and the small details locals know that save time and money.
If you just need the quick answer: download the Entur app for nationwide planning and ticket buying, or purchase directly from the operator running your route (Vy, SJ NORD, or Sørtoget). Long-distance journeys usually include a seat reservation in the price, regional and local trains are usually “turn up and go,” and most people buy on their phone using a debit/credit card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, or Vipps. Activate your ticket before you board and keep ID handy if you used a discount.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of train tickets in Norway.
How Ticketing Works in Norway
Norway’s rail is a proof-of-payment system. There are usually no gates. You buy a ticket before boarding, keep it ready on your phone, and ticket inspectors scan the QR code on board. On long-distance services, your carriage and seat number are printed on the ticket. On commuter and regional trains, you can sit anywhere that isn’t reserved.
Important: Buying on board is limited and can be more expensive. Smaller stations often have no staffed counters and few or no ticket machines, so plan to buy digitally before you arrive at the platform.
The Three Main Ways to Buy
You have three dependable options. I use all of them depending on the trip.
- Entur app and website
Entur is the national journey planner. It covers all train operators in Norway and also shows connections with buses and ferries. You can search any route and usually buy the ticket in the same flow. For most visitors, Entur is the easiest one-stop shop. - Operator apps and sites
If you prefer buying directly, use the app or site of the company running your train:
- Vy: many local and some long-distance routes.
- SJ NORD (SJ Norge): several central and northern lines, including night trains.
- Sørtoget (Go-Ahead Nordic): the southern corridor between Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger plus branch lines.
Buying direct can reveal operator-specific seat choices or extras (like sleeper options) and occasionally promo fares.
- Stations: machines and staffed counters
Major stations like Oslo S, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger have ticket machines and, at peak times, staffed sales. Smaller stations may have only machines or nothing at all. Kiosks sometimes sell local transit tickets, but don’t rely on them for long-distance train fares.
Step-by-Step: Buying in the Entur App
- Search your route by city or station name.
- Compare departures. Entur shows price, travel time, and number of changes across operators.
- Pick a fare. On long-distance trains, a seat is included; on night trains, choose seat, couchette, or sleeper cabin if available.
- Add discounts (child, student, senior) if you qualify.
- Pay with card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, or Vipps.
- Activate and keep it handy. Your QR code sits in “My tickets.” Inspectors will scan it on board.
Pro tip: If you’re catching a tight connection to a long-distance train, buy that ticket first so your seat is guaranteed, then sort the local connection after.
Choosing the Right Ticket Type
- Long-distance day trains: Ticket includes a reserved seat. You can usually select window/aisle and quiet zones when booking directly with the operator.
- Night trains: You’ll choose between a reclining seat, a shared couchette, or a private sleeper cabin. These sell out; book early.
- Regional and local trains: Typically no seat assignment. Tickets are valid for the specific departure or within a time window, depending on the line.
- Classes: Many long-distance trains offer Standard and a higher-comfort class (often called Pluss/Komfort). The upgrade buys wider seats, quieter carriages, and sometimes coffee or power sockets guaranteed. It’s a small premium that’s worth it on scenic routes like Oslo–Bergen.
Discounts and Who Qualifies
Norway keeps it straightforward, but you must carry valid ID for any reduced fare:
- Children: Generous discounts; infants often travel free.
- Youth/Students: Reduced fares with a recognized student ID.
- Seniors (67+): Typically around half price on many services.
- Family offers: Some long-distance operators let children travel free or very cheaply with a paying adult. The exact rules vary, so check during checkout in the app.
If you don’t have the right ID during inspection, you may be charged up to the full fare or an additional fee.
Paying: Cards, Mobile Wallets, and Vipps
Norway is cash-light. Cards and mobile wallets dominate, and nearly every rail app accepts Apple Pay/Google Pay along with standard debit and credit cards. Vipps is common in Norwegian apps. Don’t bank on cash at stations outside the big cities.
Airport Trains and Special Cases
Flying into Oslo? You have two rail choices from Oslo Airport (OSL) to the city:
- Flytoget (Airport Express): Faster frequency, its own app and separate fare, and dedicated platforms at OSL. Contactless tap-in/tap-out works with many foreign cards.
- Regular regional trains (Vy): Often cheaper, run on the same rails, and tickets are available in Entur or the Vy app.
If price matters more than a few minutes, the regular train is perfectly fine. If you value simplicity and speed, Flytoget is very smooth.
Local Transit Tickets vs. Train Tickets
In and around Oslo and a few other cities, local public transport tickets sometimes cover local trains within specific zones. For example, an Oslo zone ticket can be valid on certain local train segments operated by Vy. The rule of thumb: if your journey is strictly within a local transit zone, check your city’s transit app (like Ruter in Oslo). If you’re crossing zones or riding a long-distance service, buy a train ticket.
Changing, Refunding, and Delay Compensation
Norwegian rail tickets usually come in three flavors:
- Non-flexible/Low-fare: Cheapest, limited or no changes/refunds.
- Semi-flex: Changeable before departure, sometimes with a fee.
- Flexible: Higher price, but fully changeable and refundable before departure.
Read the conditions on the checkout screen. If your train is delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation under Norwegian passenger rights. Apply through the operator you traveled with and keep your booking reference and any receipts for additional expenses.
Interrail/Eurail and International Visitors
Interrail and Eurail passes are widely accepted in Norway. You’ll still need seat reservations on many long-distance services and supplements for sleepers. The easiest way is to book those reservations directly with the operator running the train once you know your dates. If you’re continuing into Sweden or back via Denmark, trains are bookable across apps, but cross-border night trains and popular summer departures need early reservations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to buy at the station: Smaller stops have no counters and sometimes no machines. Use an app.
- Not activating the ticket: In the rush, people forget. Activate before boarding to avoid fines.
- Buying the wrong product to OSL: If you purchased a Flytoget ticket, ride Flytoget; if you bought a regular train ticket, take the regular train. They’re not interchangeable.
- Using a discount without ID: Inspectors do check. Keep your passport or student/senior ID ready.
- Assuming assigned seats on regional trains: Most don’t have them. For guaranteed comfort, choose long-distance services with reservations where available.
Practical Local Tips
- Book scenic routes early. Oslo–Bergen, Oslo–Trondheim, and night trains can fill up, especially in summer and around holidays.
- Window matters. On mountain lines, a reserved window seat is worth it. Buying directly from the operator sometimes exposes better seat maps.
- Quiet carriages are real. Respect them; Norwegians value silence on long stretches.
- Snacks and power. Long-distance trains usually have a café car and power outlets; regional trains vary. Bring a water bottle and a light sweater for tunnels and mountain weather shifts.
- Screenshots help. If cell signal drops in the mountains, a quick screenshot of your QR ticket can save stress during inspection.
When to Use Each App
- Entur: You want the simplest nationwide search and purchase in one place.
- Vy / SJ NORD / Sørtoget: You know who runs your train and want extras like exact seats, sleeper cabins, or upgrades.
- Local transit app (e.g., Ruter in Oslo): Your whole journey stays inside a city’s zone system and you’re riding local trains like any other metro/bus.
Bottom line: For most travelers, start with Entur to compare options and buy. If you’re booking a long-distance day train or a sleeper, check the operator app too for seat selection and cabins. Pay on your phone, activate before boarding, and you’re set. Norway’s trains are comfortable, scenic, and refreshingly straightforward once you know where to tap.