New Copenhagen to Oslo Direct Train Service Planned

A new train service is planned to link Copenhagen and Oslo, marking the first direct connection between the cities since the year 2000.

New Copenhagen-Oslo train

The new train service is being planned by the Danish State Railways (Danske Statsbaner, or DSB), aiming to connect the capitals of Denmark and Norway by direct train in the near future.

DSB has submitted its plans for a direct train to Jernbanenævnet, the Danish Rail Regulatory Body.

Upon approval by Danish authorities, they will then seek permission for the new rail connection from the relevant Swedish and Norwegian regulatory bodies, which is expected to happen in 2025.

Plans

DSB aims to operate two daily return services between Copenhagen and Oslo in each direction.

Between Copenhagen and Oslo, the direct train service will also stop in the Swedish cities of Malmö and Gothenburg, among others.

As the plans for the new rail service depend on regulatory approval and the introduction of new trains, the start date is still unknown.

Test run with a Talgo train on the West Bridge over the Great Belt before these new trains will be introduced into daily service by the Danish State Railways. ©Jens Hasse/DSB

Trains

DSB plans to use new Spanish-built Talgo trainsets on the Copenhagen to Oslo route.

These Talgo trains will first be introduced by DSB on the Copenhagen to Hamburg route, with their debut expected in May 2025.

Each Talgo trainset offers 442 seats in 2nd class and 50 in 1st class, along with ample storage space for bicycles and strollers in a multi-purpose room.

History

Although direct trains between Copenhagen and Oslo have not operated since 2000, it is still possible to travel between the two cities by rail with a change in Gothenburg.

This involves taking a Öresundståg train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, where you connect to a train operated by Norwegian rail company Vy to Oslo.

Before 2000, there were not only direct daytime trains operating between Denmark and Norway, but also a night train.

The ‘Alfred Nobel’ night train connected Hamburg with Oslo and was transported on two train ferries: One linking Puttgarden in Germany with Rødby in Denmark, and another between Helsingør in Denmark and Helsingborg in Sweden.

This train was however discontinued in 1994.

The opening of the Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö for road and rail traffic made the train ferry between Helsingør and Helsingborg redundant.

Vy train at Oslo’s central station. ©AndyBTravels

Other public transport options

For those wishing to travel between Copenhagen and Oslo by public transport, there is an alternative to train travel.

If you prefer to avoid flying between the capitals of Denmark and Norway, you can also take the DFDS ferry between Copenhagen and Oslo.