Flytoget vs Vy train: Oslo Airport transfer comparison
Should I take Flytoget or the Vy train from Oslo Airport?
For most travellers, the Vy regional train is the better choice: it costs NOK 124 (USD 13) vs NOK 243 (USD 26) and is only 6–10 minutes slower (25–30 min vs 19 min). Take Flytoget if you value absolute speed and reliability — it's marginally faster and slightly more comfortable, but the price difference is significant.
The core difference in three lines
Flytoget is the premium airport express. It costs nearly twice as much as the Vy regional train for a journey that is about 6–11 minutes faster. In 2026, for most leisure travellers the Vy regional train wins on value. For business travellers with tight schedules, Flytoget’s guaranteed seating, consistent frequency, and marginal time advantage may be worth the premium.
That’s the summary. Here’s the full analysis.
The trains compared
Flytoget
Flytoget (literally “the flying train”) was built specifically for the airport express role when Oslo Gardermoen opened in 1998. It has operated as a separate company from Vy (formerly NSB) ever since.
Route: Gardermoen Airport (underground station, directly below T2 terminal) → Lillestrøm → Oslo S → Nationaltheatret (some services) Journey time: 19 minutes Gardermoen to Oslo S Frequency: Every 10 minutes during the day (roughly 05:30–00:30) Price: NOK 243 / USD 26 single adult (2026, standard class) Ticket purchase: Flytoget app, website, machines at the airport, or Flytoget desk at arrivals
What you get for the premium price:
- Slightly newer, dedicated rolling stock with reserved seating
- Power outlets at every seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Consistent 10-minute frequency with almost no cancellations
- The “airport express” branding includes seat availability guarantees
The Flytoget fleet is dedicated to this single route. Trains are not delayed by line-sharing issues on other routes. This makes it marginally more reliable on tight travel days.
Vy regional train (L12 / R10)
Vy (formerly NSB, Norway’s state rail operator) runs regional trains on the same Gardermoen–Oslo S route. The L12 service is the direct express that mirrors Flytoget’s stops closely.
Route: Gardermoen Airport → Lillestrøm → Oslo S (the direct L12 service) Journey time: 25–30 minutes Gardermoen to Oslo S Frequency: Every 10–20 minutes depending on time of day Price: NOK 124 / USD 13 single adult (standard, via app in 2026) Ticket purchase: Vy app, website, ticket machines at the station
Important: Not all Vy trains on the Gardermoen route are equally fast. Some services stop at intermediate stations between Lillestrøm and Oslo S and take 35–40 minutes. Look for the L12 designation (direct service) on the departure boards.
Detailed head-to-head
| Flytoget | Vy L12 regional | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (adult single) | NOK 243 / USD 26 | NOK 124 / USD 13 |
| Journey time to Oslo S | 19 min | 25–30 min |
| Frequency | Every 10 min | Every 10–20 min |
| Reserved seating | Yes | Open seating (no reservation) |
| Power outlets | Yes, every seat | Yes, on most trains |
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (on newer trains) |
| Luggage space | Large dedicated racks | Standard overhead + end racks |
| Runs via Nationaltheatret | Some services | No (Oslo S only) |
| Night service | Until ~00:30 | Until ~00:30 |
| Accept Ruter passes? | No | Yes (with zone 4V purchase) |
| Merged into Vy by | ~2027–2028 | Already is Vy |
When to choose Flytoget
- You have a flight in 2 hours and can’t afford delays. Flytoget’s 10-minute headway and route-dedicated reliability means even if you miss one, the next is 10 minutes away.
- You’re arriving on a busy summer day and want guaranteed seating. On high-season days, the Vy train can be crowded with standing room only. Flytoget reserves seats.
- You’re going to Nationaltheatret. A handful of Flytoget services continue one stop beyond Oslo S to Nationaltheatret, saving a Ruter tram connection if you’re staying in the west-central district.
- You’re on a corporate expense account. The price difference is immaterial at NOK 243 vs NOK 124 on an expense report.
When to choose the Vy train
- You’re travelling solo or as a couple and budget matters. Saving NOK 119–238 / USD 13–26 per person (NOK 476 / USD 51 round-trip for two) is meaningful over a 3-day trip.
- You’re not on a tight connection. If you have an open afternoon in Oslo and just need to get to your hotel, 6 extra minutes is irrelevant.
- You have a Vy rail pass or discount card. Vy sometimes runs promotional fares and the Vy app’s advance booking can bring prices below NOK 100 / USD 11.
- You’re travelling with children. Children under 16 travel free on Vy trains with an adult paying full fare — a significant saving for families. Check Vy’s current terms.
Buying your ticket
Flytoget: Download the Flytoget app (iOS/Android). Buy before you land using the app or website. If you forget, the machines at the airport station are straightforward, or buy at the Flytoget customer desk in arrivals.
Vy: Download the Vy app (iOS/Android). Vy also sells tickets via the national Entur journey planner. You can buy at the same machines at the airport station. Select the L12 or R10 direct service to Oslo S.
Both apps work in English. Tickets can be bought with international Visa, Mastercard, or Apple/Google Pay.
Finding the station at Gardermoen
From arrivals in Terminal 2 (the main international terminal), follow signs for “Tog” (train). The station is underground, directly below the terminal building. There are lifts and escalators from the arrivals level. Both Flytoget and Vy depart from the same platform areas — check the departure board for your specific train.
Travel time to the station from the gate is approximately 10–15 minutes including the walk through the terminal and baggage reclaim.
From Oslo S: onward connections
Arriving at Oslo S (Central Station), you have several immediate options for getting to your accommodation:
- T-bane (metro): Jernbanetorget station is immediately below Oslo S. All five T-bane lines are accessible here.
- Tram: Lines 12 and 13 run from Jernbanetorget west along the city centre.
- Bus: Bussterminalen is adjacent to Oslo S.
- Walk: The Opera House is 7 minutes on foot. Aker Brygge is 15 minutes.
See the full getting around Oslo guide for details on connecting from Oslo S to your destination.
The future: Flytoget merging with Vy
Flytoget AS was purchased by the Norwegian state in 2022 and has been in the process of integration into Vy since then. The operational merger is expected around 2027–2028. The practical effect for travellers: the two separate ticketing systems will likely unify, and pricing may change. Until the merger, they operate independently with separate apps and fares.
For the most current fares, always check the respective apps rather than relying on prices published in travel guides — Norwegian rail pricing adjusts periodically.
Frequently asked scenarios
”I’m travelling with my family of four with luggage”
The Vy regional train is the better choice for families. Children under 16 travel free on Vy trains with a paying adult (verify current terms in the Vy app before travel — this is a frequently confirmed policy). If this applies, a family of two adults and two children pays NOK 248 / USD 27 return on Vy vs NOK 972 / USD 105 return on Flytoget — a saving of over NOK 700 / USD 75. Both trains have excellent luggage space.
”I have a very early morning departure (05:45 flight)”
For a 05:45 departure, you’d typically need to be at Gardermoen by 04:45. Check first Vy departures from Oslo S: the first trains leave around 04:00–04:30. Flytoget typically starts around 05:30 from the airport direction, but from Oslo S toward the airport it starts earlier. Check both apps the night before for first departures. A taxi may be necessary if the first train doesn’t connect in time.
”I have a one-hour connection in Oslo before catching a domestic flight”
Flytoget is the right choice here. The 19-minute journey gives you more buffer than the 25–30 minute Vy train. Pre-buy the Flytoget ticket in the app before your international flight lands so you can walk straight to the platform.
”I’m arriving at night (22:00)”
Both trains run well into the evening — last Flytoget at approximately 00:30, last Vy express similar. A 22:00 arrival gives you comfortable time to take either train with the last services still available. The Vy regional train is fine; save the Flytoget premium for when you truly need the speed.
”My flight is delayed by 2 hours”
Flytoget doesn’t require advance reservation — you can buy a ticket any time in the app. If your flight is delayed, your original ticket (if you bought one) may or may not be valid depending on the ticket type (in-app flexible tickets typically allow same-day travel). Check the Flytoget app’s ticket conditions. The Vy app similarly handles flexible same-day tickets.
Transport from Oslo S to common destinations after the airport transfer
Once you reach Oslo S, the Ruter city transport system takes over. Key connections:
To Vigeland Park (Frogner):
- Tram 12 from Jernbanetorget toward Majorstuen (about 15 minutes, 5 stops)
To Grünerløkka:
- Tram 11 or 13 from Stortorvet (8–12 minutes)
- Walk along the Akerselva (25 minutes, scenic)
To Bygdøy (museums):
- Seasonal: Ruter ferry from Aker Brygge (first take tram or walk to Aker Brygge ~15 minutes)
- Year-round: Bus 30 from Nationaltheatret
To the Opera House / Munch Museum (Bjørvika):
- 7-minute walk south from Oslo S
To Aker Brygge:
- 15-minute walk west along the harbour; or tram 12 one stop west to Rådhusplassen
The complete getting around Oslo guide and Ruter deep dive cover every city journey in detail.
Bringing bikes or oversized luggage
Both Flytoget and Vy have end-of-carriage luggage areas. Standard suitcases and rucksacks are accommodated without issue. Bikes require a separate bike ticket on Vy (not available at all times — check vy.no for bicycle transport rules). Flytoget has limited bike capacity — check their website if this applies.
For families with pushchairs: both trains have step-free access and dedicated spaces for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Gardermoen Airport’s station has lifts from the terminal to platforms.
Price tracking and booking strategy
Norwegian train prices use dynamic pricing similar to airlines. The earliest available fares (sold weeks in advance) are cheapest. For the Vy regional train from Gardermoen to Oslo S:
- Cheapest advance fares: NOK 99–124 / USD 11–13
- Standard flexible fares: NOK 160–220 / USD 17–24
- Same-day at the machine: NOK 124–190 / USD 13–20
Flytoget pricing is largely fixed:
- Standard: NOK 243 / USD 26
- Occasional promotional pricing: NOK 199 / USD 21
The price gap between Flytoget and Vy remains significant even at non-advance prices. The Vy train wins on value in almost all booking scenarios.
The environmental angle
Both the Flytoget and Vy train services run on Norwegian electricity, which is generated from hydropower at over 90% of national supply. The carbon footprint per passenger is among the lowest of any intercity transit mode in the world.
Compare this to taking a taxi (NOK 700–900 / USD 75–97, internal combustion engine in most cases) or renting a car for the airport transfer. The train — whichever of the two you choose — is the right call environmentally. This is not a marketing talking point in Norway; it reflects genuine infrastructure.
Group travel and the break-even point
For groups of three or more, the comparison shifts:
| Group size | Flytoget total | Vy total | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | NOK 243 | NOK 124 | NOK 119 |
| 2 people | NOK 486 | NOK 248 | NOK 238 |
| 3 people | NOK 729 | NOK 372 | NOK 357 |
| 4 people | NOK 972 | NOK 496 | NOK 476 |
For a family of four, choosing Vy over Flytoget saves NOK 476 / USD 51 one-way — nearly NOK 1 000 / USD 107 for a return trip. At this scale, the Vy train isn’t just marginally better value; it’s a significant saving.
Note: children under 16 may travel free with a paying adult on Vy trains — verify current policy in the Vy app, as this applies to some but not all fare types.
The Flytoget experience in detail
For those choosing Flytoget, here’s what the experience actually looks like:
At Gardermoen: After clearing customs and baggage reclaim in T2, follow “Tog” signs downward. The Flytoget desk is visible in the arrivals hall if you need to buy a ticket in person; machines are also available. Walk time from the main arrivals area to the platform is approximately 5–10 minutes.
On the train: Flytoget’s dedicated rolling stock is modern Bombardier trains from the airport express era. Each seat has a fold-out table, power socket, and coat hook. The overhead luggage racks are large. There’s no café car but the journey is short enough that this doesn’t matter. Wi-Fi password is displayed on screens.
Arriving at Oslo S: Flytoget arrives on platforms 14–18 at Oslo S (check the board). From the platform, the exit to the main hall is via stairs or lift. The T-bane (metro) is directly below the station — follow signs for Jernbanetorget.
A few Flytoget services per day continue from Oslo S to Nationaltheatret (one more stop). If your hotel is near the western city centre (Aker Brygge, Frogner, Frognerseteren direction), the Nationaltheatret service saves a tram connection.
The Vy experience in detail
Vy’s regional L12 service uses standard Norwegian intercity rolling stock — well maintained, comfortable, but without the dedicated airport-express fittings of Flytoget. Seats are standard intercity configuration. Power outlets are available on newer trains; not guaranteed on all services.
Buying your ticket: The Vy app (iOS/Android) is the best purchase channel. English is fully supported. The “L12 to Oslo S” service is listed as a direct service (non-stop from Gardermoen to Lillestrøm to Oslo S). Avoid slower services that make additional stops — they can take 40+ minutes.
Validate your ticket: In-app purchases auto-validate when you activate. For physical tickets from the machine, yellow validators are on the platform — stamp your ticket before boarding or it may be treated as unvalidated by inspectors.
Arriving at Oslo S: Vy regional trains arrive on lower-numbered platforms (1–13, typically). The exit to the main hall and T-bane connection is via stairs, escalators, or lift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price difference between Flytoget and the Vy train?
Flytoget costs NOK 243 (USD 26) one-way for a standard adult in 2026. The Vy regional train (L12) costs NOK 124 (USD 13) one-way booked via app. The Vy train is roughly half the price.How much faster is Flytoget than the Vy train?
Flytoget takes 19 minutes from Gardermoen to Oslo S. The Vy L12 regional train takes 25–30 minutes. The difference is 6–11 minutes. For most travellers this is not material, but if you have a tight connection it matters.Do both trains go to Oslo S?
Yes. Both services run from the underground station at Gardermoen Airport to Oslo S (Oslo Sentralstasjon). Some Flytoget services continue one stop west to Nationaltheatret. Vy trains stop at Oslo S and continue to Skøyen and Asker on some services.Is Flytoget being shut down?
Flytoget AS is expected to be merged into Vy (the state rail operator) around 2027–2028. Until the merger is complete, it operates as a separate service with its own pricing. Post-merger, the train is expected to continue operating on the same route.Can I buy tickets for either train at the airport?
Yes. Both have ticket machines at the airport station and their own apps. Vy tickets can also be bought in the Vy app or on the Vy website. Flytoget can be bought in the Flytoget app, website, or at the dedicated Flytoget desk in the terminal.
