Flying is the most typical technique to get round Norway. However it isn’t the one possibility. Here’s what you might want to learn about intercity bus and coach providers in Norway.
Maybe it was the stress of the time that shall not be named (2020-22) however I’ve positively seen a rise in impartial journey in Norway over the previous yr. Most notably, by people who find themselves travelling round and visiting a number of locations.
In earlier years, I’ve seen such travellers use the railways. Though trains in Norway are sluggish and most locals select to fly as an alternative, they’re an exquisite possibility for vacationers.
A lot so, that in the summertime, a few of Norway’s trains particularly the well-known Bergen Line are jam-packed full with vacationers. However when the trains are full or inconvenient, there may be an alternative choice for getting round Norway that many vacationers miss.
Introducing Norway’s Intercity Bus Community
Travelling by coach is not for everybody. At busy instances, Norway’s highways might be frustratingly sluggish. However the majority of intercity coaches are fashionable and comfy, provide free wi-fi, and primary rest room services.
Better of all for vacationers, the fares are sometimes the most affordable technique to journey between two cities. However there’s a enormous caveat with coach journey. The community is not complete, and there are a number of operators across the nation.
This will make planning a visit a little bit of a headache, particularly if you wish to go to a smaller place. There’ll seemingly be a bus service, nevertheless it may very well be rare.
The 2 main operators to contemplate are Vy Categorical and Nor-Means Bussekspress. Each operators have route maps, which at the least make high-level planning a bit simpler. Let’s take a look at every of them in flip.
Vy Categorical
Vy Categorical buses are double-deckers, with wider seats than an everyday bus. Seats have extra legroom and fold-out leg rests. Most buses provide free wi-fi and charging ports, both common retailers or USB.
On some providers, there are “plus” seats out there, that are extra spacious and situated on the highest ground. These are perfect for longer journeys, and on journeys the place you intend to benefit from the scenic views.
Notable Vy Categorical Routes
Though primarily designed for locals, the Vy Categorical bus community provides quite a lot of routes that cater to completely different vacationer pursuits, from scenic fjord views to entry to standard mountain climbing trails. Here is a abstract of some notable routes:
Considering long-distance bus journey? Take a look at the route community, timetables, and costs of Vy Categorical (affiliate hyperlink)
Oslo – Bergen (through Kristiansand, Stavanger, Haugesund): One of many nation’s longest bus routes, taking round 13.5 hours and overlaying about 850 km, together with two ferry crossings between Stavanger and Bergen. Double-decker buses provide spacious seating and wonderful views, significantly from the higher deck entrance seats.
Oslo – Ulsteinvik/Måløy: Roughly 10 hours of journey from Oslo by way of Lillehammer and Øyer, previous Gudbrandsdalen to Lom, Strynefjellet, and on to Stryn in Nordfjord and Måløy on the Fjord coast. Highlights embody entry to Jotunheimen from Lom and journey sports activities in Loen.
Oslo – Førde (through Sogndal): Travelling for about 8.5 hours, this route highlights the stark contrasts between Norway’s japanese plains and the western fjords. Supreme for these aiming for an lively mountain vacation, with stops like Gol and Hemsedal for mountain lovers, and Lærdal and Sogndal for these drawn to the fjord landscapes of the Sognefjord.
Bergen – Ålesund (through Førde): About 9 hours and 45 minutes, offering intensive fjord views and together with three ferry crossings. The journey crosses the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord, providing a gateway to coastal areas.
Nor-Means Bussekspress
The opposite essential possibility within the southern half of Norway is Nor-Means Bussekspress. Most of the providers serve standard snowboarding and mountain climbing resorts.
Some buses are double-decker however there are additionally smaller buses, but all provide comfy seating. On some routes, some premium choices can be found together with extra comfy and spacious seating.
Notable Nor-Means Bussekspress Routes
Though primarily designed for locals, the Nor-way Ekspress bus community provides routes that additionally serve vacationers. From scenic fjords to mountain views, here is a number of the finest routes for guests:
Oslo – Haugesund/Bergen: Journey time is roughly 8.5 hours to Bergen and eight hours and quarter-hour to Haugesund. This route connects Oslo with Seljestad, and from Seljestad, passengers can proceed to Odda and Bergen. Odda is basecamp for the Trolltunga hike, and it is the explanation that many travellers use this service.
Oslo – Stavanger (through Arenal, Kristiansand, Flekkefjord): A 9.5-hour journey that connects Oslo with Kristiansand, providing over 100 weekly departures and persevering with to the attractive coastal city of Flekkefjord and Stavanger. This route is good for households, with a suggestion to cease in Kristiansand for actions appropriate for all ages.
Oslo – Valdres: This route often called the ‘Valdres Categorical’ connects Oslo with three locations within the mountain climbing paradise of Valdres, providing every day departures all year long. The journey from Oslo to Årdalstangen takes round 5 hours, and to Beitostølen about 3 hours and 47 minutes.
Bergen – Sogndal (through Voss, Flåm, Lærdal): Takes round 5 hours, stopping at Voss, Flåm, and Lærdal. The route provides a mix of bus and prepare journey through the well-known Flåmsbana and potential boat journeys between Flåm and Bergen.
Bergen – Førde: A 3-hour and 25-minute journey that gives each mountain and fjord views, with two ferry crossings included.
Bergen – Stavanger (through Stord, Haugesund): Roughly 4.5 hours, connecting Bergen with Haugesund and Stavanger and that includes scenic views of fjords and rural landscapes alongside the best way.
Lengthy-Distance Bus Journey in Northern Norway
The eagle-eyed amongst you’ll have seen that neither of the primary intercity bus corporations serve Northern Norway. Within the north, this service is included into the general public transport run by the county authorities.
This truly makes it simpler to plan your journeys, as you need to use the nationwide transport planner En Tur, which additionally covers trains and native buses.
Worldwide Bus Routes
From Oslo Bus Terminal, it is potential to journey internationally by bus to locations in Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. Onward connections are additionally out there, relying on the operator.
Vy Categorical operates an everyday service between Oslo and Copenhagen, whereas corporations together with Flixbus additionally provide worldwide routes.
FAQ: Bus Journey in Norway
Listed here are some solutions to widespread questions on long-distance bus and coach journey in Norway.
Considering long-distance bus journey? Take a look at the route community, timetables, and costs of Vy Categorical (affiliate hyperlink)
Do I’ve a assured seat? On long-distance providers, you will get to decide on a seat upfront, and have the chance to improve. On some shorter providers, there could also be open seating.
Can I purchase/deliver meals on board? Buses in Norway do not provide meals or drinks on the market. In truth, it is not permitted to speak with the motive force whereas the bus is in movement. Nonetheless, passengers can deliver their very own meals and drinks. Some longer routes have consolation breaks at which it is potential to purchase meals, whereas others embody ferry crossings the place meals and drinks can be available for purchase on the ferry.
