Oslo to Trondheim train
You may be tempted by the travel from Oslo to Trondheim by day, but travel by night and you’ll get to experience the luxuries of the sleeper train that is the Dovre Line. Like all trains operated by NSB (Norway’s national rail service), the Dovre Line has comfortable sleeping cars, comfortable seating and a well-equipped restaurant car. The journey takes a total of seven hours and 24 minutes, travelling north past towns and cities, Norwegian forests and craggy mountains. So, when next visiting Norway’s effortlessly cool capital why not jump on a train to Trondheim, a chocolate box town of crayon-coloured triangle buildings straight out of a postcard. It’s actually very affordable, too.
Prices from: NOK319
Departing from: Oslo
Journey length: 1 night
Oslo to Trondheim train route
The train departs from Oslo’s central station at 23:06, but passengers are able to check in at the NSB Kafe restaurant bar from 22:15. There are 17 stops on the timetable in total at roughly every 30 mins, and the train finally pulls into Trondheim at 06:40 (passengers can depart up to 7am). The train runs six days a week (Sunday to Friday).
Oslo to Trondheim train
For an overnight train the Dovre Line is very well-equipped, boasting a restaurant car along with comfortable and safe sleeper and seating carriages. While there are no showers or en-suite bathrooms, toilets are found throughout the train and there are small sinks in the sleeper compartments. We love its glossy red livery and calming grey and white interiors, making the train feel very slick and modern. Bikes, most pets and items like children’s buggies and skis can normally be brought on board and there is a luggage allowance of 30kg per person (in a maximum of three items). Free wi-fi is available throughout the train.
Cabins on the Oslo to Trondheim train
Like all trains operated by NSB, the Olso to Trondheim train has comfortable sleeper compartments along with 2nd class seats for seating-only ticket holders. All sleeper cars have two berths per compartment, and those travelling alone have to book a whole compartment for the same price (meaning no sharing with a stranger). The berths are clean, comfortable and cosy, and come with high-quality mattresses, pillows, bedding and even have a small sink. Drinking water and complimentary chocolate are also in the compartments.
The train doesn’t have showers, but NSB has an arrangement with the Best Western Chesterfield Hotel near Trondheim station meaning for a small fee sleeper passenger can use their showers and also have breakfast. While it’s never recommended to purchase a seating-only ticket on an overnight train, unless on a tight budget, the train does have seating tickets which slightly recline. All passengers in seated accommodation get a free ‘night pack’ with blanket, pillow, ear plugs and an eye mask.
Food and drink
The train comes with a café-style dining car, housing a small café selling drinks, snacks, local Norwegian dishes and high quality Norwegian produce. The café car is open all night and serves up a reduced menu compared to the route’s day trains. Dishes include meatballs, grilled hotdogs, falafel, pizza, salads and sandwiches and wraps (think lots of Norwegian smoked salmon), along with snacks, cold and hot drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Championing Norwegian produce brands like Haandbryggeriet beers, Kjelstad Bakery and the 7 Fjell Bryggeri can all be found on board. Prices are semi affordable for Norway; NOK45 for a hot dog and NOK99 for a Norwegian craft beer. The train doesn’t service breakfast, but offers sleeper class passengers the chance to have breakfast at the local Western Chesterfield Hotel near Trondheim station for a small additional fee.
Dress code
There’s no dress code on the Oslo to Trondheim train, or any of Norway’s passenger trains, but make sure to pack accordingly. Remember comfy clothes and pyjamas, and if travelling in winter very warm clothes for Trondheim.
What’s included
Included in their train fare sleeper passengers will get a private berth with bed linen, mineral water, while seating passengers get a complimentary ‘night pack’ with blanket, pillow, ear plugs and eye mask. Breakfast is not included, but sleeper ticket holders can also dine at the local hotel in Trondheim for a small fee.
Pros and cons
Unlike most things in Norway the trip isn’t expensive at all working out at around £25 for an entry level single. Passengers can bring pets and items such as bicycles on board (subject to restrictions) and there is free wi-fi throughout. Cons are no showers on board and a luggage limit of 30kg per passenger.