A major new rail initiative will connect Oslo and Berlin starting in 2028, marking the first direct train connection between Norway and Denmark in more than two decades. The project, which will establish one of Europe’s longest rail routes, underscores a growing regional push toward sustainable, long-distance travel across the continent.
The new service will be operated by the Norwegian company Vy in a strategic partnership with Deutsche Bahn and the Danish state railway, DSB. According to current plans, the line will offer two daily departures year-round, with a total estimated travel time of approximately 14 to 15 hours.
Gro Bakstad, CEO of Vy, highlighted the convenience of the new route for international travelers. “For the customers, it means that they can get on the train in Oslo and get off in Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Hamburg or Berlin – without having to plan transfers or waiting times,” Bakstad stated. “We look forward to sharing more details about the route in the future.”
The route is designed to serve multiple key cities and hubs. Trains are scheduled to stop in Moss, Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg and Halden before entering Sweden to stop in Trollhättan, Gothenburg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Lund, and Malmö. After stopping at Copenhagen Airport and Copenhagen Central Station, the trains will continue through Odense, Kolding, and Padborg, passing through Hamburg before reaching the final destination in Berlin.
While the permanent direct service is slated for 2028, some travelers have recently had limited options. Since January 2026, SJ has operated provisional night trains from Gothenburg to Berlin. This temporary arrangement, consisting of 25 scheduled trips through midsummer, was implemented to bypass extensive track work on the Södra Stambanan, resulting in trains departing from Gothenburg rather than Stockholm.
This expansion of the European rail network is expected to provide a viable alternative to short-haul flights, reflecting broader diplomatic and environmental goals to reduce carbon emissions in regional transport. For more information on current developments, readers can review the details of the Berlin connection or explore further perspectives on the region’s infrastructure.
