Continuing our Norwegian trip, we’re heading from Bergen to Oslo on a VY train. I’ve reviewed trains before, but for as much as I love trains, it’s not something I do a lot. As we found on our trip to the UK, a train journey with a baby is much more pleasant than flying. Avanti West Coast- Standard Premium. London to Manchester Review.
When booking this trip, the cost difference between the compartment and standard seats was small. Because we have baby Violet, and this trip is almost 7 hours, we opted for the private compartment. I was on the fence about flying vs driving, mostly due to the long travel time, but I’m glad we went with the Vy train. It was a very pleasant, but slightly long trip. It’s also very nice going from city center to city center.
Bottom Line: The Vy Train compartment between Bergen and Oslo was very pleasant. It is a long journey, nearly 7 hours, but you can enjoy a meal and stretch your legs along the trip. We loved having our own compartment for both comfort and privacy with the baby trying to nap.
Bergen Station Boarding
We walked to the Bergen Station about a half hour before our scheduled departure to Oslo. Along the way we stopped at a store go grab a picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks. Another win for train travel.
Getting here didn’t take as long as expected so we have nearly a half hour before our train departs. We waited with everyone else at the board waiting for our track assignment.
About 10 minutes before departure, our platform was named and we headed to our car. As always, if you have time, enter the correct train car. It’s way easier than shelping your stuff through the aisle. With that said, if you’re late, just get on anywhere and sort it out later.
These train sets are only used on this route between Bergen and Oslo.
Vy Trains Bergen to Oslo Compartment
We found are car and headed to our compartment. This car also has the luggage/ski/bike storage area at the end of it.
The Vy Train compartment on the Bergen to Oslo line.
These compartments are sold as 6 seats. You don’t have to buy the seats as induvial, but you do have to buy the whole compartment.
There is a table in the center, but there’s also benches that convert into 6 bunks. This train does run an overnight route so the sleeping space would be nice. We’re on a daytime trip so we didn’t use them.
The Vy compartment isn’t fancy, but for this trip we did enjoy it.
For our trip, we ended up using the upper bunks as storage for our bags.
In the compartment there is power to charge devices.
The conductor soon came through and asked if we’d like to close the door, he unlocked it for us so we can close it.
Vy Train Bergen to Oslo Luggage Storage
At the end of our car, there was a luggage storage compartment. We didn’t use it because we had enough space in our compartment.
This was also the bicycle and bulk item storage area.
Vy Trains Bergen to Oslo Standard Seats
While we’re in a compartment, the standard seats do look quite comfortable.
Vy Train Bergen to Oslo Journey
We were soon on our way towards Oslo. This trip is billed as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world so I’m looking forward to it.
I’m not really sure if there’s a good or bad side of the train to sit on. It seemed like we always had great views, regardless of what side we are watching.
The landscapes along the trip were quite nice and varied. There’s a lot of elevation change through the trip too so that means snow at this time of year.
This is a long journey though so we did have sunset while riding. Not as bad as when we rode with SJ on the X2000 in Sweden and I forgot it would be dark at 3pm.
Back in our compartment we enjoyed some drinks and snacks.
The only downside to the train between Bergen an Oslo is the number of stops. This train will stop 19 times over the 6.5 hours so it adds some extra time.
Vy Trains Bergen to Oslo Toilets
The train has several toilets. None are great. More utility and function over form. Not a surprise.
Vy Trains Bergen to Oslo Cafe Car
The Vy train has a cafe car that has a selection of hot and cold items. We had packed a picnic lunch so I didn’t try anything but it would be a nice place to take a break.
Vy Train Bergen to Oslo Kids Area
A fun feature of the train is the kids area. The train has nearly half a car devoted as a kids play area with games, toys, and places to play and climb.
Violet enjoyed her time here getting to crawl around and not be stuck in a seat or on our laps. Another benefit of the train over flying.
Vy Trains Bergen to Oslo Arrival
Right on time, we arrived into Oslo Central. From here we took the tram to our hotel. Another win for the train, not getting to the city from the airport.
Vy Trains Bergen to Oslo Final Thoughts
I love a good train ride. This one between Bergen and Oslo was very pleasant because we had our own private compartment. The views were also incredible. The ability to bring our own picnic lunch, drinks, and snacks while relaxing on the trip makes train travel so much more civilized than flying.
I will say, 7 hours is a long time on a train. This route is served by lots of airlines several times a day. The total flight time would be about 90 minutes. Add 90 minutes to the travel time on both ends to get to and through the airports. So it’s certainly longer to take the train than fly. So should you fly or take the train between Bergen and Oslo, I’d still say take the train if you want to enjoy a vacation.
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