Oslo Airport to City: The Cheaper Train Most Miss

Route Overview

I took the cheaper train from Oslo Gardermoen to Oslo city centre on 8 March 2026. Most visitors see Flytoget first, because the airport signs push it as the fastest way into Oslo. It is fast, but it's not the only sensible train.

I paid 134 NOK for the ordinary Vy/Ruter-valid ticket. Flytoget currently lists the adult fare to Oslo S at 268 NOK. That is exactly double, for a journey that Vy says takes 23 minutes between Oslo Airport and Oslo S.

For most of us, the real decision when you land in Oslo is not train vs taxi like in other cities where prices are closer (not in Oslo!!). In Oslo, the choice is Flytoget versus the ordinary train. Both get you to Oslo S, the main city-centre station. Next time, I'd save half the fare and go on the regular train!

The catch is signage. After nothing to declare, don't just follow the red Flytoget signs on the right after exiting customs. Look for the blue and white train signs on the left, buy the right ticket, and check the departure screens before you go down to the platform.

At a Glance

Train: Vy / ordinary train
Service: Oslo Airport to Oslo S
Journey: 23 minutes on Vy
Frequency: Check live screens (~20 mins)
WiFi: Yes
Power: Do not rely on it

Watch the Oslo Airport to Oslo S walkthrough

My filmed walkthrough of taking the ordinary Vy train from Oslo Airport to Oslo S, including the ticket-machine warning and platform signs.

How to Book

Vy app or vy.no

Use Oslo lufthavn or Oslo Airport as the start, and Oslo S as the destination. Check the departure time before buying.

Airport ticket machine

Use the ordinary train ticket machines, not the Flytoget-only route. The machine should warn that the ticket is not valid on Flytoget.

Ticket sale at the station

Use the ticket desk at the airport. Every time I've been, it's staffed with friendly multi-lingual agents.

Journey Walkthrough

Step 1

Arrivals at Oslo Airport

Come through customs and look for the train signs.

Step 2

Ignore the Flytoget default

Flytoget is visible first, but it is the premium option.

Step 3

Buy an ordinary train ticket

Use Vy, vy.no, or the ordinary station machines.

Step 4

Go down one level

Check the screens to work out your platform

Step 5

Lillestrom

Most Vy trains stop at Lillestrom en route to Oslo S

Step 6

Arrive Oslo S

Main city-centre station for metro, trams, buses, and onward trains.

Seating Classes

The cheaper airport train, valid with the right Vy or Ruter ticket, and only slightly slower to Oslo S.

Usually much cheaperArrives at Oslo SOne stop on Vy routeWorks for city transfers

Pick this if price matters and you can follow the screens.

The premium airport train, easier to notice, more frequent, and useful when time or stress matters more.

Very visible signageFrequent departuresFastest trainUseful family fare rules

Pick this for simple airport returns, tight timing, or if the next Vy train is too far away.

Onboard Experience

WiFi

Do not choose this route for WiFi. Choose it for price and arrival point.

Power

Do not rely on power for this short hop. Charge before landing if you need your phone for tickets.

Food

No meaningful food decision on a 23-minute airport transfer.

Luggage

Large bags are normal here, but board promptly if you need space.

For this route, the real facilities question is not comfort. It is buying the correct ticket.

What the Journey Is Actually Like

My trip was not dramatic, which is the point. I came through passport control from Dublin, walked into the public arrivals area, and looked for the train. The airport makes Flytoget feel like the obvious route, but the ordinary train option is nearby if you know to look for it.

I used the machine, accepted the warning that my ticket was not valid on Flytoget, and went down to the platforms. I had missed one train by a few minutes, so I waited about 18 minutes for the next one. That is the main downside of choosing the cheaper option.

The ride itself was quick. I was badly dressed for Oslo snow because I was connecting onward to Thailand, but the transfer did its job. Around 22 minutes later, I was at Oslo Central Station. I would not pay the Flytoget upgrade for that trip again.

The Verdict

Vy or Flytoget: Which Should You Take?

Take the ordinary Vy train if you are a solo adult and the next departure works. It gets you to Oslo S quickly for much less. Pay for Flytoget if frequency, family fare rules, late timing, or lower airport stress matters more.

Best for

Solo adults watching the fare
Visitors going straight to Oslo S
Anyone happy to check departure screens
Travellers with flexible timing

Avoid if

You want the simplest signed airport route
The next Vy train leaves too late

If You're Connecting

Oslo S is where to head for if you're heading into central Oslo or connecting onto the wider Norwegian rail network. From there, you can pick up metro, tram, bus, and onward train services without a separate airport transfer.

If you are returning to the airport for a flight, build in a buffer and compare the next departures before buying. I would still start with Vy, but I would pay for Flytoget if the ordinary train timing made the airport return feel tight.

If this is part of a wider rail trip, read about Eurail in Norway, European trains for beginners, and multi-country rail planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vy cheaper than Flytoget?+

I paid 134 NOK for the ordinary train on 8 March 2026. Flytoget currently lists 268 NOK for an adult Oslo S fare.

How long does Vy take to Oslo S?+

Vy says Oslo S to Oslo Airport takes 23 minutes, with one stop between the airport and the city-centre station.

When is Flytoget worth it?+

Use Flytoget when frequency, family fare rules, late timing, or lower stress matters more than saving money.

Can platform numbers change?+

Yes. Bane NOR tends to use the same platforms for this route, when all is well, but you should always follow the live departure screens.

Part of the Norway guide