The Norwegian parliament has announced a wish to launch a night train between the capitals of Norway and Denmark by 2030. Here's what we know so far.
Night trains are a growing trend across Europe as travellers seek greener ways to move around the continent.
Now, Norway's parliament has said its wants to reestablish a long-missed overnight rail connection between Oslo and Copenhagen, and possibly on to Hamburg in Germany.
As reported by NRK, the parliament wants such a service in operation by 2030. To facilitate this, a revised budget approved by the parliament contains a pledge to launch the service.
Night trains in Norway are a relatively common sight. They're in place on the main lines from Oslo to Stavanger, Bergen, and Trondheim, and from Trondheim to Bodø.
As such, it might sound strange that a night train between the two capitals doesn't exist. Well, it used to! Back in the year 2000, there was a direct rail service from Oslo to Copenhagen, which included two daytime routes and one overnight service.
Travel from Oslo to Copenhagen
There is significant demand for travel between Oslo and Copenhagen, as there is between all the Nordic capital cities. Business links are strong, as are political ties. Then, of course, there's simply tourism, and a lot of it.
Today, much of that travel takes place in the air, with both SAS and Norwegian providing multiple daily options.
There is of course also a direct ferry service between the two cities. The DFDS car ferry service proves that overnight travel between Norway and Denmark can work.
Back in 2021, the Norwegian Railway Directorate (Jernbanedirektoratet) concluded that there is “sufficient market demand” for a night train between Oslo and Copenhagen.
Norway's Socialist Left party (SV) is a supporter of the proposals. Deputy leader Torgeir Knag Fylkesnes told NRK the budget agreement “is a marching order to the government to initiate the work needed.”
Night Trains in Europe
Anyone paying attention to travel news in recent years can't have been able to ignore the growing number of night train routes launched across Europe.
For example, travellers based in London can now get to Stockholm, Sweden, in just under 24 hours. That's thanks to a new overnight train between Hamburg and Stockholm.
As with night trains in Norway, overnight rail services offer travellers a convenient option to travel a long distance, for (usually) a cheaper cost than flying, and without the need for a hotel.
However, accommodation varies considerably. The cheapest option is usually a regular train seat. This will be difficult for many to sleep in, even with an eye mask and ear plugs that are sometimes provided by train operators.
Sleeper cars offer the best chance of a good night's sleep, but come at a higher cost and are usually booked up well in advance. For anyone wishing to book a sleeper cabin on a night train, booking as early as possible is a must.
Would you travel on an overnight train between Oslo and Copenhagen? Or do you prefer the speed of a flight? Let us know down in the comments.
