
Oslo to Stockholm Trains

Oslo to Stockholm Trains
The Oslo to Stockholm train is a comfortable and convenient way to travel between the capitals of Norway and Sweden. Direct SJ trains link Oslo Central Station with Stockholm C in as little as 5 hours 21 minutes, following a scenic route through eastern Norway and western Sweden, past forests, lakes and small towns such as Karlstad. Train services on the route are primarily operated by SJ, Swedish Railways, together with Norway's Vy, and on the Swedish side high speed trains can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Travelling by train takes you from city centre to city centre, with no airport transfers and no security queues. Onboard, you can enjoy comfortable seating, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat and a restaurant car with meals and snacks, while the scenery of Scandinavia rolls past the window. It's one of the most relaxing train journeys in Europe and a great way to start exploring Sweden.
The route is also popular with travelers planning a longer trip around Scandinavia. From Stockholm, trains continue to Gothenburg, Malmö and Copenhagen, while Oslo is the starting point for the famous Bergen Railway, often called one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Combining these routes lets you see three capitals and some of the best scenery in Europe without the cost and hassle of flying.
Trains depart from Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), located in the heart of the city next to the Opera House and Karl Johans gate, with numerous shops, cafés and restaurants inside. Arrive around 20 minutes before your departure and check the boards for your platform. Trains arrive at Stockholm Central Station, known as Stockholm C, the busiest station in Sweden, a short walk from the Old Town and connected to the metro, commuter trains and the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
Trains from Oslo to Stockholm take 5 to 6 hours on most direct services. Exact times range from 5 hours 21 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes, and the average travel time is about 5 hours 51 minutes. The fastest trip on our timetable takes 5 hours 21 minutes, while some connections with a change in Karlstad or Gothenburg take several hours longer. There are up to 5 direct SJ train departures daily and 13 departures in total on our timetable, including connections. The rail distance is around 520 km, while the straight-line distance between the two capitals is about 416 km. Journey times can vary on weekends, as fewer trains run on Saturdays and Sundays, so check the schedule for your date.
Train tickets for Oslo to Stockholm start from around $30 to $60 when booked early, and the lowest price on our site starts from kr868. Prices depend on the class, time of day and how far in advance you book, and they rise as the departure date approaches. Book tickets early to secure the lowest prices and better availability, especially for summer trips and holidays. First class costs more but includes wider seats and complimentary drinks. For most passengers, a second class ticket booked a few weeks ahead is the best value.
You can book train tickets on our website in a few minutes: search for your date, compare SJ and Vy departures, choose your class and pay securely. Booking can also be done through SJ's official website, the Vy app or other authorized platforms. Stockholm train tickets online are sent by email or to the SJ or Vy app, both available as a free app, so you just show your ticket on your phone when you board. Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended, as the cheapest seats on the Oslo to Stockholm route sell out quickly.
The earliest departure on our timetable leaves Oslo at 05:56, and five morning trains depart between 05:56 and 11:46. Six afternoon trains leave between 12:00 and 16:52, and the latest departures are the night connections at 22:55, which arrive in Stockholm the next morning. Depending on the season, some early connections can leave as early as 4 AM, and the latest trains depart around 10 PM or later. Fewer trains run on Saturdays and Sundays, and the timetable can change during engineering works in summer, so always check your Stockholm train tickets and departure times before you travel.
Train services on the Oslo to Stockholm route are primarily operated by SJ and Vy. SJ, the Swedish state operator, runs the direct trains between Oslo S and Stockholm C, while Vy, the Norwegian national operator, runs regional services in Norway, such as trains to Kongsvinger near the Swedish border. Both operators accept bookings online and through their apps, and on our site you can compare their departures side by side. When you plan your trip, check which operator runs your train, as luggage rules and onboard services can differ slightly. On busy summer days both operators add extra capacity, but the most convenient direct trains still sell out early.
Yes, reservations are compulsory for the Oslo to Stockholm train route. Every ticket includes a seat reservation, and if you travel with an Interrail or Eurail pass, you'll need to buy a reservation before you board. Seats are allocated when you book, so booking early also gives you a better choice of window seats and seats in quiet carriages.
SJ trains on the Oslo to Stockholm route are modern tilting trains that can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h on the Swedish side, making them some of the fastest trains in Scandinavia. The line in Norway is slower and more winding, but it offers beautiful views of lakes and forests. SJ operates up to 5 trains daily from Oslo to Stockholm, while Vy runs regional trains in Norway that connect with SJ services. Although the route isn't a dedicated high speed line like those in France or Spain, the high speed train service is still much faster and more comfortable than driving by car, which takes around six hours plus stops.
Multiple travel classes are available for different comfort levels. 2nd Class on SJ trains features comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access and power sockets at all seats, while 1st Class on SJ trains offers wider seats, more legroom and complimentary drinks and snacks. Trains offer free Wi-Fi for passengers throughout the journey. A restaurant car provides meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks, and you're welcome to bring your own food. Trains have wider seats and greater legroom than economy flights, plenty of luggage space and accessible toilets, so the long journey from Oslo feels relaxed and convenient.
Every Stockholm train arrives at Stockholm Central Station, or Stockholm C, in the centre of Sweden's capital. The station has numerous shops, restaurants and cafés, and it's a short walk from Gamla Stan, the Old Town, and the Royal Palace. From Stockholm C you can take the metro to any part of the city, and the Arlanda Express reaches Stockholm Arlanda Airport in about 20 minutes, which is convenient if you are flying onwards to other destinations.
A flight from Oslo Airport to Stockholm Arlanda Airport takes about an hour, but both airports are far from the city: Oslo Airport Gardermoen is around 25 minutes from the centre by express train, and Stockholm Arlanda Airport is about 20 minutes from Stockholm C on the Arlanda Express. Once you add check-in, security and transfers, flying takes about as long as the train. The train is often the cheapest way to travel if you book early, with more space, free WiFi and beautiful scenery, and it produces far lower emissions than flying. A bus ticket can be cheaper still, but the bus takes around 7 to 8 hours and offers less comfort.
Stockholm is a beautiful city built on 14 islands, blending historic charm with modern Scandinavian design. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, visit the Vasa Museum and the Royal Palace, and enjoy the city's numerous shops, cafés and restaurants. In summer, take a boat trip to explore Stockholm's scenic archipelago, where outdoor activities like kayaking and swimming are popular. There's a wide choice of accommodation near Stockholm C, making the train from Oslo a perfect start to your trip.