Oslo to Stockholm by train

The train between Oslo and Stockholm is one of the most straightforward international journeys in Scandinavia. SJ runs the fastest services in around 5 hours and 24 minutes, connecting both central stations directly. No change of trains required.

Around four trains per day cover the full route. Departures from Oslo S are spread across the morning and early afternoon. Check the exact timetable on SJ.se or entur.no before you plan, as schedules can vary by season and day of the week.

How the service works

The Oslo to Stockholm train is a coordinated service between Vy, which handles the Norwegian segment, and SJ, which takes over at the Swedish border. You book one ticket for the full Oslo to Stockholm journey. There is no need to buy separate Vy and SJ tickets.

Passengers stay on the same train through the border crossing at Charlottenberg. There is nothing to do at the border; the changeover between operators happens behind the scenes.

Book the full journey on SJ.se in English, or via entur.no if you prefer to start from the Norwegian side. Third-party platforms such as Omio, Trainline, and Rail Europe also sell tickets on this route and accept international payment cards, though each adds a small booking fee.

Train types and journey times

SJ runs three SJ3000 high-speed trains and one Intercity train per day on this route. The SJ3000 covers the route in approximately 5 hours and 24 minutes. The Intercity takes just under 6 hours.

The route covers 416 km and SJ3000 trains can reach up to 200 km/h.

A seasonal overnight service has operated on this route in some years. It is not a year-round scheduled train. Check SJ.se for current night-train availability if that is relevant to your plans.

Looking further ahead, the Oslo-Sthlm 2.55 project is a long-term infrastructure initiative targeting a journey time of under three hours. This is a planning project, not an imminent change.

Ticket prices

Book in advance if you have a fixed travel date. SJ’s pricing is dynamic, and the gap between the cheapest Lowfare fare and a walk-up flexible ticket on this cross-border route can be significant. Seats in the lowest price bands are limited.

SJ advance Lowfare tickets can start from around NOK 249 for a standard seat on some departures. Prices vary by date, demand, train type, and how far in advance you book. Check SJ.se or entur.no for the fares on your specific departure.

SJ fares are typically sold in SEK when you book on SJ.se from Sweden, and in NOK when booking through entur.no from Norway. Third-party resellers may display prices in EUR.

Discounts

SJ offers reduced fares for specific passenger groups:

Children under 6 typically travel free with a paying adult on SJ services. Lowfare tickets cannot be combined with other discounts. All discounts are calculated against the adult flexible fare.

Groups of 10 or more should contact SJ customer service for group rate options.

Seat classes

Standard class

Standard class uses a 2+2 seating layout, with power sockets at each seat, free Wi-Fi, and overhead storage. A bistro car on SJ3000 services sells snacks, meals, and drinks during the journey.

First class

First class uses a 2+1 layout with wider reclining seats and more legroom. Passengers receive complimentary coffee, tea, fruit, and breakfast served at their seat until 09:00. First-class passengers also get access to SJ’s lounges in Stockholm and Gothenburg, a Quiet Zone option, and morning or evening Swedish newspapers. A private conference compartment can be booked in advance.

How to buy tickets

SJ.se is the most direct booking path for most travellers. The site is available in English, shows an interactive seat map, and sells through-tickets for the complete Oslo to Stockholm route. Pay in SEK and deal directly with the operator.

Entur.no is the Norwegian national journey planner. It covers cross-border SJ services and is where Interrail and Eurail pass holders should book their seat reservations for trains departing from Norway. The site is available in English.

Third-party platforms including Omio, Trainline, and Rail Europe are useful if your payment card is rejected by SJ.se, or if you want to compare options across booking channels. Each charges a small booking fee per transaction.

Tickets are also available at staffed counters and self-service kiosks inside Oslo S and Stockholm Centralstation. Buying from a conductor on board is possible but more expensive and depends on availability.

Stations

The train departs from Oslo Sentralstasjon (Oslo S), the city’s main railway station. It is a short walk from the waterfront and the city centre, with metro, tram, and bus connections directly outside. The station has shops, restaurants, and luggage storage.

The train arrives at Stockholm Centralstation, in the heart of the Swedish capital. T-bana (metro) access is available directly from the station. If you need to get to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the Arlanda Express airport train also runs from Stockholm Centralstation. The journey to the airport takes around 20 minutes.

Interrail and Eurail passes

Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on SJ services between Oslo and Stockholm. Do not board without a seat reservation. A reservation is mandatory on this route when using a pass, and you cannot rely on finding space without one.

Seat reservations for pass holders can be booked on entur.no. Select the “Interrail/Eurail seat reservation” option, choose your class (1st or 2nd), and enter your pass number. Choose the Flexible ticket type. Reservation fees for a seat typically range from around €7 to €14, depending on class and booking channel. Check the current fee on interrail.eu before you plan your budget.

Book early. Seat reservations on popular SJ cross-border departures can sell out, particularly in summer.

Carry your activated pass and your reservation with you on the train. You will need to show both.

Interrail passes also give pass holders discounts on some ferry services in the Scandinavian region.

Changes, refunds, and luggage

Ticket changes and refunds

SJ Lowfare tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Flexible fares can be changed; conditions vary by fare type, so check the details before you confirm your booking.

Vy’s own single and return tickets are non-refundable after purchase, in line with Norwegian passenger rights regulations.

Third-party resellers may have different change policies and can charge an additional fee on top of the operator’s own conditions.

Luggage

SJ does not charge extra for personal luggage. Store bags in the overhead racks or designated luggage areas, and keep aisles and vestibules clear.

Accessibility

Both SJ and Vy provide accessibility facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Contact SJ directly when booking if you need specific assistance on the Swedish-operated segment of the journey.