Training or flying from Oslo to Stockholm

I wouldn't really do it for the scenery, but of course, we're all different...although my choice would be the train (just because I like it better for interaction with other people).
Maybe these two videos will give you a good idea.

https://youtu.be/dhM7A9VpkGI?si=LXiL4quGpBMFZr1Z
https://youtu.be/vDrcqTBR3I0?si=C7gmVIK5-uJvbDUF

If you can get a direct fast train on your date of travel, it will take less than 5.5 hours and that would be my choice. My general rule is to always choose the train when the journey is under 6 hours. Even a short flight will take at least 4 hours (time to get to airport on both ends, 2 hours at airport, flight time) and you have a greater potential for a delay. The train is usually more comfortable, less stressful, and less likely to be delayed.

The scenery on that route is nice as you pass by lakes, forests, and countryside, but not spectacular.

I agree with the others.

If there’s a train ticket that fits your plan, I’d go for it. Don’t pick it for the scenery though, as pointed out above. Nothing against the Swedish countryside, but it can become a little repetitive after several hours.

Instead, consider the comfort and convenience. As I’m sure you know, a 1 hour flight is never just a 1 hour flight (getting to/from airports, all the formalities and procedures, the waiting times, etc.). Trains let you skip all those extra procedures, and gets you from city centre to city centre. SJ’s trains are generally comfortable, and certainly more comfortable than an airline seat.

Add to that, if you’re taking the airport express trains to OSL and from ARN (recognizing they are not the cheapest way to reach these airports, they sure are convenient and fast), you may end up paying more for these airport train tickets alone than you will for the entire journey with SJ. Although SJ use a dynamic price system similar to airlines, so your milage may vary.

Thanks for all your thoughts. I should’ve known YouTube would have a video on it, didn’t know it was out there.

Hi, Luv2Travel, I am visiting Scandinavia in July next year with my daughter and I plan on taking the train from Stockholm to Oslo. The simplest reason is that I like to take the train when I travel. It can be relaxing and it's not that much longer than a flight when you consider all the pre-flight time and so on. Flying can be stressful especially if there's any glitches with luggage and times, etc.

From what I understand and have read, the scenery is pleasant but nothing outstanding. But it still would be a nice trip I figure, especially since like you, we are not in a time crunch.

Agreed, thanks Mardee! Looking so forward to our Scandinavia trip.

I know, I can't wait, either! When are you heading there?

We start a small group Norway tour with Pål Johanson in mid-late June for a week (RS guide but on his own for this tour) and then fjord tour for 10 days after that with good friends. How about you?