Travel guide
Oslo to Stockholm by train: journey time, tickets and hotels by the station
The train from Oslo S to Stockholm C takes around five and a half hours, city centre to city centre, through the forests of Värmland. Here is what to know before you board, and where to stay when you arrive.
In short
SJ runs direct trains between Oslo S and Stockholm C, and the journey takes around five and a half hours. Book early for the cheapest tickets. Our pick for the first night is the Radisson Blu Waterfront, right by Stockholm Central Station, which guests on Hotels.com rate 9.2.
Our first choice: See rooms at Radisson Blu Waterfront
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 pulls out of Oslo S early in the morning. After Lillestrøm the houses thin out, and then come the forests and the red wooden houses of Värmland. You have coffee in your cup, your laptop on the table and no security check to think about. Shortly before lunch the train rolls in over the water, with Riddarholmen and Gamla stan on one side.
How long does the train from Oslo to Stockholm take?
SJ's direct high-speed trains arrive in around five and a half hours. InterCity trains take a little over six. There are also connections with a change along the way, which take longer.
Flying is faster in the air, but once you add the trip to and from the airport and the time in security, the difference is smaller than many expect. The train runs from the centre of Oslo to the centre of Stockholm.
Departures and tickets
SJ has several direct departures a day, with fewer at weekends. You buy tickets from SJ, online or in the app. Prices follow demand, so the cheapest seats go first and it pays to book well ahead.
You can choose between first and second class. The high-speed trains have a bistro on board, so you can buy food and drinks along the way.
The route through Värmland
The train heads east from Oslo, crosses the border at Charlottenberg and continues through Värmland past Karlstad. Much of the journey runs through forest and along lakes, and autumn is the most beautiful time to make the trip.
The entrance to Stockholm C
The entrance to Stockholm Central Station in the middle of Norrmalm.
Arriving at Stockholm C
Stockholm C is in Norrmalm, right in the city centre. From here Gamla stan is about ten minutes on foot, and all the hotels below are within walking distance of the station. If you are travelling on to Arlanda, the airport express leaves from the same station.
Hotels by Stockholm Central Station
Views over Riddarfjärden
The lounge at Radisson Blu Waterfront looks out over Riddarfjärden.
Radisson Blu Waterfront
The Radisson Blu Waterfront stands right next to the Central Station, with views over Riddarfjärden from many rooms. Its restaurant, RBG Bar & Grill, is open all day, and there is a 24-hour gym. Ideal if you arrive late and want to go straight to bed.
Book your stay: See rooms at Radisson Blu Waterfront
A rooftop facing the City Hall
From the roof of Scandic Continental you look across to the City Hall.
Scandic Continental
Scandic Continental is right across the street from the station, with a rooftop terrace looking towards the City Hall. It has two bars and a sauna, and guests rate it 8.8. A good fit if you want a drink on the roof on your first evening.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Continental
The old department store
Haymarket by Scandic occupies the old department store on Hötorget.
Haymarket by Scandic
Haymarket is on Hötorget, in the old department store where Greta Garbo once worked. It has two restaurants and a bar, and it is a short walk from the station. Guests rate it 9.0, and it suits you if you want to stay in the heart of the shopping district.
Book your stay: See rooms at Haymarket by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Sign
Clarion Hotel Sign is on Norra Bantorget, a few minutes' walk from the station, and has a pool on the roof. It is a large hotel with several restaurants and bars, and guests rate it 8.8. A good choice if you want a swim with a view over the city.
Book your stay: See rooms at Clarion Hotel Sign
Before you go
Book early. The cheapest tickets go first, especially before weekends.
Choose the direct train. If you change along the way, the trip can easily take a couple of hours longer.
Bring something to eat. The bistro on board has food, but the choice is widest early in the journey.
Oslo to Stockholm by train: frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Oslo to Stockholm?
Yes. SJ runs direct trains from Oslo S to Stockholm C with no change. There are also connections with a change along the way.
How long is the train from Oslo to Stockholm?
The fastest direct trains arrive in a little over five hours, while InterCity trains take around six.
Where do I buy train tickets from Oslo to Stockholm?
You buy tickets from SJ, online or in the app. Book well ahead, as prices rise as the trains fill up.
Is it better to take the train or fly to Stockholm?
The plane is faster in the air, but the train runs from city centre to city centre with no security check. For many people the train is just as quick door to door, and more comfortable.
Where is Stockholm C?
Stockholm C is in Norrmalm in the city centre, about ten minutes on foot from Gamla stan. The airport express to Arlanda leaves from the same station.