All,
I wanted to give a general thank you to all who have posted on how to book NIN on our own. Although we were not doing it ourselves for the cost savings, it did come to only $646 USD vs $823 USD if we had booked the package.
We will be traveling the route in one-day in mid-June from Oslo to Bergen ( and staying then 5 nights in Bergen- free hotel with Hilton points).
One reason we booked ourselves was savings since my husband is over 67. On VY trains, although I'm under 67, a married couple can both book senior rate if one partner is over 67,legally married, and traveling together. We were able to book in the Plus carriage and choose seats and still save money. I also pre-booked the train from Voss to Bergen ( choosing forward facing seats on the right side), and although it cost a bit more, I also pre-paid for the buss from the ferry to Voss. This way we don't have to worry about our credit cards working on the bus.
I also learned about the Porter service on this forum, so our luggage will be picked up in Oslo and delivered to our hotel in Bergen. It will be high season, and it will be a very long day, but hoping my ability to plan ahead with help from the people on this forum will make it something we can experience and enjoy. I know we can't control the weather, so fingers are crossed. I will report back once we complete the travel. Thanks to all - Happy and Safe Travels
Posted by
Chicagoland
2102 posts
hickory727, like you we booked our DIY 2023 Nutshell so we could travel from Myrdal to Oslo in the Plus seats. We also took advantage of the senior rate. It was a bonus that we saved some money.
The porter service worked flawlessly. We overnighted in Flåm with a small backpack. It was great not having to deal with 2 carry-on bags.
We also picked up a sandwich in Bergen the evening before and had a picnic overlooking the Naeroyfjord in Gudvangen.
I hope you have beautiful weather to enjoy all the spectacular scenery!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3846 posts
We used Porter Service in August 2024 and it was a lifesaver! We had done the NIN back in 2015 as well, but had to lug a bag with us. The Porter Service worked perfectly for us:)
Posted by
264 posts
Hi there
I am in the process of booking NIN by myself and one of us is 71 and the other 67 and it seems only one of us can get senior discount and not both of s traveling together, is that correct? Also, I am sure it is user error but not sure where or how to book the plus seats? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated Nicky
Posted by
Lake District, England
11460 posts
To get the Plus Seats, select your train, then click through to the next screen where you will be offered the Plus upgrade.
Anyone over 67 is entitled to the senior discount, so just select 2 senior tickets. I don't believe you are asked to state your age anywhere.
There are two buts - the senior discount is only valid with flexible fares , not the cheapest non flexible fares.
Similarly plus is only available on fully flexible fares, not non flexible fares.
So be sure to choose a flexible fare- you will be offered two or three fare types on the click through screen.
So the senior savings may be a bit illusory.
On 18 May two non senior fares on the 0625 Oslo to Flam are 2314 kr non flexible or 2514 flexible or 3230 fully flexible, 2 seniors are 2214kr as the discount is on!y on the fully flexible fare, then add the 1460 kr for 2 seniors in p!us.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11460 posts
I've been checking. The reason for the apparent fare discrepancy, ie you are paying more than half of the fully flexible fare is that the senior discount does not apply on the expensive Flamsbana section of the journey, only on the Oslo to.Myrdal sector.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
From the VY website.. Senior rate is for those 67 and over, but they also state:
When married couples or registered partners (registered according to the Marriage Act) travel together, both are granted a senior citizen discount provided they travel together and one of them meets the requirements for the discount. However, the discount does not apply within Ruter's zones and the discount is not given to registered live-in partners.
Posted by
264 posts
On the train I chose they didn’t actually have plus seats which was the issue. I found out later..
I have already posted but I tried to book for May 28 but the Flam railway was sold out so I had to change the date to the 29th. Fortunately I bought a fully refundable ticket so I was able to change quickly and easily.