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Gothenburg to Oslo- Bus or Train?

Posted by (Colorado) on

I'm filling in the transportation blanks for our grand Scandinavian tour and planning our connection between Gothenburg and Oslo. This exact same question was asked a few years ago and got no replies on this forum. I'm hoping for a better response.

To get between Gothenburg and Oslo, there are decent connections with either bus or train. Both are the same length, no transport changes and similarly priced. On the surface, it looks like either is a good option.

Does anyone have an opinion or experience with this? Is there much variance in the route? Do the trains run near the roads or more cross-country? Do the buses go through more of the towns and is that worth it? Are the buses as nice as I imagine Swedish buses must be? I'm not sure what to expect.

We're doing a lot of trains in Norway, so we wouldn't miss that experience. Generally, I'd opt for a train but some of the bus times seem to be a better fit. It could add a different twist to the trip. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Posted by
882 posts

I have taken the express bus from Gothenburg to Oslo (July 2017). It was a non-stop drive - and a delightful one. Our bus had single row seating on one side with double seats across the aisle.

Posted by
82 posts

I usually favor trains (for comfort) however there's much to be said for new travel experiences. One summer long ago I took a train from Hamburg to Oslo. I cannot recall the Gothenburg-Oslo segment per se, however in Sweden I remember vast fields of golden grain. Whatever mode you choose, I'm sure it will be memorable!

Garrison

Posted by
6376 posts

The coach is a bit faster so that would be an advantage for the coach. The train is however a bit more comfortable. Although how comfortable the coaches are depends on which company you choose. And there are direct coaches that don't stop along the route and there are those that make a couple of stops. The train take a more inland route so will give you different views, and maybe slightly better as you will see a bit more landscape and towns and villages and a bit less motorway and sound barriers.

And yes, either is a good option in my opinion.

Posted by
471 posts

Thanks for everybody's help. I booked the bus through VY since I setup an account for the trains. It appears to be a double-decker bus and I got the two front seats on top. Should be rock-star seating and a view above the barriers. It'll be a different experience than the trains and that's always good. One more piece down...

Posted by
6376 posts

I hope you have a good trip! Just don't expect too much from the views, there are some scenic parts but also a lot of forests.

Posted by
160 posts

Hi. I am taking that same trip in late June. Should I book ahead of time for that itinerary ?

Posted by
471 posts

I don't know but I'll be able to tell you when I get back but before you go. I'm big on preplanning. I'm happy I was able to book good seats.

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