To go by train from or to the Swedish capital to the Norwegian capital is not only cheaper compared to flying. Sometimes you may even save time since you’re departing and arriving in the city centers. The best part, however, it’s a scenic route. Going by train Oslo – Stockholm: 6 hours.
The train passes many beautiful lakes, the most spectacular is on the Swedish side of the border, Lake Vänern, the largest in the EU. On your travel across southern Sweden you can enjoy the sight of lush landscapes dotted with traditional wooden houses, many of them painted in bright red.
Related: Go by Train in Norway
Both capitals worth a visit
You can of course easily fly between the two capitals, but who wants to be hanging around in airports when you can take the train instead? The trains between Stockholm and Oslo are operated by SJ (Swedish Railway) and both capitals are worth a visit. There are more museums per person than anywhere in the world, and in Stockholm there’s the Old Town (Gamla Stan) that was founded back in 1252, and in Oslo you can visit the Viking Ship Museum to watch real Viking longships.
Stockholm – Oslo By Train: Six Hours
If you want to explore the landscape during your trip, there are plenty of opportunities to hop off and on the train between the two capitals. The train is fast and comfortable and tickets available for as little as 540 SEK (USD 60). However, high-speed trains, three departures daily, take around six hours to reach the capitals. As they’re direct, you can basically just kick back and wait until you arrive without needing to worry about changing trains.
More than half the total land area of Sweden is covered in forest, and especially on the approach to Norway, you’ll pass farmland and woodland that give an idea of why outdoor life is a cornerstone of the Scandinavian lifestyle.
Related: The Rauma Railway, Norway
Bring your food or eat onboard
Travelers leaving from Stockholm can stock up on food from the recently opened stalls in the main concourse. However, a good selection of food and drinks are available on the train. Leaving from Oslo, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants in Østbanehallen, the original Oslo main central station, now a dining area. In the departure hall you find excellent stalls, among them Upper Crust, serving excellent fresh baguettes.
The last direct train between the two capitals tends to leave Oslo a little before 5 pm, arriving in Stockholm at around 10.45pm. From Stockholm, the last train leaves at 3:19 pm and arrives in Oslo at 9:24 pm. There is no night train.
Related: Norwegian Railway Heralded as a Wonder of the World
It’s possible to book tickets on its website. Booking in advance will usually save money. Discounts for those under 26 and the over-65s are available.
Stockholm – Oslo By Train: Six Hours, written by Tor Kjolberg