Trondheim is Norway’s historic heart, home to Nidaros Cathedral, a lively student scene, and fjordside neighborhoods that always make visitors linger. Getting here is straightforward from anywhere in the country if you know your options. Trains follow scenic mountain corridors, the E6 highway ties the country together like a spine, and short flights connect every corner to Værnes Airport east of the city.
If you want the simplest answer: from Oslo, take the Dovrebanen train or fly; from Bergen and Stavanger, flying is fastest; from Bodø, the Nordlandsbanen train is a classic; from Tromsø and Northern Norway, flying is your reliable choice. Driving is beautiful in summer but slow in winter. Once you land or arrive by rail, local trains and buses make the last stretch into the city center easy.
Let’s go city by city and then wrap with local tips and the best ways to move from the airport into town. Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of getting to Trondheim.
Oslo to Trondheim
Oslo is the most traveled gateway. The Dovrebanen railway links Oslo S to Trondheim S across Dovrefjell, one of the great scenic rail rides in Norway. Day trains give you mountain views and wild reindeer country if you are lucky with timing and weather. There is also usually a night service with reclining seats and sleeper compartments that help you save on accommodation. Travel time is typically around 6.5 to 7.5 hours depending on exact stopping pattern.
Flying from Oslo Gardermoen to Trondheim Værnes is quick. Flight time is under an hour, and with frequent departures it suits tight schedules. If you plan to rent a car in Trondheim, it can still be better value to take the train in winter because you avoid potential weather delays on mountain passes.
Driving follows the E6 for roughly 500 kilometers. In summer, it is a calm 6 to 7 hour drive with plenty of places to stop. In winter, factor in shorter daylight and occasional closures or convoy driving over Dovrefjell. If the forecast looks rough, I personally choose the train. It takes the stress out of the decision.
Bergen to Trondheim
Norway’s two historic capitals look close on a map, but the mountains and fjords between them will humble any timetable. The most time efficient option is to fly. Direct flights run regularly and take under an hour. If your dates are off season, you may see connections via Oslo, which still works well.
There is no direct train between Bergen and Trondheim. If you want to ride rails, you would go Bergen to Oslo on the Bergen Line, then Oslo to Trondheim on the Dovre Line. That turns into a two day rail journey unless you are a glutton for transfers. Beautiful, yes, but not a quick approach.
Driving is a full day in the best summer conditions. The common routing is Bergen to the E39, then across to the E136 toward Dombås, and north on the E6 to Trondheim. Expect ferries on the west coast legs, mountain passes, and a dozen tempting detours. I enjoy this by splitting into two days with a stop in Åndalsnes or Geiranger region in summer.
Stavanger to Trondheim
From Stavanger, flying is again the practical choice. Direct flights exist at many times of the year, and otherwise you connect via Oslo. Count on about an hour and change in the air.
Driving Stavanger to Trondheim is a long haul. You can follow the E39 up the coast with ferry links, cut across on the E136 around Åndalsnes, then E6 north. In summer I break this into two days and make it part of the holiday, not a chore. In winter, I would avoid it unless you are very comfortable with Norwegian conditions.
Tromsø to Trondheim
Northern Norway adds distance and weather to the equation. Flying Tromsø to Trondheim is the standard move. There are often direct services, and when there are not, connections through Bodø or Oslo are common. On price, watch weekday midday departures for good deals outside peak seasons.
There is no train line from Tromsø. If you want a rail component, it becomes a patchwork of bus to the Ofoten area and train in Sweden or a bus to Fauske to join the Nordlandsbanen. That is an adventure, not a shortcut.
Driving the full length of the E6 from Tromsø to Trondheim is an odyssey. In summer, it is memorable with midnight light and long views. In winter, I would only recommend it to experienced drivers prepared for ice, wind, and variable daylight. For most travelers, fly.
Bodø to Trondheim
This is the land of the Nordlandsbanen, the only railway that crosses the Arctic Circle. The day train Bodø to Trondheim is a favorite of rail lovers. It takes most of a day but rewards you with coastal mountains, forests, and big sky landscapes. If you like slow travel and reading with a thermos of coffee, this is your lane.
Flights Bodø to Trondheim are short and frequent. In shoulder seasons, prices are often reasonable. If you are connecting from the Lofoten ferries to Bodø and aiming for Trondheim the same day, flying keeps the timing tidy.
Driving follows the E6. It is straightforward but long. Summer works well with plenty of places for a stretch. Winter can be tough. If it looks windy and snowy, I book the train.
Ålesund to Trondheim
From Ålesund, direct flights to Trondheim are common and quick. If your dates show an Oslo connection, check alternative times or airlines. Flight time is short enough that even with airport transfer you are in Trondheim fast.
By car, you can take E136 toward Dombås and then E6 north. It is around 6 to 7 hours in good conditions. Scenic does not even begin to cover it. If you want a stop, consider a night in Sunndalsøra or Oppdal for hiking or skiing depending on season.
Kristiansand to Trondheim
Norway’s southern tip feels far from Trøndelag because it is. Flights usually connect via Oslo, and that remains the practical option for most people. Total travel time still beats a full day of driving.
If you prefer rails, you would ride Sørlandsbanen from Kristiansand to Oslo, then Dovrebanen to Trondheim. It is a long but comfortable two segment ride. I sometimes recommend this for travelers who want to see three very different slices of Norway in one go: the south coast forests, the Oslo region, and the central mountains.
Driving follows E18 and E39 toward the west or E18 then E6 via Oslo. Via Oslo and the E6 is the cleaner option. In winter, be conservative with timing.
Narvik to Trondheim
Narvik sits near the Swedish border and is connected by the Ofotbanen to Kiruna, not to the Norwegian network south of Bodø. The most sensible way is to fly from Harstad Narvik Airport Evenes to Trondheim, often non stop or via Oslo.
Overland, you can mix bus to Fauske and then the Nordlandsbanen to Trondheim. It is long, but rail fans love that Arctic to Trøndelag sweep. Driving the E6 works in summer if you want the full Norway road trip. Build in two days and enjoy it.
Molde to Trondheim
From Molde, flights are short and frequent. If you are already in Åndalsnes or along the Romsdalen, it is tempting to drive E136 to Dombås then E6 north. That is a lovely 6 to 7 hour day with big mountain scenery. Just keep an eye on winter conditions on the passes.
Getting from Trondheim Airport Værnes to the City Center
Trondheim’s airport is at Værnes (TRD) in Stjørdal, about 30 kilometers east of the center. You have three good options:
- Local and regional train. The Trøndelag trains and many long distance services stop at Værnes. It is usually about 35 minutes to Trondheim S. Trains are reliable and easy with luggage. If you already have a rail ticket into or out of Trondheim, check whether it includes the airport leg.
- Airport bus. Several airport coach lines run directly to the city with drop offs near major hotels and Solsiden. The bus is a touch slower than the train depending on traffic, but it puts you close to where you are sleeping.
- Taxi or rental car. Taxis are metered and straightforward. For rentals, I prefer picking up in town unless I am heading straight out to the fjords. City driving is simple, but parking in the center can be tight.
When to Choose Train, Car, or Plane
If you value scenery and comfort, the long distance trains on Dovrebanen and Nordlandsbanen are standouts. You can read, snack, and watch Norway slide by without worrying about tunnels or snow squalls. If your trip is packed and you want to maximize time in Trondheim, flights are often the smartest use of a morning or evening.
Driving is best in late spring to early autumn. Roadworks quiet down, mountain roads open, and daylight stretches. In winter, road travel slows and sometimes stops for weather. If you are new to Norwegian winter driving, choose the train or fly. That is not me being dramatic. It is just living here long enough to have seen every version of “we thought we would be fine” turned into an unplanned overnight.
Ticket Tips From A Local
Book early for the best low fare tickets on long distance trains. These discounted seats are limited and tied to specific departures. For planes, midweek flights and early or late slots tend to be cheaper. If you are mixing city pairs, check open jaw options like flying one way and taking the train back. That often balances cost and experience nicely.
On overnight trains, sleeper cabins make a real difference. They sell out early for weekends and holiday periods. For daytime rides, bring your own snacks. There is usually a café car, but having your favorite sandwich and fruit on hand keeps you happy when the fjell gets moody.
A Quick Word on Buses
Intercity buses fill gaps where trains do not run directly. Oslo to Trondheim by bus is possible and cheaper at times, but do compare the travel time. West coast routes can be beautifully scenic but slower due to ferries and winding roads. For budget travelers with flexible schedules, buses are worth checking, especially in summer when extra services are added.
Accessibility and Families
Norwegian trains are generally accessible, with level boarding areas and accessible toilets on long distance sets. If you are traveling with kids, trains are easy. You can move around, stretch legs, and not worry about car seats. Domestic flights are quick and airlines are used to strollers and sports gear like skis. If you bring a car seat, consider booking a seat for your infant even if lap travel is allowed. It keeps everyone comfortable.
Final Local Nudge
Trondheim rewards people who arrive unhurried. If your schedule allows, take one leg by train and the other by air. You will see the country from two angles and keep the pace that fits your trip. And when you step out at Trondheim S or hop off the airport train, the city center is compact. Walk the river loop, cross the Old Town Bridge, and let the trip melt off your shoulders before dinner.