Travel guide
Oslo to Gothenburg by train: journey time, tickets and hotels by the station
The train from Oslo S to Gothenburg Central takes around three and a half hours, through Østfold and down along the Göta älv river. Here are the practical details on departures and tickets, plus three hotels close to the station.
In short
Vy runs direct trains between Oslo S and Gothenburg Central roughly every two hours on weekdays, and the journey takes around three and a half hours. Fares rise as departure day gets closer. If you are staying the night, we recommend Clarion Hotel Post, in the old post office right by the station, rated 9.0 by guests on Hotels.com.
Our first choice: See rooms at Clarion Hotel Post
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The train heads south from Oslo S on a Friday afternoon. It stops in the towns of Østfold, and just after the border the landscape turns to forest and red houses. The final stretch follows the Göta älv river, and suddenly you are in the middle of Gothenburg with dinner still ahead of you.
How long does the train from Oslo to Gothenburg take?
Vy's direct trains take around three and a half hours from Oslo S to Gothenburg Central. That is about the same as driving, but you skip the queues out of Oslo and the parking in Gothenburg.
Departures and tickets
On weekdays direct trains run roughly every two hours, from early morning to evening. There are slightly fewer departures at weekends. You buy tickets from Vy, online or in the app, and the low fares are the first to sell out.
Food and drink on board is basic, so bring something to eat. If you are travelling on to Malmö or Copenhagen, you can change trains in Gothenburg.
The route through Østfold and Västra Götaland
The train follows the Østfold Line through Moss, Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg and Halden, and crosses the border at Kornsjø. From there it runs through the forests of Dalsland and past Trollhättan, before following the Göta älv for the last stretch into the city.
The city canals
The canals of central Gothenburg are a short walk from the station.
Arriving at Gothenburg Central
Gothenburg Central is right in the city centre, next door to the Nordstan shopping centre. From here Avenyn is a quarter of an hour on foot, and the tram gets you to Liseberg in a few minutes. Each of the hotels below is a short walk from the platform.
Hotels by Gothenburg Central Station
The post office courtyard
The courtyard under the glass roof at Clarion Hotel Post.
Clarion Hotel Post
Clarion Hotel Post occupies the old post office right by the station, with a bright courtyard under a glass roof in the middle of the building. It has a rooftop pool and several restaurants and bars. A good choice if you want the weekend to start the moment you step off the train.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel Post
Dining under glass
Restaurant Swea Hof under the glass roof at Elite Plaza.
Elite Plaza Hotel
Elite Plaza is in a 19th-century former insurance palace on Västra Hamngatan, ten minutes' walk from the station. The restaurant, Swea Hof, sits under a glass roof, and there is a 24-hour gym. Guests rate it 8.8, and it suits you if you want to stay in a classic building.
Book your stay: See rooms at Elite Plaza Hotel
A pool by Nordstan
The indoor pool at Scandic Europa, next door to Nordstan.
Scandic Europa
Scandic Europa is next door to Nordstan, just a few minutes from the station. It has an indoor pool and its own restaurant, and guests rate it 8.6. A practical choice if you want to shop and stay close to the train home.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Europa
Before you go
Book early. Friday afternoon trains are often full, so secure your seat in advance.
Bring food. Food and drink on board is basic.
Stay near the station on short trips. You get more time in the city and a short walk to the train home.
Oslo to Gothenburg by train: frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Oslo to Gothenburg?
Yes. Vy runs direct trains from Oslo S to Gothenburg Central, roughly every two hours on weekdays and slightly less often at weekends.
How long is the train from Oslo to Gothenburg?
The journey takes around three and a half hours on a direct train.
Where do I buy train tickets from Oslo to Gothenburg?
Tickets are sold in the Vy app and at vy.no. Low fares go first, so do not leave it too late.
Can I continue by train from Gothenburg to Copenhagen?
Yes. Trains run south from Gothenburg to Malmö and Copenhagen, with a change in Gothenburg.
Where is Gothenburg Central Station?
Gothenburg Central is in the city centre, next door to Nordstan and about a quarter of an hour on foot from Avenyn.