A Flight-Free Nordic Journey Begins This Summer
A new direct international rail connection between southern Sweden and Norway is set to make Nordic travel easier, greener, and more affordable this summer. Beginning 15 June, passengers will be able to travel between Malmö and Oslo aboard a daily service operated by Swedish private rail company Snälltåget, offering a compelling alternative to short-haul flights across Scandinavia.
A Scandinavian Corridor by Rail
The new route links three of Scandinavia’s most dynamic regions — Skåne, Sweden’s west coast, and the Norwegian capital area — creating a continuous rail journey through landscapes shaped by sea, forests, and historic trading cities.
Departing Malmö Centralstation at 06:38, the northbound train arrives in Oslo at 13:13, turning what was once a fragmented journey into a single, seamless connection. The southbound service leaves Oslo at 14:48, reaching Malmö at 21:25.
While the train does not stop directly at Gothenburg Central Station, travellers can easily connect via local Västtrafik commuter trains from nearby stations such as Mölndal or Gamlestaden, effectively integrating Sweden’s second-largest metropolitan area into the route.
Stops Along Sweden’s West Coast
The journey doubles as a scenic tour of Sweden’s western shoreline, with stops including:
• Lund
• Helsingborg
• Halmstad
• Varberg
• Trollhättan
After crossing into Norway, the train also serves Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad before arriving in Oslo. The route follows historic transport corridors long used for trade and travel, now reimagined for sustainable tourism and regional mobility.
Affordable and Sustainable Travel
Tickets start at 149 SEK (approximately €14), positioning the service as one of the most affordable international rail options in Northern Europe. Bookings are already open, covering the peak summer and early autumn travel seasons. The launch reflects a broader Nordic shift toward flight-free travel, as governments, operators, and travellers increasingly prioritise lower-emission transport solutions. Rail travel has experienced renewed popularity across Scandinavia, where environmental awareness and slow travel culture continue to shape tourism trends.
A New Way to Experience the Nordics
For travellers, the new service offers more than transportation. It creates a continuous Nordic experience — from the Danish-connected cityscape of Malmö, along Sweden’s coastal towns, and onward to Oslo’s fjord-side urban culture. Instead of airports and transfers, passengers gain hours of changing landscapes: farmland, sea views, forests, and small Nordic cities unfolding outside the window. In many ways, the line represents a return to a traditional Scandinavian way of travelling — slower, connected to nature, and deeply regional.
As summer approaches, the Malmö–Oslo train may become one of the most appealing new ways to explore Scandinavia without leaving the rails.
Read more on Visitingfinland IG
