Are you considering the famous Flåm train for your upcoming Norway trip? If you’re wondering “is the Flåm Railway worth it?” then look no further, here’s a detailed review of my trip on the Flåmsbana train from Myrdal to Flåm, as well as some handy tips to ensure you have the best time possible.
With unparalleled views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls, the Flåm Railway (or ‘Flåmsbana’ in Norwegian) is an iconic journey that should be on everyone’s Norway bucket list.
But with tickets that set you back up to 510NOK one way (around €45), it’s natural to ask “is the Flåm Railway worth it?” before locking in your trip.
If you do decide it’s worth it (spoiler alert: it probably is), even though it’s just a short train trip, it does take a little bit of planning. The Flåm train timetable varies depending on season, you’ll need to find your way from Bergen or Oslo or wherever else you’re coming from, you want to make sure you sit on the right side to get the best views, and if you’re staying in Flåm for the rest of the day or overnight you’ll want to maximise your time in the village and tick off the must-dos.
After enjoying a couple of weeks travelling Norway by train as a solo traveller, I can confidently say that my Flåm Railway experience and my time in Flåm that followed was one of the most incredible parts of my trip. The scenery was pure magic, the fjord reminded me so much of Milford Sound back home in New Zealand, and some epic activities like a fjord speedboat and the longest zipline in Scandinavia really topped it off perfectly.
To help you have the best time possible on the Flåm Railway, I’ve thrown all my research and personal experience into this super detailed Flåmsbana train guide, and after reading this you’ll be perfectly primed to plan and book your trip.
Let’s get right into it.
A summary: Is the Flåm Railway worth it?
When it comes to deciding whether the Flåmsbana is worth the time and money, the answer largely depends on what you value in a travel experience.
If you’re a keen photographer, if you love ticking off bucket list experiences in the places you visit, if you love exploring the outdoors or if you’re a bit of an engineering or construction nerd, the Flåm Railway is totally worth it.
If you’re on the fence but you have enough time to include it in your Norway itinerary without having to compromise anywhere else, and if you can afford the return trip or the one way trip with the boat and bus to get back, it’s probably still worth it.
But if you’re on a really right budget, if you’ve only got a couple of days in Bergen or Oslo, or if you hate crowds and want to skip anything touristy, the Flåm Railway might not be best for you.
Flåm Railway quick links
- Book your Flåm train tickets from Myrdal to Flåm (if you don’t have a Eurail/Interrail Pass)
- If you have a Eurail/Interrail Pass you can get a 30% discount on your Flåmsbana ticket, but you have to book at a manned train station in Norway or through the VY Call Centre, discounted tickets aren’t bookable online
- Buy a Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass
- Book your train tickets from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal
- Book a guided tour from Bergen to Flam including the railway and a fjord cruise, or a long but epic day trip from Oslo to Flam
- Search the best places to stay in Flåm at booking.com, I stayed at Flåm Cabins & Camping which was perfect for a cheap and cheerful stay
- Planning an extended Europe train adventure? Read my guide on if a Eurail Pass is worth it (with my detailed budget breakdown from my own trip)
- Consider getting back to Oslo or Bergen via another scenic route, with a fjord cruise + bus combo to reach the train
What is the Flåmsbana (or Flåm Railway)?
The Flåm Railway, known as Flåmsbana in Norwegian, is not just a train ride, it’s an iconic journey through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes.
This remarkable railway connects the small, picturesque village of Flåm, nestled at the inner end of the stunning Aurlandsfjord, to the high-mountain station of Myrdal, which sits on the main Bergen Line connecting Oslo and Bergen.
Covering a total distance of about 20km in about 50 minutes, you’ll pass through an impressively diverse range of landscapes, from deep gorges to cascading waterfalls to lush valleys with almost-hidden houses dotted throughout them. One of the most iconic sights on the trip is Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train makes a quick stop for you to snap a photo and feel the mist on your face.
Magical views aside, this railway route is famous for another reason — the fact that it’s a true engineering marvel. It’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, running at a gradient of 5.5% for more than 80% of the journey from the fjord-side Flåm village up 863m of elevation to Myrdal.
That feat is even more impressive once you experience the ride yourself and consider the formidable challenges the construction team faced when it was being built from 1924 to 1940. There are 20 tunnels on the route, 18 of which were carved out by hand 😱, demanding extraordinary precision to allow the train to ascend and descend the steep mountainsides. It’s incredible to think that a train track so complicated was made almost a hundred years ago, without any of the modern technologies we benefit from today.
The Flåmsbana’s astonishing engineering and magnificent landscapes put it as a top contender in Europe’s most incredible train journeys (or perhaps even the world!).
Where does the Flåm Railway start and finish?
The Flåm Railway runs from the mountain station of Myrdal (part of the main Bergen Line) all the way down to the village of Flåm which sits on the doorstep of the Aurlandsfjord.
How to get from Bergen to the Flåm Railway
Reaching the Flåm train from Bergen is super easy and is doable on a day trip.
Simply catch a direct train from Bergen to Myrdal, they take between 1h 50m and 2h 20m, and enjoy spectacular scenery on the way. At Myrdal you’ll disembark to switch platforms and catch the Flåmsbana train down to Flåm.
How to get from Oslo to Flamsbana
The trip from Oslo is longer, a direct train from Oslo to Myrdal takes around 4h 40m to 5h.
If you’re driving to Flåm
If you’ve got a rental car or campervan and want to experience the Flåm train, you’ll need to drive to the village of Flåm and catch the train up to Myrdal (and either walk, bike or train back down). There’s no road connection to Myrdal so you can’t drive and park there.
When is the best time to do the Flåm Railway?
The Flåm Railway runs year-round but you get quite a different experience in different seasons. I opted to visit in early October to enjoy mild weather and changing colours, but here’s a quick explanation of what to expect throughout the year.
☀️ Summer (June-August) is the peak season for the Flåm train, offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, which means more time to explore Flåm and its surroundings. The landscape is lush and alive, with green fields and (hopefully) blue skies that could be straight off a computer screensaver. It’s also the busiest time of the year though, so expect lots of tourists + higher prices for accommodation, and be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
🍂 Autumn (September-October) brings a stunning palette of colours to the valleys, with the foliage turning vibrant shades or red, orange and yellow. The weather is cooler, the crowds are thinner and the prices are lower, making it a great time to enjoy the journey with a bit more tranquility. Mid to late-October is best for seeing the autumn colours at their best.
❄️ For a magical winter wonderland experience, the Flåm Railway in winter (November-March) is unparalleled. The snow-covered landscape is serene and dramatic, with the possibility of seeing frozen waterfalls and icy fjords. The colder weather and shorter days bring a different kind of beauty to the journey, with fewer tourists. Just be prepared for the cold and be aware that some activities, restaurants and accommodation shut down for the season.
⛰️ Spring (April to June) is particularly spectacular along the Flåm Railway, with melting snow feeding into cascading waterfalls, making them especially impressive. The valleys start to green, and the weather is generally mild.
The best time to visit Flåm will depend on your preference for weather, scenery and crowd levels, but I personally prefer to travel during the shoulder season to avoid peak busy-ness and the harshest weather.
What is the Flåm Railway timetable?
Timetable is valid as of 19 September 2024, their 2025 timetable isn’t out yet.
The Flåmsbana timetable varies slightly depending on the season.
Winter season (1 Nov 2024-14 Dec 2024)
4 trains per day each way.
Myrdal >> Flåm
- 1881: Departing Myrdal 10.15am, arriving Flåm 11.05am
- 1883: Departing Myrdal 1.15pm, arriving Flåm 2.05pm
- 1885: Departing Myrdal 3.39pm, arriving Flåm 4.25pm
- 1887: Departing Myrdal 6.05pm, arriving Flåm 6.55pm (Monday-Thursday & Sundays)
- 1889: Departing Myrdal 7.28pm, arriving Flåm 8.18pm (Fridays & Sundays)
Flåm >> Myrdal
- 1880: Departing Flåm 9am, arriving Myrdal 9.44am
- 1882: Departing Flåm 11.45am, arriving Myrdal 12.28pm
- 1884: Departing Flåm 2.30pm, arriving Myrdal 3.14pm
- 1886: Departing Flåm 4.50pm, arriving Myrdal 5.35pm
Shoulder season (1-30 Apr, 1-31 Oct)
6/7 trains per day each way.
Myrdal >> Flåm
- 1853: Departing Myrdal 9.25am, arriving Flåm 10.23am
- 1855: Departing Myrdal 10.41am, arriving Flåm 11.39am
- 1857: Departing Myrdal 12.06pm, arriving Flåm 1.04pm
- 1859: Departing Myrdal 1.24pm, arriving Flåm 2.22pm
- 1863: Departing Myrdal 4.07pm, arriving Flåm 5.05pm
- 1865: Departing Myrdal 5.22pm, arriving Flåm 6.20pm
- 1889: Departing Myrdal 7.28pm, arriving Flåm 8.18pm (Fridays & Sundays)
Flåm >> Myrdal
- 1852: Departing Flåm 8.25am, arriving Myrdal 9.13am
- 1854: Departing Flåm 9.30am, arriving Myrdal 10.27am
- 1856: Departing Flåm 10.45am, arriving Myrdal 11.43am
- 1858: Departing Flåm 12.10pm, arriving Myrdal 1.08pm
- 1862: Departing Flåm 2.55pm, arriving Myrdal 3.51pm
- 1864: Departing Flåm 4.15pm, arriving Myrdal 5.10pm
- 1866: Departing Flåm 5.30pm, arriving Myrdal 6.25pm (Fridays & Sundays)
Summer season (1 May-30 Sept)
Nine trains per day each way.
Myrdal >> Flåm
- 1853: Departing Myrdal 9.25am, arriving Flåm 10.23am
- 1855: Departing Myrdal 10.41am, arriving Flåm 11.39am
- 1857: Departing Myrdal 12.06pm, arriving Flåm 1.04pm
- 1859: Departing Myrdal 1.24pm, arriving Flåm 2.22pm
- 1861: Departing Myrdal 2.48pm, arriving Flåm 3.46pm
- 1863: Departing Myrdal 4.07pm, arriving Flåm 5.05pm
- 1865: Departing Myrdal 5.22pm, arriving Flåm 6.20pm
- 1867: Departing Myrdal 6.37pm, arriving Flåm 7.35pm
- 1869: Departing Myrdal 7.53pm, arriving Flåm 8.49pm
Flåm >> Myrdal
- 1852: Departing Flåm 8.25am, arriving Myrdal 9.13am
- 1854: Departing Flåm 9.30am, arriving Myrdal 10.27am
- 1856: Departing Flåm 10.45am, arriving Myrdal 11.43am
- 1858: Departing Flåm 12.10pm, arriving Myrdal 1.08pm
- 1860: Departing Flåm 1.30pm, arriving Myrdal 2.26pm
- 1862: Departing Flåm 2.55pm, arriving Myrdal 3.51pm
- 1864: Departing Flåm 4.15pm, arriving Myrdal 5.10pm
- 1866: Departing Flåm 5.30pm, arriving Myrdal 6.25pm
- 1868: Departing Flåm 6.45pm, arriving Myrdal 7.41pm
Can you do a Flåm train day trip?
Day trip from Bergen to Flåm
Bergen to Flåm is easy on a day trip, and you’ll likely be joining a bunch of other tourists on the same journey.
Start with a super scenic train ride from Bergen to Myrdal (1h 50m to 2h 20m), sit on the right side for the best views.
At Myrdal, transfer to the Flåm Railway for the iconic journey down to the fjord.
Once you reach Flåm, you’ll have time to eat or explore (or both). Visit the Flåm Railway Museum, indulge in some local cuisine, go for a sauna, or jump on a ferry or jetboat to see Nærøyfjord.
You can catch the train from Flåm back up to Myrdal to return back to Bergen, or for another scenic experience you could take the Nærøyfjord cruise to Gudvangen, then catch the shuttle from Gudvangen to Voss, which sits on the Bergen Line. From Voss it’s an easy train back to Bergen (1h 10m-1h 30m).
You could also book a guided tour from Bergen for convenience or a fully organised self-guided tour that includes train tickets, the fjord cruise and a shuttle transfer, if you’d prefer to not deal with the logistics of booking tickets.
Day trip from Oslo to Flåm
A day trip from Oslo is a little trickier due to the distance, but it’s doable if you don’t mind a long and busy day. It’s best in the summer months when the days are longer.
The train ride from Oslo to Myrdal takes 4h 40m-5h, the earliest train in summer can get you to Myrdal by about 11.15am and in the cooler months you will reach Myrdal by 1pmish. Take the 50-minute trip down to Flåm, spend a bit of time exploring, then head back up to Myrdal for the long trip back to Oslo.
Realistically the day trip will take at least 13-14 hours all up, or you can book this epic all-day tour leaving Oslo at 8am, spending the day in Flåm, heading to Bergen for dinner and then taking the night train from Bergen back to Oslo.
En route from Oslo to Bergen (or vice versa)
If you’re heading from Oslo to Bergen, the Flåm Railway is a great stopover adventure.
Catch the train from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal, where you can switch to the Flåm Railway.
If you don’t want to take your suitcase or big backpack, Café Rallaren at Myrdal Station offers luggage storage for 49NOK per bag for one day, then 20NOK for each extra day if you’re staying longer. The cafe closes at 6pm so you have to be back by then to collect your bag (or get it the next day).
You can take your bags to Flåm with you if you want, you’re allowed bags on the Flåm Railway, and there are luggage lockers in Flåm from 150-200NOK per locker (varying sizes).
Spend however much time you want in Flåm, then you can either catch the train back to Myrdal and continue on to Bergen or Oslo, or take the Nærøyfjord cruise I mentioned above to Gudvangen, shuttle to Voss, and continue to Bergen or Oslo from there. There’s plenty of luggage space on the ferry if you need it.
If you’re keen to do the Flam Railway on the way from Bergen to Oslo but want the added benefit of a tour guide, this guided one way tour from Bergen to Oslo via Flam has great reviews.
How to buy Flåm Railway tickets
Where do you book Flåm Railway tickets
The most convenient way to purchase your Flåmsbana train tickets is online, with a few different options depending on what you’re looking for.
If you want to book train tickets from Bergen or Oslo to Myrdal and then on to Flåm, use the official Norwegian trains website www.vy.no/en.
If you’re keen to book a combo with activities like Flåm Zipline or a one-way train trip from Flåm to Myrdal and then a hike or bike back down, check out the packages at www.visitflam.com.
There are also guided tours from Bergen or guided tours from Oslo, as well as self-guided tours that include all your tickets and give you a simple itinerary to follow if you don’t want to handle the logistics yourself (though you certainly pay for this convenience).
If you prefer to book your Flåm Railway tickets in person, you can do so at any staffed train station in Norway.
What do Flåm Railway tickets cost?
These prices are valid until 31 March 2025.
1 Jan – 31 March 2024
Adults: 350NOK one way, 500NOK return
Child (6-17 years): 88NOK one way, 125NOK return
1-30 April & 1-31 Oct 2024
Adults: 440NOK one way, 630NOK return
Child: 220NOK one way, 315NOK return
1 May – 30 Sept 2024
Adults: 510NOK one way, 730NOK return
Child: 255NOK one way, 365NOK return
(Discounted rates for trains 1868 and 1869, 440NOK/630NOK for adults one way/return, and 220NOK/315NOK for kids)
1 Nov 2024 – 31 March 2025
Adults: 370NOK one way, 530NOK return
Child (6-17 years): 185NOK one way, 265NOK return
Kids five and under travel for free.
Can you get a discount on Flåm Railway tickets?
If you have a Eurail or Interrail Pass that’s valid during your trip, you can get a 30% discount on your Flåm Railway ticket. To get this discount you need to book locally in Norway at a manned train station, or call the VY Call Centre, as you can’t book the Eurail discount online.
Read more: Is a Eurail Pass worth it?
Can you buy Flåm train tickets on the day?
While it’s possible to book tickets on the day of travel, I’d highly recommend you book in advance to secure your spot, particularly during busy times like summer (June to August), school holidays and long weekends.
Is the Flåm Railway worth it for the views?
Absolutely, the Flåm Railway is unequivocally worth it for the views.
It’s one of the most scenic rail trips in the world, and in such a short trip you’ll see some of Norway’s best landscapes. I’m talking towering mountains, lush valleys, thundering waterfalls and moments where you feel like you’re teetering right on the edge of a cliff (I mean, you kind of are…).
Here’s a sneak peak to show you what your eyes (and camera roll) can expect.
Is the Flåm Railway worth it when it’s busy?
The Flåm Railway is one of the most popular tourist attractions on southern Norway, and it’s also included in the iconic Norway on a Nutshell self-guided itinerary, so yes, it gets busy! But if you can handle sharing a train carriage with a crowd of fellow travellers for 50 minutes, it’s definitely still worth it.
If you want the best chance of experiencing the Flåmsbana without huge crowds then try to take the earliest train or the trains later in the day if you’re staying overnight (this way you avoid the day trippers from Oslo and Bergen), try to visit mid-week if you can, and head to Norway during shoulder season rather than the busy summer season or festive period.
P.S. The Norway on a Nutshell tour is muchhhh more expensive than booking the trip yourself, there’s no guide either so you’re just paying more to have an agent pre-book your tickets. If you can handle spending a bit of time sorting out the logistics of your transport, you’ll be able to save a decent amount of money and can also be a bit more flexible with your time.
How to get the best seats on the Flåmsbana
There are no seat reservations on the Flåm train so in order to get a specific seat, I’d recommend getting to the train platform 15 mins before your train departs (maybe 30 mins during busy months).
Some carriages might be fully booked for tour groups, they’ll have a sign on the door if this is the case and you can just move down to the next carriage.
Which side of the Flåm Railway to sit on
If you’re only travelling one way on the train and want to get the best bang for your buck in terms of scenery, sit on the left side when travelling downhill from Myrdal down to Flåm, or the right side when travelling from Flåm uphill to Myrdal. Both sides have beautiful views but the left side downhill definitely takes the cake.
If you’re travelling on a return trip on the Flåmsbana, avoid the dreaded which-side-to-sit decision by sitting on one side on your first trip and then choosing the other on the way back. And if you’re lucky enough to be on a train that’s not too busy, head straight to the left side (downhill) to start off with but jump to the other side when there’s good views out the right. Just be respectful of other travellers and don’t hog the best window.
Do the windows open on the Flåm Railway?
Some windows open on the Flåm train but not all! It’s about every third window and you’ll be able to tell because they have two panes of glass with a big metal frame separating them, whereas the single-pane windows don’t open.
If you want to take the best photos without reflections then you’ll need to get a seat at an open window.
There are signs telling you to close the windows when you go through the tunnels, it’s super loud otherwise and not very comfortable for other people on the train, so be considerate and be prepared to open and close the windows throughout the trip.
What is the Flåmsbana train like?
The train itself is nothing fancy, it’s an old school train carriage with fold down seats and wooden interior. I assume these carriages have been around for a while, or they’re at least modelled off what seems like a classic train experience, and they’re comfortable but certainly don’t have the modern touches like charging ports, tray tables or tea and coffee stations.
There’s space for suitcases at the end of each carriage as well as a rack above the seats for smaller day bags, and hooks next to the windows for jackets or smaller bags.
Flåm travel tips
Where to stay in Flåm
There aren’t many places to stay in Flåm, and the decent ones get booked up in advance so try not to leave your accommodation booking until the last minute.
Budget | I spent a couple of nights in a private room at Flåm Camping & Cabins and it was perfect for me, a basic room but cosy, clean and warm, and I paid about €70 per night which was significantly cheaper than the average-rated hotels nearby. I was in a building that had a shared kitchen and toilet, plus access to the campground showers downstairs.
Mid-range | Flåm Ferdaminne is highly-rated (9.2/10) with decent holiday apartments right in the village for a good value price, or Flåm Station Apartments are a new option with good reviews too (8.7/10). For a classic Norwegian hotel experience check out Fretheim Hotel, a refurbished 1800s manor house with elegant decor and a well-rated buffet breakfast.
Luxury | There are no five star hotels in Flåm but there are some great apartments nearby if you want to treat yourself. Flåm Marina has apartments right on the fjord with a balcony view to die for, or you could catch a shuttle from Flåm to nearby Aurland to stay at the top-rated (for good reason) Wangen Apartments, boasting stylish Scandi design and epic fjord views too.
Top tip: I found that some hotels/apartments in Flåm have a minimum number of people, when I searched for one person only three accommodation options showed up but when I changed it to two, 11 places showed in the results. If you’re a solo traveller, search for two people on booking.com to ensure you’re seeing all the options and then you can reach out to the hotel directly to see if they have a better price for solo travellers.
Things to do in Flåm
- Take a cruise on Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen, absolutely stunning and a highlight of my Norway itinerary
- Hoon around the fjord on an RIB fjordsafari, the same views as the cruise but with much more of a thrill, I had the time of my life even though my fingers felt like they were going to fall off (my own fault for taking my gloves off to take photos)
- Catch the Flåm Railway train to Vatnahalsen station and then jump on Scandinavia’s longest zipline! Zoom over the valley down a 1380m line, soaking up incredible views, before reaching Kårdal summer farm where you can pick up a bike (book it in advance) to ride back down to Flåm.
- Head up to Stegastein Viewpoint, overlooking Aurlandsfjord from 650m high
- Hike around Flåm Valley and beyond, there are plenty of trails to choose from depending on your hiking preference and the weather conditions, but the most popular one is probably Brekkefossen/Raokjen
- Visit the exceptionally well-preserved Borgund stave church (you can drive or take a guided tour)
- Relax in a sauna right on the fjord, bonus points if you take an icy plunge into the water!
- Learn about the railway at the Flåm Railway Museum
- If you’re catching the fjord cruise to Gudvangen, you could spend some time at the Viking Valley cultural experience
- Take to the seas with a guided kayak tour or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore at your own pace
Places to eat in Flåm
There aren’t many food options in Flåm, and if you’re visiting outside of the summer season there might be some that are closed. Here are a few to add to your list:
- Flåm Bakery has delicious pastries, breads and other freshly-baked goods, perfect to grab a quick bite or sweet treat before jumping on the Nærøyfjord cruise
- The Little Red Wagon and its sister stall the Somewhat Larger Red Wagon (love the creative names haha) serve up stone-baked pizzas for around 200NOK (€17.50ish)
- Ægir Microbrewery is the best-rated place in town, with an impressive craft beer list as well as hearty dishes made with local ingredients
- There’s a small supermarket if you want to stock up on basics to cook your own food and snacks for your day trips
Flamsbana FAQs
Where do you get Flam Railway tickets?
If you don’t have a Eurail or Interrail Pass, you can book your Flåm train tickets online.
If you have a Eurail or Interrail Pass you get a 30% discount, but you have to book at a manned train station in Norway, or call the VY customer service centre (the national railway operator).
Can you book Flåm Railway tickets in advance?
You sure can, just book through that link above!
How long is the Flam Railway trip?
It takes about 50 minutes to traverse the 20km journey.
You’ve arrived at the end of this blog post and now you’re ready to embark on your Flåm train adventure! I hope this Flåm Railway review has given you all you need to know in order to figure out if the Flåm Railway is worth it for your trip.
As always, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments. Safe travels!
If you’re travelling Europe by train, you might also like these posts:
- Is a Eurail Pass worth it? A detailed budget breakdown
- How to use a Eurail Pass
- A guide to the Bernina Express train in Switzerland
- A guide to the Glacier Express train in Switzerland
- The Bernina Express vs. the Glacier Express
I was kindly hosted in Flam by the team at Norway’s Best, and I received complimentary train tickets, a fjord safari and a fjord cruise in order to experience the destination and be able to write about it. As always, my opinions are completely my own and are based on my personal experience.
Leave a Reply