If you have looked at train tickets in Norway, you have probably seen an option called Vy Pluss. This is Vy’s more comfortable seating class on long-distance trains like the Bergen Line, Sørlandsbanen, and some regional routes. You also see a similar “Plus” name on certain Vy express buses, which refers to larger, nicer seats. As someone born and raised here who rides these routes year-round, I’ll walk you through what Vy Pluss actually gives you, how to book it, and whether it is worth paying a bit more.
Quick answer: Vy Pluss on trains buys you extra comfort and convenience. You get roomier seats, access to a self-serve hot drinks station, a calmer carriage vibe, seat selection, and the useful perk that you can change to another departure up until the original departure time if plans shift. On the night train between Oslo and Bergen, Vy also sells PlussNatt, a lie-flat reclining seat that sits between a regular seat and a private sleeper cabin.
Curious how it plays out in real life, which routes have it, and when I recommend it over standard tickets or a sleeper? Let’s take a proper tour of Vy Pluss so you know what you’re buying.
What Vy Pluss Includes on Trains
Vy Pluss is a distinct carriage on long journeys. The exact layout can vary slightly by train set, but the experience is consistent:
- More comfortable seats with noticeably better padding and legroom. If you are tall or plan to work on a laptop, you feel the difference over several hours.
- Seat selection at booking. Picking your spot is underrated, especially for pairs who want to sit together or solo travelers who prefer a single seat by the aisle or window.
- Free self-serve hot drinks. There is a dedicated coffee and tea station inside the Pluss carriage. It is simple and unlimited, and yes, Norwegians will judge bad coffee; this one is decent. Bring your own reusable cup if you like.
- Quieter atmosphere. It is not a “quiet carriage,” but it tends to attract people who want to read, work, or relax. Families use Pluss too, but the vibe stays calm.
- Power outlets and Wi-Fi. You get the same onboard Wi-Fi as the rest of the train, plus easy access to charging at your seat.
- Flexibility perk. With Pluss you can change to a different departure up until your original departure time. If the new train is pricier, you pay the difference. If it is cheaper, you just switch. This is extremely handy for weather, meetings, or a lingering fjord lunch.
A small but pleasant extra is the little standing area near the drink station. I often stretch my legs there while sipping a coffee as the Hardangervidda plateau sweeps past the windows.
Where You’ll Find Vy Pluss
You’ll commonly see Pluss offered on Norway’s classic long-distance lines:
- Bergensbanen between Oslo and Bergen. This is the big one, with jaw-dropping mountain scenery and lots of demand year-round.
- Sørlandsbanen between Oslo and Stavanger via Kristiansand. Comfortable seats help on this long, often full route.
- Other longer Vy routes when the rolling stock allows. Availability can vary by departure and season.
Not every departure has a Pluss carriage. When you search in the Vy app or on vy.no, look for “Pluss” next to the fare. If you do not see it offered for a specific train, that departure likely runs with a different carriage set.
PlussNatt: The Lie-Flat Night Option
For the Oslo–Bergen night train, Vy sells PlussNatt, which is a special lie-flat reclining seat. Think of it as a bridge between a regular seat and a private sleeping compartment:
- The seat reclines far more than daytime seats and includes a leg rest and head support designed for sleeping.
- You keep your own personal space without sharing a sleeper cabin.
- You still have access to power and the calm night-train atmosphere.
- Price usually sits between a standard night-seat and a proper sleeper, depending on demand.
Who is it for? If you sleep fine on planes or premium recliners, PlussNatt is a strong value. If you need darkness, silence, and a real mattress, spring for a sleeper compartment. Bring a light blanket or travel quilt, earplugs, and a sleep mask, and you will be fine in PlussNatt most nights.
Vy “Plus” on Buses, Briefly
You may also see Vy express Plus on some long-distance buses. That label means bigger, nicer seats and extra legroom, often placed upstairs in a quieter section. It is not the same product as train Pluss, but the idea is similar: pay a bit more for comfort on longer rides. If you are doing a multi-hour bus leg to or from the fjords, it can be worth it.
How To Book Vy Pluss
The smoothest route is the Vy app:
- Search your journey and date.
- Look for Pluss in the fare list for each departure.
- Tap to choose your seat. If you care about views, pick the side thoughtfully on scenic lines.
- Pay and add to Apple Wallet or similar if you like. Your seat and carriage are printed on the ticket.
You can also book at vy.no or at staffed stations, but the app makes seat selection and changes effortless, especially the day of travel.
Is Vy Pluss Worth It?
Short version: usually yes on Norway’s longer daytime runs, and often yes at night if you pick PlussNatt over a standard seat.
Consider Vy Pluss if any of these ring true:
- You are tall or working. The extra legroom and tables make hours pass easier.
- You value flexibility. The ability to change departures until your original train leaves is worth real money when weather or plans are fickle.
- You drink coffee or tea. Free hot drinks offset part of the upgrade, and it is genuinely cozy.
- You travel at busy times. Pluss tends to be less crowded, and seat selection prevents awkward splits for couples and families.
When might standard be fine? If you are price-sensitive, traveling off-peak, and planning to roam between the café car and vestibule windows for photos, standard is perfectly serviceable. Norwegian trains are clean and heated across the board.
My Local Tips for Getting the Most From Pluss
- Choose your side for scenery. On Bergensbanen, many travelers prefer the right-hand side leaving Oslo and the left-hand side leaving Bergen for certain valley views. That said, scenery flips throughout, and mountain plateaus look great from both.
- Solo traveler? If your departure shows any single-seat options in Pluss, grab one. It gives you elbow room and easy in-and-out to the aisle.
- Bring a reusable cup. The coffee station is self-serve. A lidded cup means no spills during tunnels and allows you to carry drinks back to your seat.
- Pack layers. Carriages are heated, but you will move through cooler vestibules for photos or café runs. A light fleece makes a difference after sunset.
- Download playlists and shows. The Wi-Fi is fine for messages and light browsing but can hiccup in the mountains. Offline content avoids frustration.
- For PlussNatt, build your sleep kit. Neck pillow, earplugs, eye mask. I also set a quiet alarm 30 minutes before arrival in case I drift off too well.
- If you are connecting to the Flåm Railway, Pluss comfort before or after the branch to Myrdal makes the long day smoother.
- Families: the drink station makes warming up milk or prepping tea simple, and the extra legroom is helpful with small backpacks and snacks. If naps are likely, Pluss is kinder.
Price, Discounts, and When To Book
Exact prices flex with demand. Typically, the upgrade to Pluss is a modest add-on over the standard fare, and it tends to be cheaper when you book early. On peak travel days or late searches, Pluss can sell out first because frequent travelers snap it up. If you know you want the upgrade, secure it as soon as your plans are set.
Children, students, and seniors have various discounts in Norway, but rules can differ by ticket type and date. If you are traveling with kids and aiming for Pluss, check the app while logged in and compare the total family price across a couple of departures. That two-minute check can save quite a bit.
Accessibility and Luggage
Norwegian long-distance trains have level boarding at many stations, wide doors, and space for wheelchairs. If you use mobility aids, booking Pluss can make transfers in the aisle easier thanks to the legroom and calmer carriage. For luggage, standard suitcase racks and overhead shelves are available in the Pluss carriage. Keep valuables at your seat. If you have outdoor gear, wipe it down before boarding; we try to keep the carriages clean in winter and after hikes.
Weather, Delays, and Why Flexibility Matters
Mountain weather throws curveballs. In winter we get heavy snow on the plateaus; in shoulder seasons, wind and rain can trigger speed restrictions. Trains still run, but timetables shift. The Pluss flexibility to move to a later departure the same day protects you if your flight or ferry runs late or if you decide to linger over a cinnamon bun in Bergen longer than planned. That alone is why I often choose Pluss when I’m shepherding visiting friends.
Final Word
Vy Pluss is built for Norway’s long distances: a calmer space, better seats, hot drinks on tap, and a safety net if plans change. If you are doing one of the marquee rides like Oslo–Bergen, it elevates the trip without turning it into a luxury splurge. For nights, PlussNatt is a smart middle ground if a sleeper compartment feels overkill. Book early, choose your side for the views, and let the mountains do the heavy lifting.